The Pennsylvania Premise
Identification Information Web site

The first step in implementing a national animal identification system (NAIS) is identifying and registering premises that are associated with the animal agricultural industry.

What should producers know about the NAIS?

The number of animal disease outbreaks that have been reported around the globe over the past decade - and the single cow in the United States that tested positive for bovine spongiform encephalopathy in December 2003 - have greatly intensified public interest in developing a national animal identification program for the purpose of protecting animal health. The European Union, Canada, and Australia already have animal identification systems in place. A strong U. S. identification system is in increasing demand as a necessary component of our Nation's agricultural infrastructure.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made the implementation of an NAIS one of its top priorities. When fully operational, the NAIS will be capable of tracing a sick animal or group of animals back to the herd of premises that is the most likely source of infection. The system will also be able to trace potentially exposed animals that were moved out from the herd or premises. The sooner animal health officials can identify infected and exposed animals and premises, the sooner they can contain the disease and stop its spread.

USDA Long Term Goals

USDA's long-term goal is to establish a system that can identify within 48 hours all premises and animals that have direct contact with a foreign animal disease or a domestic disease of concern. To meet this goal, USDA must develop a practical yet comprehensive infrastructure that collects and records information about the movements of animals. Premise registration is vital to this effort.