Eartags, ear notches and transponders were all used. This ID facilitated the transfer of animals between parks for rotation of displays, for control of disease, and for mating to different bloodlines. Llama Dr. Arthur Kennel discussed the international llama registry. To be imported into the United States, the llama must have permanent identification. Microchips at the base of the left ear and eartags are used.
Blood typing is also a registration requirement.
Daniel Vitiello, Domestic Program Leader Animal Production Food Safety, USDA-FSIS, reported on the newly formed federal panel, which he chairs, that is working towards removing the federal government as an obstacle to animal identification implementation. Federal interests include marketing regulations, animal health and food safety. Ownership, marketing, disease control and eradication programs, residue programs, regulation and enforcement of livestock laws are entirely dependent upon a valid system of animal identification. The goal of the committee is to meet the expanding needs in livestock identification, both national and international, and be prepared to reach conclusions that are not only reasonable to the livestock industry but fulfill the purposes for which each livestock identification system is designed. Two resolutions were passed by the committee before adjournment.