ISO 15639-2:2021

Overview

ISO 15639-2:2021 - "Radio frequency identification of animals - Standardization of injection sites for different animal species - Part 2: Equine" provides standardized guidance for implanting injectable RFID transponders in Equidae (horses, donkeys and zebras). The standard defines two official injection sites, shows anatomically defined points, and specifies the angle and insertion depth of the cannula to improve identification reliability, reduce migration, and support recovery and reading of transponders.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope: Applies to all animals in the Equidae family and to injectable transponders used for official identification.
• Authorized applicators: Implantation shall be performed only by veterinarians or trained para‑veterinarians.
• Two standardized injection sites:
  • Nuchal ligament - midline between the ear and the highest point of the withers; cannula inserted perpendicular to skin; insertion depth ≈ 25 mm for foals up to ≈ 35 mm for adult horses to place the transponder in/around the funiculus nuchae.
  • Nasolabial (inner upper lip) - midline of the inner upper lip about 1.5–2 cm above the labial–gingival junction; syringe axis canted slightly off parallel to the incisor plane to avoid underlying bone.
• Practical considerations: Choose sites to minimize migration, breakage risk and trauma; ensure accessibility for reading; avoid sensitive/impact areas and organs.
• Pre‑ and post‑procedures (Annex A): assess temperament and restraint needs, scan for pre‑existing ISO transponders with a compliant transceiver, disinfect and prepare the site, verify the transponder code before implantation, use manufacturer‑recommended cannula/syringe, and re‑scan after implantation (24 h recommended).
• Reader compatibility: Uses ISO‑compatible transponders/readers (related to ISO 11784/11785 technologies for FDX‑B and HDX).

Applications and users

• Veterinarians and para‑veterinarians - safe, repeatable implantation procedures.
• Animal owners and breeders - permanent, standardized electronic identification for traceability.
• Regulatory and inspection bodies (customs, veterinary authorities, slaughterhouses) - consistent ID methods aid inspection, legal decisions and recovery of transponders at slaughter.
• Databases and animal traceability systems - supports reliable linking of RFID codes to national/international registries.

Related standards

• ISO 11784 / ISO 11785 - technical protocols for animal RFID transponders and transceivers.
• ISO 14223 - advanced transponder functionality (referenced conceptually in ISO 15639‑2).

Keywords: ISO 15639-2:2021, equine identification, RFID transponders, injection sites, nuchal ligament, nasolabial, veterinarians, animal traceability, ISO 11784, ISO 11785.