Patricia (Tricia) Jumonville REALTOR®
|
|
| NAIS (National Animal Identification System) in Texas
|
|
Location: Blogs Texas Horse And Home |
 |
| Posted by: Tricia Jumonville |
1/17/2006 12:51 PM |
I received a press release from the Texas Animal Health Commission recently. It's below. Discussion of this has been going on on various horse-related Texas lists that I'm on - most people are very concerned with it, not in a good way.
I'm not terribly crazy about the idea, either. But what it boils down to is this: If we are going to insist that we be protected by the government from every threat, no matter how miniscule, even threats from which we can protect ourselves (for example, not eating beef if we're really afraid that we're at risk for "mad cow disease"), then we're really not in a position to complain about the government using the tools it needs to in order to attempt to accomplish the impossible.
If we're willing to stop demanding that, then we can complain about the use of these tools with some justification.
It's a choice.
However, you feel about the issue, if you live in Texas, I recommend you read the following press release, follow the link to read the proposed new rules, use the contact information provided in order to let the TAHC know your thoughts by February 6, and if you feel strongly enough, contact your national representatives and let them know how you feel about the NAIS, and why, as well.
After all, how are they going to know, if we don't tell them?
Fact Sheet from the Texas Animal Health Commission
Premises Identification Proposed Regulations
Commissioners for the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) proposed regulations for Texas’ premises and animal identification program at their December meeting. Comments will be accepted on the proposals for 45 days from publication in the Texas Register. Comments must be received by 5 p.m. Monday, February 6, 2006, and may be submitted to comments@tahc.state.tx.us, faxed to (512) 719-0721, or mailed to: Delores Holubec, TAHC, Box 12966, Austin, TX 78711-2966. The entire text of the rule proposal may be found at: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/sos/PROPOSED/4.AGRICULTURE.html
If you have trouble accessing the page and would like to review the text, please email Carla Everett at ceverett@tahc.state.tx.us.
Why these regulations were proposed…
During the recent legislative session, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1361, authorizing the TAHC 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.
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 July 1, 2006, premises in Texas may be registered at no charge, and the premises identification number will remain valid through June 30, 2008. Although the 7-character premises identification number will not change, the premises registration must be renewed July 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 July 1, 2006, 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.
Privacy considerations under the proposed TAHC regulations…
Information collected by the TAHC for premises or animal identification is exempt from public disclosure requirements under the Texas Public Information Act.
Compliance and the proposed regulations…
Although the TAHC commissioners always urge voluntary compliance with agency regulations, the proposals include penalties for noncompliance.
The Texas Agriculture Code (law) may be found on the TAHC website at http://www.tahc.state.tx.us, by selecting the “Statutes and Regulations” link on the front page.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Basics of the National Animal Identification System (NAIS)…
The goal of the NAIS is to enable animal health officials to identify locations where infected or exposed animals have been and to track animal movement from those locations within 48 hours, in the event of an animal disease outbreak. Three main components comprise the system:
Premises identification defines a geographic site, such as ranches, farms, feedlots, livestock markets, slaughter establishments, rendering or carcass collection points, veterinary clinics, livestock show, fair or exhibition sites, quarantine facilities, laboratories, ports of entry, or any other facilities where animals are handled. These include cattle, horses, mules, asses, sheep, goats and hogs; exotic livestock; domestic fowl, such as chickens, turkeys, and game birds; and poultry and exotic fowl.
The premises number is a unique 7-character code, issued by the TAHC or USDA. Owners or managers can register their premises and obtain the unique code online at the TAHC web site at http://www.tahc.state.tx.us. Applications also may be obtained at many cooperative extension service offices, livestock markets, veterinary clinics or from livestock and poultry associations. As of early December, more than 4,200 premises in Texas had been registered. In the U.S. (including Texas), about 160,000 have been registered.
A person who owns or manages two or more locations and commingles animals may register the locations under one premises number. However, if a person maintains livestock on multiple locations but does not commingle the animals, then each location should be registered separately.
Animal identification, when implemented, will require that certain species of animals are tagged with a uniquely numbered 15-digit electronic identification device when they are moved from their herd of origin, or are commingled with animals from other premises. The device is intended to remain with the animal for life. If a device is lost, the animal can be retagged.
Under the national animal identification system (NAIS), still in development, premises numbers will NOT be imprinted on the animal identification devices. The unique 7-character premises identification and the
15-digit animal identification device number will correlate only in records. Each animal identification device will be individually numbered.
In the NAIS, some species, such as commercially produced swine or poultry, may be identified by group/lot numbers, provided the animals are held and managed as a group throughout the pre-harvest production process.
Animal tracking, the final component of the national plan, will involve recording and reporting those animals moved, sold, commingled or slaughtered. This component, when implemented, will enable efficient tracing of animals for disease eradication efforts.
Additional NAIS information and links can be found on the TAHC web site at:
http://www.tahc.state.tx.us/animal_id/index.shtml
|
|
| Permalink |
Trackback |
Comments (2)
Add Comment
|
Re: NAIS (National Animal Identification System) in Texas |
By Anonymous on
4/7/2006 1:40 PM |
...and born.
With this law in place you will not be able to breed, grow, sell or consume your livestock without the knowledge or approval of the United States Government. This will also be applied to dogs, cats and any other living thing that dwells in your home.
This technology is also being used in people to carry medical information.
It is also trackable from satelite.
I would strongly suggest that this be challenged.
Also, if you don't comply or are not in compliance with this when it becomes mandatory, your vetrenarian can not treat your animals and is to report you to the authorities.
Big Brother. |
|
|
Re: NAIS (National Animal Identification System) in Texas |
By Anonymous on
5/5/2006 5:50 PM |
The national Equine Working Group has a new information booklet available on the American
Horse Council web site. The booklet provides valuable information from the working group
and may aid in answering questions about equine animals and National Animal Identification
System (NAIS).
Voluntary premises registration continues in Texas, and as of May 3, 12,320 premises have been
registered. As of April 27, the USDA reports more than 252,000 premises nationally have been registered.
To learn more about premises registration, you can go to the National Animal Identification System web site
or the Texas Animal Health Commission web site, or call the TAHC at 1-800-550-8242.
If you cannot download the Equine Working Group booklet, please let me know, and I'll mail you
a paper copy. Please provide your name and mailing address. Carla Everett, TAHC...ceverett@tahc.state.tx.us
NAIS and Horses: The Facts
http://www.horsecouncil.org/06%20ESWG%20-%20NAIS%20Informational%20Booklet.pdf
If you can't go to the booklet directly from the link above, you can go to the American Horse Council web site,
where the booklet is posted. The link will be on the upper right side:
http://www.horsecouncil.org/
Texas Animal Health Commission:
http://www.tahc.state.tx.us
National Animal Identification System:
http://animalid.aphis.usda.gov/nais/index.shtml |
|
|
|
|