U.S. launches National Animal Identification System; target date is 2009
Ambitious public safety measure gives livestock farmers three years to have each of their animals tagged for disease-related identification
The U.S. government is launching a National Animal Identification System which will, by 2009, require that every agricultural animal in the United States be equipped with an identification device through which its movement can be traced from birth to slaughter. At the moment, the program is voluntary; but by 2009 noncompliance will result in fines of up to $1,000 per day. Implementation is coming fast. By April 2006, 25 percent of all “premises” (any location where animals are kept) are to be registered with the government. By July, an Interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection system is to be in place in every state. By January 2008, all premises and all animals are to be registered. By July, 2008, the movement of all animals will be tracked. In January, 2009, the program becomes mandatory.
