U.S. Animal Identification Organization elects fourth member

At the recent Cattle Industry Annual Convention, the U.S. Animal Identification Organization (USAIO) elected Dr. Bob Smith to its board. Smith, who will serve as the National Cattlemen's Beef Association's (NCBA) representative to the USAIO, is a practicing veterinarian and cattle stocker operator from Stillwater, Okla.

The USAIO is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide for the collection and storage of animal movement data, so the United States animal industry can meet the animal disease tracing needs of the National Animal Identification System.

Smith was nominated by the officers of NCBA to serve as its representative on the USAIO board. NCBA's policy calls for a private-sector database to protect producer confidentiality.

"Animal identification is an important issue to the cattle industry. I am pleased to serve cattle producers on this board," said Smith.

At the annual meeting's National Animal Movement Database Forum, Smith introduced himself to cattlemen and encouraged them to let him know what they want and need from the USAIO.

"I am hoping NCBA members will call me so I can effectively represent their interests," he said.

Besides being a full-time beef cattle veterinarian, Smith has chaired NCBA's Cattle Health and Well Being Committee and has served on the Beef Quality Assurance Advisory Board for more than a decade.

"Bob is an excellent addition to the USAIO board. His experience in animal health and working with producers across the High Plains will help us make sure we are meeting the needs of cattle producers," said Charles Miller, USAIO chairman and Kentucky beef producer.

Date: 2/20/06