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Study: ID and traceability need to be addressed
A new study shows cattlemen will benefit by adopting animal identification and traceability systems. Study author David Gregg with World Perspectives tells Brownfield the study shows changing attitudes about animal ID and traceability. He says other countries have mandated systems resulting from catastrophic disease events, but he says the U.S. has the opportunity to implement systems in a more proactive fashion.
“Keeping that in mind,” Gregg told Brownfield Ag News, “the U.S. industry controls its own destiny right now.”
The study, part of the 2016-2020 Beef Industry Long Range Plan, says 62% of producers support animal ID and traceability data being made available to the government in the event of a disease outbreak. The study recommends an adoption rate goal of at least 68% of fed cattle and the U.S. cow herd in order to be effective, but says a system would not have to be government mandated.
“The hope for the study going forward is that it is used to help the industry engage internally in this discussion,” said Gregg.
The study concludes that an ID and traceability system should be industry driven and that it be managed and overseen by both private and government interests. Further, the study recommends the maintenance of data privacy and that a system is equitable to all industry sectors as well as being compatible with common industry practices.
It’s recommended that an ID and traceability system operates at the speed of commerce and is credible in domestic and international markets.
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