Two resolutions of the U.S. Animal Health Association support the creation of an electronic health certificate system. Florida, the original beta-testing state in 1999, is now joined by California, Colorado, North Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin.
Horses are included as part of the program, because their movement also falls under USDA jurisdiction, according to Steve Weber, DVM, MS, of VS.
Coordinated by the CEAH`s Veterinary Services (VS), the project would enable state and federal animal health officials to have real-time access to data on livestock transport state-to-state via electronic health certificates recorded by state, federal and private practitioners. The program would allow instant traceback and other useful information pertinent to disease control and surveillance.
The new electronic certificates may allow state veterinarians to receive documentation quicker and more efficiently. O`Neill says the ultimate goal is to have electronic ICVIs in all 50 states in the next several years.
Currently states are in various levels of training private practitioners to use the electronic health certificates.
Source: DVM Newsmagazine March 1, 2004: www.dvmnewsmagazine.com/dvm/
Tell a friend
|
Print version
|
Send this article
|