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Introduction |
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Largely a result of the case of Mad Cow Disease discovered in the U.S. in 2003, the USDA initiated the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). Under this program every animal classified as livestock (including equine), will be individually identified. |
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 The single purpose of the program as stated by the USDA is “to establish a system that can identify all premises and animals that have had direct contact with a foreign animal disease or a domestic disease of concern, within 48 hours of discovery.”
The USDA has stated that the “NAIS will be used in all States and will operate under national standards. When fully operational, the system will be capable of tracing a sick animal or group of animals back to the herd or premises that is the most likely source of infection. It will also be able to trace potentially exposed animals that were moved out from that herd or premises.
The sooner animal health officials can identify infected and exposed animals and premises, the sooner they can contain the disease and stop its spread.”
The plan is being designed to integrate premise identification, individual animal identification and a database system for tracking all livestock.
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 Simply put, individual animal identity will be recorded at each premise the animal visits. That information will be entered into a data system. In the event of a foreign animal disease or bio-terrorism, the data system will be called upon to identify and locate all exposed animals within 48 hours.
Food animals are the clear focus of this new plan, but horses are classified as livestock by the USDA, and therefore fall under their regulations. |
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