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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Disease Control
What is the role of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture in regard to animal health?
It is the duty of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to protect the health of livestock in
Nebraska. That means the State Veterinarian, along with the Animal and Plant Health Protection (APHP), is legally required to employ the best means for prevention, control, and eradication of animal disease. Surveillance, quarantines, testing, and depopulation are all common practices currently used for this purpose.
The ultimate goal is to help Nebraska farmers and ranchers maintain healthy herds.
Why is it important to have efficient disease traceback capability?
To protect the health of the livestock in Nebraska, being able to trace and contain a disease quickly is essential. The Locate In 48 program will allow for rapid tracing of animals in the event of an outbreak, helping to limit the scope and expense of an outbreak.
Will this program increase my liability?
Historically, when producers manage livestock using generally accepted practices, they have not been considered responsible for food safety situations.
Process to Obtain a Premises Identification Number (PIN)
How much does it cost to get a Premises Identification Number (PIN)?
There is no cost for a Premises Identification Number (PIN) through the state system.
How do I obtain a Premises Identification Number (PIN)?
Call the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 800-572-2437.
What information do I need in order to get my Premises Identification Number (PIN)?
You will need the following pieces of information: name, address, and phone number of the producer; physical location of the site (or driving directions, if no address is assigned); operation type; and livestock species.
A Premises Identification Number (PIN) does not reveal the number of animals, their identification number, or other information.
Special Circumstances
How do I obtain a Premises Identification Number (PIN) for a site when an address has not been assigned?
You will need to provide driving directions. When providing the driving directions, use directional indicators (east, west, south, and north), give the number of miles from turns, and indicate on which side of the road the site is located.
What if I lease a farm?
If you want a Premises Identification Number (PIN) for a leased location, you will need the permission of the landowner. Verbal permission is sufficient. The PIN identifies the geographic location of the driveway to the site.
Do I need multiple Premises identifiers, if I operate on more than one location?
While there is no requirements to have any Premises Identification Number (PIN), if you do have operations in multiple areas, especially if they are some distance apart, a PIN for each location is advisable. The reason for this becomes apparent when there is a disease of concern identified in the state, If you have animals on sites in Cherry County, and perhaps in Red Willow County but operate all of them relying on the PIN for the site in Cherry County, you will not be notified of the disease if it is discovered in Red Willow County, Thus you may not know you should be monitoring your animals in Red Willow County for the disease that is in the county and taking other appropriate actions.
Related Programs
Is the Locate In 48 program related to the Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) initiative?
This animal disease traceability program is not being implemented because of COOL. The program is creating a way to trace animal disease efficiently.
If I have National Scrapie Eradication Program Flock identification, do I also need to have a location identifier?
The National Scrapie Flock Identification Number is given to a unit of animals. If a flock moves to a new location, the flock identification will remain the same. The National Scrapie Flock Identification number is required for the Scrapie program and to receive scrapie tags. The scrapie program is designed to eradicate a specific disease and does not necessarily help in determining a geographic area to concentrate disease control and testing during a disease outbreak. A Premises Identification Number (PIN) refers to a physical location where the animals are housed. A PIN is NOT required for the Scrapie program. A PIN can help in efforts to contain and respond in an appropriate geographic area when a disease outbreak does occur.
Can I use the Premises Identification Number to source verify my cattle for marketing purposes?
A Premises Identification Number (PIN) does not automatically make your cattle source or age verified. USDA’s Quality System Assessment (QSA) and Processed Verified Program (PVP) programs may require some of the same information, but these are separate programs.
General Questions
What are the benefits for producers to participate in Locate In 48?
The driving benefit of this program is disease control. If an outbreak can be contained quickly, the losses that you may suffer will be minimized.
The program will also help increase consumer confidence in Nebraska meat products as safe. Because animal disease outbreaks can be quickly contained and eradicated through Locate In 48, the state’s foodstuffs will be more protected from the threat of disease.
Another benefit will be the continued ability to compete in the global marketplace. Buyers worldwide, including some domestic customers, are beginning to demand disease traceability.
What is a Premises?
A Premises is any place where animals are managed or held. This includes all sites where livestock is born, raised, marketed, or exhibited. Examples include farms and hobby farms, veterinary clinics, stables, livestock markets, livestock trucker and dealer locations where animals are kept, harvest rendering facilities, livestock exhibitions, and any other location where livestock is kept.
What is a Premises Identification Number?
A Premises Identification Number (PIN) is a unique seven-digit code which designates a specific geographic point.
What animals are considered to be livestock for this program?
Cattle, bison, swine, sheep, goats, poultry, equine, cervids (deer and elk), camelids (llama and alpacas), captive game birds, and aquaculture are species that are considered livestock for this program.
Is this a mandatory program?
Obtaining a Premises Identification Number (PIN) is voluntary.
Will the information I share about my location and animals be kept confidential?
Yes, the information you provide is confidential according to Nebraska law (LB 856) effective July 2006.
Only state animal health and public health officials may access the data in the event of an animal disease outbreak or a public safety emergency. Other governmental agencies, such as the IRS, EPA, or Nebraska DEQ, will not have access to the data.
Does obtaining a Premises Identification Number require me to individually identify or tag my animals?
No, having a Premises Identification Number (PIN) does not require you to individually identify your animals.
If you move animals across state lines, the rules which have been in place for many years do require official identification, with some exceptions. There are several official identification options. Contact the Nebraska Department of Agriculture for more information.
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
Questions can be directed to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 800-572-2437, county extension office, or your veterinarian.
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