Horses identified with electronic identification (EID) technology since the early 1980's reveal that transponders:

• do not migrate in the nuchal ligament;
• are durable, with a failure rate of less than 0.5%
• do not affect reproductive efficiency of stallions and mares; and,
• if implanted properly, are virtually tamper proof.

To date, more than 3 million animals worldwide have been successfully implanted with technology manufactured by Destron-Fearing -- 350,000 of which are horses.

EID technology consists of an 11mm passive transponder encapsulated in biocompatible glass. Each transponder is preprogrammed with a unique 10 digit, unalterable alpha / numeric code allowing 24 billion combinations without duplication. They come with patented anti-migration tips and are implanted in the nuchal ligament. When a RFID reader is passed over the implantation site, the transponder is activated and returns the ID to the reader's liquid crystal display. This system is computer compatible.

European participants include: French, German, and Italian Trotters, the Spanish Calgary and South African Stud Book with emphasis on animal health and international travel. In January 1995, Great Britain required all horses and ponies to be electronically identified. All horses entering Europe as of January 1, 1998 must possess a passport.

In North America, electronically identified horses between Canada and Mexico include all breeds and disciplines from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, to Anheuser-Busch Clydesdale Operation, to the Pure Bred Spanish and Mexican Andalusian Associations. EID can interface with blood typing, DNA and horse passports.

Effective February 5, 1994, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry changed the Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) regulation to include permanent identification by means of a brand, lip tattoo or electronic ID, of all horses tested for the purpose of disease control. The change was the result of a one year study. EID by Destron-Fearing was the system chosen by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

Bob Odom, Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner, said, "The regulation change as the first-of-its-kind government program to help maintain the medical history of the 200,000 horses in Louisiana. It will not only be used to track disease but also as a theft deterrent. Unlike branding and ear tags, EID is almost impossible to tamper with."

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