Disease traceability

Washington Department of Agriculture is working on the development of animal disease traceability programs which are crucial to expanding trade opportunities for America's cattle producers. Here is Mike Louisell, Public Information Officer Washington State Department of Agriculture. "The Washington State Department of Agriculture's animal disease traceability program is established and operating and it provides a vital service for cattle, calf and dairy cow operations in our state. That industry is a major part of our overall agriculture. It is valued at $2 billion a year. All states across the United States work in partnership with the USDA and the livestock industries to support traceability. This plays a key role in supporting domestic and international sales and keeps our markets open. We work with many states including our neighboring states of Oregon and Idaho.