Except as provided by §B of this regulation, for any animal entering or moving within Maryland, an animal owner shall: Ensure that the animal has an official identification; and Keep and maintain a record of each animal’s official identification for 5 years in a manner that will allow the Department to trace the animal to its flock of origin or a new owner, if sold or transferred. Exceptions to Official Identification Requirement. The official identification requirements of this regulation do not apply for an animal: That never leaves the premise of birth and has not commingled with animals originating outside the premise of birth; Less than 18 months of age that has not lambed, is not pregnant, and is moving for immediate slaughter; or Born in or entering Maryland and moving directly for sale to an approved tagging site, provided the animal is accompanied with an owner-hauler statement.