According to a July 31 news release, the board of directors of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) has approved a new position statement on microchips for the identification of equids. The organization supports implantation of ISO-compliant radiofrequency identification devices (RFID) and standardization in procedures.

According to the statement, the objectives of an effective electronic identification of equids are accurate and unique identification for traceability purposes; for regulatory purposes, such as international and interstate movement; for sale, competition, race and exhibition purposes; and for the provision of a safe and efficient health monitoring system by use of temperature-sensing microchips.

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The statement also advocates for implantation in the mid-cervical left nuchal ligament by a veterinarian or trained individual with veterinary oversight.

“Implantation of an ISO-compliant microchip in the left nuchal ligament is essential to ensuring horses can be quickly identified and traced during a natural disaster or disease outbreak,” said Katie Flynn, BVMS, equine health and biosecurity veterinarian for United States Equestrian Federation. “I applaud AAEP’s efforts to protect and promote equine health and their position statement supporting microchips for the identification of equids.”

The complete text of the new position statement is available at https://aaep.org/resource/position-on-microchips-for-the-identification-of-equids.

About AAEP

The American Association of Equine Practitioners, headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse.

Currently, AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its over 9,000 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry.