For Immediate Release
September 26, 2005
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Senator Madigan Introduces Livestock Premises Identification Legislation 

HARRISBURG - State Senator Roger A. Madigan (R-23) has introduced legislation that would set the framework for a network designed to identify all livestock premises in Pennsylvania. 

Such a program would allow timely identification of a livestock premises exposed to a foreign animal disease helping to protect animal agriculture, strengthen disease surveillance, assist in emergency preparedness and facilitate containment of an animal disease.  The necessity of this type of program is thoroughly illustrated by the identification of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (commonly known as Mad Cow Disease) in the State of Washington. 

"Instituting this type of monitoring system will significantly reduce the spread of disease, all while protecting Pennsylvania's farmers and consumers," Madigan said. 

This proposal will require any person who keeps livestock in the Commonwealth to register with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture; non-compliance would cause the forfeiture of any potential animal indemnity payments made by the State.  The department will assign a unique identification code to each location and establish and maintain a database to administer the information.  The information shall be kept confidential and cannot be disclosed unless authorized by the registrant or unless the release is necessary to prevent or control disease or to protect public health, safety or welfare. 

Senator Madigan serves on the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. 

Nick Troutman - 717-787-3280