August 8, 2005

Schering-Plough programme now certifies cattle movements

Schering-Plough Animal Health's Tri-Meritä Individual Animal Health & History Certification Program now includes certification of cattle movement in its roster of services for the livestock industry. Tri-Merit is a complimentary online service to verify animal records. It is offered by the US animal health company and powered by its subsidiary, Global Animal Management, Inc.

The Tri-Merit online data management system combines traditional process certification with individual animal birthdates. Now it is designed to also certify movement of cattle. Certificates can be generated to verify the following information of animals:

• identification number
   
• birthdate
   
• original source (e.g., home ranch)
   
• origination point (e.g., sale barn)
   
• arrival date at a certain premises (e.g., feedyard)
   
• departure date from that premises
   
• destination (e.g., packer).

The certificates also identify total number of steers, heifers, bulls, and cows. They are dated and signed by the owner/manager and veterinarian or other animal health professional.

"This programme is designed to help producers market their cattle and gain potential benefit of associating birthdates, health and management processes, and movement of individual animals," says Rick Sibbel, DVM, director of Schering-Plough Animal Health global technical services. "At the same time, it provides a foundation for producers to prepare for the new market pressure associated with the National Animal Identification System [NAIS]. Verifying movement of cattle will be necessary not only from a bio-security perspective, but also to gain the advantages of Bovine Export Verification [BEV]. Exports are a rapidly increasing market," Sibbel says.

Tyler Brown, Global Animal Management national sales manager, adds, "This program is important because the NAIS is being rapidly implemented, and the easier it is for producers to participate, the greater the likelihood of NAIS success. An equally important issue is producer profitability. Animals with certified health, history, and movement records typically command premiums and can qualify for Bovine Export Verification." Given the amount of beef export potential in this country, BEV is of significant value to packers and therefore to producers.

"With all the questions about the implementation of the NAIS and BEV in our national cattle herd, Tri-Merit offers an opportunity for producers and trusted animal health advisors to develop strategies to meet these evolving demands of the market place while potentially gaining in the short term," comments Dan Ellsworth, Schering-Plough Animal Health senior product manager.

By combining its animal health products with data management services, Schering-Plough Animal Health is providing the industry with more than products to improve animal health productivity. By taking a leadership position in data management services, the company is bringing its customers solutions beyond the traditional portfolio of other animal health companies. Schering-Plough Animal Health recognizes that its customers require answers to their needs for animal data management.

Schering-Plough is a global science-based health care company with leading prescription, consumer, and animal health products. Through internal research and collaborations with partners, Schering-Plough discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets advanced drug therapies to meet important medical needs. Schering-Plough's vision is to earn the trust of the physicians, patients and customers served by its more than 30,000 people around the world. The company is based in Kenilworth, N.J., and its website is www.schering-plough.com.