News

Wednesday, September 05, 2007Contact: American Horse Council
US allows microchips in horses

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the approval of Digital Angel Corporation’s (formerly Destron Fearing) Life-Chip equine radio frequency identification (RFID) injectable transponder for use in horses. The industry expects that in the future additional companies will apply for USDA approval of equine microchips to be developed and sold in the U.S.

Microchips are a valuable tool to the equine industry to identify horses, whether as proof of ownership if lost or stolen, or to identify horses in breeding or boarding operations, competitions or domestic and international travel. The LifeChip is not only compliant with all U.S. animal safety standards, but also with the International Organization of Standardization (ISO). This microchip fits the standards used across the globe. It contains a passive transponder programmed with a unique 15-digit number that can be read by any ISO-compliant reader. As long as the reader is ISO-compliant, it does not matter what brand it is, the microchip will be read.

Digital Angel’s new LifeChip can also be used for participation in the NAIS, a voluntary program developed by USDA to enhance animal disease traceability through standardizing the identification of premises, livestock and animal movements. It is the first microchip to be approved for use in the NAIS.

E-Mail : AHC@horsecouncil.org