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June 24, 2005 Regulatory Analysis and
Development Re: Docket No. 05-015-1 To Whom It May Concern: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) is a membership-based educational organization that provides forums for building consensus and advancing solutions for animal agriculture and provides continuing education and communication linkages to animal agriculture professionals. NIAA is dedicated to programs that: work towards the eradication of diseases that pose risk to the health of animals, wildlife and humans; promote a safe and wholesome food supply for our nation and abroad; and promote best practices in environmental stewardship, animal health and well-being. Members of NIAA are professionals engaged in nearly every facet of animal agriculture, including: producers, veterinarians, scientists, government representatives and allied industry professionals. NIAA supports the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services’ efforts toward implementing the National Animal Identification System (NAIS), and supports that this system be used across animal agriculture for safeguarding the health of the U.S. herd and flock. NIAA also encourages all stakeholders to remain engaged in NAIS by providing input through the NAIS Subcommittee of the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Foreign Animal and Poultry Diseases and other designated forums. With regards to confidentiality, NIAA supports the development and implementation of a national animal identification system as outlined in the US. Animal Identification Plan, and further refined through the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) with the understanding, as noted in the USAIP, that producer data required by the system be kept confidential and exempt from the Freedom of Information Act. With regards to funding, NIAA supports additional funding to complete premises registration and develop information collection capabilities required to implement NAIS. NIAA supports funding be made available in FY 2006 and subsequent budget years to USDA, APHIS, Veterinary Services for the implementation and administration of NAIS. Thank you for the opportunity to submit comments on the draft strategic plan for NAIS. Sincerely, Glenn N. Slack
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