National Animal Identification System - Frequently Asked Questions

Premises

What is meant by the term "premises"?
A premises is a location operated by an entity that participates in food animal production and/or commerce that is, in the judgment of the State Animal Health Official or Area Veterinarian in Charge, epidemiologically and/or geographically distinct from other livestock production units. “Premises” includes farms and hobby farms; veterinary clinics; stables; livestock markets; livestock trucker and dealer premises where animals are kept; slaughter and rendering facilities; livestock exhibitions; and any other location where livestock is kept.

How do I get my premises registration number?
Each State's and Tribe's animal health authority (e.g., State veterinarian) is responsible for administering and maintaining a premises registration system for the region under its purview. Once a system is operational in each area, the State or Tribal animal health official will obtain unique national premises identification numbers through USDA's premises number allocator. The premises registration system will record information such as address, contact name, type of premises, and phone number to contact the person in charge of the premises. Key pieces of information will be sent to the national premises information repository so that it will be available in the case of a disease traceback. Montana producers who wish to voluntarily register a premises may contact the Department of Livestock at livcomment@mt.gov or at 406-444-9431.

I have multiple locations. Do I register once for all premises, or separately for each location?
It is your decision. Please review the following advantages and disadvantages:

• One Premises ID

  • Fewer premises IDs to manage

  • Difficult to identify specific origin of animal(s) during trace-back
  • More difficult to track movement between specific premises
  • Quarantine would likely involve all locations
• Multiple Premises IDs
  • Rapid and specific identification of origin of animal(s) during trace-back
  • Easier to capture movements between premises
  • Only affected premises of multi-premises operations may be quarantined
  • More premises IDs to manage

Return to regular view	Text-only	Updated: 08/14/2009