Identification system has evolved recently

Livestock producers have been following the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Animal Identification System evolve over the last several months. The Texas Animal Health Commission will be in charge of the national program in the state of Texas. During the recent legislative session, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1361, authorizing the Texas Animal Health Commission to develop and implement an animal identification system consistent with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Animal Identification System (NAIS). HB 1361 (Chapter 161.056 of the Texas Agriculture Code) also authorizes the TAHC to determine when premises identification will be required and to assess and collect fees for premises registration. Following is TAHC's proposed regulations that deal with the National Animal Identification System: As the NAIS is phased in, the TAHC's program also will evolve. TAHC commissioners have proposed regulations at this time for premises identification only. Premises identification is the foundation for all other components of the NAIS.

Prior to Jul. 1, premises in Texas may be registered at no charge, and the premises identification number will remain valid through Jun. 30, 2008. Although the 7-character premises identification number will not change, the premises registration must be renewed Jul. 1, 2008, and every 24 months thereafter. At renewal, the proposed regulations provide for a yearly premises registration fee of $10, paid biennially. The $20 two-year registration fee is to be submitted to the TAHC at the time of registration renewal.

On Jul. 1, premises registration will be compulsory in Texas. All persons who own, manage or are caretakers for locations where livestock, exotic livestock, poultry, or exotic poultry are handled must register their premises with the TAHC and submit the $20 two-year fee. Renewal and fee payment will be required every 24 months thereafter.

This will be in addition to the cost of doing business that livestock producers will have to incur in the future. This system will provide a means to track an animal from it's place of origin to it's final destination. The purpose of the program is to have a system in place to track any serious animal health disease to it's origin and to have the ability to detect any other animals which may have been exposed in the marketing channels. For more information, contact the following USDA w e b s i t e : http://animalid.aphis.usda.gov/ nais/index.shtml Premises registration forms are available in the Rusk County Extension office.

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