Health Matters

January 15, 2005

January 2005 --

USDA Publishes Interim ID Rule

The U.S. Department of Agriculture?s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in late November announced new numbering systems that will be key elements in the national animal identification system (NAIS), which is being implemented on a voluntary basis.

APHIS stated via an interim rule in the Nov. 8, 2004, edition of the Federal Register, that it will recognize additional numbering systems for the identification of animals, as well as the use of a national numbering system to identify premises where animals are managed or held.

Currently, many producers use separate identification numbers or methods for official animal health programs, interstate commerce purposes and industry programs. This interim rule sets in place the policies to move toward a standardized numbering system that would allow one number to be used for multiple species and numerous purposes.

APHIS is amending the regulations to recognize for official use the 15-character animal identification number, 13-character group/lot identification number and 7-character premises identification number. The new official animal numbering system will allow producers to transition into the use of a ?one number-one animal? system if they wish to do so.

Also, the regulation to prohibit the removal of official identification devices was amended via the Nov. 8 Federal Register notice.

Comments on this issue were accepted until Jan. 7, 2005. The American Sheep Industry Association submitted comments regarding this topic of industry-wide significance.

For a complete copy of the Federal Register and additional information on submitting comments, go to: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-24828.htmon the World Wide Web.

Request for Comments on MUMS

As mandated by the Minor Use and Minor Species (MUMS) Animal Health Act, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Nov. 9, 2004, announced the establishment of the new Office of MUMS Animal Drug Development.

The agency also that day requested comments on any aspect of implementation of the MUMS legislation, which became law on Aug. 2, 2004. ASI was instrumental in the coalition to pass the legislation and will be preparing comments to support the regulations to implement this important legislation.

Instruction on submitting comments can be found in the Federal Register at: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-24880.htmon the World Wide Web.

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