ABSTRACT Final report on microchipping in the Alberta Thoroughbred Industry Jean Kruse General Manager, C.T.H.S. (Alberta Division) ALBERTA THOROUGHBRED MICROCHIPPING PROJECT Growing Forward 2 Traceability Program Project
Table of Contents Introduction 2 Project Objectives 3 Detailed Description of Project 4 Project Objectives Completed 6 Completed Project Activities 9 Conclusion 13 Recommendations 15 Appendix 18 A. Example of Microchipping demonstration announcement B. Step by Step Users Guide for Implanting Microchips C. Horse Racing Traceability and Health Management Software Program Summary D. Certificate of Completion for Alberta Veterinary Medical Association E. Financial General Ledger Reports 2015-2018 (Not included in Public Presentation Report) F. University of Calgary Veterinary Report G. Microchipping Project Update H. Owner/Agent Informed Consent Form Acknowledgements 35 1 | P a g e
Introduction The equine industry has been lacking an acceptable way to identify equines. Over the years several different methods of identification have been explored including iris scanning to ear tags. Current methods are not standardized nor are they widespread or accepted by all equine industry groups. The challenge has been in finding a solution that will be acceptable to all aspects of the equine industry. This challenge looks to have been answered with a new microchip location that will meet or exceed any federal or provincial legislative requirements and also provide a user net benefits to the equine industry. Disease control and traceability for equines has created some difficulties due to the lack of a unique individual animal identification for equines in Canada. In the past, Thoroughbreds have been identified through written descriptions of markings which have not been accurate enough to easily identify Thoroughbred horses. Although tattooing has been in use for a number of years only Thoroughbreds who have arrived at a racetrack for the purposes of racing are tattooed. The tattoo itself is problematic as it can be extremely difficult to read especially as the Thoroughbred ages. Beginning in 2008 The Jockey Club began offering microchips for sale to interested owners and breeders for use in Thoroughbreds residing in the U.S.A. and Canada however their use was not a requirement for Thoroughbred breeders or owners. Registration and participation of microchip usage was voluntary. In 2016 The Jockey Club put into place the mandatory requirement that beginning in 2017 all Thoroughbred foals would be required to be microchipped. This requirement made the acceptance of microchipping easier for the Alberta Thoroughbred Microchipping project to be introduced to the Thoroughbred industry however as The Jockey Club chose a different microchip location than the Alberta Thoroughbred Micro-chipping project. The suggested implant site from The Jockey Club is in the nuchal ligament in the left side of the equine in the middle third of the neck. The implant area promoted by The Jockey Club created some challenges to the project however these were addressed and led to a compromise between The Jockey Club and the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society. 2 | P a g e
Project Objectives The objectives of the Alberta Thoroughbred Microchipping Project were as follows: Standardized method of identification and location that can be used as the industry standard for equine identification and management. Integration of microchips and software into breed organizations and comingling events. To implant every Thoroughbred foal born in the next three years in Alberta with a microchip. Assist breeders in adopting and integrating new technologies such as software and chip readers into their businesses. To provide a template for other breed organizations and associations to adopt and follow in the future. To move the equine industry towards a high standard of equine identification and management. 3 | P a g e
Detailed Description of the Microchipping Project Over the years several different methods of identification have been tried for equines with limited success. Work by Mr. Les Burwash, Equine Specialist at Alberta Horse Industry explored several options over the years. Ear tags were not embraced as equine owners involved in showing or competing with their horses did not want an identification method that would be visible. Ear tags were also problematic in that they could be pulled out and lost, a problem that has been experienced in the bovine industry which has used this method of identification for a number of years. Iris scanning was also investigated as a possibility however the technology could not address the main question as to what happened if it was possible for the iris to change over the age of an equine what that would mean for identification. Microchipping appeared to be the best option however even that technology generated some issues. Early microchips were encased in glass which created issues of migration where the microchip did not stay where it was implanted and would be found in other parts of the body. These early microchips also created a hazard of breakage and what that could mean to the equine if the microchip broke inside the body of the equine. Microchips have progressed and the ones current in use by The Jockey Club and the Alberta Thoroughbred Microchipping project are Bio-compatible, FDA-approved SLIM polymer encapsulated microchips. https://www.pet.datamars.com/portfolio-items/t-sl-slim-polymer- microchip-usa/?portfolioCats=63 The Jockey Club has opted for implementation in the nuchal ligament area. It is the view of this project that the nuchal ligament area is problematic for a number of reasons. The microchip has been found in some cases to migrate from the nuchal ligament making it difficult to find and therefore read the microchip. Implanting a microchip into the nuchal ligament of a foal can mean that as the equine ages the microchip may become deeply embedded into the nuchal ligament also making it difficult to find and read. The Jockey Club has also asked that the implant area be in the left side of the equine and in the middle third of the neck. This leads to some difficulties amongst some individuals who are implanting the microchip to become confused as to which is the left side of the equine or where the middle third of the neck may be. Inserting into the nuchal ligament may involve sedating the equine and shaving the area where the microchip will be inserted. This also introduces a foreign object into an area that the horse uses for movement. Being able to read the microchip when placed in the nuchal ligament can create some difficulties. Equines are not always comfortable with people approaching them from the side in order to read the microchip when it has been inserted in the side of the neck. The natural curiosity of equines means that they are quite comfortable using their sense of smell to sniff at anything that is held 4 | P a g e
out to them. This means that when looking for a microchip that has been implanted nasally it makes it easier for a novice handler to get a reading. This project focuses on a new implant site; above the dorsal aspect of the orbicularis oris muscle and underneath the depressor septi muscle. This location is completely novel and addresses several concerns of equine owners. First of all it is very easy to find the implant area and no risk of getting the implant area incorrect. Secondly, this area does not develop muscle causing the microchip to become lost in the surrounding tissue. The area is easy to find in order to read the microchip, especially for individuals who do not have a lot of experience around equines. Equines naturally use their sense of smell to learn about the world around them and approach the microchip readers without fear. 5 | P a g e
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