EMRG running in AH. Now at 2.60 +33%. 3:51 pm ET eMerge Interactive spikes on report USDA implementing cattle ID system (EMRG) 2.10 +0.15:
News - WASHINGTON, April 27, 2004 -- Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced the framework for implementation of a National Animal Identification System (NAIS) designed to identify any agricultural premise exposed to a foreign animal disease so that it can be more quickly contained and eradicated.
Veneman also announced that $18.8 million would be transferred from the USDA Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to provide initial funding for the program during FY 2004.
“While many livestock species in the United States can be identified through a variety of systems, a verifiable system of national animal identification will enhance our efforts to respond to intentionally or unintentionally introduced animal disease outbreaks more quickly and effectively,” Veneman said. “This framework is the result of concerted efforts to expedite the implementation of a system that meets our goals and enables farmers and ranchers to adapt existing identification programs and to use all existing forms of effective technologies.”
Veneman announced Dec. 30, 2003 that USDA would expedite the implementation of a national animal identification system for all species after the discovery of a BSE positive cow in Washington State. Today’s announcement concludes several months of a USDA working group’s efforts to develop an implementation framework for a U.S. animal identification plan.
Veneman said that the CCC funding is earmarked for the initial infrastructure development and implementation of the national system, but both private and public support will be required to make it fully operational. The Administration’s proposed FY 2005 budget includes another $33 million for the effort.
