AR Volunteer Premises Identification System
What Is the Arkansas Volunteer Premises Identification System?
The Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission is launching a volunteer premises identification system to comply with USDA guidelines. No Arkansas livestock producer is required to register for a premise number. This is a voluntary program.
Why Is a National Animal Identification System (NAIS) Needed?
The increasing number of animal disease outbreaks reported around the globe over the past decade and the threat of agri-terrorism to our food supply have greatly intensified public interest in developing a national animal identification program for protecting animal health.
A national animal identification system would be of critical importance in the areas of disease eradication, disease control, isolation and control of foreign animal diseases and possibly reduce the negative impact of a biosecurity attack.
What Is the Goal of a National Animal Identification System?
Establish a system that can identify within 48 hours all premises and animals that have had direct contact with a foreign animal disease or a domestic disease of concern.
Why Is Premises Registration Important?
The identification of premises that allow for the commingling of animals is the foundation of the NAIS and must be established before animals can be tracked. Knowing where animals are located is the key to efficient, accurate and cost-effective epidemiologic investigations and disease control efforts.
Premises location data that will include a unique premises identification number to actual location involved in livestock commerce or the movement of animals or poultry will be implemented and administered by the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission under the guidelines of USDA.
What Is a Premise?
A premise is any geographically unique location associated with animal agriculture that would allow for the commingling or movement of animals involved in commerce.
What Does It Cost to Register a Premise?
Because of a grant from USDA, there is no cost to Arkansas livestock producers to register a premise.
How Do I Register a Premise?
The volunteer premises identification system registration form is one page. It asks for information such as owner name, business name, alternate contact person, mailing address, telephone number(s), e-mail address, business type, business unit (farm/ranch, clinic, livestock auction, exhibition, etc.) and species.
When the form is completed, mail or fax it to the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission. They will review the form for approval.
Once approved, the Livestock and Poultry Commission will submit the information to USDA for a premises identification number. Once USDA assigns a premises identification number, the livestock producer will be notified.
How Do I Obtain a Registration Form?
To obtain a volunteer premises identification registration form, contact the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission at:
- You will need the latest version of Adobe reader
- Download Form
- Submit form online
- Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission
P.O. Box 8505
Little Rock, AR 72215
Phone Number: 501-907-2400
Fax Number: 501-907-2425
