ID INFO/EXPO Provides Direction for Animal ID

July 15, 2004 -- The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) reports that the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) is receiving a boost from the ID/INFO EXPO 2004 conference held in Chicago in late May.

The three-day event involved approximately 500 industry and government stakeholders interested in the development of a national identification system for animal agriculture.

Key presenters included U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary Bill Hawks, newly appointed USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Deputy Administrator for Veterinary Services Dr. John Clifford, and Dr. Bret Marsh, state veterinarian for the Indiana Board of Animal Health.

A series of highly anticipated reports from species and issues working groups that have been gathering information for the purpose of providing input for standards in the system were presented. Working group presentations included beef, dairy, bison, equine, sheep, goat and swine as well as those of the markets/processors issues sector.

Although the framework and standards are designed for many species, some issues remain unresolved. Confidentiality of data and the need for additional funding were among topics discussed.

USDA says it will implement a premises identification system beginning this summer, with other phases of a national system to follow. The agency also indicates it will rely on industry to help shape the development of the remaining components of a national system.

The Sheep Working Group presentation is available via www.sheepusa.org on the World Wide Web.

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Sheep ID on ASI Web Site

The Sheep Working Group presentation given at the ID INFO/EXPO 2004 in Chicago, Ill., is now available in Power Point and Acrobat versions via the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) Web site.

Just log on to www.sheepusa.org on the World Wide Web and look for the links located on the lower right-hand section of the homepage.

"Animal identification is one of the hottest topics in the livestock community today so it is important to have the sheep presentation on our Web site," stated Judy Malone, ASI information specialist. "Sheep producers, educators and extension personnel are encouraged to view the presentation and use it in upcoming industry meetings."

The program received a very positive response at the EXPO, reports Malone, "which demonstrates the time and effort the Sheep Working Group put into the ID recommendations."

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