Comments collected on the draft U.S. Animal Identification Plan (USAIP) have been largely characterized by misunderstanding and frustration, according to one government official. The plan, which at this time is not an official program of the USDA, was designed to establish a timely traceback system to minimize the  the spread of foreign animal diseases, such as foot and mouth disease, and to minimize its detrimental effects.

The plan is being prepared by different livestock industries with government collaboration so that industry recommendations are taken into consideration as a national ID program is established. Hundreds of comments from the public have been received, with a significant percentage from the equine industry