Use of Radio Frequency Identification Devices (rfid) for Permanent Identification and Health/disease Monitoring/surveillance in Small Ruminants

<p>NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY:<br/> The need for permanent, tamper-proof identification has led to the development of radiofrequency identification devices (RFID) for many species. Permanent identification and traceability to farm of birth are necessary to meet the requirements of national disease control programs (Scrapie) and to enable farm of origin trace-back for food safety programs. Implants are used in pets, horses, alpacas and other species but work identifying implant sites for goats and sheep which prevent contamination of carcasses while providing optimal performance and usefulness for the farmer is needed, along with USDA FSIS acceptance of implant sites. Ear tags commonly used cattle and sheep are problematic for goats due to increased risk of accidental removal in goats and cannot be used in the tiny-earred LaMancha goat. Tattoos, though inexpensive, may be difficult
or labor intensive to read and record. Our studies examine the use of temperature-sensing RFID implants in two different sites to assess their ability to detect fever, continue to function without migration and determine their usefulness in monitoring for early detection of disease. If effective in disease detection and feasible for the farmer to use, these devices could be cost-effective for farmers to identify their animals and enhance animal wellbeing through prompt detection and treatment of disease.<p>
APPROACH: <br/>Pilot projects to assess performance of RFID ear tags and two sites of RFID implant placement in device failure, migration and ease of detection. Element of pilot projects would assess the usefulness of thermal-sensing RFID implants for detection of fever and early disease detection and monitoring. (a) RFID ear tag study: Goats with RFID ear tags on a large commercial goat dairywill be monitored for rate of and reasons for ear tag loss and RFID failure. LaMancha goats will be evaluated for method of identification. Ear tag retention/loss will be monitored on a monthly basis (per DHI testing schedule) for one year. Reasons for loss (tag failure, ear tear, fencing, etc.) if known will be reported and methods to identify LaManchas will be devised. (b) Thermal-sensing RFID implant study: 20 adult goats initially, with 30 additional kids added after temperature
validation, will be implanted with temperature-sensing RFID implants (ISO compliant, unique series) in both the underside of tail and the base of ear. Temperatures will be recorded (by a 2nd person) at each site and rectally twice daily for one week (baseline), then in groups as they enter risk periods: 1 week before and after weaning (pneumonia); two weeks before and two weeks after kidding (impending abortion, mastitis, metritis, pneumonia). The herd manager will observe at least twice daily for signs of clinical disease as per usual protocol; "cases" will be defined by treatment initiated; "fever" will be define by temperature >103.5F. Diagnostic tests or necropsy follow-up will be used to determine diagnosis as needed Upon validating accuracy of reported implant temperatures, either 100 additional goats from UCD and cooperating herds will be implanted in a single site (if only one
site is accurate) or 50 goats in both sites as stated above. (if both sites, this group will also achieve objective 2) Implant migration (tattoo ink be applied at time of insertion to mark origin). Animals will be observed on a monthly basis for 1 year. Years 2 and 3: Additional projects components of size and scope needed to (1) define economic and animal welfare benefits of early disease detection using temperature-sensing RFID implants, (2) evaluate usefulness and performance of RFID implants under a variety of management settings and environmental conditions, add meat goat and sheep trials to test field efficacy once optimal goat systems have been identified and (3) devise appropriate studies to secure USDA FSIS authorization on implant location and FDA-approval for safety of RFID device for use in sheep and goats. This knowledge will be extended to commercial farms, breeding units,
family and youth goat owners through presentations at local and national goat educational events. The impact of the project will be evaluated by whether these studies lead to either approval of RFID devices for goats and sheep or to additional necessary controlled studies to enable systematic, standardized use RFID devices in goats and sheep, or alternatively the conclusion that the technology is less desirable than methods currently employed for identification and disease monitoring.</p>