The National Animal Identification System (NAIS) will be important to Indiana agriculture. "Will be" are the operative words because deadlines for these activities are still in the future, although sign-up has already started.

The three-phase program will ultimately help reduce the impact of future animal disease outbreaks, whether they are intentional or not. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has listed premise and livestock identification as important steps in protecting agriculture. Extension will be impacted through premise and animal ID requirements put on their food animal clients, but also through the requirement to track animals exhibited at fairs.

On June 28th, Simon Kenyon and staff from the Indiana State Board of Animal Health provided an update and explanation of the Indiana Premise ID and Animal ID plans. Indiana's plan conforms to the national plan though it may differ in detail from those of other states.

For current information on these plans, check out the Indiana State Board of Animal Health Website: http://www.boah.in.gov

To view the streaming video of the June 28th update click here.

(This file should load rather quickly and is one hour and five minutes in length.)