There are 112 flocks in 26 states participating in the Electronic Identification (EI) Pilot Project, with California, Colorado, Iowa and Oregon having the greatest participation. The project purchased 10,000 transponders, 100 readers and implant guns and 400 extra needles. States with the most flocks participating received three readers. There are 48 readers in the Kansas City warehouse which will be distributed on request.

The main goal of the project is to conduct a labor/cost comparison of the EI and tattoo methods of identification. Another purpose is to study the reliability, longevity and migration rate of transponders. A goal of this project is to also encourage use of EI to provide unique, unalterable individual identification that is simple to apply and will last the lifetime of the animal.

Information will be collected via two surveys during this project. One survey will be answered when animals are implanted by a Veterinary Medical Officer (VMO). This survey will gather historical information and record the EI number and the amount of time spent implanting and scanning. The next survey will be completed approximately one year later when the VMO performs the annual inspection of the flock. Information will be gathered concerning producer satisfaction and reliability of the EID.

TIMELINE FOR ELECTRONIC IDENTIFICATION PILOT PROJECT

4-1-96 Start EID implanting of participating flocks.

10-1-96 Complete EID implanting of participating flocks.

4-1-97 Start annual reading and surveys of participating flocks.

10-1-97 Complete annual reading and surveys of participating flocks.

11-1-97 Surveys returned to Riverdale.

11-15-97 Collected survey information to CEAH

1-10-98 Preliminary results available.

3-31-98 Final results available.