The USDA published its final Animal Disease Traceability rule on Jan. 9, 2013, and the rule became effective on March 11, 2013. However, the rule included a 24-month phase-out period during which producers could continue to use various identification tags, such as those using a “900” numeric prefix, as official identification. As of  March 11, 2015, only tags beginning with the 840 prefix and using the program’s official Animal Identification Number (AIN) system and the U.S. shield will be in compliance with the program for non-exempt cattle moving across state lines. Others such as 900 tags remain acceptable only if the animal was tagged prior to March 11. Read more at Drovers CattleNetwork…