New initiative offers no-cost RFID eartags to sow and exhibition swine producers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is launching a new initiative to enhance swine disease traceability by providing no-cost RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) eartags for sow and exhibition swine producers starting in the fall of 2025. This program, administered by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), aims to improve the safety of the U.S. swine herd by providing more accurate and timely disease tracking.
In July 2025, APHIS awarded a contract to Merck Animal Health, who will supply up to $20 million in RFID tags over the next five years. Modeled after the successful no-cost RFID cattle tag program, this new initiative is designed to assist swine producers in maintaining accurate animal disease traceability. While disease traceability doesn’t prevent disease, it significantly reduces the response time in disease investigations, minimizing the economic impacts on affected farms and communities.
Producers and State animal health officials can order RFID tags directly from Merck Animal Health’s website, once the program launches. To place an order, producers must have a valid premises identification number and provide details about the number of sows or exhibition swine at their location. The tags will be shipped directly to the producer’s premises, eliminating the need for intermediaries.
These tags are compatible with standard applicators, but producers will need to provide their own tag applicator, as the program does not include this tool.
This initiative is expected to streamline the tagging process and strengthen the U.S. swine industry’s ability to quickly respond to any health concerns, ensuring continued marketability and safety of swine products.
Photo Credit: usda