In 2004 the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) implemented the original version of USAHerds.  Among other things, it interfaces with the Federal Premises Allocator module of the NAIS, enables RFID integration, and integrates with Google Maps to display interactive radius maps.  State agronomists use the consolidated data for tracking and monitoring animal-related agriculture issues across the state, including

using GIS tools to visualize distribution of disease or other incidents.  The software was the recipient of the prestigious American Council for Technology's 2006 “Intergovernmental Solutions Award.”

USAHerds provides the following functionality:

Animal Traceability  Manages multiple animal IDs, including RFID integration; captures movement, vaccinations, and program participation.

Premises Traceability  Stores state and federal IDs, latitude and longitude, and quarantines; integrates real-time with NAIS to obtain national premise ID.

Veterinarian Tracking Manages accreditation information, emergency species, and certifications.

Program Management  Provides a consistent approach to managing diseases, e.g., brucellosis, avian influenza, tuberculosis, johnes, etc. 

External Systems Integration    Integrates with USALims or other laboratory information management system (LIMS) systems to associate test results with program participants.  The system allows for the import of CVI information from GlobalVetLink to eliminate redundant data entry.  USAHerds has web services capabilities for integration with TB MIMS and Allflex RFID readers.

License Management  Manages certification, licensing, and permits, including generating renewal reminders.

Incident Management  Tracks resources, premises, and animals involved with agricultural incidents, including standard operating procedure (SOP) workflow.

Mapping and GIS Integration  Creates radius reports for disease analysis, generates driving directions to sites, and stores data to enable data extraction to GIS software.

The software is currently implemented in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Michigan, Vermont, and Indiana and have formed a consortium for technology sharing.  All states are able to leverage enhancements needed by any member of the consortium. 

In 2004 the Pennsylvania , Kentucky, Michigan, Vermont, and Indiana and have formed a consortium for technology sharing.  All states are able to leverage enhancements needed by any member of the consortium.