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Digital Angel's Destron Fearing Unit Receives USDA's First Visual Tag Approval
SO. ST. PAUL, Minn.-(Business Wire)-June 26, 2008 - Digital Angel (NASDAQ:DIGA), an advanced technology company in the field of animal identification and emergency identification solutions, announced today that its Destron Fearing unit has received approval from the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for Premises Identification Number (PIN) tags for identification of swine entering harvest channels. This is the first instance of a visual livestock identification tag to gain USDA approval. While not intended for use as unique individual animal identification, the new, non-RFID tags, manufactured by Destron Fearing, will provide a valuable tool to enhance the traceability of breeding stock and to support the USDA's National Animal Identification System (NAIS).
Consisting of a pink tamper-proof button and a pink visual panel stud, each tag carries the official USDA shield, the assigned premises identification number (PIN) and a notice stating "unlawful to remove". Finally, there is space available on the visual panel for producers to include an individual management number should they choose to use one.
"Over 73 percent of pork producing sites have registered their premises and received a premises identification number, or PIN," said Patrick Webb, Director of swine health programs for the National Pork Board, a non-profit agency created by the U.S. Congress that collects pork production fees and administers industry programs. "Having premises identified is the first step in improving the animal health infrastructure of the country. The availability of USDA-approved tags for market sows is a logical next step toward enhancing traceability and improving the industry's ability to detect diseases earlier so the spread of a disease can be limited efficiently."
Joseph J. Grillo, Chief Executive Officer of Digital Angel, commented, "We are very proud that Destron Fearing is the first to receive NAIS approval for a visual tag. As the oldest livestock identification manufacturer in the United States and the originator of both visual tags in 1945 and radio frequency identification (RFID) tags in the 1980s, we believe it is important to provide our customers with new value-added solutions that help to keep them ahead of the curve in today's changing marketplace."
NAIS is a modern, streamlined information system that helps producers and animal health officials respond quickly and effectively to animal health events in the United States. The program, which is voluntary at the federal level, consists of three parts: premises registration, animal identification and tracing. Destron Fearing already produces three other NAIS-compliant products, including an injectable RFID transponder for use in horses, alpacas and llamas.
About Destron Fearing
Destron Fearing is the Animal Identification unit of Digital Angel Corporation. The company develops, manufactures and markets electronic radio frequency and visual identification devices for the companion animal, fish and wildlife and livestock markets. In livestock markets, Destron Fearing also provides a full complement of radio frequency identification products designed to automate the collection and utilization of production information to help meet the growing identification demands of the market place. For additional information, visit www.destronfearing.com.
About Digital Angel
Digital Angel (www.digitalangel.com) is an advanced technology company in the field of animal identification and emergency identification solutions. Digital Angel's products are utilized around the world in such applications as pet identification using its patented, FDA-approved implantable microchip; livestock identification and tracking using visual and radio frequency identification (RFID) ear tags; and global positioning systems (GPS) search and rescue beacons for use on aircraft, ships and boats, and by adventure enthusiasts. Digital Angel is an approximately 49% stockholder of VeriChip Corporation (NASDAQ:CHIP).
This press release contains certain "forward-looking" statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Additional information about these and other factors that could affect the Company's businesses is set forth in the Company's Form 10-K under the caption "Risk Factors" filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 17, 2008, and subsequent filings with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this statement or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.
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