To enhance the traceability of swine diseases nationwide, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is launching a significant initiative—providing sows and show pigs with free RFID electronic ear tags to producers. This aims to better protect animal health, ensure market access and maintain the economic stability of swine farmers.

Starting this fall, eligible producers and state animal health officials can order RFID electronic ear tags through designated online channels. In July 2025, APHIS awarded a contract to supply up to $20 million in tags to sow and exhibition swine industry segments, over the next 5 years. Modeled after the no-cost RFID cattle tag program, this effort will supply no-cost RFID tags to swine producers to boost national swine disease traceability, which is vital to supporting the safety and marketability of the U.S. swine herd. Although animal disease traceability does not prevent disease, an efficient and accurate traceability system reduces the response time involved in a disease investigation, limiting the number of farms and animals affected. This, in turn, reduces the economic impact on owners and affected communities.

The program features a unique and efficient design in its tag distribution process. RFID electronic ear tags will be sent directly to producers and state animal health officials, enabling faster and more efficient deployment, reducing intermediate transit time, and ensuring producers receive the necessary tags promptly. Producers must possess a valid site identification number and provide detailed shipping and contact information to ensure accurate tag delivery and subsequent communication. Furthermore, they must accurately report the number of sows or show pigs on-site, providing a basis for tag allocation.

APHIS emphasizes that RFID electronic animal ear tags can significantly reduce the time required to track animal movement during investigations. Faster response measures can effectively reduce the number of affected farms, minimize economic losses for producers due to outbreaks, and reduce the impact of outbreaks on the overall agricultural economy.

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