Department of Livestock

National Animal Identification System

Voluntary Premises Registration Guidelines for Montana Producers

Definition

A premises is defined as a location operated by an entity that participates in food animal production and/or commerce that is, in the judgment of the State Animal Health Official or Area Veterinarian in Charge, epidemiologically and/or geographically distinct from other livestock production units.

As the National Animal Identification System develops, premises identification numbers will be used to identify all places and animals that have potentially been exposed to an animal disease. The process of animal disease surveillance, containment, and eradication may lead to herd tests, holds on cattle movement and sales, or quarantines of property and animals.

Data that will be requested by the state registration system to register a premises include:

• Name of entity and contact person
• Physical Address (GPS coordinates will be used if a 911 address is not available)
• Phone
• Operation type
• Dates premises record activated and retired
• Historical data (state system only)

This information will be used to assign a premises identification number to the livestock operation and will be communicated to the contact person via electronic or traditional mail.

Process of Voluntarily Registering a Premises

Montana may eventually offer several ways for producers to register a premises with the Department of Livestock. Registration within the pilot project with MSU Beef Network is currently being completed.

Montana producers not part of the pilot project who wish to voluntarily register a premises may contact the Department of Livestock at livemail@mt.gov or at 406-444-9431.

Guidelines

Follow the guidelines below to determine how to define the ranch property for premises registration purposes.