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Updated 3/10/2009

Animal ID Questions and Answers

For more information, e-mail or call (360) 725-5493

  1. What is the difference between the National Animal ID System (NAIS) and the Washington State Animal ID System (WSAIS)?
  2. I am currently participating in a disease control program do I still need to participate in NAIS or WSAIS?
  3. Why should I register my contact information or premises?
  4. If my Brand is registered in Washington, do I still need to participate in NAIS or WSAIS?
  5. If I only have a few animals, and they never leave my premises, do I need to participate in NAIS or WSAIS?
  6. How is my information protected?
  7. What animals are part of NAIS and WSAIS?
  8. If I register my premises or contact information am I required to participate in the other components of the systems?
  9. If I have registered my premises with NAIS, do I need to register my contact information with WSAIS?
  10. Why does WSDA need my contact information?
  11. Why doesn't WSDA use my contact information from certificates they already have?
  12. On the contact information application, what does "Business Operation Type" mean?
  13. How do I participate?
  14. Where can I purchase animal identification devices?

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  1. Q: What is the difference between the National Animal ID System (NAIS) and the Washington State Animal ID System (WSAIS)?
A:WSAIS and NAIS have many similarities, but they are stored in different database systems. WSAIS allows for producers to register their information with the state database only.NAIS premises information is housed in a federal database.

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  1. Q: I am currently participating in a disease control program do I still need to participate in NAIS or WSAIS?
A:No. Disease control programs can be of assistance during an animal health event, but they do not apply to all livestock species or diseases. NAIS and WSAIS provides WSDA with the ability to contact producers, if an animal health event occurs in your area which could affect your farm animals.
  1. Q: Why should I register my contact information or premises?
A:
  • You will be notified when an animal health event may affect your livestock.
  • It assists in providing rapid disease identification and containment.
  • It preserves confidence with trading partners.

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  1. Q: If my Brand is registered in Washington, do I still need to participate in NAIS or WSAIS?
A:Yes. Even though you have a registered Brand in Washington State, WSDA recommends that you voluntarily register your contact information or premises.

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  1. Q:If I only have a few animals, and they never leave my premises, do I need to participate in NAIS or WSAIS?
A:NAIS and WSAIS are voluntary systems. However, animal health events do not discriminate between small and large, or hobby and commercial producers. NAIS and WSAIS were designed to protect livestock and to limit the impact of a disease outbreak on producers. By participating in NAIS or WSAIS, producers will be provided with timely, accurate information. A rapid disease response limits the impact of the outbreak on livestock operations.

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  1. Q: How is my information protected?
A:Information submitted by an individual or a business for the purpose of participating in a state or national identification system is exempt from public disclosureunder Washington State Law, RCW 42.56.380.

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  1. Q: What animals are part of NAIS and WSAIS?
A:The main focus is on high risk species such as cattle and poultry. WSDA also recommends that producers with horses, sheep, goats, pigs, llamas & alpacas, or emus & ostriches register their premises or contact information.

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  1. Q: If I register my premises or contact information am I required to participate in the other components of the systems?
A:No, you are not required to participate in the two other components: Animal Identification and Animal Tracking.

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  1. Q: If I registered my premises with NAIS, do I need to register my contact information with WSAIS?
A:No, however, WSDA recommends that you complete an application to ensure that we have your most current information.

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  1. Q: Why does WSDA need my contact information?
A:Your contact information will assist us in notifying you if an animal health event has occurred in your area and to provide you with recommended precautions to take to protect your livestock.

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  1. Q: Why doesn't WSDA use my contact information from certificates they already have?
A:Many of the certificates we have (Certificates of Veterinary Inspection, Brands, etc.) have PO Boxes or invalid addresses. We need valid contact information in order to quickly notify you during an animal health event.

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  1. Q: On the contact information application, what does "Business Operation Type" mean?
A:
  • Production UnitA location where livestock is raised for commercial purposes or self consumption (i.e. farm, ranch, feedlot, backyard, hobby farm, etc.).
  • ClinicLocation where animals are treated for a disease or injury.
  • ExhibitionAnimal show or exhibition (i.e. State Fair, National Show, etc.).
  • LaboratoryLocation where animal samples are examined and tested.
  • Market/Collection PointLivestock market/auction or collection point where animals are sold.
  • Non-Producer ParticipantOrganization that records animal information, and has no association with the animals.
  • Port of Entry Location where animals are allowed to enter into the United States.
  • Quarantine FacilityLocation where diseased animals are quarantined.
  • RenderingLocation where terminated animals are processed.
  • Slaughter PlantLocation where animals are terminated for consumption.
  • Tagging SiteLocation where animals are tagged with an official USDA approved ID device.

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  1. Q: How can I participate?
A:To participate in the Washington program only, download an application (Word) or (PDF) (PDF File 342 kb) and return it to WSDA. To participate in both the state and federal programs, register online (External Link) or download an application.

Please send completed applications to:
WSDA
Animal ID Program
PO Box 42560
Olympia, WA 98504
or
e-mail the application to:
wsais@agr.wa.gov

  1. Q: Where can I purchase animal identification devices?
A:If you would like to purchase "NAIS compliant animal identification devices" please visit the USDA website (External Link). A premises number is required to order compliant devices.

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