NoNAIS.org

The USDA is slipping in Animal Identification by requiring it mandatorily for existing disease program. Another example of their mandatory version of voluntary. In Texas they have done it for cattle under the Trichomoniasis program requiring RFID tagging of healthy animals.

Beginning April 1, 2009, breeding bulls entering Texas from any other state must be either 24 months of age or younger and certified as a virgin, or be tested negative for cattle trichomoniasis within 30 days prior to entry. The entry requirements are part of a regulatory package adopted by the commissioners for the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) February 24 to address trichomoniasis…

…bulls must be officially identified with a breed registry tattoo or brand, a USDA metal ear tag, official RFID tag, official trichomoniasis ear tag from the state of origin, or other official identification. The animal must be accompanied by a completed trichomoniasis test document, certificate of veterinary inspection and other routine health documents…

…When the program is implemented, Texas breeding bulls undergoing change of possession must be officially identified with a USDA ear tag, official RFID tag, or breed registry tattoo or brand.
-NTXE-News

Hat tip to K&T.

Sharon Zecchinelli, a.k.a. HenWhisperer, has written a semi-fictional historical account of NAIS to date and a little into the future. We can hope that she is right.

Getting the book was hard for me. I was crazy busy and I had promised Sharon I would look at it. I dreaded her sending it. Reading it was a should, as in, “I should read it to make Sharon feel good.”

Once I started reading it I couldn’t put it down. I got it in the mid-afternoon and finished at about 4 pm. That included time to do some googling to check things.

First They Came for the Cows is a good narrative of the story of the struggle against the USDA’s proposed National Animal Identification System (NAIS). Everyone involved, from farmers to activists to government officials will find nits to pick. Sharon has things in there that will piss off some people and left out things that will upset other people. It is never worth trying to please everyone.

I would suggest reading the book have Google at your finger tips. The book is fascinating and google makes for some interesting backgrounding. Sharon has made many shadow references with her depth of knowledge of the characters and events that involved in the fight.

Everyone will wonder, how much really happened, and how much will happen. The fact and fancy are mixed quite well without losing the historical background. It is historical fiction at its best. The take home quote of the book is on page 237:

Let’s keep up the good fight and widen those cracks in NAIS.

You can get a copy at Amazon for $20 and it qualifies for the free shipping.

I got the following letter from Senator Patrick Leahy (VT-D). This is interesting because previously he has touted NAIS. I realize that politicians blow in the wind like the proverbial flag but still, it is interesting. Also of interest is what I wrote to him about was not NAIS but antibiotic abuse in the livestock industry. I had mentioned NAIS only in passing. Perhaps his automatic reply filter tripped:

From: Senator_Leahy@leahy.senate.gov
Subject: {Disarmed} From Senator Patrick Leahy
Date: March 23, 2009 2:47:13 PM EDT

Dear Mr. Jeffries:

Thank you for contacting me about the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). I appreciate hearing from you on this important agricultural issue.

I am hopeful that, with the new leadership in the Obama White House, you will begin to see a reversal of many of the failed policy decisions of the last eight years, including illegal interrogation techniques, weakening of our environmental laws, and driving our small farmers out of business. With a President that supports science-based policy decisions, and a cabinet willing to stand up for small farmers and business owners, I expect a new tide of regulations and policies will begin to take shape that will keep Vermont’s small farms in mind for a change. These changes will take time, but I know that President Obama is committed to reversing the misdeeds of the last eight years.

Again, thank you for contacting me. Please keep in touch.

Patrick Leahy
United States Senator