Branding of Mexican Cattle (see also Animal Welfare)

The AVMA believes that permanent identification of animals is essential in protecting the nation's livestock industry and public health. The AVMA recommends that a high priority be placed on the development of alternatives to hot-iron branding. (EB-June 1994)

Electronic Identification

The AVMA should continue to support the development of electronic identification by attending and being a participant at electronic identification meetings in order to stay current on new information and technology. (EB-November 1992)

The AVMA endorses the use of electronic identification in companion animals and supports the efforts of standardization in materials, procedures, equipment, and registries. (EB Nov 1995).

Companion Animal Electronic Identification

Veterinary Practices and Procedures Guidelines

(Approved by the Executive Board-April 2000)

Authority to Inject: The subcutaneous or intramuscular administration of an injectable transponder (an electronic identification device) in an animal for an animal owner is an injection procedure and, therefore, constitutes the practice of veterinary medicine. The injection should be done by a licensed veterinarian or under direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

Site of Injection: For domestic dogs and cats, the recommended site for subcutaneous injection of a transponder is on the dorsal midline, just cranial to the shoulder blade or scapula. For companion birds, the recommended site for intramuscular injection of a transponder is in the pectoral muscle. For horses, the transponders are injected on the left side at approximately the level of the 3rd or 4th cervical vertebrae and into the nuchal ligament.

Transponders shall be visible radiographically (x-ray) and by ultrasound.

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Microchip Standards

The Board APPROVED AVMA=s communicating strongly to microchip vendors the need to develop common standards for the use of electronic microchips for animal identification. (EB-Nov. 1995).

AVMA voted to approve the International Standards Organization-proposed electronic identification standards (ISO/DIS 11784 and ISO/DIS 11785). (EB-Nov 1995).

The AVMA supports standards established for Radio Frequency Identification of Animals by the International, Organization of Standardization (ISO) and urges the incorporation of ISO compliant transponders and ISO compatible readers in systems used for the administration of animal identification and records. (EB-April 1997)