"Premises identification is the cornerstone of animal health and disease surveillance," said Dr. Paul Sundberg, vice president of science and technology at the National Pork Board. "This new direction does not change that fact and the pork industry remains committed to these critical efforts. The pork industry is committed to working collaboratively with USDA and state animal health officials to provide a sound system. Pork producers have demonstrated their confidence in premises identification through their participation and it is important that we maintain this voluntary cooperation."

According to USDA data, the US swine industry already has more than 90-per cent of its farms identified through premises identification.

The Checkoff's swine health committee, and the Committee's Animal ID Working Group, had supported the NAIS and incorporated elements of the program as a requirement in the industry's Pork Quality Assurance Plus® program. The announcement by USDA does not change the Checkoff's reliance on a voluntary premises identification program as an integral part of our swine health initiatives. The committee will work closely with USDA and state animal health officials in maintaining our progress toward improved swine disease surveillance.