The Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium (WLIC) has been undergoing a massive data renewal project aimed at protecting the state’s agricultural landscape from the threat of animal disease.
Executive Director Julie Sweeney announced that the organization has seen a total of 37,000 Premises ID renewals since September of 2024. The database is a critical tool for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), providing the geographical coordinates necessary to track and contain livestock disease outbreaks in real-time.
While many people associate livestock with large-scale dairy and livestock operations, WLIC’s reach extends to any property housing animals. This includes swine, poultry, bison, deer farms, backyard poultry and more exotic species, such as llamas, alpacas and emus.
The primary goal of the database is to allow officials to act instantly when a concerning disease is detected. By using the registered Premises IDs, DATCP can establish response zones to protect local farmers.
“The Department of Agriculture has the tools to be able to identify the exact location of where a disease might have started and then identify two different radiuses of potential impact,” Sweeney explained. “They can quickly evaluate and make appropriate emergency plans right on the spot because they have the data.”
The push for updated records comes alongside significant federal regulatory changes. As of November 5, 2024, new mandates require official identification for certain livestock. Specifically, cattle 18 months and older moving across state lines must now utilize RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags. Traditional methods, such as metal ear tags, no longer qualify as official ID.
Despite the impressive amount of successful renewals, Sweney noted that the tedious process of reaching every owner continues. Because renewals are not required annually, contact information often becomes outdated when farms change hands or owners change phone numbers. She urges any livestock owners who haven’t checked their status to do so immediately. This will ensure the state’s emergency communication remains effective.
Registration for a Premises ID is free and can be completed in as little as two minutes.
