R-CALF Wants NAIS Abandoned

R-CALF USA has asked Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack to completely abandon what they call – the flawed National Animal Identification System. In a letter, R-CALF USA President/Region VI Director Max Thornsberry said – instead we recommend that Congress and USDA focus on targeted solutions to the legitimate livestock disease-related challenges faced by U.S. livestock industries. Thornsberry also recommended steps to meaningfully address legitimate food safety challenges, as are evidenced by recent and massive recalls of meat produced in U.S. slaughtering plants.

R-CALF USA recommendations focus on stopping livestock health issues at the border. They also include adoption of the surveillance and identification components of the preexisting brucellosis program, including the metal eartag and tattoo. R-CALF USA would also have State and Tribal animal health officials solely responsible for maintaining a statewide database for all metal tags applied within their respective jurisdictions.

Thornsberry said R-CALF USA looks forward to working with the Secretary to enhance our nation’s animal disease preparedness in a manner that builds upon our past successes and does not infringe on the rights and privileges of U.S. livestock producers.