MSU Extension Pork

What is a PIN and how do I get one? A Premise Identification Number is a unique number that is specifically assigned to your farm. In the case of a foreign animal disease outbreak, PIN numbers allow regulatory agencies to quickly identify where animals are in the state and which farms may be susceptible to disease spread. PIN numbers are used to track the movement of animals. PIN numbers are designated for specific sites and will remain the same, even if ownership or animal species changes. You can obtain or verify a PIN number by contacting MDARD. MDARD will collect information such as: your name and contact information, address location of animals, species, and GPS coordinates for your barn. Please remember that your information is protected by law, and it will not be shared with anyone. What is on the SPS website? The SPS site has a broad set of resources for farmers to utilize to prepare for a disease outbreak including enhanced biosecurity plans, employee training materials, disease monitoring tools, and movement records. The resources on the SPS site provide guidance on how to write a site-specific biosecurity plan, or if you already have one, you can cross-reference it to a checklist to ensure that all necessary items are included in your plan. There are also biosecurity training videos for caretakers who you employ or who help on your site. Early identification is key to controlling the spread of disease and eradication. To do this, farmers need to continually observe their herd for signs of disease. The SPS site provides materials describing the symptoms of FMD, CSF, and ASF. Following the Observe, Record, Report and Sample strategy will provide evidence that a herd is disease free, should a movement permit be needed. The SPS website also provides emergency action planning resources, sample collection and submission instructions in case of a disease outbreak. FAD’s have many routes of transmission and can be spread through people, by infected clothing or footwear, fomites such as tools or equipment shared between barns. If an outbreak occurs, regulatory officials may ask for farmers to provide accurate traceability for all people, animals, vehicles, and equipment that has had access to the infected site in the last 30 days. This information will help identify potential virus exposure and contain the spread of disease. The SPS site provides template movement logs for animals, visitors, and vehicles and equipment. Farmers who voluntarily create an SPS plan will be better positioned to continue with their business by being able to obtain movement permits more easily for their animals. There are many resources available to help farmers create their SPS plans at securepork.org.