Animal Identification Program (IMPORTANT)

caliber · Animal Identification Program (IMPORTANT)

MEMORANDUM

To: Equine Species Working Group
From: Kerry Thompson

Date: September 19, 2008

Re: NAIS 840 AIN Use Interim Rule

On September 18th USDA published an interim final rule titled: National Animal Identification System; Use of 840 Animal Identification Numbers for U.S.-Born Animals Only. The rule is attached. (scroll down)

This interim rule makes a few amendments to the existing regulations on the animal identification number (AIN). The rule amends the definition of an AIN to limit the use of AINs that start with the 840 country code for only animals that are born in the United States. A definition for United States – “all of the States” - is also included as this was not already in the existing regulations. Another amendment is to require that if an official ID device that was applied to an imported animal while in its country of origin is lost following importation into the U.S., the animal may only be retagged with an official ID device using a numbering system other than an 840 AIN. The final amendment is to clarify that the restrictions on the removal of official ID devices include the removal of animal ID devices that are officially recognized by APHIS for animals entering the United States from other countries.

This interim rule was developed to enhance traceback capabilities. Limiting the use of the 840 AINs to animals born in the U.S. helps determine the origin of an officially identified domestic animal in a more timely fashion in the even of a disease outbreak. This rule does not require the use of 840 AINs as official identification, but clarifies its use. The immediate action of this rule is also intended to help with the implementation of country of origin labeling (COOL), under which certain food animals will be subject to COOL requirements beginning September 30, 2008.

The interim rule went into effect immediately upon being published. Comments on the rule can be submitted on or before November 17, 2008. The ESWG should determine if comments are warranted. Details on how to submit comments can be found in the attached rule.

Also attached to this email are the minutes from the last ESWG meeting.

1616 H Street NW 7th Floor . Washington DC 20006 . 202-296-4031 . Fax 202-296-1970

Email: AHC@horsecouncil.org . Web Address: www.horsecouncil.org

Kerry Thompson
Director of Health & Regulatory Affairs

American Horse Council
1616 H Street, NW, 7th Floor
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 296-4031 ext. 201

www.horsecouncil.org

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