USDA to Develop New Framework for Animal Disease Traceability

(American Meat Institute)

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack has announced that United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will develop a new framework for animal disease traceability.

One of USDA’s first steps will be to convene a forum with animal health leaders, states and Tribal Nations. Additionally, USDA will be revamping the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Animal Health to address specific issues, such as confidentiality and liability.

USDA says the new system will apply only apply to animals moved in interstate commerce, will be administered by the states and Tribal Nations, will encourage the use of lower-cost technology and will be implemented transparently through federal regulations and the full rulemaking process.

In response, AMI Patrick J. Boyle said, “We are extremely disappointed by the failure to implement the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) that has been in development and by the prospect of waiting additional years before the U.S. has an effective animal identification system in place.   We will continue to work with USDA and interested parties to support the development and implementation of a mandatory animal identification system.”

For more information, click here: http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=39935577&msgid=171533&act=SH7B&c=590864&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aphis.usda.gov%2Ftraceability.    

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