A new position statement from the NMLB on animal identification is being drafted following the publication by USDA of the Final Rule for Animal Disease Traceability.  It will be posted on our website as soon as possible.  Please check back! 

The first question often asked is "Why do we need Animal Identification?" The simplest answer is that it is a rational cost-effective animal identification program that will:

• Enhance foreign animal disease surveillance, control, and eradication;
   
• Facilitate epidemiological investigations;
   
• Improve biosecurity protection of the national livestock population;
   
• Distinguish animals vaccinated or tested under official US Department of Agriculture (USDA) disease control or eradication programs from unvaccinated and untested herdmates;
   
• Furnish official identification for animals in interstate or international commerce;
   
• Accurately identify blood and tissue specimens used for laboratory diagnostics;
   
• Track the health certification status of herds, States, and regions; and
   
• Enable effective regionalization and risk assessment in support of international trade.
   

The following items have greatly intensified public interest in developing a national animal identification program for the purpose of protecting animal health and maintaining our global livestock markets.
 

• The increasing number of animal disease outbreaks that have been reported around the globe over the past decade,
   
• the increasing global travel by our human population, and
   
• the increasing potential for accidental introduction of foreign animal disease