In August 2001, Michigan Department of Agriculture initiated an electronic animal identification (EID) tracking system. The project was used in the bovine Tuberculosis (TB) high-risk area/infected zone of northeast Michigan and its accredited herds to individually identify bovines and to track and record movement. The high-risk area/infected zone represents seven counties with five additional counties designated as surveillance counties. This project was funded by a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant to contribute to the Michigan Tuberculosis Eradication program. The program received additional funding from USDA to extend the project through July 2004.

The immediate merit of the electronic based ID system is realized during the annual whole herd TB testing when individual animal identification is required to record test results and provide for the efficient documentation and maintenance of herd inventories. The tracking animals with EID has provided assurance that all mechanisms of control, monitoring, and surveillance are employed to their fullest capabilities.

Since the installation of the EID system, one TB positive animal was traced back to the herd of origin. This particular animal met the TB movement requirements and moved legally out of the infected zone. The herd of origin's TB testing history and all animal movements after the index animal departed was traced in less than fifteen minutes. Without the use of EID and the electronic database this would not have been possible. The EID program and database play a key role in the issuance of movement permits that are currectly required in the high-risk and surveillance area as part of the bovine TB eradication program. A web-based animal movement permit system was initiated in October 2002. Producers can enter an animal's electronic identification number into the state's web-based system and quickly verify whether all testing requirements have been met. If so, the permit is granted and producers can choose to print or receive it by fax or mail.

On January 9, 2006, the Michigan Commission on Agriculture adopted a policy mandating radio frequency (RFID) for cattle in Michigan. The commission charged the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) with developing an implementation plan and set the mandate to begin March 1, 2007.

Over the next fifteen months a communication strategy was developed and implemented. Key audiences (i.e., livestock producers and industry representatives) with an understanding of the role RFID contributes to the Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Program. The communication effort focused on the importance of animal health, human health, and food safety.

March 2007 was a total surprise to most in the livestock industry. Cattle coming into the livestock auction markets were between 95% - 98% tagged with RFID tags. Producers who brought animals to the markets untagged were tagged and charged a tagging fee. This procedure allowed all animals to be sold and avoided the problem of sending cattle and producers back home.

Since March 1st the negative comments have nearly gone away and producers are accepting the program. Many producers have expressed an appreciation to MDA for implementing the electronic ID program. For MDA staff, it was important to remind producers about "Your Animals, Your Livelihood, and Your Future".

On October 5, 2007, Michigan producers purchased over 1 million RFID 840 ear tags. Over 11,000 premises supported this milestone in the Michigan Electronic Identification Program. In addition, there are over 19,400 premises registered in the Standard Premises Registration System.