Subject: Re microchip information
Date: Fri, 19 Nov 1999 17:29:33 +1100
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I am in USA at present and meeting with Dr Yeoh En Chong of Malaysia and Dr Supoti Mithiyapun of Thailand.
They have requested to be kept updated on the microchip scene, as many countries are now moving to adopt the International Standards Organisation ISO Standards. This will mean that microchip companies will try to get rid of older FDX-A stock in countries that do not have regulation of the industry.
There is no technical problem with FDX-A chips - they work well. However, as the more developed countries move towards standardisation on the ISO standard, animal imported from these countries will carry ISO FDX-B chips and there will be some difficulty reading these chips unless you have a multiscanner.
Similarly, some countries will require FDX-B (ISO) chips to be placed into animals for export to their country.
This may not be a large problem in your country at present but as the economy develops it may become significant and it is easier to prepare BEFORE it becomes a large problem.
I am sending you the March Newsletter from ICAR which presents most of the up to date information on ISO and ICAR microchips. You are welcome to use this information in your newsletters for your members.
The list of approved manufacturers has been updated and the list in this newsletter is not complete.
I will send you an updated list soon and am trying to get the WSAVA to place this information on their web site.
You also need to understand that there is a manufacturer code for all manufacturers of approved ISO chips. These codes are a prefix from 998 to 900 and many have already been issued. The unique national code for the animal follows the manufacturer code. Some chips will also have a country code.
The prefix 999 is reserved for test chips only and should NOT be used commercially and uniqueness of number cannot be guaranteed. There have recently been a number of 999 chips released in the UK, Belgium, Germany and Australia. The distributors have been asked to withdraw these chips as soon as the counties have become aware of their release.
We would strongly advise that you be on the watch for such chips. They should NOT be used commercially.
Roger Clarke, BVSc, MRCVS, FACVSc,
Director,
Australian Veterinary Association Ltd.
Registered Veterinary Specialist
Small Animal Surgery
Bundoora Veterinary Clinic & Hospital
Home Address PO Box 234
Bundoora, Victoria
AUSTRALIA, 3083
Mobile phone 0414-37-27-39
Fax ++ 61-3-9467 7369
E-mail: rclarke@ava.com.au
"Know what to expect before you connect"
