Animal Identification System and Animal Transport

The National Animal Identification System (NAIS) is a USDA program intended to identify specific animals in the U.S. and record their movement over their lifetime. This program is being developed by the USDA and state agencies in cooperation with the industry. When implemented, it will enable 48 hours track-back of the movements of any diseased or exposed animals. This system will help rapid disease containment and maximum protection of animals and humans.

Three main components of this system are premises identification, animal identification and animal tracking. Premises identification is a 7-character code issued by the state or USDA that defines a location, such as ranches, farms, feedlots, livestock markets, slaughterhouses, carcass collection points, veterinary clinics, livestock shows, fairs or exhibition sites, quarantine facilities, laboratories, ports of entry, or any other facilities where animals are handled. Animal identification is a unique 15-digit electronic identification device that animals are tagged with when they are moved from their herd of origin or are commingled with animals from other premises. The device will remain with the animal for life and, if lost, the animal can be retagged.

Under the national animal identification system (NAIS), still being developed, premises numbers will not be imprinted on the animal identification devices. The 7-character premises identification and the 15-digit animal identification device number will correlate only in records. Animal tracking is the final component of the NAIS plan, and it will involve recording and reporting those animals moved, sold, commingled or slaughtered. This component, when implemented, will enable efficient tracing of animals for disease eradication and containment efforts.

At the present time animal movement between states is regulated by each state. The state can require specific certifications and disease free documentation for any live wild and domestic animals. These guidelines do not apply to animals passing through a state en route to another. It is important when moving animals from state to state to check with the state veterinarian of the state of destination to determine what specific requirements must be met.

Animal Welfare