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Q. What is a premises and how many Premises Identification Numbers (PIN) do I need?
A. A premises is defined as any geographically unique location in which agricultural animals are raised, held, or boarded. A catch-all definition is not always possible for a premises because of different production systems and methods. In some cases, one smaller operation may need multiple PINs while a larger one may only need one. Operations requiring multiple PINs will be handled on a case by case basis.
Q. What are the benefits for producers to register their premises?
A. The NAIS system is a multi-step process, the first of which is premises registration. After the producer has received a Premises Identification Number (PIN) they can then move on to the next step of animal identification.
Registration also provides IDALS with essential contact information that can be accessed in case of an animal health emergency to speed notification. Faster notification equals faster eradication and recovery from a disease outbreak.
Q. How much does premises registration cost?
A. There is no cost to register a premises through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS).
Q. How do I get a Premises Identification Number?
A. You may download the form from this webpage, or contact IDALS and one will be mailed to you. Once a form is received and the information entered into the database, the producer will receive a card with a unique premises identification number which is assigned by the USDA's premises number allocator.
The premises registration system will include information such as address, contact name, type of premises, and phone number of the contact person. Key pieces of information will be sent to the USDA so that it will be available in the case of a disease traceback.
Q. What data will be required?
A. USDA requires the following pieces of information about registered premises: premises identification number; the name of the entity; appropriate contact person; street address/city/state/zip code; contact phone number, operation type; and the date the premises number was activated, the date the premises number was deactivated, and the reason for deactivation.
Q. Will I need multiple PINs for different species on my farm?
A. No. A single PIN will be used for each location, regardless of the number of species that are associated with it.
Q. Is this a mandatory program?
A. Currently, the Premises Registration System is completely voluntary. Mandatory registration is being contemplated in the near future. Registering now will ensure timely processing and receipt of your PIN.
Q. What is the National Animal Identification System (NAIS)?
A. NAIS is a national program created to identify and track agricultural animals as they come into contact with, or are commingled with, other animals.
Currently, many of the animal industries use some type of identification system for animal identification, but these systems are not consistent from state to state. In the event of a disease outbreak, the process of tracing an animal's movements using these forms of identification can be a time-consuming event, especially if the animal has moved across state lines.
Q. Why do we need a National Animal Identification System?
A. A national animal identification system is necessary to help protect American animal agriculture from disease threats. The ability to find potentially sick or exposed animals early in a disease outbreak is essential to controlling the outbreak quickly. The NAIS would allow for rapid traceback of animals in the event of an outbreak, helping to limit the outbreak and minimize the impact on markets.
The NAIS may benefit producers in other areas as well, including providing additional marketing opportunities. The NAIS will also help uphold the reputation of the United States as having healthy animals and will promote continued confidence in American agricultural and animal products.
Q. What are the benefits for producers to participate in the NAIS?
A. The adoption of this system will help insure the health and safety of the national herd. Producers may also benefit from the additional information obtained through the NAIS to improve production efficiencies and add value to their animals. The NAIS program may also help strengthen our international trade.
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