Some confusion exists in the camelid community about the different identification numbers that will be used in implementing the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). Members of the Camelid Working Group (CWG) represent most segments of the llama and alpaca community and are working with USDA to develop the camelid portion of NAIS. Your questions and input are welcome as we work to develop a sensible ID system for camelids.
Premises ID : This number is like an address. Each premises is a specific geographic location where livestock are located—such as farms, ranches, auction sites, shows, veterinary clinics, transport vehicles, etc.—and would be identified by a unique premises identification number. If you move to another home, you get a new address, and similarly, the premises ID number is “attached” to the location rather than the owner and remains with the property if it is sold. This number is not part of the individual animal ID.
Individual Animal ID : Individual ID numbers are similar to a personal social security number for each animal. The Animal ID Number (AIN) will be unique for each animal and will be permanently attached to the animal by microchip, ear tag, etc. Each species working group will review options and determine in conjunction with USDA which kind of device will contain the individual AIN. These numbers (AIN) will be allocated by USDA to AIN managers or distributors. (These managers or distributors have not yet been determined for the camelid community.) The individual AIN will no longer be valid upon death of the animal.
What about numbers in use in the camelid industry? Llama and alpaca registries and show associations issue individual animal and owner numbers or codes. These numbers are not permanently attached to the animals, and though they are used to keep track of registration and show data, they are not necessarily going to be part of the NAIS but could be included as additional alternate means of identification.
Having a Premises ID Number will be necessary before you will be able to get individual Animal ID Numbers . The Premises ID Number will be obtained from your state and can ultimately be linked to an individual Animal ID Number through a USDA database if an animal trace back is necessary. For purposes of the NAIS it is anticipated animals will not need an individual Animal ID Number until they go into commerce or leave their home farm.
The Alpaca Research Foundation (ARF) has issued a call for research proposals on various topics including camelid ID methods, the results of which could assist the CWG in its recommendations to USDA. Camelids need an identification device that remains on or in the animal and functional for approximately 15 to 20 years. Though a microchip implanted at the base of the left ear is most commonly used for individual camelid ID, limited scientific data are available regarding microchip loss, migration or loss of readability. Little scientific information is available on alternate sites of microchip implantation or alternate methods of identification in camelids. ARF is seeking proposals that will address those issues and will also consider cost, safety and ease of application.
The objective of the NAIS is to enable animal health officials to track the location and movements of any individual animal within 48 hours of an animal disease outbreak. More detailed information is available on the following sites:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/issues/nais/nais.html or http://usaip.info
The CWG is seeking input from the camelid community regarding preference of camelid ID devices as well as other aspects of NAIS. Please contact any of the following members if you would like to ask questions or provide comments to the CWG.
Karen Conyngham at 72040.3361@compuserve.com
Dr. Julie Jarvinen at jarvinen@iastate.edu
Sheila Fugina at bsfugina@pressenter.com
Marsharee Wilcox at mwilcox@stpaultravelers.com or evllamas@bellatlantic.net