National Animal Identification for Equine

USDA APHIS Funding

The intent of the project was to contribute to NAIS information that would assist in the development of an economical, feasible, and acceptable system for identification of equine and the capability of tracing equine, that is acceptable to horse owners. The project survey results, determined the concerns and issues facing the nation’s equine owners. The Project consisted of four primary projects: Surveys, educational presentations, inflammatory study and the County 4-H Horse Program Microchipping Project.  Six surveys were conducted. Workshops, presentations and demonstrations were conducted and will be continued to be offered as information is available from USDA/NAIS.  The inflammatory study and the County 4-H Horse Program Microchipping Project are completed.

Forty nine educational demonstrations were given. The project has introduced the National Animal Identification System to over 22,458 people.  Three hundred seven horses were implanted with a RFID microchip. PA premises have been issued during the research project. 4-H horses, which were implanted during the research project, were scanned at 18 different 4-H horse events. The 4-H members owning the horses that were implanted reported movements.

The owner and producer survey assessed the composition and nature of the equine industry, including its resistance to the implementation of the National Animal Identification System and the impact it will have on equine owners and participants at equine activities. (Surveys were sent to: General Horse population 10,000, largest light horse breed representing 150,000 owners, 100 Amish families, 150 horse show managers and 250 veterinarians, 200 American Quarter Horse Association members).  All surveys utilized by the research committee were presented at national meetings in 2008.