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The history of microchips and how legislation has progressed
Abstract
Since microchipping was first introduced over 30 years ago much has progressed with respect to owner education and legislation, and earlier this year microchipping became compulsory for all dogs in the UK. Celia Walsom looks back over the history of the microchip from the time its importance in identification was first recognised to the present day.
Microchipping was first introduced in the UK in 1989 and is internationally recognised as a permanent method of identification and traceability of pets.
Following the introduction of microchips in the UK, in the early 1990s a group of veterinary bodies, microchip suppliers and animal charities joined together, to regulate the microchip industry; it was known then as the Microchip Advisory Group (before changing to the Microchip Trade Association (MTA)) and chaired by the BSAVA.
Around the same time, the FECAVA standard for microchips was introduced in the UK to discuss the compatibility and technical issues as microchipping developed throughout the UK and Europe. The main issues were developing and coordinating databases, standardisation of implantation sites and non-compatibility of the early microchips and readers and helping to get the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA) standard in place. It also became a focal point to advise welfare and veterinary organisations so a code of conduct to establish and maintain a high standard of excellence within the industry covering equipment, databases and training was developed.
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