The Pennsylvania Premise
Identification Information Web site

Will This Information Be Kept Confidential?

USDA is aware of producers' concerns about the confidentiality of information collected as part of the NAIS and is taking them very seriously as APHIS explored the most effective means for collecting animal and premises identification information. Accordingly, USDA is investigating various options for protecting the information in the NAIS from public disclosure. It is important to note that the national repositories will include information only for animal and disease tracking purposes.

When Will the NAIS be Fully Implemented?

Currently, USDA has no set timeline for fully implementing the NAIS. The identification of premises and animals, while requiring significant resources, is a fundamental and straightforward objective. However, collecting and reporting animal movement information to establish a travel record of each animal's life is an enormous undertaking, requiring significant development and testing and substantial infrastructure.

Because of its complexity, USDA plans on phasing in the NAIS to provide a timely and cost-effective program while ensuring that it is functional, practical, and reliable. Initially, the program will be implemented on a voluntary basis, but USDA may eventually require premises and animal identification. Some States have already enacted legislation to make certain aspects of the NAIS mandatory within their borders.