NFBFG Current Beef Forage Issues
National Animal Identification System
The voluntary National Animal Identification Program continues to move forward with the goal of providing State & Federal officials the capability to identify all animals & premises within 48 hours of a disease outbreak or other major concern. The program is only for food animals and animals moving in commerce. Beef cattle, dairy, sheep, goats, swine, horses, poultry, and fish for food or commerce will all be affected. The National Animal Identification Program does not include household pets and companion animals - no dogs, cats, goldfish, or hampsters are included in this voluntary program. There have been many reports that this program would prohibit trail rides and youth livestock programs, this is not the intent of this program. In fact, 4-H or FFA youth moving their animals to a county fair would not require reporting. A youth trail ride requires no reporting, as does all minor movements. The program is designed only as a tool to locate and contain animals that have potentially contagious diseases and to address threats from deliberate introduction of a disease. The first step is for livestock producers to obtain a Premises Identification Number (PIN) for their farm. This can be done online or by contacting the Farm Service Agency. The second step is to tag or identify the animal with an Animal Identification Number (AIN). The AIN will allow a single animal lifetime ID that can be printed on a tag, affixed, or assigned to the animal. The method of animal identification is determined by the producer. Most cattlemen will utilize ear tags with a radio chip. Initially, animals will be identified as they leave the premises, regardless of where they were born. After a few years, identifying animals will be responsibility of the owner of each animal at its “premise of birth”. For producers who lack equipment for individual ID, tagging stations will be available for a fee at livestock markets and vet clinics. For more information go to: http://animalid.aphis.usda.gov/nais/
Florida Animal Identification Program
Pilot projects focused on four segments of the Florida cattle industry to test the application and aid implementing the basic animal tracking and disease management directives of the NAIS. Participating cattlemen viewed the feedback of performance and health related information as a breakthrough in ranch management and marketing. More..
- Application for NAIS Premesis Identification (172KB PDF)
