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The Ohio Department of Agriculture has launched a Web site – www.animalid.com – that allows livestock producers to register their farms for the National Animal Identification System (NAIS).

Premises registration is the first step in implementing NAIS, a voluntary program that aims to create the capability in the United States to trace animal disease outbreaks to their origin within 48 hours. It includes all farms, markets, packing/processing plants and other locations that produce, hold, exhibit or manage livestock.

"With emerging animal diseases like BSE and the threat of agroterrorism, the need for a national animal identification system is paramount," said Fred Dailey, director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA).

Dailey encouraged all livestock producers to visit the site and register their premises.

The site provides livestock producers with a premises registration form that can be filled out and mailed, faxed or e-mailed to ODA. The site also contains background information on premises registration, national animal identification and species information.

The next step in implementing NAIS will be animal identification and the reporting of animal movements through the market chain.

David White, executive director of the Ohio Livestock Coalition, said the main purpose of a national animal identification system is to protect animal health.

"A strong identification program is in increasing demand as a necessary component of America's agricultural infrastructure," he said.

To help producers become more familiar with the program, OLC and Mid American Ag and Hort Services (MAAHS) have partnered with the United States Department of Agriculture's Risk Management Agency to provide resources for information, education and awareness regarding NAIS. OFBF is a member of both OLC and MAAHS.

Animal ID fact sheets are available through OLC by going to its Web site at www.OhioLivestock.org and clicking on the programs link.