FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Sue duPont, 410-841-5889 or Kate Wagner, 410-841-5888

Maryland Launches its part of the National Animal Identification System first phase to register all livestock premises in the State Open House with online sign-up at MDA on Sept. 29.

ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 15, 2005) B Livestock producers in Maryland are encouraged to register their properties as the first phase of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Animal Identification System (NAIS). NAIS is the national livestock identification program initiated to establish important safeguards against the spread of animal disease. An information package for Maryland farmers including a registration form is in the mail now and is available online at www.mda.state.md.us