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U.S. Congress seeks funding for farm animal identification
Bills introduced in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives in a recent legislative sessions sought funding for implementing a national animal identification system with 48-hour traceability to farm of origin as a goal. Ultimately, limited funding was made available for implementation, but the issue remains important to the future of animal agriculture and the technologies that will be used.
In 2002, a consortium of 70 governmental and livestock industry groups began work on a U.S. Animal Identification Plan. Legislative proposals followed the recommendations from the consortium released in January 2004. Recommendations were tailored to animal species. In April 2004, secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman announced a framework for the plan and initial funding for implementation from USDA.
But controversy remains over the main issue: balancing the potential benefits with the costs of such a system. Individual animal identification and the record system for tracking the animal through its life to slaughter is expensive and, for many situations, does not enhance our ability to identify and respond to a food safety or animal health issue promptly.
"Premises identification" is the identification of a location that houses animals for any length of time with a nationally unique number. For some species and situations, identification of animals using a premises ID number is sufficient for traceback and was the recommendation by the consortium.
Animal identification is not new
In 1988, USDA implemented mandatory swine identification procedures for breeding stock and feeder animals where interstate commerce was involved. Other species have had and continue to have identification requirements associated with disease eradication programs. However, as those programs succeed, the need for animal ID is also eliminated.
Most meat processors mark animals...