As a livestock producer, animal health is a priority to you. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has also made it a top priority by promoting efforts to increase animal disease traceability. The traceability system is designed to enable producers and animal health officials to control devastating livestock and poultry diseases, should they occur in the United States.
Of special concern are animal diseases found in other parts of the world that pose a significant risk to our industry. This modern system is needed to minimize the impact of an animal disease outbreak.
Premises registration is the foundation of establishing a national system. It gives you the power to better protect your animals, your markets and your neighbors in the case of a disease event.
What is premises registration?
- Premises Identification Numbers (PIN) are assigned to a unique geographic location where activity affecting the health and/or traceability of animals may occur. These premises include farms, ranches, markets, abattoirs (slaughter facilities), ports of entry, veterinary clinics, exhibitions and any other location where livestock are raised or held. A PIN is a unique seven-digit code used to identify each location.
- Premises registration establishes a database of locations (premises) where livestock and poultry are housed and contact information for the owner/manager of the animals. This information is used to contact the owner/manager in the event of an animal disease emergency.
Who manages premises registration?
Premises registration is part of a national program that is supported by the USDA and implemented by each state’s department of agriculture. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is the primary contact for Florida producers.
Premises registration is required to obtain Official Identification devices. See www.FDACS.gov/FLLivestockID for more information on Official Identification by species group.
What are the goals of the premises registration initiative?
Our goal is to develop a system that can identify, within 48 hours, any animals or premises that have had direct contact with a disease of concern. This will help us to stop the spread of disease more quickly and reduce economic loss. Premises registration and building a database of producer contact information is the foundation of this system. A modern database will allow a more expedient response when needed and allow us to:
- Safeguard animal health,
- Protect agricultural infrastructure,
- Maintain the marketability of animal and animal products,
- Enable rapid trace-back and containment of infectious diseases,
- Facilitate timely response to animal disease emergencies, and
- Minimize the negative impacts of animal disease.
Is premises registration mandatory?
No. Premises registration is a voluntary program for those who choose this level of protection for their operation. Premises registration may be required for participation in optional programs such as equine passports and to receive official identification tags from USDA at no cost to the producer.
Since the comingling of animals poses the greatest risk to our various industries, many exhibition events and certain marketing channels encourage or require premises registration. For some food animal species, individual identification combined with premises registration is a valuable tool in meeting requirements for source verification and Country of Origin Labeling.
Is registration complicated?
No. There is only one form to fill out. It contains basic information about the operation and its location. The application can be submitted by U.S. Postal Service, fax or electronic mail.
Should producers register each parcel that they run livestock on?
Not necessarily. The main headquarters premises can be registered as a central point from which livestock are sold. Having fewer premises numbers reduces the need to keep up with multiple numbers and locations that official tags are assigned to. Producers can register multiple premises if this best suits their business plan.
How can I obtain an application for premises registration?
You can obtain an application online[ 
] or by contacting our office at (850) 410-0900.
