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The United States Department of Agriculture announced recently that Destron Fearing's LifeChip equine radio-frequency identification (RFID) injectable transponder is approved for use as part of the National Animal Identification System (NAIS).

The announcement was made at the AG ID/INFO EXPO being held this week in Kansas City, Mo.

"We are very proud that our LifeChip microchip is the first of its kind to receive NAIS approval," says Rae Powell, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Destron Fearing. "Not only does it fulfill all U.S. animal safety standards, but it is also compliant on a global platform with the International Organization of Standardization (ISO)."

LifeChip microchips offer a unique and unalterable means of identifying horses and ponies of all ages, breeds and sizes. Each LifeChip microchip – about the size of a grain of rice – contains a passive transponder programmed with a unique 15 digit number that can be read by any ISO-compliant reader. Veterinarians subcutaneously administer the microchip approximately ?? inch below the base of the mane in the neck (area of the ligament of nucha) with the help of a specially designed, single-use syringe.

Once administered, microchip numbers can be recorded in breed and discipline registries or kept in farm/ranch files for future reference. They are invaluable in providing proof of ownership in the event that a horse is lost or stolen. They also can be used to identify horses involved in breeding operations, competitive sports, and international and domestic travel.

Potential migration of the microchip was an issue that LifeChip has overcome in order to receive NAIS approval.

Destron Fearing resolved this issue by capping each LifeChip microchip with a patented, bio-compatible material called Bio-Bond which secures the microchip to the administration site within 24 hours of placement.

Another feature that is exclusive to LifeChip microchips is the inclusion of Bio-Thermo temperature sensing technology. This technology allows equine owners, breeders, trainers and veterinarians to quickly and safely check a horse's temperature at the site of administration.

Powell believes the NAIS approval for LifeChip is another industry milestone. He states, "As the original innovators of electronic animal identification in the 1980's, we led the industry in bringing safe, cutting edge products to the livestock and companion animal markets. LifeChip's approval for use in the equine market once again underscores our leadership position and corporate dedication to deliver innovative and meaningful solutions."

Parties interested in ordering LifeChip microchips or obtaining additional information are encouraged to call Destron Fearing's Customer Service department at 800-328-0118 or send email to CustomerService@destronfearing.com.

About Destron Fearing
Destron Fearing is the animal applications unit of Digital Angel Corporation. The company develops, manufactures and markets electronic radio frequency and visual identification devices for the companion animal, fish and wildlife and livestock markets. In livestock markets, Destron Fearing provides a full complement of radio frequency identification products and software solutions to automate the collection and utilization of production information to help meet the growing identification demands of the market place. For additional information, visit www.destronfearing.comor call AdFarm at 816.842.5983.

SOURCE: The United States Department of Agriculture