December 16, 2008

The first visual Premises Identification Number (PIN) tags for swine entering harvest channels approved by the US Department of Agriculture has been adopted by agri-conglomerate Cargill.

While not intended for use as unique individual animal identification, the new tags, manufactured by Destron Fearing, will provide a valuable tool to enhance the traceability of breeding stock and to support the National Animal Identification System (NAIS).

Dr. David Nolan, Cargill Pork senior operations manager said that Cargill has long supported the premises identification as it relates to swine health programs and policy. The implementation of Destron Fearing tags, he says, has upgraded Cargill's identification system.

The Swine Premise Tag consists of a pink tamper-proof button and a pink visual panel stud. Each tag carries the official US shield, the assigned alpha-numeric seven character premises identification number and a notice stating "Unlawful to Remove". Space is also available on the visual panel for producers wanting to include an individual management number.

NAIS is a modern, streamlined information system that helps producers and animal health officials respond quickly and effectively to animal health events in the United States. The program which is voluntary at the federal level, consists of three parts: premises registration, animal identification and tracing.