The first of some 5,000 electronic tracking chips are being distributed to Utah livestock owners as part of the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). Utah’s domestic elk ranchers will be among the first livestock owners to receive and attach the devices to their animals. The chips will carry an electronic number that will help Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) Brand Inspectors track where and when the animal was born, where it has lived, as well as its health record.

During the next several weeks hundreds of the chips will be attached to elk located in various locations in Utah. Eventually many head of cattle, sheep, goat, as well as domestic elk, llama, and alpaca are to carry an electronic chip. The UDAF is also encouraging livestock owners to join a national registry of their premises.

The goal of the NAIS is to identify all animals and premises that have had direct contact with a foreign animal disease or domestic disease of concern within 48 hours after discovery.

The increasing number of animal disease outbreaks that have occurred around the world, and the recent discovery of Canadian cows that tested positive for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or “Mad Cow” have greatly intensified public interest in developing a national animal identification program for the purpose of protecting animal and human health.

The UDAF will be assisting in the distribution of electronic chips throughout the state during the next few years.

Contact the UDAF Division of Animal industry at 801-538-7161 for information about obtaining electronic chips or joining the premises registration program.

More information on the program can also be found at:http://ag.utah.gov

Posted February 25, 2005