WASHINGTON — The comment period for the National Animal Identification System (N.A.I.S.) listening tour sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service ends on Aug. 3. Comments received on or before this date will be considered.

"While the roundtables and public listening sessions are complete, I encourage those of you who still would like to share your concerns and suggestions about N.A.I.S. to submit your written comments by Aug. 3," said Tom Vilsack, Agriculture Secretary. "We look forward to considering all the feedback before deciding on the future direction of U.S.D.A.’s traceability efforts."

The N.A.I.S. listening tour attempted to gather feedback and input about N.A.I.S. from producers and stakeholders, U.S.D.A. relays. Included during the tour were roundtable discussions, public listening sessions as well as written comments. Information and ideas gathered will assist U.S.D.A. in making a decision about the future direction of animal traceability in the U.S., according to the agency.

U.S.D.A. has posted a feedback page on the N.A.I.S. Web site. Producers and stakeholders are encouraged to visit