either establishing or determining the unique identification of a horse. When 

 shipping a horse interstate, APHIS recommends that the accredited veterinarian 

 contact the the State animal health officials of the State of destination to verif)' the 

 specific identification requirements of the receiving State. When shipping a horse 

 internationally, the accredited veterinarian should contact the APHIS-VS Area Office 

 to determine the identification requirements of the receiving country. 



Hot Iron or Fire Brand — 



Background: Introduced by Spanish settlers (early 1800s). 



Technology: Heated brand (by fire or electricity) applied to dermis at variable sites. 



Usage: Individualized ranch or farm brands. 



Lip Tattoo — 



Background: Introduced by U.S. Army (late 1800s). 



Technology: Ink and perforating plates applied to upper lip (buccal) mucosa. 



Usage: Racing thoroughbreds (all thoroughbreds registered by genetic typing). 



Freeze Mark or Cold Brand — 



Background: New popularity for humanitarian reasons (recent decades). 



Technology: Cryogenically cooled brand applied to dermis of the neck. 



Usage: i\ll Standardbreds (right neck) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) 

 w^ild horses/burros (left neck); Arabians have discontinued; many nonregistered 

 "backyard" and farm horses to deter theft. 



Electronic Identification (RFID) — 



Background: Currently the most popular and computer compatible (this decade). 



Technology: Implantable transponder activated when interrogated by radio frequency 

 readers; thus, such units are known as Radio Frequency Implantable Devices (RFIDs). 

 RFID readers are used to identify and display transponders, alphanumeric characters. 

 Microchips are implanted in the left nuchal ligament (the USDA- and FDA-approved 

 anatomical implant site for all equids in the United States). The International 

 Standards Organization (ISO) now brings all major electronic identification and 

 RFID manufacturers to unified standards. Universal readers are available. 



Usage: Many foreign breed registries in North America, all horses tested for EIA in 

 the State of Louisiana, and many nonregistered equids. 



Integrated Circuitry (IC) Cards ("Smart Cards")— 



Background: Future technology incorporated currently in several pilot studies. 

 Technology: Electronic tool Hnks any desired information to the equid's unique 



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