Colorado

Officials at the Colorado Department of Agriculture have set a goal of registering more than 20 percent of livestock premises by the end of 2006.

In Colorado, nearly 700 locations are registered, which is about 6 percent. Premises registration is the first step in the National Animal Identification System (NAIS), which will allow animal tracing to be completed within 48 hours of a disease being detected.

"We want livestock owners to be proactive because there are many benefits as well as added value for producers once the system is fully operational," said Wayne Cunningham, state veterinarian at the Colorado Department of Agriculture.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to make registration mandatory on Jan. 1, 2008.

To meet next year's goal, officials are collaborating with Colorado State University Cooperative Extension to train at least one staff member in each office who can help with registration as well as answer producer questions.

In Colorado, livestock owners can register their location in just a few simple steps via the Internet. First, access the information at www.livestocktrust.com and click on Colorado. Next click on New User Registration and fill in the required fields, using the designated U.S. Postal Service (USPS) address. If a producer has multiple sites, contact CDA to learn about the specific premises guidelines, since each ranch and production system is unique.

If the information entered is recognized by the USDA as a valid USPS address, a premises identification number is issued immediately. If the address is not recognized, allow about one week for the information to be processed. Return to the Web site and login, using the designated name and password. Ranchers can access information on their specific premises, account maintenance and livestock activity.

In addition, producers who prefer to register via telephone or mail must submit a request to their county Extension office. Confirmation letters with the premises registration information will be mailed on a monthly basis.

Premises registration involves identifying every location, where animals are born, managed, marketed or exhibited. Producers must register premises in the states where the property is located.

"Although the program is voluntary at this time, it's important for livestock owners to realize that their livelihood can depend on providing and improving as many safeguards as possible to our food supply," said Cunningham.

The goal of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Animal Identification System is to create an effective, uniform national animal tracking system that will help maintain the health of U.S. herds and flocks. When fully operational, animal tracing ensures rapid containment of the disease.

For more information, visit the Web at www.usda.gov/nais or contact the Colorado Department of Agriculture at 303-239-4161.