Animal ID Program to Remain Voluntary
Posted: November 29, 2006
I know this news has been all over the papers, radio, tv and web. I also know it’s a very emotionally charged issues, so I won’t throw my personal opinion out there. Tell me what you think of national animal id - do you think it should be mandatory or voluntary and why?
USDA Secretary Mike Johanns says the voluntary national livestock identification system will not become a mandatory program. Johanns says the national livestock identification system will remain voluntary rather than mandatory. The notion of a required animal ID plan faced resistance from many producers concerned about privacy issues, extra government controls, and the task of giving each animal an extra ear tag.
The animal ID program is aimed at controlling disease among animals, especially bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). USDA says market demands will give farmers incentive to sign up for the animal ID program.
esbee Said,
June 3, 2008 @ 6:46 am
Actually, you will not find much in mainstream media about NAIS. Even the Hannity show said it was a non-issue, and that is surprising, given the conservative nature of the talk show host. You will find lots about NAIS and how it will benefit corporate ag yet put onnerous and unnecessary burdens on the family farm at various websites that are against NAIS. (They came to that conclusion by reading the NAIS document.)
steve Said,
June 3, 2008 @ 7:14 am
The reasons we are told NAIS is needed keeps changing. (Disease protection, bioterrorism, global market, etc) Yet when Creekstone Beef wanted to test every cow they process for BSE, the USDA says they cannot!!! Creekstone had to take the USDA to court to sue for the right to test for BSE! And what does my reporting to the USDA when I take my horse off my property have to do with big ag selling beef to Japan?
Actually, NAIS is NOT about protecting us from animal disease…it is a marketing plan for corporate ag. NAIS traceability ends at slaughter which is where many food issues happen. Why does the NAIS document allow only for depopulation if disease is suspected?