Registration News
January 30, 2008 |
NAIS and AHA: OVERVIEW AND Q & A
The National Animal Identification System (NAIS) is a voluntary program intended to identify premises and livestock, and to record certain livestock movements for the purpose of disease management and control. The program's ultimate goal is to protect the health of U.S. livestock, as well as our ability to move and market animals, through a State-Federal-Industry partnership.
Important Questions:
Q: Does AHA plan to require members to use the USDA's 15-digit animal identification number to enter or maintain animals in your registry? And do you plan to require members to use the State's or USDA's premises registration system in order to obtain a breed registration number?
A: No. AHA WILL NOT require animal or premise identification in order to register, transfer ownership or conduct any registration-related business with AHA.
Q: Will AHA transfer or share horse and/or ownership information with USDA?
A: No. AHA WILL NOT. Personal information will not be made available under the Freedom of Information Act.
Q: Has AHA signed any cooperative agreements with USDA?
A: No, nor do we have any plans to do so.
Q: What is the Equine Species Working Group (ESWG)?
A: Equine Species Working Group (ESWG) is the task force officially recognized by the USDA to evaluate the concept of the National Animal Identification System and its application to the equine industry. The group's responsibility is to develop recommendations for a national equine identification plan that is in the best interests of, and protects the rights of, horse owners and breeders. The ESWG has submitted comments and continuously updated recommendations to USDA that distinguish the horse industry from other livestock, pointing out the unique characteristics of the industry and outlining our positions and concerns with a national ID program.
Q: Why is the ESWG reviewing any plan to include equines in the NAIS?
A: The ESWG is engaged because if the horse industry does not participate in the program's evaluation and development, a national system could be implemented without its input. The purpose of the NAIS is to protect the livestock industry in case there is an outbreak of potentially catastrophic animal disease or an attack of bio-terrorism. Either scenario could result in a significant loss to the horse industry and seriously limit a horse owner's ability to move ore export horses. There is strong support for NAIS and USDA, in Congress, with the state animal health authorities and within the livestock industry. The ESWG believes that it is in the best interest of the horse industry to work with those instituting NAIS to be sure that our industry's specific concerns are understood and considered.
Q: Is it the intention of NAIS to forcibly track the movement of horses?
A: No. "The recommendation not to report any equine movements was one that went through much discussion, and one that we feel is very important," says ESWG Co-Chair Dr. Marvin Beeman. "Although it may not achieve the ideal goal of the NAIS, the current practices will cover those horses at the greatest risk. It is the most practical solution at this time, as there will be no additional burden placed on horse owners or premises owners and managers," Dr. Beeman added.
Q: What horses should be officially identified?
A: The ESWG has recommended official identification when a horse is transported to any premises where a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), Brand Inspection, VS-127 permit, or International CVI is required. For the most part, this would exclude those horses participating in recreational activities, weekend ropings, trail rides, and other small gatherings of horses.
Q: Is the NAIS going to be mandatory in 2008?
A: The NAIS is a voluntary program. There are no regulations being developed for the NAIS to be a nationally-mandated program. The ESWG has recommended that the plan not apply to the horse industry until 2010. There are a few states, such as Wisconsin with mandatory premises registration, that are developing their own legislation on certain components of the NAIS. It is recommended that you check with your state Department of Agriculture to learn more on how your state is currently implementing the NAIS and what its future plans are for the program's implementation.
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