Beef cowA new rule requiring electronic identification (EID) tags for certain cattle and bison takes effect on November 5. It aims to improve disease traceability.

The rule mandates EID or RFID tags for dairy cows, sexually intact cattle and bison 18 months or older that are shipped out of state. Cattle used in rodeos or exhibitions are also subject to the mandate. Current plastic tags will remain valid if applied before the deadline.

The bird flu outbreak helped drive the rule as it will allow tracking and help reassure U.S. trading partners. Congress allocated $15 million to help producers comply.

Ranchers expressed concerns about the costs and privacy of EID. A coalition of ranching groups argues that the rule disproportionately benefits large producers by supporting exports while burdening small- and medium-scale farmers.

Read more on the upcoming electronic cattle ID tage requirements here.