January 9, 2009

US poultry groups have urged farmers to register their premises with the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) to help protect their birds in the event of a disease outbreak.

A registration will enable chicken producers to be informed promptly if there is a serious animal disease outbreak in the vicinity, said George Watts, president of the National Chicken Council.

Watts said the registration would not only protect the farmers' flocks, but also their livelihood.

Producers should register their premises through state agencies and poultry associations that are working with the USDA, said Gene Gregory, president and CEO of the United Egg Producers (UEP).