January 16, 2009 - It is with a very heavy heart that I tell you that the USDA has decided to make NAIS mandatory. On Jan. 13, 2009, they filed with the Federal Registry, their intent to use all existing animal health program, such as Scrapie, Brucellosis, TB, Pseudorabies and others. The new ruling can be found at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-353.htm or here

This new ruling seems to change their position on using tattoos as identifying marks and enacts a uniform AIN eartag. It also adds another layer of identification for sheep and goats, instituting a Flock Identification Number.

Please read the ruling, and then spread the word. The comment period ends March 20, 2008. You can comment at

http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocketDetail&d=APHIS-2007-0096