New initiative launched to create understanding of livestock ID effort
Aug 25, 2008 8:39 AM
The Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium (WLIC) has introduced the Livestock Vantage, a nationwide initiative to help create understanding, awareness and motivation for a unified livestock identification and traceability effort. The Livestock Vantage draws attention to the need for and value of a comprehensive system which can easily be utilized by livestock producers – regardless of size or species.
Developed to create interest and understanding of the steps livestock owners can take, this effort focuses on education, awareness and multi-species integration of livestock identification and premises registration. If successfully implemented, these steps can help minimize disease risk, improve livestock management practices, increase marketability and safeguard the U.S. livestock industry as a whole.
The Livestock Vantage evokes enthusiasm for a three-step process consisting of premises registration, animal identification and animal tracing to help control and eliminate animal diseases in the event of a disease breakout. It also supports the additional benefits livestock owners can generate from using animal identification for day to day management. Incorporating the components of a traceability system can also increase labor efficiency as users grow familiar with the time saving abilities of radio frequency identification devices (RFID), reduce human error with use of such technology, verify source and origin to bring about value-added prices, recover animals in the event of a natural disaster, create peace of mind for livestock owners because of the reduced impacts of an animal disease outbreak, and increase consumer confidence as additional assurances are granted through traceability.
As part of the Livestock Vantage initiative, WLIC has launched a website at www.theLivestockVantage.com – developed as an educational guide and tool to reach and educate those who can benefit from a better understanding of the effort. The website features an innovative, interactive game to illustrate the need for and benefit of livestock identification and traceability.
“The Livestock Vantage was developed to generate newfound excitement and support for producers and consumers who take action and ownership in an integrated livestock traceability program,” explains Robert Fourdraine, chief operating officer of WLIC. “By reaching out to all facets of the industry, we can aid in the nationwide effort to trace certain key livestock movements and limit the economic and emotional impacts associated with a disease outbreak.”
The Livestock Vantage will use industry support and advocacy to create awareness of the needs and benefits associated with a voluntary, unified livestock traceability system. With a presence at industry-wide livestock events, involvement in youth initiatives and educational activities, and with the help of WLIC’s membership communication efforts, the Livestock Vantage effort seeks to gain support from all facets of the industry.
The mission of the Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium is to create a secure nationally compatible livestock identification system for the purposes of protecting animal health, safeguarding market access, and offering opportunities to enhance the marketability of Wisconsin livestock products. Representing more than 50 businesses, organizations and livestock-related associations, WLIC draws upon the collective strength of its diverse membership to help lead nation-wide improvement and advancement in animal traceability.
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