By Blake Jackson
In 2016, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture implemented a requirement that all show pigs must have RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) ear tags beginning with the number 840. This rule affects both pork producers and youth exhibitors who participate in swine shows, making proper identification essential for animal health and traceability.
For pork producers, whether managing a small herd or a large operation, obtaining a premise ID is a key first step. A premise ID is a state-issued number used strictly for disease tracking in the event of a domestic or foreign disease outbreak. It is confidential and only used when necessary to notify producers of potential health threats. A premise ID is required before ordering RFID tags.
Producers who do not have one can apply online using the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Premises Registration Form and will receive their number within a few weeks.
Once the premise ID is assigned, producers may order 840 RFID tags from approved companies listed on the USDA APHIS website. It is important to purchase true RFID tags rather than AIN tags, which look similar but cannot be read electronically and are not acceptable for Pennsylvania swine shows.
Ideally, RFID tags should be placed in a pig’s ear before the animal is sold to a junior exhibitor. If pigs were sold without tags, buyers may later return requesting them to secure required health certificates.
Youth exhibitors should ask breeders to apply an RFID tag at the time of purchase. If the breeder does not have tags, they should be encouraged to obtain them or seek guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture or local extension educators.
Tags cannot be borrowed from another producer, as each RFID number must trace back to the correct farm. If necessary, a veterinarian may apply a tag linked to their premise ID when completing health paperwork.
Only one RFID tag should be placed in each pig’s ear. If the animal already has a valid 840 tag, fairs must use that tag for identification. Removing or replacing RFID tags is illegal, though lost tags can be replaced by the original owner or, when needed, by a veterinarian.
With ongoing global threats such as African Swine Fever, accurate identification and traceability are critical. Using RFID tags helps protect the swine industry by ensuring rapid, reliable tracking during a disease event.
Photo Credit: istock-srdjan-stepic
Categories: Pennsylvania, Livestock, Hogs