- Info
About Microchipping Horses
- Microchipping Horses is a way to identify a horse through a
electronic RFID micro chip that has been implanted in the nuchal
ligament on the left side of the horses neck halfway between the poll
and withers. The implantation site is approximately 2 inches below the
mane line.
- The microchip is an identification method being
researched by the National Animal Identification System in the United
States to establish a national system to identify horses and equine
premises that are part of the system and to record animal movements for
purposes of disease control.
- This National Animal Identification
System would allow the “trace back” within 48 hours of a confirmed
diagnosis of a serious animal disease and to assist in lost or stolen
horses and/or equines.
- The RFID chip is an electronic device
implanted into the horse similar to how dogs and other animals currently
are implanted with microchips.
- Horses implanted with a chip can be identified when stolen or lost and returned to their current premise.
- The veterinarian could implant the microchip into your horse.
- Your
horse may have a sore or stiff neck for a few days after the
implantation, so plan exercise and competition schedules accordingly.
- The microchip does not migrate in the horse’s neck.
- The microchip would be registered with the National Animal Identification System.
- You
may never need to have your horse scanned, but if you do the scanner
will recognize the microchip and identify your horse if and when the
need arises.
- You do not need to purchase a scanner.
- If
you have your horse microchipped, keep the bar code with the number and
any verification or certificate you receive with records.
- The
owner is responsible for reporting the number of the chip to their breed
associate if their horse is a registered animal. Send a copy of the
original barcode with number and/or verification certificate.
