50% of Nebraska Livestock Premises Registered

50% of Nebraska Livestock Premises Registered

December 14, 2007

Nebraska producers have registered 15,643 or 50% of the state's livestock premises, according to Greg Ibach, director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA).

Premises registration is a part of the USDA's National Animal Identification System (NAIS). NDA began registering premises for inclusion in the NAIS in fall 2004 and started its promotional campaign, called "Locate in 48," in 2006 to encourage additional signup.

"As the number of registered premises grows, so does our ability to protect the health and viability of Nebraska's livestock industry," Ibach said. "I am pleased that so many of our farmers and ranchers understand the importance of being proactive. Premises registration not only helps to protect the health of animals, it also increases consumer confidence in the nation's food supply and better connects farmers and ranchers to the global marketplace."

Premise registration is the first step in creating an animal traceability system. A premise is a location where animals are kept and includes farms, ranches, auction markets and fairgrounds, as well as other sites.

"Premises registration will greatly aid the Nebraska Department of Agriculture in the event of a disease situation or act of bioterrorism because it can serve as a tool to quickly trace an outbreak," said State Veterinarian Dr. Dennis Hughes. "This traceability is important to help control the spread of disease and minimize losses to livestock farmers and ranchers."

According to USDA, Nebraska ranks 19th nationally in the number of estimated premises. By attaining the 50% mark, the state now ranks ninth in the percent of premises registered.

"While we are excited about reaching this benchmark, we will continue our efforts to educate producers and register more livestock locations," Ibach said. "In order to have an effective traceability system in place, we need Nebraska's farmers and ranchers to assist by registering their premises."

Those who wish to register a premise can do so online at www.LocateIn48.com, or print a copy of the registration form and fax or mail it into the NDA office. Livestock owners may also register via telephone by calling 800-572-2437. To register, individuals are asked for their name, address, phone number, species kept and legal description or driving directions to the land where the animals are kept. There is no cost to register.

Nebraska Department of Agriculture
News Release

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