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Equine Species Working Group
Horse Industry Involvement Equine Species Working Group
The concept of a national ID system for horses has been discussed at equine industry meetings for the last several years. In Fall, 2003, the American Horse Council (AHC) organized a task force that included nearly thirty national equine organizations. Its purpose was to evaluate the concept of a national ID system and to determine if the horse industry could develop standards for equine identification that would benefit the industry and be compatible with the plans being considered.
This task force has now been recognized as the Equine Species Working Group (ESWG) by the USDA. It includes thirty-five representatives of the horse industry and animal health officials (a complete list can be found on the ESWG Members web page). It is co-chaired by Dr. Jim Morehead, past president of Kentucky Association of Equine Practitioners and member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, and Dr. Billy Smith, Executive Director of Information Technology at the American Quarter Horse Association. Dan Fick, Executive Vice-President of The Jockey Club, Dr. Marvin Beeman of Littleton, Colorado, past President of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, and Amy Mann, previous Director of Regulatory Affairs for the American Horse Council, were the initial co-chairs of the ESWG.
Through the ESWG, the horse industry is evaluating the overall plan, its benefits and costs, and determining how the industry can develop standards for equine identification that would fit into the system and help the industry.
The ESWG has held several meetings and numerous conference calls. It has formed subcommittees to review in detail the many issues that still need to be thought through fully. The subcommittees formed include:
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Identification and Technology Subcommittee to review what identification methods are appropriate for compliance with a national identification program and to review the technology available.
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Breed Registry Subcommittee and Database Management Subcommittee to review how a breed registry might participate in a national identification system and to review the management possibilities for databases.
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Communications and Owner Education Subcommittee to keep the industry informed of developments regarding the NAIS through media and educational materials on a national plan for the equine industry.
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Pilot Project and Tracking Movement Subcommittee to plan and draft an application when appropriate to USDA for federal funds to test the initial effectiveness of an identification system for the horse industry, and to recommend what movements of horses should be tracked and how.
It is important that the ESWG, as representatives of the horse industry, be directly involved in preparing for this system and ensuring that the horse industry can operate within its guidelines. If we do not do it, others will do it for us.
Industry Input Sought
The ESWG welcomes all input from horse owners and stakeholders in the industry as it determines the special needs of the horse industry in connection with the NAIS.
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