Individual Animal Identification: Why 840?

USDA recommends using new 840 animal ID devices whenever official individual animal identification is needed. 840 devices use a standardized 15-digit numbering system. The resulting number is known as an Animal Identification Number, or AIN.

• The number 840 is the U.S. country code and appears at the beginning of all AINs issued in this country.

• The final 12 digits make up the nationally unique identification number assigned to the animal.

The AIN, because it is associated with a premises identification number (PIN), links the animal to its birthplace or location of first tagging. When combined with animal tracing - that is, the reporting of certain animal movements that pose a significant risk of disease transmission, the AIN will also be linked to the PINs of the other locations where the animal was moved.

The 840 devices will enhance animal disease response capabilities. They may also be used to support industry-based programs and marketing opportunities. These devices equip you to use the same identification system for more than one purpose.

View a list of approved 840 devices. (PDF; 2,234KB)

Four key ways you can start using 840 devices.

Animal Health Programs
The 840 devices, when combined with a premises identification number or PIN, allow animal health officials to:

• Determine quickly which animals are involved in a disease outbreak, where they are located, and what other animals might have been exposed
• Establish appropriate response measures
• Halt disease spread
• Minimize industry losses

This is why Federal and State animal health officials are adopting 840 devices as a standard for individual animal identification. For example, the devices may be used in place of program-specific IDs like silver metal ear tags and orange metal brucellosis tags.

Marketing Programs
Increasingly, individual animal identification is becoming a requirement for livestock marketing such as:

• Age-, source-, and process-verification
• Quality assurance
• Country of Origin Labeling (COOL)

Producers are being asked to provide more data about their animals. Official 840 devices can be used in all USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) programs, including COOL. Consider using 840 devices for all your marketing needs.

Animal Movement
From obtaining health certificates to identifying their animals, the requirements for moving livestock or horses can seem daunting. Choose 840 devices as your ID solution and you can easily meet the requirements and also help safeguard agriculture.

NAIS 840 devices are considered official. That means the AINs, along with your PIN, may be used on official paperwork such as Certificates of Veterinary Inspection or health certificates. If a disease event occurs during or after the movement of your animals, animal health officials will be able to:

• Locate animals using their AINs and associated PINs
• Determine if animals have been exposed to a disease or come in contact with other affected animals

Genetic Programs and Breed Registries
Activities such as breed registration and performance recording can also use official 840 devices. Using one number ensures genetic and breed information is recorded accurately each time. Look for additional ways you can incorporate 840 devices into industry programs with the goal of reducing the number of ID systems you use.

Your Information is Protected.

Federal law protects individuals' private information and confidential business information from disclosure. Animal health officials will only request access to animal identification records in the case of an animal health event, such as an outbreak of avian influenza or brucellosis.