Premise ID Registration Underway

To date, 984 Maryland livestock and equine owners have registered their premises with the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). Premise registration is the first step in the three steps or phases of the program. Tagging individual animals will come next, but at this time, it is not necessasry to purchase special NAIS tags. Producers should continue to use their current method of tagging.

If you haven't yet registered your premise, you can do so online at http://www.mda.state.md.us/animal_health/nais/registration.php.

By 2008, all of the following livestock species shall be identified: cattle/bison, swine, horses/equine, sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas, and deer/elk, and poultry (by 2006). Some animals will be identified individually, and others will be identified by a group or flock number.

If you have any questions regarding the NAIS program, contact Marilyn Bassford at bassfoml@mda.state.md.us.