Equine ID moving forward

Congressman Collin Peterson (D-Minnesota) has introduced the first of what is expected to be many bills calling for the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to institute a National Animal Identification System (NAIS) to address animal health emergencies caused by either the accidental introduction of a disease or acts of bio-terrorism.



The ability to trace animals quickly in the event of an outbreak of a major animal disease is considered vital to ensuring the continued operation and viability of the animal agriculture industry.



Congressman Peterson's bill, the National Farm Animal Identification Records Act (H.R. 1254), is identical to the legislation he introduced in the last Congress. This bill has three cosponsors, and was referred to the House Agriculture Committee.



The bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a nationwide electronic livestock identification system that will enable the USDA to enhance the speed and accuracy of the response to outbreaks of disease in livestock. The system would apply to "all livestock born in the United States or imported" and cover the movement of livestock in both interstate commerce and intrastate commerce. This would include horses. Under the legislation, the system must be capable of tracing livestock from birth to slaughter within 48 hours of an outbreak.



The bill includes specific language exempting the information obtained pursuant to the system from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The information can only be released by the Secretary of Agriculture if there is an animal disease outbreak. In addition, the information may only be released if it involves livestock threatened by disease, the release is related to actions under the system, and the person obtaining the information needs it for public health and safety reasons pursuant to the NAIS.



Access to information collected through a national system and an exemption from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act has been a concern expressed by the equine industry through the Equine Species Working Group, on which the USTA is represented, which has been reviewing the proposed ID system and providing recommendations to USDA regarding its potential application to the horse industry.



The bill authorizes $175 million to set up the ID system and requires the Secretary to provide financial assistance to producers to comply with the system, particularly smaller livestock producers, so they are not to be placed at a financial disadvantage in complying with any requirements.--American Horse Council

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