I looked up the American Veterinary Medical Association’s position on National Animal Identification.
National Animal Identification System
(Approved by the Executive Board November 2005)The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) supports an effective National Animal Identification System (NAIS) that contains the following key elements:
1. The database(s) are accessible 24 hours a day and 7 days a week by animal health officials.
2. System cost does not detract from effective implementation.
3. A system that is workable for producers of all sizes.
4. Implementation that engages all stakeholders in providing input through the NAIS Subcommittee of the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Foreign Animal and Poultry Diseases and other designated forums.
5. Exception from freedom of information disclosure laws for data collected in support of the NAIS.
6. Implementation benchmarks and timelines are established in federal regulation to achieve the NAIS goals identified in the strategic plan.
They do address a few key issues such as making sure the info isn’t subject to the Freedom of Information Act and they recognize that this will be a burden on small producers. But I think they cop out because they don’t offer any alternatives. I wrote to them to express my concerns. For those of you following this debate here is the address for the AVMA’s governmental relations office if you want to write to them also.
I also sent out emails to a local horse group and to the directors of my state breed association. There isn’t much they can do directly but hopefully it will raise awareness.
