Should RFID tags be industry standard?

Should RFID tags be industry standard? USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is seeking public comment on a proposal where APHIS would only approve Radio Frequency Identification as the official eartag for use in interstate movement of cattle that are required to be identified by the traceability regulations.

An official eartag is defined as an identification tag approved by APHIS that bears an official identification number for individual animals.

 Regulations allow APHIS to approve tags that can be used as official identification, and both metal and RFID tags are current options.

 A transition to RFID tags would support APHIS’ ongoing efforts to increase animal disease traceability by more accurately and rapidly allowing animal health officials to know where affected and at-risk animals are located.

While this would not prevent disease outbreaks, it would allow animal health officials to more quickly contain outbreaks