National Animal Identification System (NAIS)

The National Animal Identification Program (NAIS) is a system being implemented by USDA/APHIS primarily to track livestock movements and control disease outbreaks. It is broken into two separate issues: premise identification, and animal identification.

This system was originally conceived by several livestock organizations, and in 2002 they approached the USDA for assistance. The USDA agreed that this system was warranted, and began to establish parameters in order pursue its creation.

In 2003, the American Horse Council (AHC) determined that this issue would invariably have an impact on horses, and in response, they facilitated the creation of the Equine Species Working Group (ESWG). This group consists of approximately 30 member organizations which represent the interest of the horse industry. The ESWG has been officially recognized by USDA, and will be presenting recommendations specific to horses and how they relate to the NAIS. It should be noted that AHC is a member organization of the ESGW, and does not have oversight of the group.

Connecticut Horse Council is monitoring this ongoing issue, and will keep our members informed of new developments as they occur.

At the moment, the NAIS has not established final rules and regulations, however, individual states have taken various steps of their own in anticipation of upcoming federal requirements. CHC has approached the state of Connecticut about the NAIS, and we have been informed that they are not taking action until such time they receive more information & direction from USDA/APHIS.

CHC takes this issue very seriously, and we will continue review information and provide updates as appropriate.

Please visit the links below for more details about the NAIS and the ESWG.

http://www.equinespeciesworkinggroup.com/

http://www.horsecouncil.org/equineid.htm

http://animalid.aphis.usda.gov/nais/index.shtml

NOTE: As of this posting, the ESWG presented draft recommendations to the USDA. These are in PDF below: