Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Story
March 14, 2008
The microchipping of thoroughbreds in the US is set to begin, with the Jockey Club now offering microchips for sale. Microchips are not currently a requirement for thoroughbred registration and participation is voluntary.
"In the US, a number of industry groups and trade associations are realizing the value of microchips as a means to support genetic testing and traditional markings-based procedures and provide an additional layer of confidence in identification at horse farms, veterinary clinics, transportation centers, horse sales and racetracks," said Matt Iuliano, The Jockey Club's vice president of registration services.
"After a careful and comprehensive study, we thought the time had come to offer microchips to owners and breeders."
The Jockey Club is offering LifeChip microchips, which are ISO 11784-compliant and manufactured by Digital Angel Corporation. Each microchip contains a unique 15-number sequence beginning with 840 (the country code for the United States). These microchips comply with the USDA's National Animal Identification System and are consistent with those utilized by international stud book authorities.
Microchips are available for $20 each. The Jockey Club will ship microchips only to addresses associated with a premises identification number (PIN) issued by the appropriate state or tribal animal health authority.
The American Association of Equine Practitioners has determined that the implantation of a microchip is a veterinary procedure. Once the microchip is implanted the microchip number must be reported to The Jockey Club.
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