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Safeguarding Maryland's Animal Health with National Animal Identification System (NAIS)
The National Animal Identification System (NAIS) is a voluntary, national program in collaboration with federal and state departments of agriculture, tribes and the agriculture industry. The main objective of NAIS is to develop and implement a comprehensive information system, which will help in the event of an animal health emergency. There are three Major components to NAIS:
Taking the First Step: On-Line Registration
Animal Identification
Individual animal identification are not required as part of a NAIS program. Choosing to register your premises does not obligate you to participate in animal identification. However approved Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag will help streamline emergency response efforts. Plus enhance the existing disease surveillance, control, and eradication programs already in place. To tag each animal and enter "its place of birth" data will give the animal health officials a traceback "starting point".
Animal Tracking
Animal tracking databases will maintain the movement records of animals and be managed by state officials. With this information, state officials will be able to collect the data required to effectively track disease and reliably achieve the long term goal of a 48 hour traceback capability.
Livestock Groups Give Support Today, there are several livestock organizations supporting NAIS premises registration. National Milk Producers Federation, National Pork Board, American Angus Association and the American Quarter Horse Association are encouraging their members to register their farms. These organizations understand that the first step in protecting your livelihood and livestock is NAIS premises registration.
How Do I Register My Premises? Premises registration is free and you can register your premises two ways:
All registration information is confidential and protected from disclosure.
Mail completed applications to:
Contact: Danny Mast, Animal Health Inspector
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