Animal Identification Program

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Updated 6/19/2008

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 register my contact or premises information?

  14. Where can I purchase animal identification devices?

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  1. What is the difference between the National Animal ID System (NAIS) and the Washington State Animal ID System (WSAIS)?

WSAIS and NAIS have many similarities but are different systems. WSAIS allows for producers to register their information with the state database only or with both the state and federal database. With NAIS, premises registration information (contact information) is housed in a database on a federal server that Washington animal health officials have access to.

 

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  1. I am currently participating in a disease control program do I still need to participate in NAIS or WSAIS?

No, NAIS and WSAIS are voluntary systems. Disease control programs can be of assistance during an animal health event, but they do not apply to all livestock species and diseases. NAIS and WSAIS provides WSDA with a uniform response during an animal health event for all species of livestock.

 

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  1. Why should I register my contact information or premises?

  • You will be notified quickly when an animal health event is going to effect your livestock.

  • It gives you the information you need, when you need it most.

  • It provides rapid disease identification and containment.

  • It protects market access and gives you a competitive trade advantage.

  • It preserves confidence with trading partners.

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  1. If my Brand is registered in Washington, do I still need to participate in NAIS or WSAIS?

Even though you have a registered Brand in Washington State, WSDA still recommends that you voluntarily register your contact information or premises. Therefore, WSDA will have your most current contact information. 

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  1. If I only have a few animals, and they never leave my premises, do I need to participate in NAIS or WSAIS?

No, 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. How is my information protected?

Information submitted by an individual or a business for the purpose of participating in a state or national identification system is exempt from public disclosure under Washington State Law, RCW 42.56.380.

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  1. What animals are part of NAIS and WSAIS?

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. If  I register my premises or contact information am I required to participate in the other components of the systems?

No, you are not required to participate in the other components. 

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  1. If I have registered my premises with NAIS, do I need to register my contact information with WSAIS?

No, however, WSDA recommends that you complete the application process to ensure that we have your current information.

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  1. Why does WSDA need my contact information?

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. Why doesn't WSDA use my contact information from certificates they already have?

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. On the contact information application, what does "Business Operation Type" mean?

  • Production Unit:  A location where livestock is raised for commercial purposes or self consumption (i.e. farm, ranch, feedlot, backyard, hobby farm, etc.).

  • Clinic:  Location where animals are treated for a disease or injury.

  • Exhibition:  Animal show or exhibition (i.e. State Fair, National Show, etc.).

  • Laboratory:  Location where animal samples are examined and tested.

  • Market/Collection Point:  Livestock market/auction or collection point where animals are sold.

  • Non-Producer Participant:  Organization 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 Facility:  Location where diseased animals are quarantined.

  • Rendering:  Location where terminated animals are processed.

  • Slaughter Plant:  Location where animals are terminated for consumption.

  • Tagging Site:  Location where animals are tagged with an official USDA approved ID device.

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  1. How do I register my contact or premises information?

To register your contact information or premises download an application (Word) or
(PDF) and return it to WSDA. Individuals that want to register their premises or contact information in both the state and federal databases you can register online.

 

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

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  1.  Where can I purchase animal identification devices?

If you would like to purchase NAIS compliant animal identification devices please visit the USDA website.  In order to purchase NAIS compliant animal identification, you must register your premises or contact information in both the state and federal databases, and receive a Premises Identification Number (PIN).

 

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