PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release
March 31, 2006 www.agr.ne.gov		Contact: Christin Kamm (402) 471-6856

LINCOLN - Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Greg Ibach announced today that the state has met a federal goal of having 25 percent of Nebraska's livestock premises registered by April 1 of this year. Individuals have registered more than 7,750 premises of an estimated 31,000 Nebraska premises under the state's animal identification system.

The United States Department of Agriculture established the 25 percent threshold and the April 1, 2006, deadline as part of its National Animal Identification System (NAIS) guidelines. NDA began voluntarily registering premises in the fall of 2004.

"We are very pleased with the way our farmers and ranchers have responded," Ibach said. "These individuals recognize the importance of being proactive in the protection of the health and viability of Nebraska's livestock industry. They are to be commended for their leadership." Premises registration is the first step in creating an animal traceability system. A premises is a location where animals are kept and includes farms, ranches, auction markets and fairgrounds, as well as other sites.

USDA has proposed all livestock and poultry be registered as a part of the NAIS, but much of the emphasis to this point has been on food animals, such as cattle, swine and poultry. The bulk of premises registrations in the State system to date has been farm and ranch locations, although auction markets and veterinary clinics also have been responsive to the program, Ibach said.

"Our work does not stop with achievement of the 25 percent goal. In order to have an effective traceability system one that will help us contain disease outbreaks and defend against bioterrorism events we need the assistance of all Nebraska farmers, ranchers and others who handle livestock. We continue to accept premises registrations under the voluntary system and educate individuals about the value of being able to provide animal traceability."

Nebraska received more than $650,000 from USDA last year to aid in implementation of the animal identification system. Ibach said he is hopeful that by reaching USDA's 25 percent threshold and April deadline, the state will be in a good position to get additional federal funding to continue the identification effort.

Ibach complimented NDA's Bureau of Animal Industry staff, under the leadership of State Veterinarian Dr. Dennis Hughes, and Royce Schaneman, NDA's Animal Identification Coordinator.

"The animal identification program continues to evolve at the federal level. Staff has done a great job following these program developments while simultaneously moving premises registration forward," Ibach said. "While some aspects of the NAIS are not yet fully defined, the premises portion of the program is fairly well developed so we feel confident as we move ahead."

The Department will continue its aggressive educational and promotional efforts under the voluntary registration system. Those who wish to register a premises can do so on-line at www.animalid.us, or print a copy of the registration form and fax or mail it into the NDA office. Livestock owners may also register via telephone by calling 800-572-2437. There is no cost to register.