Federal government endorses universal microchip technology

In November, President Bush signed into law an addition to the Agriculture Appropriations Bill that supports the development of open technology so all scanners can read all microchips. The law requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) "to develop the appropriate regulations that allow for universal reading ability and best serve the interests of pet owners." The organization will also consider the effects of such regulation on current microchipping practices. APHIS will submit a progress report to the Committees on Appropriations within 90 days of the act's enactment.