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Contact:
Sarah A. Chase, Dir. of Communications
American Horse Council
Equine Health Alert: WASHINGTON, DC September 4, 2007 – The American Horse Council (AHC) reports that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved Digital Angel Corporation’s (formerly Destron Fearing) Life-Chip equine radio frequency identification (RFID) injectable transponder for use in horses. Kerry Thompson, Director of Health and Regulatory Affairs for the AHC, stated that, “The industry expects that in the future additional companies will apply for USDA approval of equine microchips to be developed and sold in the U.S.” Thompson further added, “Microchips can be a valuable tool to the equine industry to identify horses, whether as proof of ownership if lost or stolen, or to identify horses in breeding or boarding operations, competitions or domestic and international travel.” The LifeChip is compliant with all U.S. animal safety standards, as well as with the requirements of the International Organization of Standardization (ISO). It fits the standards used across the globe. The microchip contains a passive transponder programmed with a unique 15-digit number that can be read by any ISO-compliant reader. As long as the reader is ISO-compliant, it does not matter what brand it is, the microchip will be read. Digital Angel’s new LifeChip can also be used for participation in the National Animal Identification System (NAIS), a voluntary program developed by USDA to enhance animal disease traceability through standardizing the identification of premises, livestock and animal movements. It is the first microchip to be approved for use in the NAIS. The AHC further reports that one of the recommendations the Equine Species Working Group (www.equinespeciesworkinggroup.com) made to the USDA when reviewing how the equine industry might fit into a voluntary NAIS, suggested that the ISO/ANSI compatible RFID chip (11784/85, 134.2 kHz) be the recommended standard of electronic equine identification to control disease and for uniformity and compatibility necessary to achieve the goals of NAIS. The LifeChip satisfies this standard. The LifeChip microchip also has a BioThermo temperature-sensing technology feature. This feature allows the horse’s temperature to be read at the site of the microchip’s implantation, an easy and safe way for owners, breeders, veterinarians, etc. to perform this common task. The recommended site for implantation is in the nuchal ligament on the left side, in the middle third of the neck, halfway between the ears and the withers. Additionally, each microchip is capped with a patented, biocompatible material called BioBond which prevents migration from the site of implantation, an item that was necessary to gain USDA approval. For more legislative or health and regulatory news, please visit the American Horse Council online: www.horsecouncil.org or call 202-296-4031. ### As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities. Organized in 1969, the AHC promotes and protects the industry by communicating with Congress, federal agencies, the media and the industry on behalf of all horse related interests each and every day. The AHC is member supported by individuals and organizations representing virtually every facet of the horse world from owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and horsemen's associations to horse shows, race tracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.
Sarah A.
Chase |
