The RFID-enabled livestock tracking market is gaining momentum globally because of recent BSE (so-called ''mad cow disease'') outbreaks around the world, according to a new research report from ABI Research.

     When the first cases of BSE were discovered in North America, investigations into their source revealed the lack of any standardised national tracking system for the movements of live cattle or beef products, despite other countries already having such systems in place. 116.30.147.133 This article is copyright 2004 UsingRFID.com.

     For example, in Australia (a major global source of beef), a mandatory RFID-based National Livestock Identification Scheme has been in place since 2002. But in Europe the system is still being set up, and livestock growers and vendors have a grace period in which to purchase the technology.

     The US Department of Agriculture has launched its National Animal Identification System (NAIS) to cover most forms of livestock. While a number of technologies - ranging from retinal scans to genetic ID - have been short-listed for use in the system, RFID is also a contender, and has been recommended by the US Animal Identification Plan''s Beef and Dairy Working Groups. With tens of millions of cows in the US market at any given time, but only an estimated 2% now being RFID-tagged, this represents significant growth potential for the RFID market.

     ABI Research''s report, ''RFID Readers: Analysis of Applications, Standards and Global Markets'', examines the links between external data and the internal company network, and the design and components of several kinds of RFID readers and their integration into a complete system. Its technology summary also covers the latest standards, frequencies, and applications.

 

 

 

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