May 10, 2013
 

APHIS raises recordkeeping for livestock from two to five years
 

The US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is amending the regulations regarding the interstate movement of livestock. New regulations will require approved livestock facilities and listed slaughtering and rendering establishments to maintain certain records for five years.
 

Currently, approved livestock facilities are required to retain certain records for two years, and there are no record retention provisions that apply to listed slaughtering and rendering establishments. Requiring the retention of certain records for five years will allow APHIS to trace the prior movements of diseased livestock further into the past than is currently possible, thus providing the opportunity to locate potentially infected or exposed livestock that might otherwise remain unidentified. APHIS is also requiring the operators of slaughtering and rendering establishments to sign listing agreements to comply with the requirements of the regulations. Such agreements are currently required for approved livestock facilities, but not for slaughtering and rendering facilities. This change will eliminate that inconsistency.