The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) supports an effective national animal disease traceability and identification system that contains the following key elements:

1. USDA implementation of all species working group reports that were submitted to the Subcommittee of the Secretary's Advisory Committee on Animal Health.
2. USDA development of minimum standards for disease traceability and identification.
3. Rapid implementation of a mandatory traceability and identification program.
4. Implementation benchmarks and timelines established in federal regulation to achieve the traceability goals identified in the Animal Disease Traceability proposed regulations.
5. Implementation that continues to engage all stakeholders in providing input through the Subcommittee of the Secretary's Advisory Committee on Animal Health and other designated forums.
6. Database(s) that are accessible 24 hours a day and 7 days a week by State and Federal animal health officials.
7. System cost does not detract from effective implementation.
8. A system that is workable for producers of all sizes.
9. Exception from freedom of information disclosure laws for data collected in support of the Animal Disease Traceability regulations.
10. The incorporation of all imported animals into the Animal Disease Traceability regulations immediately upon their arrival, unless going directly to slaughter, while also maintaining country of origin identity within the database.

*Previously titled "National Animal Identification System."