January 17, 2006

USDA proposes multiple database concept for cattle ID

Multiple databases--instead of a single one--could very well be the way to go for the US national livestock identification system, announced US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Chief Veterinarian Dr John Clifford in the week of Jan 9.

Through these databases, USDA will be able to compile information in the event of an animal health emergency.

Clifford announced the new concept during a panel session at the American Farm Bureau Federation's annual meeting Jan 8, adding that the USDA is looking to pay for the development of the "metadata layer", a search engine, to retrieve data from some 20-30 databases.

On Jan 9, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns also said that they would have a method that will allow them to access a number of systems.

Johanns said that that this would enable several private-sector companies to offer animal identification systems as opposed to one monopolistic type of approach. Under the new proposal, databases will continue to be held by individual US states or the private sector.

A major controversy arose in August last year when Johanns said that the USDA would use a private-sector repository for animal tracking, instead of keeping the information in a USDA database. A heated debate ensued between those who prefer a private database and those who believe the USDA should keep the database.

Clifford cited that one of the main reasons to have the multiple-database concept was that several US states already have their own databases.