USDA Announces Nonambulatory Study

Veterinary Services

March 11, 2005

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will launch its National Nonambulatory Livestock Study in 2005. The study will provide the first statistically reliable estimates on the number of nonambulatory cattle, goats, horses, pigs and sheep in the United States, as well as insight as to how these animals are handled on the farm. Data collection for cattle, sheep and goats is nearly complete. The next phase begins April 1 and focuses on the U.S. dairy industry.

The study is a multi-phase collaborative effort among producers, the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, along with its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s veterinary services (VS) program.

The National Nonambulatory Livestock Study, which will be conducted by VS’ National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) will:

Determine the extent of nonambulatory cattle, goats, horses, pigs and sheep on U.S. farms;
Describe how various livestock industries handle nonambulatory animals;
Ascertain the disposition of nonambulatory live stock at a national level;
Enable industry leaders and legislators to make science–based decisions on the sensitive issues regarding nonambulatory animals;
Provide veterinarians and producers with information about species' differences in relation to nonambulatory animals; and
Help evaluate feasible and humane handling practices for managing nonambulatory cattle, goats, horses, pigs, and sheep.

Participation in the National Nonambulatory Livestock Study is voluntary. As always, links between NAHMS data and operations where the data were collected are confidential and not included in national databases.

Note to Stakeholders: Stakeholder announcements and other APHIS information are available on the Internet. Go to the APHIS home page at http://www.aphis.usda.gov and click on the “News” button. For additional information on this topic, contact Suzan Holl (301) 734–6464 or suzan.holl@aphis.usda.gov

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326–W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250–9410 or call (202) 720–5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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