A Survey Overview of United States Equine Show and Event Managers on the National Equine Identification System

The National Animal Identification System (NAIS) is a program to identify and record the movement of animals in the event of an animal disease outbreak. A 15-question online survey was designed to evaluate equine event official demographics, required equine health paperwork, animal verification procedures, familiarity with NAIS, use of microchipping technology, and cost feasibility. A name and e-mail list resulted in 243 equine show managers of event sizes ranging from small local shows to large sanctioned events, with representation from all 50 states. The survey was open to invited participants only. At the close of data collection, 152 people visited the site and 115 had completed surveys, for a return rate of 47.3%. Twenty-four percent of responding show managers reported being in favor of NAIS, 18% were opposed, and 58% were neutral or unsure, indicating the need to educate equine show managers on the benefits of NAIS. Approximately 40% reported that microchipping horses would be useful to verify animal identification and prevent fraud at an equine event. Thirty-seven percent reported that it would prevent or deter theft of horses from the show grounds, and 34% reported that it would prevent the incorrect horse from being shown. However, 53% reported that NAIS would increase paperwork at events. Equine show and event managers reported some benefits of using NAIS.