What is the Federal Equine Identification Plan?
The Federal Equine Identification Plan is a requirement of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) that requires the identification and registration of horses to prevent the spread of Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). The plan directs each state to create a program for registering horses, which must include: an official, permanent identification method; a central record-keeping system; and mandatory EIA testing and registration. In California, horses that are intended for sale, distribution, movement, or public exhibition must be entered into the California Identification Registry (CIR). The CIR was established in 2004 and links with the USDA’s Equine Information System. Owners must obtain an official, approved identification (such as a microchip or tattoo) for their horses and the information is entered into the CIR. The CIR also tracks EIA testing and results and exempts horses that have been vaccinated for EIA within the past twelve months. An annual EIA test is required for all horses that participate in organized activities, races, shows, events, or exhibitions. Horses must also be tested if they are moved from state to state, or if a horse is bought, leased, loaned, or sold. The Federal Equine Identification Plan is designed to reduce the risk of EIA and other diseases spreading among herds. By improving record-keeping, tracking test results, and reducing movement of untested horses, the Plan helps to protect public health and safety and the welfare of equines.
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