The U.S. Department of Agriculture has just proposed a new rule that would expand requirements for tracking livestock that cross state lines.

We’re working with our allies to thoroughly analyze USDA’s proposal, which will take some time, but here are some quick highlights:

• The rule requires tagging of feeder cattle, which are processed at a young age and never enter the breeding herd;
• The rule creates new requirements for veterinarians and sales barns, including a 5-year record keeping mandate;
• It also includes new requirements for identifying horses and poultry.

USDA is accepting comments on the proposed rule for 90 days, until November 9, 2011. We’ll provide our comprehensive analysis of the rules and model comments by the end of August, so that you can take action effectively.

Read the proposed rule on Traceability of Livestock Moving Interstate by USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service here.