Neil Hammerschmidt, USDA, updated conference attendees on developments regarding National ID, explaining that the process is an enormous undertaking that can only be successful with an industry/government partnership.

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National animal ID moving forward

The national plan for an individual animal identification (ID) and tracking system of livestock across the United States is moving forward, reported Neil Hammerschmidt, animal ID coordinator with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Insepction Service (APHIS).

Hammerschmidt explained that the goal of the system remains a 48-hour traceback capability in order to support animal disease control, surveillance and eradication programs.

“The primary reason we need a national ID system is for animal health,” Hammerschmidt said. “Where would our industry be today if we took ID out of the equation last Dec. 23 when the BSE case in Washington state was announced?”

He added, “The industry has some individual animal ID systems in place, but there are multiple systems that are not all compatible. We need one uniform national system.”

Components of the national plan currently call for a premises ID system, individual animal ID and tracking of animal movements. As USDA moves ahead to implement such a program, Hammerschmidt said they plan to stay in tune with the grassroots level. “Practicality and affordability will be taken into consideration.”

Nationally, premise ID, which identifies any location where livestock are held or managed, such as a sale barn, ranch or feedlot, is the first priority for the program.

“Premises ID is location-based because that is what is needed for traceback,” Hammerschmidt said “A location or premises will allow us to determine what animals were commingled with an animal of concern.”

Implementation of premises ID is already beginning in some states on a voluntary basis. The goal is for all states to have an operational premises ID system by mid-year 2005.

The next priority will be individual animal ID, where all animals will be assigned a 15-digit code. The first three digits of all American-born animals will be 840, signifying birth in the USA. The 15-digit code will be used to track the animal’s movements from location to location for its lifetime.

Administration of the program is expected to be conducted through breed organizations, associations and third-party vendors. Hammerschmidt said these “managers” will work with USDA and will provide the ID devices to the industry.

Lastly, Hammerschmidt said the success of America’s program will hinge on working together. “A national animal ID plan is an enormous undertaking that can only be successful with an industry and government partnership.”

by Kindra Gordon