Please note that a previous edition of the Porkline incorrectly reported the effective date for portions of a new NC law aimed at combating the growing problem of feral swine.  All portions of the new law will take effect on Oct 1, 2011 -  in just a couple of weeks.
 
The new law's primary objective is to stop the transport of feral swine into and around the state thus will require identification approved by the state veterinarian's office of all swine in transport on public roads including all commercial swine.  If stopped by any law enforcement officer, a person transporting swine without proper identification is subject to a $5,000 per head fine.

NCDA&CS's Veterinary Division has been working with producers to develop a number of identification options that will comply with the new law without placing undue burden or cost on producers. Those options will include:
• Any official form of ID currently acceptable under federal law for interstate commerce (group/lot ID).
• Metal "brite" tags issued free of charge by the state vet's office.

Other forms of ID that are expected to be approved are use of slap tattoos or ear notches that link back to a Farm ID/State ID.
 
A comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions prepared by NCDA&CS's Veterinary Division can be found here. 

If you would like to join a distribution list to receive updated information on this new law, please send an email to: Joe.Web@ncagr.gov and request to be added to the "swine ID distribution list."