Mounted search and rescue

["Chuck Daniel" <iwhound@voyager.net>]

           With all the interest on NAIS, I decided to visit one of the 
micro chip web sites.  The site is Avid and one of the pages that caught my 
attention was the following.  On the surface, it appears that we may have to 
have check in and check out stations a specific events.  I'm not sure what 
to say about this, still need to form an opinion.  I'm just throwing this 
out for further discussion.

           On a side note, in addition to our horses we also have a 
personal kennel.  We have 11 salukis, 2 I. Wolfhounds, 1 boarder collie, 1 
boxer and 1 sheltie.  All are chipped.  We feel strongly about 
identification four you charges.

           Chuck



           Following text from Avid web site;

           "How Will The NAIS Affect Me?


           Voluntary or Mandatory? The ESWG states: "Provided Freedom of 
Information Act issues are resolved to industry satisfaction, mandatory 
equine identification should not be implemented before 2010 unless events 
necessitate earlier compliance."

           Privacy ? The ESWG recommends: "Horse identification 
data/information must be kept confidential and exempt from current FOIA 
(Freedom of Information Act) requirements including a FOIA exemption to 
block data from passing among varied governmental agencies.

           Only approved federal and state animal health authorities will 
have access to any state or federally managed database where the NAIS 
information essential to the enhancement of animal disease surveillance and 
monitoring is maintained."


           How the proposed National Equine ID Program will affect you 
depends upon who you are. (Please note that no final decisions have been 
reached. Below is only conceptual, based upon the current ESWG 
recommendations.)

           Private horse owner, with only a few horses:
           If you transport your horse or co-mingle your horse with other 
equines, your horse will have permanent ID. Your horse's ID will be recorded 
as he leaves one premises, and when he arrives at another. This information 
will be forwarded to a national database at designated time intervals.

           Large facility with breeding mares:
           All facilities with a number of horses will be assigned a 
premises ID number. All horses will require individual ID. There will be 
someone at the facility designated to record all entries and exits of all 
horses at that premises. This information will be forwarded to a national 
database at regular intervals.

           Training facility:
           Training facilities will have a designated premises ID number. 
All horses entering and exiting the facility will have to be recorded and 
forwarded to a national database at regular intervals.

           A veterinarian:
           Veterinarians will be using the permanent ID of the individual 
horse on CVI's and Coggins forms. They will also be required to record all 
equines entering and exiting their facility. This information will be 
required to be forwarded to a national database at regular intervals.

           If you show, travel or exhibit your horses:
           You will be required to have permanent ID: This ID will be used 
on your health certificate, required for traveling. The ID will also have to 
be recorded as an exit from your premises and an entry upon entering your 
destination. Of course, it will be recorded when you exit your event and 
reenter your premises inserted."