The National Animal Identification System (NAIS) will allow the federal and state agencies to trace backward and trace forward animals potentially exposed to a disease of concern. Traceback refers to the ability to track an animal's location (back to herd or premises) over its lifespan and the ability to determine which animals may have been in contact with the diseased animal or shared a contaminated feed supply. Trace forward provides locations of animals moved out of the herd or premises of concern that may have been exposed to the disease.

NAIS calls for a trace to be completed within 48 hours of detecting a disease, thereby helping to contain an outbreak. This would help these agencies contain the disease to a smaller area, prevent its spread, and reduce the damage to both livestock and human populations.