Camelid Working Group (CWG) and YOU
Sept. 5, 2006
Contact: Sheila Fugina
715-246-5837
Camelid ID Working Group Gives Updated Status Report to USDA, Asks for Universal Microchip Scanner
The Camelid ID Working Group (CWG) has sent an updated status report to the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) Subcommittee of the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Foreign Animal and Poultry Diseases. A previous report was sent to the NAIS subcommittee in September of 2004.
The CWG reported the following accomplishments:
*Established a web site devoted to providing information to and communication with the camelid industry (the CWG is the only species working group to have a stand-alone web site).
*Conducted an online survey regarding industry preferences for specific methods and locations of permanent camelid identification and for management and financing of an animal tracking database.
*Issued frequent press releases to keep the camelid industry updated on NAIS developments.
*Voted to approve the first ID recommendation in July 2006 and submitted it to industry members for comment. The first recommendation submitted to the USDA is:
“For participation in the NAIS, we recommend the implanted microchip as the preferred method for
identification of camelids.
*Formed several new subcommittees to address:
--details of the method of ID (microchips)
--movement tracking within the industry and how that can most efficiently be handled
--review diseases of concern (e.g. USDA program diseases) that occur in camelids
The status report also included updated llama and alpaca population statistics, including growth of the industry since 1985 and the current level of microchipping by camelid owners. A list of concerns that have been voiced to the CWG by camelid owners was also included, such as:
How will confidentiality of owners’ information be assured?
Will the NAIS place undue financial burden on owners?
Will the NAIS have a negative impact on show attendance?
Will the NAIS negatively impact the rate of growth of the camelid industry?
The full text of the status report is available on the CWG web site under ‘Status Reports’:
http://www.camelidid.org/status_reports/index.html
The CWG also submitted a comment to USDA/APHIS docket 2006-0012 (Animal Welfare—Animal Identification Standards). This docket sought input on the need for a true universal microchip scanner for use in the U.S. Currently not all scanners can read all manufacturers’ microchips. Although USDA has very limited regulatory authority in this area, they were asked by a Congressional conference committee to develop regulations that would allow the widespread distribution of a scanner that can read (not just detect) microchips of all frequencies, encrypted and open. The response submitted by the CWG reviews the prevalence of microchip use in U.S. camelids and briefly summarizes the findings of the March online survey. The comment states in part:
“Camelids are included in the National Animal Identification System (NAIS), and the Camelid ID Working Group has recommended implanted microchips as the preferred method of permanent ID for camelids. Before any move to mandate the use of ISO microchips, a true universal scanner base must be pre-installed in the U.S. at markets, exhibition sites, veterinary clinics, and such scanners must be readily available for purchase by owners.”
The full text of the docket comment is available on the CWG web site under ‘Federal Register Docket Comments’:
http://www.camelidid.org/docket_comments/index.html
The CWG will continue to develop recommendations for a camelid ID plan, and all recommendations approved by the CWG will be announced and circulated within the camelid community for comment prior to being finalized for submission to USDA.
Please submit your comments and questions to any of the following CWG members:
Teri Nilson Baird at teri@brokenwindmill.com
Karen Conyngham at 72040.3361@compuserve.com
Sheila Fugina at bsfugina@pressenter.com
Dr. Julie Ann Jarvinen at jarvinen@iastate.edu
Marsharee Wilcox at mwilcox@travelers.com
www.camelidid.org