Health Matters

Comment Period Extended for Input on U.S. Animal ID Plan

Feb. 2004 -- The National Animal Identification Development Team extended the comment period on the on-going development of the U.S. Animal Identification Plan (USAIP) through Jan. 31, 2004.

The USAIP defines the standards and framework for implementing a phased-in national animal identification system that will greatly enhance the trace-back capability for animal health officials.

USAIP Species Working Groups are currently being formed to provide needed details to the plan, including infrastructure needs, preferred identification devices and suggestions as to how current identification systems may be integrated.

Comments, suggestions and questions regarding the plan may be submitted via Web site www.USAIP.info. A copy of the plan can also be downloaded from the site. In related news, the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) executive board recently recommended the formation of a Sheep ID Working Group.

The group immediately began the process of developing a well-defined implementation phase-in plan for sheep. Individuals representing various stakeholder groups, such as breed association representatives, packers, feeders, range and farm flock producers, regulatory veterinarians and markets, have been invited to participate in the process.

The first face-to-face meeting of the Sheep ID Working Group is slated for Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2004, prior to the ASI Convention in Sacramento, Calif. The group will meet at the Hyatt Regency at Capitol Park from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This meeting is open to producers who are interested in learning more about the plan?s development.


Canada and EU Adopt Sheep Tagging Programs

Both Canada and the European Union (EU) are adopting new regulations for the identification and registration of sheep as part of an ongoing effort to prevent the spread of animal disease.

Canada?s program went into effect Jan. 1, 2004. As a result, all sheep and lambs must bear an approved ear tag before leaving any premise. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has granted $111,200 to help the Canadian Sheep Federation raise awareness of the importance of this national animal identification plan.

The EU system is designed to gradually introduce to all member states an identification system for marking each animal. Sheep will receive two ear tags with codes to allow the individual identification and registration of all sheep over the years.

By mid-2005, a computerized database will be established to record information on movements of groups of animals as well as farm data. From Jan. 1, 2008, forward, electronic identification will be compulsory for all animals in member states with a sheep and goat population of more than 600,000 animals.

A push to have the European Commission publish a cost-benefit analysis for the use of electronic identification continues.


New Livestock Health Policy Book

Global Livestock Health Policy: Challenges, Opportunities and Strategies for Positive Action, by Robert F. Kahrs, was released this fall by Iowa State Press.

The book untangles the politics, policies and pressures that shape animal disease control, food safety and trade in livestock products in a bioterrorism-threatened, unpredictable and highly competitive global economy.

This is an indispensable reference for anyone involved in the production, processing, distribution, transportation and consumption of livestock products and their impact on global stability.

It can be ordered via the Internet at: << Back