Livestock identification and animal traceability

The AVMA believes that permanent, unique identification of animals and premises is essential for:

  • Tracing origin and destination of all livestock, especially food-producing animals;
  • Protecting the nation's livestock industry and public health; and
  • Enabling the trace back and trace forward of animals for the purpose of animal disease control and eradication.

The AVMA supports and advocates for adoption of electronic traceability of livestock. The AVMA recommends that a high priority be placed on the development of alternatives to hot-iron branding, such as the use of electronic individual animal identification. The AVMA encourages development and implementation of infrastructure necessary to support electronic traceability.

Related policy

Literature review

Welfare implications of hot-iron branding and its alternatives