Last week, Agriculture Department (USDA) officials confirmed that a cow euthanized on an Alabama farm was infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). USDA immediately began tracking the location of the cow's offspring and where the infected cow was born and had lived. The process was difficult - if not impossible - because the cow lacked a permanent form of identification, such as ear tags, a tattoo, or a brand.

The situation underscores the need in the United States for a national livestock identification system - one that authorities could use to trace the movement of cattle, pigs, sheep, poultry, and other animals from their place of birth to the meat case, insiders claim. Other countries operate mandatory, comprehensive livestock identification systems.

After the first case of BSE was discovered in the United States in December 2003, the federal government pledged to create a National Livestock Identification System (NLIS). However, the system is still a long way from being implemented. Some farm groups are opposed to the NLIS, arguing that an identification system would be expensive and difficult to put into action.

“We need an animal identification program in this country so it will help our industry and help our farmers when we have these kinds of situations,” said Alabama agriculture commissioner Ron Sparks.

Under the proposed NLIS, an animal would keep the same identification number throughout its life. Farms, ranches, auctions, and feedlots would have unique numbers, too. Different technologies, including radio-frequency identification tags, retinal scans, or even an animal's DNA could help with the tracking. The goal is to track an individual animal's movements within 48 hours of the discovery of a disease outbreak.

USDA Secretary Mike Johanns promised last May that the tracking system would be in place by 2009. The 2009 deadline has not changed, though some details have been adjusted. Johanns said industry groups will be allowed to operate the system; however, USDA would have access to the data. Also, participation in the system will be voluntary for producers.

USDA is developing the NLIS through the integration of three components--premises identification, animal identification, and animal tracking. USDA has adopted a phased-in approach to implementation. Although the draft strategic plan references mandatory requirements in 2008 and beyond, to date no actions have been initiated by USDA to develop regulations to require participation in NLIS. APHIS will publish updates to the implementation plan as recommendations are received and evaluated by the NLIS subcommittee and the Secretary's Advisory Committee on Foreign Animal and Poultry Diseases.