NAIS User Guide

National Animal Identification System (NAIS)—
A User Guide and Additional Information Resources
Version 2.0 • December 2007

NAIS is a State–Federal–Industry partnership.
Participation in NAIS is voluntary at the Federal level.

United States Department of Agriculture
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Table of Contents
Preface ................................................................................................................ i
NAIS: At A Glance.............................................................................................ii
Part I: Overview of NAIS...................................................................................1
Introduction to NAIS 1
Why NAIS? 1
Voluntary Participation 3
NAIS Components and How They Work Together 4
The Benefits of a Voluntary Program 6
The Concept Behind NAIS 7
Estimated Costs Associated with NAIS 8
Economic Benefit of NAIS 9
Roles and Responsibilities 11
Outstanding Issues and the Role of the Species Working Groups

12

Part II: Premises Registration ...........................................................................14
Background on Premises Registration 14
Which Locations Should Be Registered 15
Multiple Premises Numbers for the Same Owner 15
The Premises Identification Numbering System 16
Process for Collecting Premises Information 17
Non-Producer Participants 18
Protection of Information 18
The Costs Associated with Premises Registration 19
How to Register a Premises 19

Part III: Animal Identification ..........................................................................21
Section 1 .................................................................................................21
An Overview of Animal Identification 21
Individual Animal Identification 22
Group/Lot Identification 23
Animals Not Needing Identification Numbers

23

Section 2 .................................................................................................25
Options for Identification Devices 25
Existing Animal Health Identification Systems 26
Cost Considerations for Identification Devices 27
USDA’s Role in Authorizing Manufacturers 27
How to Obtain Identification Devices 27
Applying Identification Devices to Animals 28

Intentional Removal of Identification Devices 29
Loss or Malfunctioning of Identification Devices 29

Part IV: Animal Tracing ....................................................................................30
Section 1 .................................................................................................30
An Overview of Animal Tracing 30
Animal Tracing and Traceback Processing Systems 30
Selecting an Animal Tracking Database 31
Costs Associated with Animal Tracking Databases 32
How the Systems Work When Responding to an Animal Disease

32

Section 2 .................................................................................................34
The Goals of Tracing Animal Movements 34
Reportable Animal Movements 35
Additional Comment Regarding Reportable Animal Movements
Additional Producer Guidance 37

37

Appendix.............................................................................................................38
USDA AVIC Contact List 38
States, Territories, and Tribes Contact List
Sample Premises Registration Form 52
Glossary 53

42

Preface
The purpose of this comprehensive document is to provide the public with basic
information about the National Animal Identification System (NAIS)—a voluntary program
at the Federal level1 that will help producers protect the health of their animals and their
investment in the case of an animal disease event.
Part I of the document provides a brief overview to familiarize producers with NAIS, the
need for this voluntary program, its advantages and benefits, and other helpful information
concerning its cooperative development and implementation. In Parts II through IV of the
document, each of NAIS’ components are discussed in greater detail and operational-level
information—meaning “how to” information—and resources are provided.
This document provides guidance to producers2 and owners of animals included in the
NAIS, as well as other sectors involved in the animal agricultural industry, on how to
participate in the NAIS if they so choose, and how participation would benefit them.
At the end of this comprehensive document, we have also included additional documents
for reference and a glossary of terms that producers may encounter in reading this and other
documents concerning NAIS.
The December 2007 User Guide, which is an update to the November 2006 draft,
explains how producers may participate in NAIS today. This document, along with
the December 2007 Business Plan for Advancing Animal Disease Traceability and
the October 2007 Program Standards and Technical Reference document, replaces
previously published NAIS documents, including the 2005 Draft Strategic Plan and
Draft Program Standards and the 2006 Implementation Strategies. Those previous
documents provided the opportunity for the public to comment and offer feedback on
NAIS as USDA worked through many issues with industry and the States and Tribes. NAIS
will continue to evolve as details are addressed through ongoing dialogue with all
stakeholders.

NAIS is voluntary at the Federal level. U.S. animal health is protected by existing Federal and State regulations for
disease surveillance, control, eradication, and response. While NAIS is a national system, it does not alter any
regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations or any regulations that exist at the State level. Rather, NAIS enhances
ongoing animal health protection efforts by offering national standards and increasing the level of participation
beyond what is already required in existing disease programs. The primary authority for these existing Federal and
State regulations, as well as for NAIS, is the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq.).
2 In this guide, the term “producer” is used to simplify the reference to all individuals engaged in the ownership,
management or marketing of livestock included in NAIS. While owners and or managers of certain species may not
typically be referred to as a “producer,” owners of horses for example, these individuals are to be interpreted as
being included in this broad use of “producer” in the context of the NAIS User Guide.
1

Preface i

NAIS: At a Glance
What is NAIS?
Simply put, NAIS is a modern, streamlined information system that helps producers and
animal health officials respond quickly and effectively to animal disease events in the United
States. NAIS, achieved through State-Federal-Industry partnerships, is beneficial because it
helps us protect U.S. livestock and poultry from disease spread, maintain consumer
confidence in our food supply, and retain access to domestic and foreign markets.
USDA does not require participation in NAIS. 3 NAIS can help producers protect the
health and marketability of their animals—but the choice to participate is theirs.
Animal health officials across the country agree that premises registration, the foundation of
NAIS, is a necessary first step to achieving these goals. Premises information ensures that
producers will be notified quickly when a disease event might impact their area or the species
of animals they have. In an animal health emergency, we cannot help producers protect
their animals if we do not know they are there. By voluntarily registering their premises and
providing contact information, producers will ensure that they receive the information they
need—when they need it most—to protect their animals and their investment. In an
emergency, animal health officials will be able to quickly locate at-risk animals and take
precise actions to address the situation, minimize hardships, and speed disease eradication
efforts as much as possible.
Voluntary NAIS also encompasses animal identification and animal movement tracing
systems. These components are currently being refined by NAIS’ industry and private sector
partners. While the focus today is on premises registration, animal owners should know that
the other components of NAIS are additional options for them when they’re ready to make
decisions about what level of participation best suits their needs.
USDA is required by law to protect individuals’ private information. Regardless of the level
of participation animal owners choose, the voluntary NAIS is limited in terms of the type
and quantity of information maintained by the Federal Government. At the Federal level,
the system will hold and maintain minimal premises information needed to enable effective
traceback or notification in disease situations.4 USDA will not maintain animal location or
movement information collected for NAIS. If that information is needed to respond to an
animal health event, data will be requested from the private and State databases where it is
held. Federal law protects individuals’ private information and confidential business
information from public disclosure.

There is no Federal requirement for producers to participate in, or use, any aspect of NAIS. For the
administration of Federal disease programs, USDA is using the NAIS data elements (formats for premises location
identifiers and animal identification numbers) in order to standardize data. Each location involved in a disease
program or in a disease investigation or emergency response will be issued a premises identification number, if one
has not previously been assigned. Producers may elect to use NAIS compliant identification devices to meet
existing regulations for animal identification. Federal disease programs include: brucellosis in cattle, bison, and
swine; tuberculosis in cattle and cervids; scrapie in sheep and goats; and, pseudorabies in swine. Data in NAIS
formats will be stored in NAIS databases, which are part of the Veterinary Services animal health information
system.
4 States and Tribes are directly responsible for premises registration and manage and hold premises registration
information at the State level. Limited information about premises is also available at the Federal level in order to
enable effective traceback or notification in disease situations, however, the Federal Government does not maintain
information about species, number of animals, etc., and primarily relies on the States/Tribes to oversee this
component and data. See page 17 for further details.
3

NAIS: At A Glance ii

Costs of Participating in NAIS
Premises registration is free in all States and participating Tribes. NAIS participants will
have the opportunity to choose which animal identification devices and which animal
tracking database they wish to use, if they elect to report animal movements. (Participants
should check with their respective State for the various options.) Participants will pay the
cost of the animal identification devices and any fees that may be associated with
participating in an animal tracking database. The cost of animal identification methods will
vary among species and will also depend on the device chosen by the animal owner, as well
as whether the owner or a veterinarian applies the device. The cost will also be determined
by the services that may be packaged with the device.
The animal tracking databases are provided by industry organizations and State entities.
Costs associated with the databases may vary depending on the services the producer/owner
elects to use. Competition among these databases will help keep costs down.

Basic Steps for Participating in NAIS
Animal owners who are interested in taking part in the voluntary NAIS may participate in
premises registration only, premises registration and animal identification, or all three
components. The following information provides a brief explanation of how to participate
in NAIS.
Step 1: Register your premises to obtain a Premises Identification Number.
To register your premises, contact your State (e.g., State Veterinarian office) or appropriate
Tribal authority. Contact information for each State and Tribe is provided in the Appendix
of this document. Premises registration forms are available on each State’s department of
agriculture Web site; participants may opt to register their premises online or by mailing or
faxing the forms to their State or Tribal NAIS contact. Part II (Premises Registration),
located on pages 14-20, includes detailed information regarding the premises registration
process.
Step 2: Identify your animals.
After you have registered your premises, you may participate in the animal identification
component of voluntary NAIS. Animals of the same species that typically move through the
production chain as a group can be identified by a group/lot identification number (GIN),
rather than by individual numbers. The GIN is determined by the animal owner using the
premises identification number and the date the group was assembled. For more
information about assigning animals a group/lot identification number, NAIS participants
should refer to page 23 of Part III (Animal Identification).
Animals that move through commerce individually can be identified with a USDArecognized animal identification number (AIN) tag or device. NAIS participants interested
in identifying their animals individually should refer to pages 27-28 for the basic steps and
requirements involved in obtaining and applying AIN tags and devices to their animals.
Owners should contact authorized AIN manufacturers for the AIN device managers in their
area. A list of authorized AIN devices and AIN manufacturers is available through the AIN
Management System Information Web page
(http://animalid.aphis.usda.gov/nais/animal_id/ain_mngt_sys.shtml). Identification
devices may be applied at the convenience of the producer, but prior to the point at which
the animals leave their premises and/or commingle with animals from other premises. In
the future, tagging sites or services may be provided by industry organizations, if producer
demand dictates the need. We recommend that livestock owners first check with their States
to find out what animal identification options and requirements may already be in place at
that level.

NAIS: At A Glance iii

Step 3: Choose an Animal Tracking Database (ATD) for reporting the
movement of certain individual animal or group/lot movements.
After NAIS participants have registered their premises and identified their animals either
individually or by group/lot, they may report animal records to an ATD of their choice.
USDA recognizes that every animal movement does not need to be recorded or reported.
To ensure that the system is practical and workable for NAIS participants, only those
movements that pose a greater risk of disease transmission and with the greatest potential
economic impact will be the focus of tracing efforts. A number of factors—the number of
animals, their source(s), health status/certification, and nature and location of the event—
influence disease risk. For a list of recommendations regarding reportable animal
movements, please see page 35. Participants should contact State or local animal health
officials if they are uncertain about the need to report an animal movement.
Private industry groups and States operate and maintain the ATDs; NAIS participants can
choose the ATD they wish to use for reporting animal movements. USDA operates a portal
or communication system that will enable animal health officials to submit requests for
animal location and movement information to the ATDs in the event of a disease
occurrence. A list of NAIS State and private databases that have an approved cooperative
agreement with USDA is available on USDA/APHIS’ Animal Identification Web site at
http://animalid.aphis.usda.gov/nais/animal_track/index.shtml.
For further information on how you can take part in this important initiative, please review the December
2007 User Guide and visit the USDA/APHIS Animal Identification Web site at
http://www.usda.gov/nais. You may also call the USDA-NAIS Staff at (301) 734-0799 to
request copies of NAIS documents.

NAIS: At A Glance iv

Part I: Overview of NAIS
This part of the comprehensive document discusses:
ƒ Introduction to NAIS
ƒ Why NAIS?
ƒ Voluntary Participation
ƒ NAIS Components and How They Work Together
ƒ The Benefits of Voluntary Participation
ƒ The Concept Behind NAIS
ƒ Estimated Costs Associated with NAIS
ƒ Economic Benefit of NAIS
ƒ Roles and Responsibilities
ƒ Outstanding Issues and the Role of the Species Working Groups

Introduction to NAIS
NAIS is a modern, streamlined information system that helps producers and animal health
officials respond quickly and effectively to animal disease events in the United States.
When producers consider participating in NAIS, there are three key points to remember in
understanding how this program works:
1. Participation, while highly encouraged and of vital importance to control the spread
of animal disease, is voluntary at the Federal level. There is no Federal
requirement for producers to participate in, or use, any aspect of NAIS.
2. Federal law protects individuals’ private information and confidential business
information from disclosure. USDA will continue using its authority to protect
individuals’ private information and confidential business information provided by
NAIS participants.
3. NAIS is a State-Federal-industry partnership that continues to evolve to meet
producer demands. NAIS works best if there is active involvement and feedback
from the States, industry, and producers.

Why NAIS?
When an animal disease event occurs, producers and animal health officials must be able to
act quickly to prevent disease spread to surrounding premises, protect valuable animals
against infection, and preserve producers’ business and economic interests. NAIS is a
valuable animal disease control tool that helps accomplish these goals. It provides timely,
accurate information in the case of a disease event, allowing producers and animal health
officials to coordinate their efforts and respond as quickly, efficiently, and effectively as
possible.
There are a number of reasons for producers to participate in NAIS. One of the most
important reasons is to better protect animal health. People who own or work with animals,
or depend on them for income, understand how absolutely important this is—for
themselves, their neighbors, and their surrounding communities. Producers who choose to
participate in NAIS become part of a national animal disease response network, which
ensures that they will receive timely information and assistance to protect their animals
against disease threats. This gives producers more control over the health of their animals in
a disease situation and facilitates rapid response. Rapid response reduces the hardships
caused by disease spread and eases the economic strain on affected communities.
NAIS will assist first responders and State and Federal officials in conducting disease
investigations. When an outbreak occurs, three essential questions must be answered as
quickly as possible— “Where has the infected animal been?”; “What other animals have

Part I: Overview of NAIS 1

been exposed?”; and, “What additional premises and animals are at risk of exposure?” The
information included in NAIS will answer these questions, which are critical in determining
the size and scope of a disease outbreak. The more quickly these answers can be found, the
less the disease will spread, and the less impact the outbreak will have on producers and the
economy.
Participating in NAIS also protects market access and gives producers a competitive
advantage in domestic and international trade. Prices are dictated by the overall demand for
U.S. products. To maintain and protect prices for domestic commodities, it is crucial for
international markets to stay open. In a disease situation, local and State officials can use
NAIS information to quickly define which regions of our country are, and are not, affected
by an outbreak—keeping markets open for unaffected producers and preventing
unnecessary movement restrictions.
Participating producers can also use the NAIS system for industry-based programs, including
marketing opportunities. For example, a producer who participates in the voluntary animal
identification and animal tracing components of NAIS may use the same methods of
identification and information reporting to support source and/or age verification
programs—a strategic advantage in a highly competitive market. The greater the level of
participation in NAIS, the greater the potential for producers to expand their marketing
opportunities at home and abroad.
It is important to understand that NAIS is not a “real-time” tracking system for animals.
Government agencies will not have constant, continuous, or routine access to the locations
of animals in NAIS. Additionally, NAIS is not a food safety protection system. The United
States already has a comprehensive system of food safety policies, testing, and inspection
requirements in place to ensure the safety of our products.
Simply put, the NAIS is an information system that helps provide animal health officials
and producers with timely information in a disease situation, supports State and Federal
disease response efforts, and enables the livestock and poultry industries to quickly respond
to and minimize the health and economic effects of animal disease outbreaks.
The focus of NAIS is protecting animal health and minimizing the hardships associated with
an animal disease incident or outbreak. With this in mind, the goal is to have a system that
will:
ƒ Enable industry partners and State and Federal animal health officials to respond
rapidly and effectively to animal health emergencies such as foreign animal disease
outbreaks or program diseases with potentially significant animal health, public
health, economic, or social consequences;
ƒ Support ongoing animal health safeguarding and disease detection and response
capabilities in order to complete current eradication programs;
ƒ Protect U.S. exports and meet the growing international market demand for
systems that provide timely animal identification capabilities, thus expanding
international trade opportunities; and,
ƒ Protect domestic markets and consumer confidence, thus increasing overall
consumer demand that benefits all producers.
NAIS brings many positive benefits to animal agriculture. It is a modern, streamlined
national animal identification system that ensures that producers, industry representatives,
and animal health officials are prepared to address urgent animal health concerns—as
quickly and effectively as possible. And because NAIS provides a standardized method of
identification that is compliant with, or that works in harmony with, industry-based
programs, producers may also use the system to take advantage of other valuable
opportunities.

Part I: Overview of NAIS 2

Protecting the health of livestock and poultry supports consumer confidence in a secure and
safe food supply and protects producers’ access to markets at home and abroad. Producers
already take so many measures to safeguard the health of their animals, which ultimately
protects their industries and contributes to a safe and wholesome food supply. By choosing
to participate in NAIS, producers demonstrate their total commitment to doing everything
they can to protect their animals, their investment, and their neighbors.

Voluntary Participation
Participation in NAIS is voluntary at the Federal level. Under our current authorities, USDA
could make the NAIS mandatory, but we are choosing not to do so—again, participation in
every component of NAIS is voluntary at the Federal level.5 The NAIS does not need to be
mandatory to be effective; we believe the goals of the system can be achieved with a
voluntary program. As producers become increasingly aware of the benefits of the NAIS
and the level of voluntary participation grows, there will only be less need to make the
program mandatory.
Producers who choose to participate in NAIS will find many positive benefits. They will be
better informed to protect their premises and their livelihood. They will be better positioned
to protect their market access and expand their marketing opportunities. And they will be
better equipped to reduce the hardships caused by animal disease events in their
communities.
NAIS participants will also find that the program’s scope is limited in terms of the type and
quantity of information maintained by the Federal government. Moreover, Federal law
protects individuals’ private information and confidential business information from
disclosure.
NAIS is a State-Federal-industry partnership. The program works best if there is active
involvement and feedback from the States, industry, and producers. As NAIS has evolved,
we have put participant feedback to work to adjust the program and address their thoughts
and concerns. We will continue working collaboratively to ensure that NAIS is easy to use
and makes sense for everyone. The best way to know if the system is working is for
producers to participate and provide input.
NAIS provides the opportunity for producers that are not part of a disease program to freely
participate in national animal health safeguarding efforts. All individuals who are responsible
for the care and management of livestock and/or poultry would benefit from and are
encouraged to participate in the program. Specifically, these animals include cattle and
bison; poultry; swine; sheep; goats; cervids (e.g., deer and elk); equines (e.g., horses, mules,
donkeys, burros); and camelids (e.g., llamas and alpacas).
Household pets (e.g., cats and dogs) and animals not listed in the paragraph above are not
included.
For producers who choose to participate in NAIS, the procedures they follow and level at
which they participate will vary based on how they move animals to other premises and/or

There is no Federal requirement for producers to participate in, or use, any aspect of NAIS. For the
administration of Federal disease programs, USDA is using the NAIS data elements (formats for premises location
identifiers and animal identification numbers) in order to standardize data. Each location involved in a disease
program or in a disease investigation or emergency response will be issued a premises identification number, if one
has not previously been assigned. Producers may elect to use NAIS compliant identification devices to meet
existing regulations for animal identification. Federal disease programs include: brucellosis in cattle, bison, and
swine; tuberculosis in cattle and cervids; scrapie in sheep and goats; and, pseudorabies in swine. Data in NAIS
formats will be stored in NAIS databases, which are part of the Veterinary Services animal health information
system.

5

Part I: Overview of NAIS 3

the extent to which their animals have contact with animals from other premises. (Further
guidance on participation is provided throughout this document.)

NAIS Components and How They Work Together
NAIS consists of three components: premises registration, animal identification, and animal
tracing. Each of these components continues to evolve as the program advances and as
stakeholders provide feedback and recommendations on what is most practical and
workable.
Premises registration is available now and is a valuable tool for any producer. Animal
identification devices are currently available for most species. The animal tracing
component, or the reporting of animal movements to State or private Animal Tracking
Databases, is also available. Lists of approved animal identification devices and compliant
Animal Tracking Databases are posted on the NAIS Web site
(http://animalid.aphis.usda.gov/nais/animal_track/index.shtml).
Producers may choose to participate only in premises registration, both premises registration
and animal identification, or all three components. Voluntarily registering a premises does
not automatically enroll a producer in the other components of NAIS. If producers choose
to participate, NAIS will offer additional options for them when they are ready to make
decisions about what combination of tools best suits their needs.
Individuals’ private information and confidential business information is protected by
Federal law.

Premises Registration
Premises registration, the foundation of NAIS, ensures that producers are notified quickly
when a disease event might impact their area(s) or the species of animals they have. This is
fundamental to containing animal diseases. In a disease situation, we cannot help producers
protect their animals if we do not know they are there. Contact information provided during
premises registration opens the lines of communication between producers and animal
health officials—which is critical in preventing the spread of disease. By choosing to register
their premises, producers ensure that they will receive the information they need—when
they need it most—to protect their animals and their investment.
The first step is for producers to register their premises—a location where livestock or
poultry are housed or kept—and provide their contact information. A unique premises
identification number, or PIN, is then assigned and contact information recorded for that
location. Premises information is securely held in databases maintained by the States and by
USDA (see page 17 of this document for details on premises databases and USDA’s
minimum data standards). The goal is to establish a complete record of all locations, or
premises, in the United States that manage or hold livestock and/or poultry. Because NAIS
is a voluntary program at the Federal level, this goal can only be reached if producers choose
to register their premises.

Animal Identification
Based on their needs, producers may choose to participate in the second component of
NAIS whenever they are ready. Animal identification is currently available for most species.
The list of approved AIN devices for each species is posted on the NAIS Web site
(http://www.usda.gov/nais/). Animal identification is a recommended option for animals

Part I: Overview of NAIS 4

that are moved from one premises6 to a location outside that operation where the risk of
exposure to disease increases (e.g., auctions, feedlots, or fairs). In addition to being useful
for protecting livestock and poultry and investigating diseases, animal identification will
provide producers with an efficient, cost-effective tool for managing their animals.
The animal identification component involves assigning animals or groups of animals a
unique identification number. The number is assigned at the animal’s birthplace (premises
of origin). Initially, the number may also be assigned to a location that is not the birthplace,
if that location is where the animal is first identified. This information gives animal health
officials a “starting point” for epidemiologic investigations when necessary. Distribution
data on animal identification numbers/devices is held in USDA’s animal identification
number (AIN) management system.
Animals that enter commerce or commingle with animals at other premises (e.g., salesyards;
State or national exhibits/shows) are the primary focus of NAIS. For certain classes and
types of livestock (e.g., breeding heifers 6 months of age and over), official identification is
required as part of interstate commerce regulations and for use on the Interstate Certificate
of Veterinary Inspection. (Note: Specific entry requirements vary from State to State).
However, producers may elect to use the AIN devices within their operation to support herd
management, marketing, and/or genetic programs at any time they desire.

Animal Tracing
The animal tracking databases that support the animal tracing component of NAIS are
maintained by the States and private sector. Databases that meet the technical requirements
are referred to as Compliant Animal Tracking Databases (ATD). Entities that wish to
provide an ATD must sign an agreement to participate in the NAIS animal tracing
component. Producers may report animal movement records to the ATD of their choice.
Animal movements of interest include those that might pose a significant risk of disease
transmission or, in the event of a disease detection, those that might have the greatest
potential for spreading a disease. When linked with other information, animal tracing
provides timely, accurate records that show where animals have been and what other animals
have come into contact with them. In addition to protecting livestock, a producer who
chooses to participate in the animal identification and animal tracing components of NAIS
may use the same methods of identification and information reporting to support source
and/or age verification programs; this offers a strategic advantage in a highly competitive
market.
Animal movement records will be securely held in ATDs owned, managed, and controlled
by the private sector or the States. Animal health officials will only request animal
movement information from these databases when there is a risk to animal health—such as
an incident or outbreak of avian influenza, brucellosis, or tuberculosis.

How All Three Components Work Together
All three of the NAIS components are used together to provide a streamlined system of
information in a disease situation. As participation in NAIS increases, this information will
be used to determine the source of a disease outbreak and identify any animals and/or
locations in the United States that may have been exposed to the disease or are at risk for
spreading the disease.
Example: A diseased animal is detected at a slaughterhouse. Authorized animal health officials enter the
animal’s identification number into the Animal Trace Processing System. The search will provide
This identification recommendation does not refer to animals that “get out,” are taken on trail rides, or move from
location to location within a single premises only, but rather to animals that are moved into commerce or into
situations where they will commingle with other animals from many different premises.

6

Part I: Overview of NAIS 5

information on the Animal Identification Number from the private/State animal tracking database, along
with animal health events recorded in systems maintained by USDA/APHIS for animal health purposes.
Authorized animal health officials then have a listing of locations (premises identification numbers) associated
with the animal. The search will also provide the other animal identification numbers that were present on
the premises during the time the animal in question was there. This helps officials identify animals that may
have been exposed to the disease. Animal health officials can then begin an epidemiologic investigation and
take precise actions to address the situation, minimize its impact on producers, and speed disease eradication
efforts as much as possible.
While NAIS will not “prevent” the initial occurrence of a disease, it can reduce or prevent
the spread of disease. Without this system of information, it can take days, weeks, and too
often, months of manual searching to complete a disease investigation. Moreover, the
inability to quickly address an emerging animal disease can have negative economic and
domestic/international trade implications for the livestock industry and governments.
Having NAIS—a streamlined, modern information system—in place will not only speed up
disease response and eradication work but also ensure that these efforts are as
comprehensive and accurate as possible. The faster and more precise the response, the
sooner life gets back to normal for everyone.
By making the choice to participate in NAIS, producers have the power to protect their
animals and their community against the impact of a disease situation. Premises registration
is the first step and is available for all producers, market operators, feedlots, and other
critical location points where livestock are managed. Likewise, animal identification and
animal tracing are additional options for producers when they are ready to take the next step.
NAIS can help producers protect their animals and their investment—but the choice to
participate is theirs.

The Benefits of a Voluntary Program
Participation in NAIS is voluntary at the Federal level. There are no Federal penalties or
enforcement mechanisms associated with the program. USDA believes that measures of
this nature are simply unnecessary. NAIS brings a range of positive benefits to producers,
and these advantages offer strong reasons for voluntary participation. Signing up for the
first component of NAIS—premises registration—is a quick and easy process, and Federal
law protects individuals’ private and confidential business information from disclosure.
Everyone who lives off of the land understands how important it is to protect the health of
the animals, plants, and humans who share it. Producers also know that we must promote
both domestic and foreign markets and remain competitive in trade. They also recognize
our added responsibility to be vigilant against any attempt to tamper with our food supply.
NAIS helps producers achieve all of these goals. For producers and others in the animal
agriculture sector, NAIS will ensure that—in the case of a disease event—everyone can
benefit from rapid response.
In a market-driven economy, the ability to locate and rapidly respond to a disease situation is
key to protecting access to both domestic and international markets. A single report of
disease can shut down consumer demand for U.S. products. With NAIS, animal health
officials will be able to use premises information to quickly define which regions of our
country are, and are not, affected by an outbreak—keeping markets open for unaffected
producers and preventing unnecessary movement restrictions. Prices at home are dictated
by the overall demand for U.S. products. Therefore, to maintain and protect prices for
domestic commodities, it is crucial for international markets to stay open.
Rapid disease response reduces the number of producers impacted by an outbreak. This, in
turn, reduces the hardships associated with an outbreak—the loss of irreplaceable breeding
stock and bloodlines, the animal distress and loss resulting from the disease itself and the
eradication effort, as well as the labor and time involved with this work. By facilitating rapid

Part I: Overview of NAIS 6

disease response, NAIS also helps to protect the larger community from the impact of a
disease situation. Rapid disease response reduces the strain on social programs, the
environmental impact, and the loss of jobs and tourism in affected communities.
Market demands—such as product and source verification, etc.—are increasing in
importance and are another important reason for producers to participate in NAIS. A
number of other countries are already using animal identification to give their exports a
competitive edge. NAIS allows American producers to share that advantage. The greater
the level of participation in NAIS, the greater the potential to expand marketing
opportunities—which is of merit to the entire industry.
In this regard, USDA believes participation in the main components of NAIS can occur as a
result of standard business practices. For example, in order for producers to obtain official
identification devices, they first need to register for a premises identification number.
Accordingly, the success of the premises registration component would be achieved through
the participation of producers in longstanding disease management programs and
compliance with interstate movement regulations.
Every producer can find good reason to participate in NAIS. Premises registration is a
valuable tool for producers and is independent of the other NAIS components. Signing up
for premises registration in no way obligates a producer to participate in the other parts of
the program. Producers can register their premises today and decide later whether to
participate in the rest of the program. Whatever decision they make, NAIS will provide
additional options for producers when they are ready to make decisions about what
combination of tools best suits their needs.

The Concept Behind NAIS
Animal identification is not a new idea. Federal and State animal health programs—such as
cooperative eradication programs for brucellosis and scrapie—include an animal
identification component, and certain classes of livestock must be officially identified before
entering interstate commerce. In addition, under current laws and rules, some animals must
be identified before they can compete in shows or races.
There are already multiple identification systems in place that exist for various purposes.
(For more information about how existing animal health identification systems fit into the
NAIS, please see page 26) The critical difference with NAIS is the national scope,
uniformity, and compatibility of the system across many animal species. But, the basic
components of NAIS—identifying premises and animals—are not any different from the
approaches Federal and State officials have taken for centuries through animal disease
programs to maintain the health of livestock and poultry in the United States.
When diseases such as bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis were widespread in this country,
animals were identified through disease eradication and control activities. Animals were
identified with a unique number every time they were tested or vaccinated for a disease for
which there was a program. During the height of these eradication programs, a large
percentage of the U.S. livestock population was identified. Now, with the successful
eradication of many diseases, the need for and level of vaccination and testing is low—as is
the percentage of uniquely identified animals and premises in the United States. With this
void of information, the ability to quickly find, control, and eradicate disease can be
hindered.
Today, new challenges in the industry pose new risks. In commerce and the production
chain, animals move from place to place and are in close contact before moving yet again.
Contagious diseases can spread quickly and across great distances. Many States have
information systems in place to locate at-risk animals and premises during an outbreak. But

Part I: Overview of NAIS 7

these systems are not consistent or connected, which can slow the disease response should
an infected animal cross State lines—just when time counts most.
The voluntary NAIS program will help producers and animal health officials respond more
quickly. It offers a modern, streamlined information system that fills the current void in
animal identification and provides a vital tool for rapid disease response.

Estimated Costs Associated With NAIS
The NAIS is a voluntary, cooperative program, with all partners sharing the costs of the
system. While State/Federal government and industry will bear the overall costs of
developing and implementing NAIS, certain costs will fall to individual producers who
choose to participate in certain components of the program.

Participation Costs
For each NAIS component, the anticipated costs for producers are briefly explained below:
ƒ Premises registration
Premises registration is free in all States and participating Tribes.
ƒ Animal identification
The cost will vary among species and the method of identification selected by the
producer/owner. For example, animal identification number (AIN) devices for
cattle may range from $1 for visual identification tags to $2-$3 for devices with
radio frequency identification. In other species where injectable radio frequency
transponders can be used, the cost will vary depending on whether the owner
implants the animal him/herself or has a veterinarian perform this work. Some
sheep producers are using injectable transponders for approximately $5 to $7, while
some horse owners are paying $20 to have a horse implanted with an injectable
transponder. If the owner has the expertise to implant the transponder
him/herself, the cost of the transponder would be a few dollars. Again, the service
associated or “packaged” with the device determines the cost that the provider of
the device(s) charges.
ƒ Animal tracing
The animal tracking databases are provided by industry organizations and the
States. Because many of the animal tracking databases provide additional services
to the producer/owner, cost may vary depending on what services the producer
elects to use. The animal tracking databases are available from the private sector
and the States. Costs are based on the types of services provided and are
determined by the entity offering the ATD. The list of Compliant ATDs is
available on the NAIS Web site
(http://animalid.aphis.usda.gov/nais/animal_track/index.shtml). USDA expects
that competitive forces in the free market will help keep costs down.

Development/Implementation Costs
By the end of fiscal year (FY) 2007, USDA had made available just over $118 million to
develop and implement NAIS. Approximately 60 percent of these Federal funds are used
through cooperative agreements with the States and Tribes to carry out NAIS activities at
the local level. Because premises registration is the foundation of NAIS, the priority focus
has been on implementing this component. Through these cooperative agreements, States
and Tribes have additional resources to conduct education and outreach efforts and to
administer the program.
USDA has also devoted significant resources to the development of the information system,
including the National Premises Information Repository, the Web-based Standardized
Premises Registration System (available free of charge to any State wishing to use it), the
Animal Identification Number (AIN) Management System, and the Animal Trace Processing

Part I: Overview of NAIS 8

System, which supports the integration of multiple private and State animal tracking
databases. In addition, USDA is providing the interfaces and information technology
needed to implement NAIS. USDA has also funded selected field trial projects to explore
innovative methods of animal identification and automated data collection technology.
The Business Plan to Advance Animal Disease Traceability provides more details on the
resources invested to date to develop and implement NAIS.

Economic Benefit of NAIS
The threat of a foreign animal disease outbreak in the United States is real. Unfortunately,
the timing and severity of an outbreak are impossible to predict.
It is, however, certain that—when it comes to a disease event—the time it takes to contain
and control or eradicate the disease is the key factor that determines the economic losses and
other social harms associated with the situation. This is true both for producers and for
animal health officials on the ground. In other words, time is money.
Rapid response has a number of economic benefits for producers. Any producer whose
premises has been impacted by disease can attest to the serious losses and hardships that
result—the loss of irreplaceable breeding stock/bloodlines, lower prices, lost business and
income, animal distress and loss resulting from the disease and eradication effort, and the
labor and time involved with this work. The more quickly and effectively a disease is
contained, the less likely it is that the disease will spread to additional premises. This means
all the difference for producers who are spared from the losses of having their premises
exposed to disease. When fewer producers are affected by disease, the economic strain—
decreased incomes, lost jobs, loss of animals and livelihoods—on entire communities is
reduced. The faster the disease response, the faster an animal disease is isolated, the sooner
life gets back to normal for everyone.
NAIS can also help maintain valuable domestic and foreign markets for producers, or even
achieve new ones. Choosing to participate in NAIS helps producers preserve the
marketability of their animals—whether their markets are at home or abroad. For example,
if producers’ animals are not linked to any affected premises or areas in the event of a
disease outbreak, they could use NAIS animal identification numbers and movement records
to demonstrate that their animals are disease-free.
Furthermore, prices are dictated by the overall demand for U.S. products. To maintain and
protect prices for domestic commodities, it is crucial for international markets to stay open.
In many foreign trade situations, having the ability to quickly define which regions of our
country are—and are not—affected by an outbreak translates into real savings for U.S.
livestock industries and producers. For example, in February 2004, when the first U.S. case
of highly pathogenic avian influenza in more than 20 years occurred, more than 30 countries
placed nationwide bans on U.S. poultry meat. NAIS offers the ability to generate detailed
data showing the scope of a disease outbreak very quickly. This can be a valuable tool in
helping to prevent widespread market closures.
Future competition in today’s market-driven economy depends on producers’ ability to
maintain consumer confidence and protect the health of their animals. A modern disease
response system helps reassure consumers and trading partners that we are doing everything
we can to contain disease spread and protect animal health.
By facilitating rapid response, NAIS also brings economic benefits to the U.S. economy as a
whole. For example, while our work to eradicate exotic Newcastle disease in 2002-2003 was
ultimately successful, this year-long eradication effort cost U.S. taxpayers nearly $200 million.
Given the high expense associated with such efforts, reducing the time it takes to eradicate a
disease by several months—or even several weeks—can save millions of dollars in costs for

Part I: Overview of NAIS 9

everyone involved. When fewer animals and herds/flocks become infected, the number of
quarantined and/or depopulated animals is reduced. This saves the producer both time and
money, and government agencies spend significantly less in terms of eradication (i.e.,
surveillance, testing, euthanasia, carcass disposal, cleaning and disinfection) and manpower
costs.
Rapidly locating potentially infected animals is an essential first step for the rapid control and
eradication of a disease outbreak. The length of time it takes to gain control over the
situation in the initial days of the outbreak often dictates the overall success of the
eradication effort and the ultimate extent of its economic impact. NAIS facilitates such
activities by increasing the efficiency of the disease response.
Consider the following example:
If a highly infectious foreign animal disease (such as foot-and-mouth disease) is
introduced along the border of two States, and there is average traffic among
production sites in these and other neighboring States, the disease has the potential
to spread to numerous States in a matter of days.
Without NAIS: On day one of the response, animal health officials are unable to
identify many of the potentially infected premises. Epidemiologists spend the day
interviewing herd owners, veterinarians, county agents, and others to gather names
and addresses of potential producers in the area. Investigators may actually need to
drive up and down rural roads to look for animals and identify premises.
Depending on available resources, this process takes several days, weeks, or even
months to complete. With each day that passes, the disease spreads further, and
increased numbers of animals/herds are exposed. As the number of exposed
animals/herds increases, more producers are directly impacted by the outbreak.
The cost of eradication efforts increases by hundreds of thousands of dollars each
day; producers’ loss of animals and their livelihoods would grow exponentially with
each passing day.
With NAIS: On day one of the response, animal health officials use the system’s
databases (with the initially infected premises as a starting point) to identify all
potentially affected premises and exposed animals in the surrounding area.
Epidemiologists are able to generate a map of this area and, within minutes, have a
clear picture of the potential scope of the outbreak. That same day, they are able to
contact the owners of the premises and begin taking steps to prevent the disease
from spreading further. In addition, the successful integration of the private and
State animal tracking databases provides information on animals that have moved
from the infected zones. Again, for a highly contagious disease, this could involve
several States. Being able to locate these premises is, likewise, imperative. Using
the NAIS databases, animal health officials are able to complete this important task
quickly and thoroughly.
As this example illustrates, by enabling rapid response, NAIS helps protect U.S. producers
from the devastating losses that are often associated with a disease outbreak. USDA has
entered into a cooperative agreement with Kansas State University to lead a multiinstitutional team in conducting a cost-benefit analysis that will help us more precisely
forecast the potential economic effects of the NAIS.7 But we already know that, to best
protect our Nation’s producers from the devastating consequences of a disease event, it is
critical that animal health officials have the capability to carry out their jobs as efficiently and
effectively as possible. NAIS will help reduce the time required to locate infected animals
and notify at-risk producers, thereby reducing the opportunities for exposing other
susceptible animals and the costs of additional exposure. The more quickly we can identify
7

The final report should be available in July/August 2008.

Part I: Overview of NAIS 10

infected animals and isolate a disease, the fewer farms quarantined, the fewer animals
depopulated, the fewer livelihoods lost, and the less spent on eradication activities. The
faster we can assure consumers and trading partners that our food supply is healthy and safe,
the less economic impact the disease situation has on everyone—from producers, to U.S.
taxpayers, to State and Federal agencies.

Roles and Responsibilities
In order to make the voluntary NAIS successful, it has been designed as a State-Federalindustry partnership. The responsibility for implementing and administering NAIS is shared
among numerous entities—State and Tribal governments, industry groups/private
companies, and USDA. Understanding the different roles of these groups will help
producers identify the appropriate sources to contact for NAIS-related services and for
answers to any questions that may arise as the system is implemented.
Below is a general overview of the various sectors’ responsibilities:
States/Tribes
ƒ Maintain Premises Registration Systems;
ƒ Identify and register premises within their geographic areas;
ƒ Submit premises data to USDA’s National Premises Information Repository;
ƒ Approve tagging/identification sites and services (used by producers who cannot
tag/identify own animals);
ƒ Conduct extensive public outreach to keep producers informed about NAIS and
encourage participation;
ƒ Serve as primary point-of-contact for producers seeking guidance/clarification on
NAIS requirements within their States or Tribes;
ƒ Report shipment of animal identification number (AIN) devices to the AIN
Management System; and,
ƒ Conduct public outreach to keep producers informed about NAIS and encourage
participation.
Industry Groups/Private Industry
Note: This bulleted list refers to industry as a whole and not the responsibilities of individual producers.
ƒ Develop and maintain animal tracking databases (databases are also being
developed by some States);
ƒ Act as “authorized agents” to register premises for producers (only with permission
from the producer);
ƒ Manufacture and distribute animal identification number (AIN) devices;
ƒ Report shipment of animal identification number (AIN) devices to the AIN
Management System; and,
ƒ Conduct public outreach to keep producers informed about NAIS and encourage
participation.
Federal
ƒ Develop and maintain the National Premises Information Repository and premises
number allocator and provide the Standard Premises Registration System for States
and Tribes;
ƒ Establish minimum performance standards for official identification devices;
ƒ Approve animal identification number (AIN) devices and AIN device
manufacturers;
ƒ Maintain the Animal Identification Number (AIN) Management System to support
the allocation of AINs to manufacturers and recording of device types shipped;
ƒ Provide the Animal Trace Processing System (ATPS), a communications system
that will allow timely interaction with the multiple private and State animal tracking

Part I: Overview of NAIS 11

ƒ

databases and Federal/State animal health databases, including the AIN
Management System to address an animal disease event; and,
Conduct public outreach to keep all interested parties informed about NAIS and
ongoing progress in implementing the system.

Outstanding Issues and the Role of the Species
Working Groups
NAIS continues to evolve to meet producer demands, and participant input to the program
is critical. As NAIS has progressed, the needs and comments of many individuals have
shaped its development. Unique needs and preferences must be considered and addressed
to make the system work well for different parts of the animal industry and also for U.S.
producers who raise many different species of animals in many different environments.
Some issues can only be addressed sequentially as the NAIS is developed and more fully
implemented. The answers to some questions will depend on the choices not yet made by
producers themselves. The answer to the important question, “How much will this cost
me?” depends, for example, on the choices a producer will make in selecting the type of
identification device(s) he or she will use. Competitive forces in the free market most likely
will be a primary driver in reducing producer costs.
The Species Working Groups represent a significant, first-tier level of those individuals who
will help shape the answers to many of the remaining technical and procedural issues
concerning NAIS. The groups’ primary objective is to provide their species-specific
knowledge and experience to address species-specific issues to further NAIS’ development
and implementation.
The working groups include representatives from various levels and segments of industry.
Their input to NAIS’ development is critical, and they contribute the species-specific,
ground-level information that is necessary to create an effective system. NAIS working
groups are focused on the production of cattle (beef and dairy), bison, poultry, swine, sheep,
goats, deer and elk, equines, and alpacas and llamas. Interested individuals may contact the
working group chairperson to learn more about becoming a member.
The recommendations developed by the various Species Working Groups are provided to
the NAIS Subcommittee which serves under the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Foreign
Animal and Poultry Diseases. The Subcommittee is comprised of State and industry
stakeholders, with Federal staff providing program resources and administrative support.
In addition to the recommendations from the Species Working Groups, the Subcommittee
also accepts recommendations from State and national organizations.
The NAIS Subcommittee reviews and consolidates recommendations it receives, and in turn,
reports its findings to the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Foreign Animal and Poultry
Diseases. This structure for gathering input and shaping decisions provides an excellent
opportunity for industry issues—including those unique to producers—to be thoroughly
discussed and to have a consensus position shared with USDA.
Comments concerning NAIS’ development are valuable to guide efforts as the NAIS moves
forward. We encourage producers to make suggestions about NAIS by contacting the
working group(s) for the species of animal(s) they raise. From the home page of the
USDA/APHIS Animal Identification Web page (http://www.usda.gov/nais/), select the
“Contact Us” link in the menu at the top of the page. To provide input to a species working
group, click on the “Contact a Working Group” link, which is in the “Contact Us” menu on
the right side of the page. Selecting the link will bring up a form on which you can provide
your email address, select the appropriate Species Working Group, and provide your

Part I: Overview of NAIS 12

comments or questions. More information is also available through the “Species Working
Group” link, which is on the left side of the page under the heading “Browse by Subject.”
Producers can also submit comments via e-mail at [email protected].
Producers should include the species name and the term “working group” in the subject line
of the e-mail. Comments can also be mailed directly to USDA. The address is NAIS
Program Staff, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA, Unit 200, 4700 River
Road, Riverdale, Maryland 20737.
In addition, there are animal health officials and APHIS representatives, Area Veterinarians
in Charge (AVICs), in each State who can provide assistance. The AVICs work through area
offices to support and carry out APHIS-Veterinary Services activities at the State level. For
example, AVICs provide health certificate endorsement, supplies for disease
control/eradication programs, export certifications, import inspections, and many other
APHIS programs and services.
Producers are encouraged to contact the appropriate State animal health officials and AVIC
if they have specific questions about NAIS. An “AVIC Contact List” and “States,
Territories, and Tribes Contact List” with telephone numbers and other contact information
is included in the Appendix of this document. AVIC information is also available on
APHIS’ Web site at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/downloads/vsavic.pdf.
It is important for producers to know:
ƒ Comments to the Species Working Groups and to USDA concerning NAIS’
development are still being accepted.
ƒ The Species Working Groups’ consensus recommendation is made available on
USDA/APHIS’ National Animal Identification System Web site at
http://www.usda.gov/nais/.
NAIS, which is a voluntary program, will enhance our ability to trace an animal disease to its
source. This ability is critical to the health and economic well being of commercial livestock
and poultry operations in the United States. The Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C.
8301 et seq.) provides the legal authority for this program.

Part I: Overview of NAIS 13

Part II: Premises Registration
This part of the document discusses:
ƒ Background on Premises Registration
ƒ Which Locations Should Be Registered
ƒ Multiple Premises Numbers for the Same Owner
ƒ The Premises Identification Numbering System
ƒ Process for Collecting Premises Information
ƒ Non-Producer Participants
ƒ Protection of Information
ƒ The Costs Associated with Premises Registration
ƒ How to Register a Premises (process, contacts, etc.)

Background on Premises Registration
Premises registration, the foundation of NAIS, is fundamental to containing animal diseases.
Knowing where animals are located and how to reach owners is the key to rapid, accurate,
and cost-effective disease response. By choosing to register their premises, producers
become part of a national animal disease response network. They join industry, State and
Federal partners, and other producers in controlling and preventing the spread of animal
disease.
Opening the lines of communication between producers and animal health officials is
critical. By voluntarily registering their premises, producers ensure that they will be notified
quickly by animal health official when a disease event might put their animals at risk. They
will then have the information they need—when they need it most—to take action and
protect the health of their animals. In addition, premises information can be used to define
quickly which regions of our country are, and are not, affected by an outbreak—keeping
markets open for unaffected producers and preventing unnecessary movement restrictions.
Premises registration also helps safeguard producers against a slow disease response. When
animal health officials know where at-risk premises and animals are, and have contact
information for the owners, they can respond quickly and strategically to prevent disease
spread. The more quickly and effectively a disease is isolated, the less likely it is to spread to
additional premises—which means fewer producers are impacted.
Animal owners can participate by registering their premises—a location where livestock or
poultry are raised, held, or boarded—with their State, Tribal, or Territorial animal health
authority. During the registration process, owners provide basic contact information for
their premises and obtain a unique Premises Identification Number for that location.
There are several key points about premises registration:
1. Premises registration is free.
2. The registration process is quick and simple—producers simply fill out the
premises registration form. Producers may obtain a copy of the form from their
State animal health official. Several States also offer on-line premises registration.
To learn more, please visit the NAIS Web site (http://www.usda.gov/nais/).
3. Individuals’ private information and confidential business information is protected
by Federal law from disclosure.
4. Registering a premises does not obligate a producer to participate in the other two
components of NAIS.

Part II: Premises Registration 14

Which Locations Should be Registered
For the purposes of NAIS, a “premises” is defined as “a unique and describable geographic
location where activity affecting the health and/or traceability of animals may occur.” Such
locations include farms, ranches, stables, other production units, markets, abattoirs
(slaughter facilities), rendering facilities, ports of entry, veterinary clinics/laboratories,
exhibitions, and any other location where livestock are raised, held, or boarded.
The definition and examples listed here are general guidelines for premises. Livestock
management practices vary depending on a variety of factors. We realize that, as a result,
there is no “one size fits all” definition of a premises, and that some operations are difficult
to categorize. Producers should consult State and local animal health authorities in their area
to determine how their premises fit into NAIS. Officials at the local level will be better able
to address variations in production systems and methods, such as how to distinguish
between multiple production units within a premises, or how to identify open range and
public grazing lands (see “Multiple Premises Numbers for the Same Owner” for further
details).

Multiple Premises Numbers for the Same Owner
Livestock farming and ranching operations differ across the country in terms of geographic
size, degree of animal movement, proximity to other operations, the number of livestock
within the operations and within the area, and the interaction between operations.
Therefore, coming up with a “one size fits all” definition of a livestock premises is not
possible. In general, a premises is a location where livestock are raised, held, or boarded.
Knowledge of where these locations are during an animal health event is key to the timely
containment of the disease.
As livestock owners register their premises, they should decide if their operation needs more
than one premises identification number (PIN). Some farms have only one location where
livestock are held or raised, and a single PIN is needed. Other operations have several
locations where livestock can be found. In this case, consultation between the owner and
the State/Tribe animal health official may be needed to decide how many of the locations
should be assigned a PIN. This decision should be based on the following epidemiological
considerations:
1.

2.
3.

4.
5.

Permanence. Locations that have permanent livestock facilities such as pens,
corrals, stables, sale rings, or buildings have a greater need for individual premises
identification than locations where livestock are held on a temporary basis such as
rented corn stubble fields, wheat pastures, etc.
Area livestock density. In areas where livestock are densely populated, it is
important to identify a sufficient number of premises in order to establish the true
epidemiologic picture of the area.
Animal movement between locations. If there is routine movement of livestock
between multiple locations and the movement does not pose a risk to other
operations through animal contact, there may be no epidemiologic advantage to
giving each location a separate PIN. On the other hand, locations that are handled
separately with no animal movement between them could qualify for separate
PINs. Again, owners should feel free to consult with their State/Tribal animal
health official in cases like this.
Geographic separation. The risk of exposure of other operations increases when
the distance animals are moved from one location to the other increases.
Proximity to other livestock operations. If routine animal movements involve
contact with other livestock along the movement route, or if the location has close
contact with a neighboring operation, identification of that premises would be of
particular importance to epidemiologists.

Part II: Premises Registration 15

In disease incident or outbreak situations, a location or herd identifier is assigned if the
location does not already have one.8 In such cases, the determination of having one or more
premises assigned includes the following factors:
ƒ Herd disease status. If the location has animals that are under quarantine, or are
known to have tested positive for a disease of concern by Federal or State animal
health officials, a separate identifier may be necessary.
ƒ Area disease status. In the event of a disease outbreak, it may be necessary to
identify each and every premises (regardless of size or permanence) within an
affected zone.
Fortunately for producers, they do not have to make these determinations by themselves.
State/Tribe and Federal animal health officials are available to help producers register
premises in accordance with State/Tribal guidance for establishing animal disease response
programs. These animal health officials have access to trained veterinary epidemiologists to
assist in making these decisions.
NAIS is a voluntary program at the Federal level. Registering at least one premises in a
multiple location operation is certainly preferable to registering none. As outreach and
education efforts begin to explain the need for more detail, additional premises can be added
to an operation profile when the information is updated. It is important for animal health
officials and producers to have flexibility in determining what will work best for each
individual livestock operation.
Voluntarily registering an operation with multiple locations and obtaining a PIN for each
location does not mean that producers should report the routine movement of animals in
and out of those locations as long as the movements are within the same livestock operation.
Certainly, producers could choose to report these movements.

Premises Identification Numbering System
A premises identification number (PIN) is a unique, 7-digit code that includes both letters
and numbers.
Example: A123R69
The owner of the premises, or a person designated by the owner of the premises, can
register his/her location. A premises identification number, or PIN, is then permanently
assigned to that location associating it with the mailing address. If there is no mailing
address for the livestock/poultry operation, geographic coordinates—latitude and
longitude—can be used instead to describe the location. (This does not provide any satellite
tracking capability of either animals or people living at the premises.) Geographic
coordinates can be determined by using driving directions from a point of reference with
existing mapping program software. Producers do not need to collect geographic
coordinates.
Assigning premises numbers avoids having multiple numbers assigned to the same
operation, regardless of species. It is important to remember that the premises identification
number (PIN) is assigned permanently to a physical location. If an owner or entity sells
his/her farm, the next operators of the premises use the original premises identification
number that had been assigned to that location. If the seller buys a new location to build a
new operation that never had livestock, he/she would register that location and obtain a new
premises identification number (PIN).

The NAIS premises identification number (PIN) will become the official location identifier as NAIS data
standards are integrated into all Federal disease programs.

8

Part II: Premises Registration 16

States and Tribes are responsible for collecting premises information from producers and
registering locations in their geographic areas. This information is entered into the Premises
Registration System (a database) used by the State or Tribe. The PIN allocator validates the
address/location of each premises and ensures that the address/location has no other
premises number already on record. The PIN allocator then issues a premises identification
number to the address/location. The State/Tribe informs the person listed as the “point of
contact” for the premises of the official premises identification number (PIN) for the
location. Some States currently utilize an Internet option for registering one’s premises, and
in such cases, the premises identification number (PIN) is provided while online.

Process for Collecting Premises Information
Each State or Tribe adheres to the national data standards and guidelines for premises
registration established by USDA. The way premises information is collected and entered is
at the discretion of the State or Tribe, and each may have its own additional information
requirements for premises registration.
To meet USDA’s data standards for premises registration, States/Tribes collect and maintain
at a minimum the following pieces of information:
ƒ premises identification number (PIN);
ƒ name of entity;
ƒ contact person for premises;
ƒ street address, city, state, and zip or postal code (or latitude/longitude coordinates)
of the premises;
ƒ contact phone number;
ƒ operation type;
ƒ date activated, date retired, and the reason retired (to determine whether animals
still exist at the location); and,
ƒ alternative phone numbers.
To ensure animal health officials at the national level have the necessary contact information
in case of a disease concern, States/Tribes forward a subset of information to USDA’s
National Premises Information Repository. National animal health officials can then request
and obtain this information quickly during a disease outbreak, helping them coordinate their
response with the affected States/Tribes.
Again, USDA only requires that States and Tribes collect the minimum information listed
above. States or Tribes may choose to collect additional information as part of that
State/Tribe’s premises registration process, based on local needs.
Note: The concept of premises registration is not new. For many years, numbers for herds,
flocks, and locations have been used in Federal-State animal health programs. In addition,
different formats have been used by States for herd and/or location numbers. Often, a
single producer may be assigned many numbers for the same operation. The establishment
of PINs is needed to standardize the number and the information that pertains to the
location where the animals are managed, as well as to avoid duplication of numbers for the
same location. The PIN is being incorporated as the standard location identifier in all
Federal livestock and poultry disease programs.

Part II: Premises Registration 17

Non-Producer Participants
Not all individuals or groups participating in NAIS are directly associated with a premises
that manages or holds livestock. The roles of these “non-producer participants” may
include, among others, manufacturing and distributing official identification devices,
submitting information to designated NAIS databases, or providing device/identification
services. (See “How to Obtain Identification Devices” in Part III for information on official
identification device distributors.)
These individuals or companies obtain a non-producer participant number (NPN) instead of
a premises identification number (PIN). The NPN is obtained using the same procedures
for registering premises. The difference is that NPNs are assigned to individuals,
organizations, or entities, rather than the address/location of a premises. If a non-producer
participant moves to another location, including another State, the NPN will still remain
with that entity. The reason for assigning NPNs is to establish a record of each
individual/company providing data to NAIS databases. This better enables Federal and
State officials to maintain proper data controls and integrity measures for NAIS information.

Protection of Information
Federal law protects individuals’ private information and confidential business information
from disclosure. Through both intent and design, NAIS is limited in scope in terms of the
type and quantity of information maintained by the Federal Government. The system will
hold and maintain only limited premises registration and AIN device distribution
information.
USDA’s National Premises Information Repository will contain the following pieces of
information:
ƒ Premises Identification Number (PIN);
ƒ name of entity;
ƒ contact person for premises;
ƒ street address;
ƒ city;
ƒ State;
ƒ zip or postal code;
ƒ contact phone number;
ƒ operation type (e.g, farm, ranch, market, packing plant, abattoir, boarding facility,
rendering facility, port of entry, veterinary clinic, laboratory, exhibit, etc.);
ƒ date activated in the system;
ƒ date retired from the system; and,
ƒ reason retired.
USDA and State animal health authorities need this basic information so that we can quickly
locate premises at risk in the event of an animal disease emergency.
Beyond the premises registration system, USDA will not maintain any additional data on
participants in the premises information repository. If and when producers opt to
participate in the voluntary animal identification numbering system, their PIN will be
associated with the animal identification numbers of the identification tags or devices
distributed to their premises. This information will be maintained in the AIN Management
System. When producers elect to participate in the animal tracing component they will
submit animal movement records to an Animal Tracking Database of their choice. These
Animal Tracking Databases are maintained by a State or private service provider. If USDA
needs animal movement and location information to respond to an animal health event, data
will be requested from the private or State databases where it is held. Federal law protects

Part II: Premises Registration 18

individuals’ private information and confidential business information from public
disclosure.

The Costs Associated With Premises Registration
Premises registration is free in all States/Tribes. Because premises registration is carried out
by individual States/Tribes, each may choose to keep premises registration free or not in
their respective areas, based on local needs. To date, all States/Tribes are registering
premises at no charge. As a result, there is no cost for producers to participate in the
premises registration component of NAIS. Producers should also be aware that registering a
premises does not obligate the premises to participate in the other components of NAIS
(i.e., voluntary animal identification and tracing).

How To Register a Premises
The owner of the premises, person chosen by the premises owner, or person responsible for
the animals at the premises can register a premises by filling out the appropriate premises
registration form for his or her State/Tribe and sending it to the State/Tribe’s animal health
authority (e.g., State veterinarian). Many States offer producers the option of registering
their premises online at the State agriculture department or Tribal Web site. (Access to State
and Tribal Web sites is available through the NAIS Web site. http://www.usda.gov/nais/)
Premises registration forms are available on each State’s department of agriculture Web site.
Forms can be downloaded from the Web sites and submitted to State animal health
authorities via land mail or e-mail. Producers may also contact their State or Tribal NAIS
contact by mail or phone to request the appropriate forms (contact information is included
in the Appendix under “States, Territories, and Tribes Contact List”). To view a sample
premises registration form, please see page 52 in the Appendix of this document.
Most States provide step-by-step instructions for the premises registration process on their
Web sites. State animal health authorities are also available to answer any questions
producers may have about premises registration and/or the registration process.
Tribal members should contact their Tribe’s designated liaison for more information and to
obtain premises registration forms.
States and Tribes also have the option of allowing industry organizations or groups or other
interested third parties to assist with collecting and entering premises data. These groups act
as “authorized agents” and, with the permission of the premises owner, are permitted to
submit data to the State or Tribe’s premises registration system on that person’s behalf.
Several States are using authorized agents to help promote NAIS and offer producers
another convenient option for registering their premises. If producers are interested in
working with an authorized agent, they should check with their State animal health authority
to identify any opportunities in their area and obtain contact information.
As mentioned previously, a complete listing of each State/Tribe’s contact information for
premises registration is provided in the Appendix of this document. This information can
also be accessed on USDA/APHIS’ Animal Identification Web site
(http://www.usda.gov/nais/) by selecting the “Contact Us” drop-down menu at the top of
the page and choosing “State NAIS Administrator Directory.”

Keeping Your Premises Information Current
Since up-to-date information is vital in responding to an animal health event, the person
registering the premises is encouraged to keep the requested information current. Each State
and Tribe provides guidelines for updating premises information. Keeping your information

Part II: Premises Registration 19

(contact name, phone number, etc.) current is important in case animal health officials need
to contact you in the event of a disease concern in your area.

Industry Cooperators
Several industry organizations are providing premises registration assistance to their
members and/or producers in the industry sector they serve. The organizations assist
producers with the completion of the premises registration form that is then processed by
the appropriate State or Tribe. A list of cooperators is provided on the NAIS Web site.

Part II: Premises Registration 20

PART III: Animal Identification
This part of the document is separated into two sections. The first section discusses:
ƒ An Overview of Voluntary Animal Identification
ƒ Individual Animal Identification
ƒ Group/Lot Identification
ƒ Animals Not Needing Identification Numbers

An Overview of Voluntary Animal Identification9
Producers who have registered their premises may choose to participate in animal
identification, the second component of voluntary NAIS. Animal identification number
(AIN) devices are available for use with most species, and devices for use with additional
species will be available soon. The list of approved AIN devices is available on the NAIS
Web site. Group/lot identification numbers, generated by the producer at the premises, are
also an option once the premises has been registered.
Animal identification, whether individual or group/lot, provides producers and owners with
a uniform numbering system for identifying their animals. It also links their livestock or
poultry to a specific premises – a valuable tool for producers and owners whose animals go
into commercial production or move frequently.
The need for, and method of, animal identification will vary depending on where and how
animals are moved or “commingled.” Some animals may be identified individually; some
may be identified as a group; and some animals would not be asked to be officially identified
at all. Each of these scenarios is discussed in more detail below.
Additionally, the method of identification or type of identification device varies among
species. For example, cattle are identified with a visual eartag while horses, llamas, alpacas,
and other species may be identified with an injectable transponder. USDA has not
designated any specific identification technologies beyond the minimum requirements for
official identification that have been identified in the Code of Federal Regulations. What works
for one species may not work for another. This is a decision best left to the producers
themselves. NAIS works best if there is active involvement and ongoing feedback from the
States, industry, and producers. USDA will continue to work with producers and animal
owners to ensure that the system is easy to use and makes sense.
Under voluntary NAIS, USDA recommends that animals moved from their current
premises to other commercial production locations or premises like auctions/markets,
feedlots, etc., be officially identified. In situations where commingling of animals from
multiple premises at a location takes place, it is important because it directly influences the
potential impact of disease exposure and spread, thus determining whether and when an
animal needs to be identified. In general, the term “commingle” refers to events where
animals are mixed or brought together with animals from other farms, ranches, or other
production systems.

Producers should check with their State animal health authority for existing animal identification requirements that
are currently in place at the State level and are not affected by NAIS.

9

Part III: Animal Identification 21

Individual Animal Identification
Individual Animal Numbering Systems
The USDA has recognized official numbering systems for many years that continue to be
official. In other words, because NAIS is implemented for voluntary participation, no
previously recognized official numbering system used prior to the Animal Identification
Number (AIN) will be discontinued.
Official numbers for individual animal identification include:
ƒ National Uniform Eartagging System (e.g., the traditional calfhood vaccinations
device with nine characters—the two-character State abbreviation, three alpha
characters, and four digits)
ƒ Premises Identification Number with a unique herd management number
(commonly used in the National Scrapie Eradication Program)
ƒ Animal Identification Number (AIN)
Through an interim rule published in November 2004, which was finalized in July 2007, the
AIN was established as an official number that could be used for all disease programs as well
as by industry for breed registry, performance recording programs, etc.

Animal Identification Number (AIN)
USDA recommends individual identification with an Animal Identification Number (AIN),
or other appropriate official number, of those animals that move through the production
chain as individuals when the movement, based on disease risk, warrants the need for animal
identification.
An animal identification number (AIN) is a unique, 15-digit number, where the first three
numbers are the country code and the following 12 digits are the animal’s unique identifying
number. The first three numbers of an animal identification number (AIN) issued in the
United States will always be 840. The AIN is imprinted on identification devices with a
space between every 3rd digit to improve readability (the numbers are not stored in
databases with the space).
Example: 840 003 123 456 789
Other countries, through international standards, are assigned three-digit codes. For
example, Canada’s identification numbers have 124 as the first three digits (Canada’s country
code) followed by 12 additional digits. These numbering systems allow the national number
to be unique worldwide.
The person responsible for the care of the animal chooses when to place the identification
on the animal (when the AIN device is attached or adhered to the animal). Some producers
may want to attach identification devices shortly after birth; others may choose to attach a
device later. However, the animal should have identification attached before the animal
moves from its current premises to another producer’s premises, a livestock market, feedlot,
etc.
Producers who purchase animals and bring them into their operation will maintain the
official identification already on the animal — no additional identification or change of
identification of those animals should occur. Likewise, imported animals will have a national
number and official identification devices from the country in which the animal was born.
Those animals are required by regulation to keep the official identifier from the country of
origin.

Part III: Animal Identification 22

See the section on “Loss or Malfunctioning of Identification Devices” for instructions on
how to re-identify animals if they lose their identification devices or if the device
malfunctions.

Group/Lot Identification
Animals that typically move through the production chain as a group of animals of the same
species can be identified by Group/Lot Identification Numbers (GINs), rather than
individual numbers. This practice is most common in the poultry and pork industries.
However, group/lot identification may be an option for other species when they move
through the production chain as a group. The individual identification of such animals in
the group or lot with a tag or other identification device is not necessary. An animal
removed from the group, however, should be identified individually if it is moved out of the
group to another premises.
The group identification number (GIN) is a 15-character number consisting of the 7character Premises Identification Number; the date that the group or lot of animals was
assembled; and a 2-digit number to reflect the count of groups assembled at the same
premises on the same day (starting with 01). The date format is mmddyy - for example
041406 for April 14, 2006.
Example: A23456710030204
In the example, this is the fourth group assembled at premise A234567 on October 3, 2002.
The person at the premises who is responsible for animals at that location generates and
assigns the group identification numbers (GINs). Since the GIN is “self-generated” by the
producer (not assigned by USDA) the GIN of each group is maintained at the premises by
the producer in his or her management records. The Species Working Groups will provide
more recommendations on a species basis about how group/lot identification applies to
each sector of their industry, and in particular how group movements
should be maintained and reported.

Animals Not Needing Animal Identification Numbers
Some animals do not need to be identified under NAIS, specifically animals whose
movement poses a low risk of disease spread or exposure. Such cases include:
ƒ Animals that never leave the farm or are only moved directly to custom slaughter
for personal consumption do not need to be officially identified. In such cases,
these movements have little impact on the potential spread of disease and the
traceability, if necessary, is adequate. (State requirements for custom slaughter may
differ from this Federal guidance.)
ƒ Animals that do not leave their birth premises (e.g., die and are buried at their birth
place) do not need to be identified.
In such cases, an individual may choose to participate only in the premises registration
portion of NAIS. Voluntarily registering premises does not automatically enroll an
individual in the other components of NAIS. USDA encourages all animal owners to
register their premises, regardless of the number of animals present, because many animal
diseases (such as avian influenza, foot-and-mouth disease, and vesicular stomatitis) can be
spread whether an animal leaves its home premises or not. Registering a premises ensures
that animal owners will receive the information they need to protect their animals and their
investment in the event of a disease outbreak. Contact information provided during
premises registration opens the lines of communication between animal owners and animal
health officials, which is critical to effective and efficient disease response.

Part III: Animal Identification 23

Note: Animals that die on the premises and are taken to a rendering plant need to be
identified to ensure there is a means of determining the location from which they were
taken. While an AIN device may be used to support this identification requirement, other
means of identification are adequate and producers should discuss this with the
representative of the rendering plant.

Part III: Animal Identification 24

Part III (Continued): Animal Identification
The second section of Part III discusses:
•
Options for Identification Devices
•
Existing Animal Health Identification Systems
•
Cost Considerations for Identification Devices
•
USDA’s Role in Authorizing Manufacturers
•
How to Obtain Identification Devices
•
Applying Identification Devices
•
Intentional Removal of Identification Devices
•
Loss or Malfunctioning of Identification Devices

Options for Identification Devices
At the Federal level, participation in NAIS is voluntary. However, existing regulations in the
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) for certain diseases such as brucellosis and bovine
tuberculosis and the interstate commerce of certain classes and ages of animals define
requirements for animal identification, and in some cases, define the devices that can be
used. These include official eartags, tattoos, and radio frequency identification devices
(RFID). Registered brands administered through recognized brand authorities are
recognized as official identification within the States that have brand regulations, but are not
considered official individual animal identification on the interstate certificates of veterinary
inspection.
NAIS does not alter any regulations in the CFR or at the State level. However, AIN tags
used in NAIS are official identification devices and may be used to meet the needs for
official identification that is regulated through the CFR or by the States.
USDA has not designated any specific identification technologies beyond the minimum
requirements for official identification that have been identified in the CFR. NAIS works
best if there is active involvement and feedback from the States, industry, and producers.
NAIS remains open with regard to the technology used to identify an animal and will not
require any specific identification technology—such as RFID tags or injectable transponders.
When a technology, such as RFID, is incorporated with an AIN device, International
Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards or their equivalent are used to ensure the
compatibility of the technology across multiple manufacturers.
The Species Working Group recommendations10 may contain other guidelines that further
explain what animals should be identified, when, and what methods are recommended. The
Species Working Groups are analyzing which identification devices and methods work best
for their species and will help determine appropriate standards for identification devices and
methods.
Identification devices that use the animal identification number (AIN) in accordance with
the CFR and NAIS criteria are also recognized as official for use in interstate commerce.

AIN Devices
For livestock industries that generally use visual identification, such as cattle and sheep,
animal identification number (AIN) tags are the accepted industry standard when unique
individual animal identification is warranted. USDA, with industry input through the species
working groups, has established standards for AIN tags (readability, durability, printing
characteristics, etc.). Other animals—such as horses—that are not typically identified with
10 The Species Working Groups’ recommendations are made available on USDA/APHIS’ Animal Identification
Web site at http://animalid.aphis.usda.gov/nais/species_work_groups/index.shtml.

Part III: Animal Identification 25

eartags would not need to be identified with such devices. USDA recently approved an
injectable transponder for use in horses, alpacas and llamas. The Equine Species Working
Group, comprised of industry and government representatives, has recommended that
NAIS use ISO 11784 and 11785 compliant injectable transponders as the preferred method
of electronic identification in horses.

Supplemental Identification
Producers and owners of animals may choose to incorporate supplemental identification
methods or technologies with the animal identification number (AIN) tag or device. If they
do, the animal identification number (AIN) tag or device is the official identifier. For
example, the cattle working group has recommended RFID eartags, which use radio
frequency to convey information, as a preferred form of identification. RFID tags that meet
the minimum visual characteristics, when so authorized, can be used as animal identification
number (AIN) tags.
The flexibility of supplemental identification allows higher radio frequencies, biometrics
(DNA, retinal imaging, etc.), and other technologies to be used with the animal identification
number (AIN) tag or device. While visual identification eartags are the standard for certain
species—cattle, for instance—different methods are used for other species. The Equine
Species Working Group, for example, recommends an injectable transponder. Other
Species Working Groups continue to analyze the types of identification devices and methods
that are best for their species and industry and will provide recommendations in that regard.
In cases where group/lot identification is appropriate, no identification device is needed for
individual animals that are managed and move together through the production chain as a
group.

Brands
Brands were originally established, however, to support “proof of ownership,” and they have
frequently played an important role in tracing animals for disease purposes. Brands and the
brand infrastructure will continue to be a vital part of animal identification. A Brand State
Working Group was established in 2006 to ensure that NAIS capitalizes on the merits of
branding and the brand inspection infrastructure as the program moves forward. We have
received valuable feedback so far, and will continue working closely with brand States on
NAIS issues. Specifically, the working group is attempting to define and demonstrate how
official brands can best be used to support the objectives of the NAIS and to then offer the
results for consideration and inclusion in the NAIS plans. The working group is also
exploring cooperative efforts that might be of merit to the brand system as well.

Existing Animal Health Identification Systems
In addition to USDA’s animal identification number (AIN) system, there are currently
several other official numbering systems and several methods of identifying individual
animals. The goal, however, is to move to a single numbering system when practical and use
standard identification methods that the Species Working Groups recommend as the most
effective for their species. Over time, the animal identification number (AIN) will become
the standard national numbering system used for unique individual animal identification for
certain species and/or methods of identification.
USDA is working to incorporate identification numbers and devices already in use for
animal health programs. Animals currently identified through official programs like the
National Scrapie Eradication Program do not need to be re-identified for NAIS. Use of the
AIN has begun in the chronic wasting disease program and the tuberculosis program. AIN
tags, rather than the original orange vaccination tags, may also be used in the brucellosis
program, if preferred by the producer. The AIN devices may be used to meet the
requirements of official identification in Federal animal disease programs.

Part III: Animal Identification 26

Cost Considerations for Identification Devices
The cost of the AIN devices varies based on the type of identification device the producer
chooses. Such costs are determined by the species being identified and the intended use of
the device for herd management. For example, plastic eartags with a panel for writing or
imprinting each animal’s herd management number may cost in the neighborhood of $1
each, while some of the button-like radio frequency eartags are between $2 and $3. Devices
can come with a variety of services, and thus the person selecting the device will likely
consider the options offered by each organization providing the animal identification
number (AIN) device.
The administration of other devices, radio frequency injectable transponders for example,
may typically be implanted by a veterinarian. In such cases, the cost of these identification
devices may include the service charge for implanting the transponder in the proper implant
site. Currently, such cost for implanting the transponder in horses is approximately $15 to
$20 per horse and is also dependent on variation in travel cost of the veterinarian to the
premises. Individuals with the expertise to implant the transponders themselves would only
pay for the cost of the transponder.
Specific information about the costs of AIN devices may be obtained from the AIN
managers and resellers that provide the devices to the producer. For more information,
contact the AIN device manufacturer to obtain names of the AIN managers or resellers in
your area. The list of approved AIN manufacturers is provided on the NAIS Web site.

USDA’S Role in Authorizing Manufacturers
Using the Web-based AIN Management System (AINMS), USDA allocates animal
identification numbers (AINs) to manufacturers that are authorized by USDA to produce
official identification devices or technologies. The AIN device manufacturers are only
permitted to use AINs allocated to them; this ensures that the uniqueness of the animal
identification numbers is maintained. All of the manufacturers have the responsibility for
issuing AINs only on official identification devices.
AIN device manufacturers have representatives that provide AIN devices to producers and
animal owners. The AIN device manufacturers report the animal identification number
imprinted or embedded on each device, the Product Code of each device, and the
distribution record of each AIN device to the AINMS.

How To Obtain Identification Devices
Individuals who choose to participate in the voluntary NAIS and choose to use AIN
tags/devices for their animals can obtain devices from a representative of authorized AIN
device manufacturers, referred to as AIN device managers. Here are the basic steps and
requirements:
1. Make sure the premises where the animals are located is registered and has a
premises identification number (PIN). See this document’s section on premises
registration for details.
2. Contact an AIN manager who provides the AIN device(s) of your preference. A
list of authorized AIN identification devices, their manufacturers, and the species
for which each is recommended is available through the AIN Management System
Information Web page
(http://animalid.aphis.usda.gov/nais/animal_id/ain_mngt_sys.shtml). Contact the

Part III: Animal Identification 27

3.

device manufacturer to obtain the contact information for manager(s) in your
area.11
Give your premises identification number (PIN) to the animal identification
number (AIN) device manager. The manager will validate the premises
identification number (PIN), and the devices will be shipped or delivered to the
premises.

In the future, animal identification number (AIN) devices may be available through farm
supply centers that become AIN device managers. Also, some devices, such as injectable
transponders, may more commonly be available through veterinarians who are trained to
apply the device.
IMPORTANT: Producers should obtain devices only from representatives of
authorized AIN device manufacturers. This will ensure that they are getting USDA
approved and official identification devices. In addition, the representatives of the
AIN device manufacturer can provide information to the producers on the proper use
of official animal identification devices.
The U.S. Shield

Official AIN tags (eartags) contain the animal identification
number (AIN), the U.S. Shield, and the words, “Unlawful To
Remove.” Additionally, the approved tag manufacturer has its
trademark or logo imprinted or engraved on the tag. The
Animal Identification Number is only allowed to be imprinted
on official identification devices.

Applying Identification Devices To Animals
For individuals who choose to participate in the voluntary NAIS, the person responsible for
the care of the animal chooses when to place the identification on the animal. However, the
animal should have identification attached according to the instructions provided by the
manufacturer of the device before leaving its current premises or when moved to another
individual’s premises, market, exhibition, etc. Animals are identified only once, not every
time the animal is moved. The animal identification number (AIN) device is to be
maintained on the animal, and the AIN on the device is associated with the animal for the
animal’s entire life.
While many producers will tag or identify their animals, if significant interest in shown by
producers, additional options will be made available for producers that do not have facilities
to tag their own animals. For example, if the animals cannot be tagged at their current
premises, producers might elect to have their animals tagged at an auction market that
provides tagging services when they are ready to market their animals. In such cases, when
the animals are unloaded, they would be tagged before they are commingled with animals
from other premises. In addition, in some areas, tagging services may be available.
Producers can hire an individual to come to their premises with portable gates and chutes
and tag the animals there. Some veterinarians may also offer tagging services for their clients
when providing herd health services. If interest from producers indicates a need for such
services, USDA, along with States and industry, will develop the requirements and approval
process for tagging sites and service providers.

11 Some States may require certain methods of identification. Producers should check with their State animal health
authority for such existing requirements. These requirements are not affected by NAIS.

Part III: Animal Identification 28

Intentional Removal of Identification Devices
In the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), §71.22 the intentional removal of or tampering with
official identification devices is prohibited. Specifically, it is unlawful to remove an official
identification device or cause the removal of one unless the animal is terminated, except in
cases when a device has become illegible or the device malfunctions. This regulation
pertains to all official identification devices, including official identification of other
countries on imported animals.

Loss or Malfunctioning of Identification Devices
USDA recognizes that identification devices might become separated from the animal or
others might malfunction (radio frequency transponders). For example, eartags can be
pulled off an animal due to various environmental factors where cattle are managed.
Animals that lose their original identification devices or animals on which the devices
malfunction should be identified with new devices. It is recommended that such animals be
re-identified in as timely a manner as possible. The owner should maintain a record of the
animal that was re-identified and, if possible, cross-reference to the previous official number
of the animal that was re-identified. The Animal Tracking Databases will provide options
for reporting the new number along with the animal’s previous number. If the owner or
person responsible for the animal does not know that animal’s original number, in particular
with purchased animals, he/she should keep records of the fact that the animal was reidentified. At a minimum, the owner or person responsible for the animal should maintain a
record of all animals that were re-identified and any information about these animals.
Note: Some breed registries provide options where animals are re-identified with
“replacement” devices with the same animal identification number (AIN) that was first
applied to the animal. This practice helps maintain accurate records of offspring,
performance, genetics, etc. Such replacement devices, when administered through breed
register programs and when meeting established safeguards, are also a viable option.

Part III: Animal Identification 29

Part IV: Animal Tracing
This part of the document is separated into two sections. The first section discusses:
ƒ An Overview of Animal Tracing
ƒ Animal Tracking and Traceback Processing Systems
ƒ Selecting an Animal Tracking Database
ƒ Costs Associated with Animal Tracking Databases
ƒ How the Systems Work When Responding to an Animal Disease

An Overview of Animal Tracing
The final component of voluntary NAIS, animal tracing, is an option for the producer that
elects to report certain animal movements. States and private industry maintain animal
tracking databases that hold the animal movement records. Those records are made
available to animal health officials to respond to disease events, which are explained in the
following section.
Producers select the animal tracking database of their choice for reporting animal
movements. The list of compliant animal tracking databases is available on the NAIS Web
site. When animal movement records are linked with other NAIS information, animal
tracing information will provide animal health officials with timely, accurate records that
show where animals have been and what other animals have come into contact with them.
Animal tracing information also makes it easier for producers, States, industry, and USDA to
determine the scope of an animal disease event and locate affected animals.

Animal Tracing and Traceback Processing Systems
The voluntary animal tracing component of NAIS is a public/private partnership. Both
industry—through private systems—and States operate and maintain animal tracking
databases (ATDs), which contain the animal location and movement records that producers
report to help safeguard animal health. On the Federal side, USDA operates a portal system
that will enable animal health officials to submit requests for information to the
administrators of the animal tracking databases (ATDs) when investigating an animal disease
event. This system is known as the Animal Trace Processing System (ATPS). State and
Federal animal health officials will use the System only in the following situations:
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ

An indication (suspect, presumptive positive, etc.) or confirmed positive test of a
foreign animal disease;
An animal disease emergency as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture and/or
State Departments of Agriculture; or
A need to conduct a traceback/traceforward to determine the origin of infection
for a program disease (brucellosis, tuberculosis, etc.).

With collaboration from State and industry partners, USDA completed development of the
ATPS and the technical requirements for the integration of private and State animal tracking
databases (ATDs) with the ATPS in early 2007. The technical requirements are available
online at http://animalid.aphis.usda.gov/nais/naislibrary/documents/guidelines/
ATPS_Technical_Specs.pdf.
The following illustration reflects the integration of the ATPS with both Federal internal
databases and those provided external to the USDA.

Part IV: Animal Tracing 30

Systems that meet the complete specifications are designated as “NAIS Compliant Animal
Tracking Databases” upon the signing of the agreement with the organization responsible
for the information system. To ensure that USDA receives timely responses from the
ATDs, the systems are required to have an “up time” of 98 percent—an information
technology standard. As an additional safeguard, the ATDs will send an electronic “system
on-line” message to the ATPS on a set time interval. This will enable USDA to know the
percentage of systems that are available at any time. The listing of NAIS Compliant ATDs,
and their production status, including online integration with the ATPS, is available on the
NAIS Web site.

Selecting An Animal Tracking Database12
IMPORTANT: Producers and other stakeholders may select the animal tracking database
(ATD) they wish to use for reporting their animal movements. Once a cooperative
agreement is signed, the NAIS-compliant ATD is added to the list of organizations and
States that offer NAIS-compliant ATDs, which is posted on the USDA/APHIS Animal
Identification Web site.

All compliant animal tracking databases (ATDs) must meet certain specifications. The
cooperative agreements between USDA and database operators will outline data elements,
access privileges, and operating procedures, as well as stipulate how movement data will be
archived and transferred to ensure uninterrupted flow of information in case the
organization or company ceases business or elects to discontinue the operation of the animal
tracking database (ATD).
If and when producers choose to participate in the tracking database, they will be working
directly with the private company or State providing the ATD. The information held in
ATDs is within the control of private entity or State. USDA will not hold and, therefore,
cannot distribute this information. If USDA needs animal movement and location
12 Producers should first check with their State animal health authority to see what animal tracking database (ATD)
options are offered by their State.

Part IV: Animal Tracing 31

information to respond to an animal disease issue, we will request the data from the
administrators of the private and State databases only for animals involved in the disease of
concern. Federal law protects individuals’ private information and confidential business
information from public disclosure.
Under NAIS, only minimum, standardized tracing information is necessary to participate in
animal tracing:
ƒ National premises identification number (PIN);
ƒ Animal identification number (AIN);
ƒ Date of the event; and
ƒ The event itself (move-in or move-out).
Other animal-specific data (age, species, sex, etc.) that supports NAIS in traceback situations
are also standardized, but are not necessary for participation.

Costs Associated With Animal Tracking Databases
Databases will vary in regards to cost, the range of services offered, and the operational
details (such as how to submit animal movement information). Some producers may want
to purchase optional services that are not available from all animal tracking database (ATD)
providers; others may choose a database that handles only basic information. For example,
service fees of one ATD service provider may differ from another because it provides
marketing information (i.e., carcass information, health records, expected progeny
differences (EPDs), etc.). States may also elect to provide an animal tracking database
(ATD).
The cost of participating with an animal tracking database (ATD) therefore depends
somewhat on the producer’s choice. Actual ATD service fees may be obtained directly from
the organization that provides the ATD.

How the Systems Work When Responding To an Animal
Disease
When animal health officials receive an indication (suspect, presumptive positive, etc.) or
confirmation of a positive diagnosis of disease, the process to gather the necessary
information is initiated. This example provides a general explanation of how the private and
State ATDs participating in the NAIS are utilized. The basic processes are similar for all
diseases, but the request for information will vary based on the type of disease. For
example, the cohorts, or animals that were herdmates of the subject animal, at each location
the positive animal was cared for must be located when contagious diseases (such as avian
influenza, brucellosis, foot-and-mouth disease, tuberculosis, etc.) are involved. In a BSE
case, the birthplace is the most important location to trace, along with other animals within
the same age group as the infected animal at the initial premises.
1.

The animal health official (AHO) initiates the traceback process by logging onto
the ATPS through secured and authorized access controls. This official enters the
information on the disease case--for example, the subject animal’s official
identification number and, if known, the premises number of the animal’s location.
Based on the type of disease, the animal health official will define what date ranges
are to be included in the request for information. These specifications define the
“search criteria” that will allow the private and State databases to return the
necessary information specific for this disease case.

2.

The ATPS sends an electronic message to each private and State database’s
electronic messaging system with the search criteria.

Part IV: Animal Tracing 32

3.

Each private and State database automatically processes the request and returns a
report to the ATPS within 15 – 30 minutes. If records meeting the search criteria
are found, the information will be contained in an encrypted (data protected)
electronic record back to the ATPS.

4.

The ATPS receives and compiles the information from each private and State
database. In certain disease cases, additional requests to each ATD will be
necessary. For example, the cohort of the animal at Premises 1234XYZ, 840 123
456 789 012 moved to Premises ABC6789. A second request for information for
animals that came into contact with this cohort animal and all others found in the
first request would be sent to each private and State database. This process may
need to be repeated numerous times to obtain all the necessary information.

5.

When the request for information has been completed, the AHO logs back on to
the ATPS to obtain the report containing the necessary information for the
traceback study.

6.

Animal health officials that have animals in their State related to the disease case
are informed and provided with the information on premises and animals in their
areas.

7.

These officials continue the contacts with producers that currently have or have
had animals included in the disease investigation.

Part IV: Animal Tracing 33

Part IV (Continued): Animal Tracing
The second section of Part IV discusses:
ƒ The Goals of Tracing Animal Movements
ƒ Reportable Animal Movements
ƒ Additional Comment Regarding Reportable Animal Movements
ƒ Non-Commercial Producer Guidance

The Goals of Tracing Animal Movements
Since NAIS is concerned with animal health relative to animal diseases, those movements
carrying a high risk of disease transmission will be the primary focus of tracing efforts. In
commerce and in the production chain, animals often move from one premises to another
where they come into contact with animals that originated from other premises and move
again from that point, often in different directions. This commingling and subsequent
movement often presents situations where contagious diseases can spread easily and be
carried across great distances.
USDA defines retrieval of traceback data within a 48-hour window as optimal for efficient,
effective disease containment. Within this timeframe, animal health officials must have the
data required to trace a disease back to its source and limit potential harm to animal
agriculture, such as loss of producer income. The sooner reliable data is available, the sooner
affected animals can be located, appropriate response measures can be established, and
disease spread can be halted. Collaboration between APHIS-Veterinary Services, State
animal health authorities, and the animal agriculture production industry remains the catalyst
for continued traceability progress.
USDA realizes that attempting to record all animal movements is not practical, and that is
not the intent in NAIS. Rather, the focus of NAIS is on the type of movement and its
potential impact on spreading a disease.
There are a number of factors that can influence whether an animal movement activity may
pose a disease risk or impact the spread of a disease. Certainly, some events pose greater risk
of disease transmission than others. The number of animals, their source(s), the health
status and certification of the animals, and the location of the event, for example, all
influence the degree of disease risk in a given situation. For example, taking your animal on
a trail ride with a neighbor, animals accidentally wandering off a premises, or moving
livestock from pasture to pasture within your operation would pose a relatively low risk or
impact of spreading disease. These types of movements are not the focus of the NAIS and,
therefore are not reportable animal movement events. While risk of exposure to a disease
and its spread is certainly possible for any movement (including local county fairs, parades,
etc.),13 because these events are more localized, they have less potential impact on the spread
of a disease than events where animals travel greater distances. From a disease standpoint, it
would be unnecessary to report animal movements in such low-risk/impact situations.14

Although these movements represent lower-risk/impact situations than movements of animals into commerce or
to larger fairs or shows that involve commingling of large numbers of animals from greater distances and
geographical spread, USDA still encourages all animal owners to voluntarily register their premises, since this
information opens the lines of communication with State animal health officials as discussed earlier in this
document. The use of health papers with premises registration, along with official individual animal identification,
of some species is appropriate, warranted, and commonly practiced for local county fairs, etc.
14 Producers should check with their respective State and/or local animal health authority on existing requirements
for animal movement reporting that are currently in place at that level and are not affected by NAIS.
13

Part IV: Animal Tracing 34

Reportable Animal Movements
The NAIS Species Working Groups, in collaboration with animal health officials, are
developing recommendations for the specific types of movement that pose the greatest
potential to impact the spread of diseases for each species and should be reported to an
animal tracking database. The following chart provides a preliminary list of animal
movement examples and the importance of reporting such events to an animal tracking
database. The intent of this chart is to establish guidelines for what types of movements
should be reported to ensure an effective system evolves, while, at the same time, remaining
practical for stakeholders to participate in.
Again, participation in NAIS—including the animal tracing component—is voluntary at the
Federal level. If producers choose to participate in the animal tracing component in the
future, it will be an available option when they are ready.
Animal Movement/Reporting Scenarios
Type of Movement

Relative
Reporting
Importance

Explanation

A private sale of an animal—for
example, moving an animal from
its birth premises to another
premises operated by another
person who frequently markets
and moves other animals in and
out of that premises

High

When an animal moves from its birth
premises to another, the potential for
disease spread warrants the reporting
of the movement and provides an
essential record to respond to a
disease outbreak.

Selling animals through a public
market or auction

High

Reporting the movement of animals
that move through a market facility is
important since animals come from
numerous premises and the animal
may also relocate to many different
premises.

Participation of animals at
regional or national exhibitions
and/or sporting events

High

Large shows, particularly when
animals come from long distances, are
of merit for reporting those related
movements. Animal movements to
events at a State level, and more so,
regional and national events are of
value to report.

Participation of animals at local
exhibitions and/sporting events

Low

The probability of exposure to and
spread of a disease at local fairs is a
real possibility. However, since the
disease in such cases is more
localized, the movement of animals to
local fairs is not considered reportable
movement. Nevertheless, the use of
health papers with premises
registration, along with official
individual animal identification, of
some species is appropriate,
warranted, and commonly practiced.

Part IV: Animal Tracing 35

Animal Movement/Reporting Scenarios
Type of Movement

Relative
Reporting
Importance

Explanation

Moving an animal from its birth
premises direct to custom butcher

Not applicable

If the animal is moving from its
birthplace to custom slaughter for
one’s personal use, the animal
movement does not need to be
reported, since this type of movement
poses minimal risk of disease exposure
or spread (and the animal does not
need to be identified with an AIN
device).
Owners of the animals that intend to
resell or distribute the products need
to follow State regulations regarding
such practices.

Participation in a local trail ride

Animals moved within the
operation or premises—for
example, from one pasture to
another

Low

Local trail rides are not considered a
necessary reportable movement.
While the exposure to disease and
possibility of disease spread exist, the
effect would be more local and thus
have less impact.

Not Applicable

Animals that move within the same
premises—for example, moving closeup bred heifers from the heifer lots to
the free stall barn, or moving the cow
herd from one pasture to another—do
not need to be reported since these
types of movements are considered
within the operation management
movements. The entire operation is
considered a single premises during a
disease outbreak.

All movements pose some risk related to exposure to or spread of disease. The movements
associated with the potential of having a “high” impact on the spread of a disease are considered
“reportable movements” within the context of NAIS. However, any movement may be reported if
the producer/owner so desires.

Again, it must be noted that, if certain animal disease issues are present in a given geographic
area, the reporting of animal movement becomes more critical and may vary during the
period when greater monitoring of the disease is being administered by animal health
officials.
The instructions on how to report animal movements will vary depending on the animal
tracking database (ATD) chosen by the producer. If producers elect to participate in this
component, they are encouraged to have reportable movements reported within 24 hours or
by the close of the next business day.
IMPORTANT: Producers should consult with State or local animal health officials when
uncertain about the justification or need to report an intrastate animal movement.

Part IV: Animal Tracing 36

Additional Comment Regarding Reportable Animal
Movements
As noted earlier in this document, the Species Working Groups’ recommendations are made
available on USDA/APHIS’ Animal Identification Web site at http://www.usda.gov/nais/.
Stakeholder feedback has been a valuable tool throughout the development of NAIS.
Species Working Groups provide recommendations and reports to the NAIS
Subcommittee—made up of industry, State, and Federal representatives. The NAIS
Subcommittee (1) provides overall program recommendations, based on the Species
Working Group reports; (2) reviews/acts on the reports; and (3) reports to the Secretary’s
Advisory Committee on Foreign Animal and Poultry Diseases. This structure helps ensure
that stakeholder feedback is heard and considered throughout the development and
implementation of the program.

Additional Producer Guidance
Animal diseases can affect producers with operations of all sizes. Swiftly moving, highly
contagious diseases such as highly pathogenic avian influenza and exotic Newcastle disease
can harm producers, regardless of the number of animals they have. Diseases can spread
through a variety of sources — human contact, tainted food or water supplies, insects,
airborne viruses, or migratory birds — and the number of animals, their source(s), the
location of the event, and the health status and certification of animals all influence the
potential for disease spread. The spread of disease can affect all types and sizes of producer
operations, therefore, USDA encourages all animal owners to voluntarily register their
premises to ensure the lines of communication with State animal health officials are open.

Part IV: Animal Tracing 37

APPENDIX
AVIC Contact List
Alabama
USDA, APHIS, VS
Beard Office Building (Packages)
1445 Federal Drive, Room 218
P.O. Box 70429 (Letters)
Montgomery, AL 36107
(334) 223-7141, 47, 48
Fax (334) 223-7352
Alaska
USDA, APHIS, VS
2604 12th Court, SW, Suite B
Olympia, WA 98502
(360) 753-9430
Fax (360) 753-9585
Arizona
USDA, APHIS, VS
1400 E. Southern Ave., Suite 245
Tempe, AZ 85282
(480) 491-1002
Fax (480) 491-1895
Arkansas
USDA, APHIS, VS
1200 Cherry Brook Dr., Suite 300
Little Rock, AR 72211
(501) 224-9515
Fax (501) 225-5823
California
USDA, APHIS, VS
10365 Old Placerville Road, Suite 210
Sacramento, CA 95827-2518
(916) 854-3950
Fax (916) 363-3919
Colorado
USDA, APHIS, VS
755 Parfet Street, Suite 136
Lakewood, CO 80215
(303) 231-5385
Fax (303) 231-5390
Florida
USDA, APHIS, VS
7022 NW 10th Place
Gainesville, FL 32605-3147
(352) 333-3120
Fax (352) 333-6849

Georgia
USDA, APHIS, VS
1498 Klondike Rd., Suite 200
Conyers, GA 30094
(770) 922-7860
Fax (770) 483-9000
Hawaii
USDA, APHIS, VS
2604 12th Court, SW, Suite B
Olympia, WA 98502
(360) 753-9430
Fax (360) 753-9585
Idaho
USDA, APHIS, VS
9158 West Black Eagle Drive
Boise, ID 83709
(208) 378-5631
Fax (208) 378-5637
Illinois
USDA, APHIS, VS
2815 Old Jacksonville Rd., Suite 104
Springfield, IL 62704
(217) 862-6689
Fax (217) 862-6695
Indiana
USDA, APHIS, VS
5685 Lafayette Road, Suite 400
Indianapolis, IN 46254-6158
(317) 290-3300
Fax (317) 290-3311
Iowa
USDA, APHIS, VS
Federal Bldg., Rm. 891
210 Walnut Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 284-4140
Fax (515)284-4156
Kansas
USDA, APHIS, VS
1947 NW Topeka Blvd., Suite F
Topeka, KS 66608
(785) 270- 1300
Fax (785) 235-1464

Appendix 38

Kentucky
USDA, APHIS, VS
P.O. Box 399
Frankfort, KY 40602
(502) 227-9651
Fax (502) 223-7121

Missouri
USDA, APHIS, VS
P.O. Box 104418
Jefferson City, MO 65110-4418
(573) 636-3116
Fax (573) 636-4384

Louisiana
USDA, APHIS, VS
5825 Florida Blvd., Rm 1140
Baton Rouge, LA 70806-9985
(225) 389-0436
Fax (225) 389-0524

Montana
USDA, APHIS, VS
208 North Montana Ave., Suite 101
Helena, MT 59601-3837
(406) 449-2220
Fax (406) 449-5439

Maryland (DE, DC)
USDA, APHIS, VS
1598 Whitehall Road, Suite A
Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 349-9708
Fax (301) 261-8113

Nebraska
USDA, APHIS, VS
P.O. Box 81866
Lincoln, NE 68501
(402) 434-2300
Fax (402) 434-2330

Massachusetts (CT, ME, NH, RI,
VT)
USDA, APHIS, VS
160 Worcester-Providence Road
Sutton Square Plaza, Suite 20
Sutton, MA 01590-9998
(508) 865-1421, 22
Fax (508) 865-9317

Nevada
USDA, APHIS, VS
10365 Old Placerville Road, Suite 210
Sacramento, CA 95827-2518
(916) 854-3950
Fax (916) 363-3919

Michigan
USDA, APHIS, VS
3001 Coolidge Road, Suite 325
East Lansing, MI 48823
(517) 324-5290
Fax (517) 324-5289
Minnesota
USDA, APHIS, VS
251 Starkey Street
Bolander Bldg., Suite 229
St. Paul, MN 55107
(651) 290-3691
Fax (651) 228-0654
Mississippi
USDA, APHIS, VS
345 Keyway Street
Flowood, MS 39232
(601) 965-4307
Fax (601) 965-5535

New Jersey
USDA, APHIS, VS
Mercer Corporate Park
320 Corporate Blvd.
Robbinsville, NJ 08691-1598
(609) 259-8387
Fax (609) 259-2477
New Mexico
USDA, APHIS, VS
6200 Jefferson Street, NE, Suite 117
Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 761-3160
Fax (505) 761-3176
New York
USDA, APHIS, VS
500 New Karner Road, 2nd Floor
Albany, NY 12205
(518) 869-9007
Fax (518) 869-6135
USDA-APHIS-VS
230-59 International Airport Center Blvd.
Suite 100, Room 101
Jamaica, NY 11413
(718) 553-1727
Fax (718) 553-7543

Appendix 39

North Carolina
USDA, APHIS, VS
930 Main Campus Drive, Suite 200
Raleigh, NC 27606
(919) 855-7700
Fax (919) 855-7720

South Dakota
USDA, APHIS, VS
314 S. Henry, Suite 100
Pierre, SD 57501-0640
(605) 224-6186
Fax (605) 224-8451

North Dakota
USDA, APHIS, VS
3509 Miriam Ave., Suite B
Bismarck, ND 58501
(701) 250-4210
Fax (701) 250-4471

Tennessee
USDA, APHIS, VS
P.O. Box 110950
Nashville, TN 37222
(615) 781-5310
Fax (615) 781-5309

Ohio
USDA, APHIS, VS
12927 Stonecreek Drive
Pickerington, OH 43147
(614) 469-5602
Fax (614) 866-1086

Texas
USDA, APHIS, VS
Thornberry Bldg., Rm. 220
903 San Jacinto Blvd.
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 383-2400
Fax (512) 916-5197

Oklahoma
USDA, APHIS, VS
4020 North Lincoln Blvd., Suite 101
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 427-9413
Fax (405) 427-9451
Oregon
USDA, APHIS, VS
530 Center St., NE, Suite 335
Salem, OR 97301
(503) 399-5871
Fax (503) 399-5607
Pennsylvania
USDA, APHIS, VS
2301 N. Cameron St., Rm. 412
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 782-3442
Fax (717) 782-4098
Puerto Rico (Virgin Islands)
USDA, APHIS, VS
IBM Building
654 Munoz Rivera Avenue, Suite 700
Hato Rey, PR 00918
(787) 766-6050
Fax (787) 766-5159
South Carolina
USDA, APHIS, VS
9600 Two Notch Road, Suite 10
Columbia, SC 29229
(803) 788-1919
Fax (803) 788-2102

Utah
USDA, APHIS, VS
176 N. 2200 West, Suite 230
Airport Park, Bldg. #4
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
(801) 524-5010
Fax (801) 524-6898
Virginia
USDA, APHIS, VS
Federal Building
400 North 8th Street, Room 726
Richmond, VA 23240
(804) 343-2560
Fax (804) 343-2599
Washington
USDA, APHIS, VS
2604 12th Court, SW, Suite B
Olympia, WA 98502
(360) 753-9430
Fax (360) 753-9585
West Virginia
USDA, APHIS, VS
12927 Stonecreek Drive
Pickerington, OH 43147
(614) 469-5602
Fax (614) 866-1086

Appendix 40

Wisconsin
USDA, APHIS, VS
6510 Schroeder Road, Suite 2
Madison, WI 53711
(608) 270-4000
Fax (608) 270-4001

Wyoming
USDA, APHIS, VS
5353 Yellowstone Road, Room 209
Cheyenne, WY 82009
(307) 772-2186
Fax (307) 772-2592

Appendix 41

States, Territories, and Tribes Contact List
Note: The following contacts are up to date as of December 2007. Future updates will be
provided as needed and posted to the USDA/APHIS Animal Identification Web site.

States
Alabama
Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries
Address: P.O. Box 3336
Montgomery, AL 36109-0336
Phone: (334) 240-7253 / FAX: (334) 240-7198
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.agi.alabama.gov/state_veterinarian
Alaska
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
Division of Environmental Health
Address: 550 S Alaska Street, Suite 6
Palmer, AK 99645-6340
Phone: (907) 375-8215 / FAX: (907) 745-8125
Web: www.dec.state.ak.us/eh/vet/nais.htm
Arizona
Arizona Department of Agriculture
Address: 1688 West Adams
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: (602) 542-0943
Web: www.azda.gov/Main/animalID.htm
Arkansas
Arkansas Livestock & Poultry Commission
Address: #1 Natural Resources Drive
Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 907-2400 / FAX: (501) 907-2425
Web: www.arlpc.org
California
California Department of Food and Agriculture
Animal Health Branch
Address: 1220 N Street, Room A-107
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 654-1264 / FAX: (916) 653-2215
Web: www.cdfa.ca.gov/pais
Colorado
Colorado Department of Agriculture
Animal Industry
Address: 700 Kipling St., Suite 4000
Lakewood, CO 80215
Phone: (303) 239-4516 / FAX: (303) 239-4164
Web: www.COanimalid.org

Appendix 42

Connecticut
Connecticut Department of Agriculture
Address: 165 Capitol Avenue, Room G-8A
Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 713-2505 / FAX: (860) 713-2515
Web: www.ct.gov/doag
Delaware
Delaware Department of Agriculture
Address: 2320 South Dupont Highway
Dover, DE 19901
Phone: (302) 739-4811 / FAX: (302) 697-4451
Florida
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Division of Animal Industry
Address: 407 South Calhoun Street, Mail Stop M-7
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0800
Phone: (850) 410-0940 / FAX: (850) 410-0957
Web: www.doacs.state.fl.us/ai/adc/adc_nais.shtml
Registration Help Desk: [email protected]
Georgia
Georgia Department of Agriculture
Address: 19 MLK Jr. Drive, Atlanta, GA 30334
Phone: (404) 656-3671 / FAX: (404) 657-1357
Web: http://agr.georgia.gov/00/article/0,2086,38902732_0_41051091,00.html
Hawaii
Hawaii Department of Agriculture
Animal Industry Division
Address: 99-941 Halawa Valley Street
Aiea, HI 96701
Phone: (808) 483-7103 / FAX: (808) 483-7110
Web: www.hawaiiag.org/hdoa/ai-hapis.htm
Idaho
Idaho State Department of Agriculture
Division of Animal Industries
Address: 2270 Old Penitentiary Road
P.O. Box 790
Boise, ID 83701
Phone: (208) 332-8540 / FAX: (208) 334-4062
Web: http://idahoag.us/Categories/Animals/animalidentification/
indexanimalidentificationmain.php
Illinois
Illinois Department of Agriculture
Bureau of Animal Health
Address: State Fairgrounds
P.O. Box 19281
Springfield, IL 62794
Phone: (217) 785-4740 / FAX: (217) 558-6033
Web: www.agr.state.il.us/premiseid

Appendix 43

Indiana
Indiana State Board of Animal Health
Address: 805 Beachway Drive, Suite 500
Indianapolis, IN 46224
Phone: (317) 227-0300
Web: www.in.gov/boah/premiseid/
Iowa
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Animal Industry
Address: Wallace Building, 502 E. 9th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: 1-888-778-7675 (toll free) / (515) 281-5305
FAX: (515) 281-4282
Web: www.agriculture.state.ia.us/premiseID.htm
Kansas
Kansas Animal Health Department
Address: 708 S Jackson
Topeka, KS 66603-3714
Phone: (785) 296-2326 / FAX: (785) 296-175
Web: www.kansas.org/kahd
Kentucky
Kentucky Department of Agriculture
Address: 100 Fairoaks Lane, Suite 252
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 564-3956 / FAX: (502) 564-7852
Web: www.kyagr.com/state_vet/ah/index.htm
Louisiana
Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry
Office of Animal Health Services
[email protected]
Address: 5825 Florida Blvd., P.O. Box 1951
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone: (888) 773-6489 / FAX: (225) 925-4103
Web: www.ldaf.state.la.us/divisions/ahs/premises.asp
Maine
Maine Department of Agriculture
Division of Animal Health & Industry
Phone: (207) 287-4507 / FAX: (207) 624-7548
Address: 28 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0028
Web: www.maine.gov/agriculture/idme/
Maryland
Maryland Department of Agriculture
Address: 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: (410) 841-5810 / FAX: (410) 841-5999
Web: www.mda.state.md.us/animal_health/nais/index.php

Appendix 44

Massachusetts
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
Address: 251 Causeway St., 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02114
Web: www.mass.gov/agr/animalhealth/nais/index.htm
Michigan
Michigan Department of Agriculture
Address: P.O. Box 30017
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: (517) 373-1077 / FAX: (517) 373-6015
Web: www.michigan.gov/mda/0,1607,7-125-1568_2390_41314---,00.html
Minnesota
Minnesota Board of Animal Health
Address: 625 Robert Street North
St. Paul, MN 55155
Phone: (651) 201-6816 / FAX: (651) 296-7417
Web: www.bah.state.mn.us/index/nais/nais.htm
Mississippi
Mississippi Department of Agriculture
Address: 121 North Jefferson Street
Jackson, MS 39201
Phone: (601) 359-1170 / FAX: (601) 359-1177
Web: www.mbah.state.ms.us
Missouri
Missouri Department of Agriculture
Animal Health Division
Address: 1616 Missouri Blvd., P.O. Box 630
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0630
Phone: (573) 751-2540 / FAX: (573) 751-6919
Web: www.mda.mo.gov/animalID/index.html
Montana
Montana Department of Livestock
Address: P.O. Box 202001
Helena, MT 59620-2001
Phone: (406) 444-2043 / FAX: (406) 444-1929
Web: www.discoveringmontana.com/liv/animalhealth/NAIS/NAIS.asp
Nebraska
Nebraska Department of Agriculture
Bureau of Animal Industry
Address: P.O. Box 94787
Lincoln, NE 68509-4787
Phone: (800) 572-2437
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.animalid.us
Nevada
Nevada Department of Agriculture
Address: 350 Capitol Hill Ave.
Reno, NV 89502
Phone: (775) 688-1180 ext. 236
Web: http://agri.nv.gov/Animal2_NAIS.htm

Appendix 45

New Hampshire
New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food
Address: P.O. Box 2042
Concord, NH 03302-2042
Phone: (603) 271-2404 / FAX: (603) 271-1109
Web: http://nh.gov/agric/divisions/animal_industry/documents/
NHVoluntaryNAISform.pdf
New Jersey
New Jersey Department of Agriculture
Division of Animal Health
Address: P.O. Box 330, Trenton, NJ 08625
Phone: (609) 292-3965
Web: www.state.nj.us/agriculture/animal.htm
New Mexico
New Mexico Livestock Board
Address: 300 San Mateo NE, Suite 1000
Albuquerque, NM 87108
Phone: (505) 841-6161 / FAX: (505) 841-6160
Web: www.livestocktrust.com
New York
State of New York Department of Agriculture and Markets
Division of Animal Industry
Address: 10B Airline Drive, Albany, NY 12235
Phone: (518) 457-3502 / FAX: (518) 485-7773
Web: www.agmkt.state.ny.us/AI/AIHome.html
North Carolina
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Address: NCDA&CS, Veterinary Division
1030 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1030
Phone: (919) 715-2951 / FAX: (919) 733-6431
Web: www.NCFarmID.com
North Dakota
State Board of Animal Health
North Dakota Department of Agriculture
Address: 600 E Boulevard, Dept. 602
Bismarck, ND 58505-0020
Phone: (701) 328-2655 / FAX: (701) 328-4567
Web: www.agdepartment.com/Programs/Livestock/BOAH/BOAH.html
For cattle, horses, and mules, producers can also contact:
North Dakota Stockmen's Association
Address: 407 South 2nd Street
Bismarck, ND 58504
Phone: (701) 223-2522 / FAX: (701) 223-2587
Web: www.ndstockmen.org/

Appendix 46

Ohio
Ohio Department of Agriculture
Division of Animal Industry
Address: 8995 East Main Street
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Phone: (614) 728-6220 / FAX: (614) 728-6310
Web: www.ohioanimalid.com
Help Desk: [email protected]
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry
Address: 2800 N. Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73152-8804
Phone: (405) 522-6138 / FAX: (405) 522-0756
Cell: (405) 684-3821
Web: www.oda.state.ok.us/ais-naishome.htm
Oregon
Oregon Department of Agriculture
Address: 635 Capitol Street NE
Salem, OR 97301-2532
Phone: (503) 986-4680
Web: http://egov.oregon.gov/ODA/AHID/animal_health/national_id.shtml
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
Address: 2301 North Cameron Street, Rm. 408
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110
Phone: (717) 772-2852 / FAX: (717) 787-1868
Web: www.animalhealth.state.pa.us
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Division of Agriculture
Address: 235 Promenade Street, Room 370
Providence, RI 02908
Phone: (401) 222-2781 / FAX: (401) 222-6047
South Carolina
Animal Health Programs, Clemson University
Address: P.O. Box 102406
Columbia, SC 29224-2406
Phone: (803) 788-2260 ext. 231
FAX: (803) 736-0885
Web: www.clemson.edu/LPH/nais.htm
South Dakota
South Dakota Animal Industry Board
Address: 411 South Fort St., Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: (605) 773-3321
Web: www.state.sd.us/aib/Animal%20ID.htm

Appendix 47

Tennessee
Tennessee Department of Agriculture
Ellington Agriculture Center
Address: 440 Hogan Road
Nashville, TN 37220
Phone: (615) 837-5183 (Dr. Hatcher)
(615) 837-5189 (Ms. Bowers)
FAX: (615) 837-5250
Web: www.state.tn.us/agriculture/tpis/
Texas
Texas Animal Health Commission
Address: P.O. Box 12966
Austin, TX 78711
Phone: (512) 719-0700 / FAX: (512) 719-0719
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.tahc.state.tx.us/animal_id/index.shtml
Utah
Utah Department of Agriculture and Food
Livestock Identification Bureau
Address: P.O. Box 146500
350 North Redwood Road
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6500
Phone: (801) 538-7166 / FAX: (801) 538-7169
Web: http://ag.utah.gov/animind/Utah_NAIS.html
Vermont
Vermont Agency of Agriculture
Address: 116 State Street, Drawer 20
Montpelier, VT 05620
Phone: (802) 828-2421 / FAX: (802) 828-5983
Web: www.vermontagriculture.com/fscp/
animalHealth/prs/prs.html
Virginia
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Address: 1100 Bank Street, P.O. Box 1163
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804) 692-0601/(540) 437-3917 (Ms. Hunter)
FAX: (804) 225-2666
Web: www.vdacs.virginia.gov/animals/animalid.html
Washington
Washington State Department of Agriculture
Phone: (360) 902-1881
Web: http://agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal/Animal_Premise/default.htm
West Virginia
West Virginia Dept of Agriculture
Animal Health Division
Address: 1900 Kanawha Blvd. East
Charleston, WV 25305
Phone: (304) 558-2214 / (toll free) 1-866-844-2214
Web: www.wvagriculture.org/programs/Animal/Animal%20ID.html

Appendix 48

Wisconsin
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Phone: (608) 224-4740
Address: P.O. Box 8911, Madison, WI 53708
Web: www.datcp.state.wi.us/premises/index.jsp
Wyoming
Wyoming Livestock Board
Address: 2020 Carey Avenue, 4th Floor
Cheyenne, WY 82002
Phone: (307) 777-6443 / FAX: (307) 777-6561
Web: http://wlsb.state.wy.us/brands/Premises/

Territories
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture
Office of Veterinary Services
Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
Address: P.O. Box 490
Bo. Higuillar, Dorado, PR 00646
Phone: (787) 796-1650 / FAX: (787) 392-3305
Guam
Guam Department of Agriculture
Address: 192 Dairy Road
Mangilao, Guam 96923
Phone: (671) 734-3942 / FAX: (671) 734-6569

Tribes
Blackfeet Nation
Address: Fort Belknap Indian Community
RR1 Box 66, Harlem, MT 59526
Phone: (406) 353-8333 / FAX: (406) 353-4653
Crow Tribe
Address: Fort Belknap Indian Community
RR1 Box 66, Harlem, MT 59526
Phone: (406) 353-8333 / FAX: (406) 353-4653
Eastern Shoshone Tribe
Address: Fort Belknap Indian Community
RR1 Box 66, Harlem, MT 59526
Phone: (406) 353-8333 / FAX: (406) 353-4653
Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes
Address: Fort Belknap Indian Community
RR1 Box 66, Harlem, MT 59526
Phone: (406) 353-8333 / FAX: (406) 353-4653
Ft. Belknap Indian Community
Address: Fort Belknap Indian Community
RR1 Box 66, Harlem, MT 59526
Phone: (406) 353-8333 / FAX: (406) 353-4653

Appendix 49

Hopi Tribe
Address: Office of Range Management
P.O. Box 123
Kykotsmovi, AZ 86039
Phone: (928) 734-3701
Address: Hopi Veterinary Services
P.O Box 440
Polacca, AZ 86042
Phone: (928) 738-5251
InterTribal Bison Cooperative
Address: Fort Belknap Indian Community
RR1 Box 66, Harlem, MT 59526
Phone: (406) 353-8333 / FAX: (406) 353-4653
Navajo Nation
Navajo Nation Veterinary Staff
Address: P.O. Box 1450
Window Rock, AZ 86515
Phone: (928) 871-6615 / FAX: (928) 871-6679
Web: www.livestocktrust.com
Northern Arapahoe Tribe
Address: Fort Belknap Indian Community
RR1 Box 66, Harlem, MT 59526
Phone: (406) 353-8333 / FAX: (406) 353-4653
Northern Cheyenne Tribe
Address: Fort Belknap Indian Community
RR1 Box 66, Harlem, MT 59526
Phone: (406) 353-8333 / FAX: (406-) 353-4653
Osage Nation
Phone: (918) 287-5404
Rosebud Sioux Tribe
Address: Fort Belknap Indian Community
RR1 Box 66, Harlem, MT 59526
Phone: (406) 353-8333 / FAX: (406) 353-4653
San Carlos Apache Tribe
Address: Fort Belknap Indian Community
RR1 Box 66, Harlem, MT 59526
Phone: (406) 353-8333 / FAX: (406) 353-4653
Seminole Tribe
Address: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Division of Animal Industry
407 South Calhoun Street, Mail Stop M-7
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0800
Phone: (850) 410-0940 / FAX: (850) 410-0957
Web: www.doacs.state.fl.us/ai

Appendix 50

Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of Duck Valley
Address: Idaho State Department of Agriculture
Division of Animal Industries
2270 Old Penitentiary Road
P.O. Box 790
Boise, ID 83701
Phone: (208) 332-8540 / FAX: (208) 334-4062
Ute Tribe Agriculture Products, LLC
Address: Fort Belknap Indian Community
RR1 Box 66, Harlem, MT 59526
Phone: (406) 353-8333 / FAX: (406) 353-4653
Ute Mountain Tribe
Web: www.livestocktrust.com
Yomba Shoshone Tribe
Address: Fort Belknap Indian Community
RR1 Box 66, Harlem, MT 59526
Phone: (406) 353-8333 / FAX: (406) 353-4653

Appendix 51

Sample Premises Registration Form

Appendix 52

Glossary
Animal Identification Number (AIN): Ultimately, the Animal Identification Number will
be the sole national numbering system for the official identification of individual animals in
the United States. The format contains 15 digits: the first three are the country code (840 for
the United States), and the following 12 digits are the animal’s national number.
AIN Management System: The AIN Management System (AINMS) is a Web-based
system maintained by USDA/APHIS to maintain a record of authorized AIN devices, the
allocation of AINs to manufacturers of AIN devices, and the distribution of AINs to
premises.
AIN Device: Official, animal identification devices that have an AIN printed and/or
encoded on them.
AIN Device Manager: An entity that represents an AIN device manufacturer for the
distribution of AIN devices. The AIN Device Manager agrees to validate the premises
number of the receiving premises or non-producer participant and report the AINs they ship
or deliver to the AIN Management System.
AIN Device Manufacturer: A company that is authorized by USDA/APHIS to receive
AINs, produce AIN devices and agrees to report the distribution of AIN devices to the
AINMS.
Animal Trace Processing System (ATPS): Provides the technology solution to interact
with multiple Animal Tracking Databases (ATDs). The ATPS provides the information
technology platform for security, electronic data transfer, and auditing processes.
Animal Tracking Database (ATD): Information systems, maintained by private entities
or States, that will contain information related to the locations of a subject animal and the
records of other animals that the subject animal came into contact with at each premises.
ATDs will be integrated with the NAIS through the Animal Trace Processing System
(ATPS) to provide information to Animal Health Officials when responding to animal
disease issues.
Commingle: Refers to events where animals are mixed or brought together with animals
from other farms, ranches, or other production systems.
Country Code: A 3-digit numeric code representing the name of a country in accordance
with ISO 3166.
Emerging Diseases: From time to time, diseases or disease syndromes are identified by
livestock producers, veterinarians, and researchers. These diseases are not on the list of
known foreign animal diseases. They may be diseases that have been present in the United
States but not previously considered to be economically significant, or they may be new
diseases whose origin is not known. Examples of emerging diseases include Porcine
Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome (PRRS), Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), and
Johne’s Disease.
Epidemiologic: Of or related to the study of the causes, distribution, and control of
disease, as well as the factors controlling the presence or absence of a disease or pathogen.
Group/Lot Identification Number (GIN): The number used to identify a unit of
animals of the same species that is managed together throughout the pre-harvest production
chain. The GIN consists of a 7-character Premises Identification Number, a 6-digit
representation of the date that the group or lot of animals was assembled and 2-digits (1-99)

Appendix 53

to reflect the count of groups assembled at the same premises on the same day
(MMDDYY01).
Individual Animal Identification: A means of identification that differentiates one animal
from another. Official individual animal identification uses APHIS-approved protocols.
Identification Methods: A means of identifying an animal, including eartags, biometrics,
brands and brand inspection records, breed registry certificates, etc.
Interstate Movement: Movement that crosses State lines, regardless of ownership, at
either shipping or receiving premises.
Intrastate Movement: Movement within a State that does not meet criteria for being
interstate commerce.
ISO: International Organization for Standardization.
National Premises Information Repository: The database maintained by APHIS that
stores information from each premises Registration System.
Non-producer Participant: A person or entity who engages in NAIS activity in a
designated role/s where that role/s is not associated with a specific premises. Typical roles
include USAIN Manager, AIN Distributor, Animal Health Official, Brand Inspection Entity,
Diagnostic Laboratory, etc. Non-producer participants may provide data to the national
identification database.
Official Identification Devices and Methods: Means of officially (approved by the
APHIS Administrator) identifying an animal, or group of animals, including, but not limited
to official tags, tattoos, and registered brands when accompanied by a certificate of
inspection from a recognized brand inspection authority.
Officially Identified: When an official identification number is applied to an animal by
means of an identification method or device approved by the APHIS Administrator for
purposes related to official disease control programs or animal movements in intrastate,
interstate, or international commerce.
Premises: A physical location that represents a unique and describable geographic entity
where activity affecting the health and/or traceability of animals may occur. In cases
involving non-contiguous properties, the producer/owner should consult with his/her State
Animal Health Official or Area Veterinarian in Charge to determine whether there is a need
for one or multiple premises numbers.
Premises Identification Number (PIN): A unique, 7-character identification code
number assigned by a State or Federal animal health authority to a premises that is, in the
judgment of the State or Federal animal health authority, a geographically distinct location
from other livestock production units. The premises identification number is assigned
permanently to the geophysical location.
Premises Number Allocator: The APHIS computer program that assigns PINs to a
specific location through interfaces with Standardized or Compliant Premises Registration
Systems.
Premises Registration Systems: The software programs or systems used by States and
Tribes to register premises. Compliant premises registration systems meet NAIS data
standards and communication security requirements. APHIS validates compliance or
noncompliance.

Appendix 54

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID): An identification device that utilizes radio
frequency technology. The RFID device includes eartags, bolus, implants (injections), and
Tag attachments (transponders that work in concert with eartags).
Recognized Brand Authorities: State brand inspection agencies or other brand inspection
organizations authorized either by a State or the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards
Administration (USDA).
Standardized Premises Registration System: The Premises Registration System that
APHIS makes available to all States and Tribes.
Tagging Services: Authorized tagging service providers are individuals who would come
to the producers’ premises to apply the AIN tags to the animals on behalf of the owners or
persons having possession, care, or control of the animals, if the producers or owners prefer
to have their animals tagged by someone else—in particular, if they do not have the
capability of doing so themselves.
Tagging Sites: Tagging sites are authorized premises that would receive animals that were
not identified with approved tags prior to leaving their premises, if the producer could not
identify his/her animals. Individuals at the tagging site would apply the AIN tags to the
animals on behalf of the owners or persons having possession, care, or control of the
animals when the animals are brought to the site.

Appendix 55