Camelid Working Group News Release
For Immediate Release

Two States Set Premises Registration Deadlines; USDA Launches ID System Web Site

Both Wisconsin and Indiana have set deadlines for registering livestock premises as part of the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). Wisconsin, the first state to mandate premises registration, has set a Nov. 1, 2005, deadline, though they have proposed a “compliance window” after that date with certain groups being phased in. See their web site for details: http://datcp.state.wi.us/ah/agriculture/animals/premises/premises_registration.html

In Indiana beginning Sept. 1, 2006, premises registration will be required for “each person that buys, sells or exhibits livestock”. Individuals must obtain a premises ID number for each of their Indiana premises. Certain species, including camelids are exempt from this deadline, though they may register voluntarily. See their web site for details: http://www.in.gov/boah/

Currently, premises registration is underway in 46 states with registration systems expected to be fully operational in all 50 states by the end of 2005. Premises registration is voluntary in most states, but camelid owners should check with their state agriculture department for details. Contact information for each state is available on the USDA NAIS web site http://www.usda.gov/nais.

Members of the Camelid Working Group (CWG), representing most segments of the llama and alpaca community, are working with USDA to develop the camelid portion of the NAIS. The CWG is seeking input from the llama and alpaca community regarding a sensible ID system for camelids. 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 m.wilcox@stpaultravelers.com or evllamas@bellatlantic.net

Following is the USDA Press Release:

USDA Launches Web Site Focusing on the National Animal Identification System

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has announced the launch of a new Web site to inform about the national animal identification system (NAIS). The Web site, available at http://www.usda.gov/nais, is designed to be a one-stop resource to facts about NAIS.