Columbus, OH — The USTA ID Technicians will be providing DNA and microchip services effective Monday (May 4). We have provided strict guidelines for the ID Technicians to follow in an attempt to ensure a safe environment for everyone involved.

To learn more about what you can do to protect your equine facility from the spread of COVID-19, visit the link from the American Association of Equine Practitioners found here.

In advance of the scheduled appointment, we ask that you electronically submit all information to the technician to reduce the need for paperwork shuffling, which potentially could increase the risk of spread of COVID-19. In addition, we ask that you limit the number of individuals assisting and observing the technician while at your farm. Ideally, there would be two farm employees per barn working with the technician.

ID Techs and other individuals who visit multiple facilities daily must understand and accept the additional steps they must take to avoid becoming contaminated and potentially transferring the contagion to other environments. If any persons on the farm have been exposed to a person with symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, shortness of breath, or fever) or if anyone is showing symptoms of COVID-19, we ask that you not allow any of these people to be present while the ID Technician is on the farm.

SPECIAL NOTE: If you have a 2-year-old that has not been DNA’d and microchipped, you will need to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to avoid any further interruptions. Electronic Eligibility cannot be issued without a DNA verification. The laboratory that conducts the DNA testing has indicated that due to the current delay with the mail delivery services, there may be delays of three weeks to receive results, therefore we recommend that you plan accordingly.

If you are not sure who the ID Technician is in your area, visit the link found here.

If you need further assistance or have any questions, contact our Member Services department at memberservices@ustrottting.com or by calling us at 877.800.8782.