(prepared by Dr.F.Nind for ISO WG3)

Note

Special recommendations have been made for the implantation sites to be used in particular applications. It is recommended that primates kept in cages should be implanted intramuscularly in the back of the right forearm so that the microchips can be read conveniently while the animal grips the bars of its cage.

Similarly, the recommendation is that big cats should be implanted in the shoulder region so that they can be read as they as they pace the cage while brushing against the bars of their cage.

Such sites are different from implantation sites used by other operators. These sites should only be used in animals which, after implantation, will stay in one facility where the site of the microchip is known to all operators and there is no risk of the microchip being missed by an operator failing to scan the usual location

Mammals

Equine
There are two recognized implantation sites currently in use

The microchip is implanted within the nuchal ligament in its middle third or at the halfway point between the ears and the withers. This is the recommended implant site in all countries except Australia.
The microchip is implanted in the musculature of the left neck or the anterior injection triangle. Clipping of the hair, local anaesthetic and aseptic technique is required.This is the recommended implantation site in Australia.

Agricultural Animals
The implantation site for bovine, ovine, porcine, caprine and/or other species used for meat production is subcutaneously at the base of the left ear on the scutiform cartilage or alternatively under the tail.

Elephants
Subcutaneously on the left side of the tail in the main caudal fold.

Hyrax and Loris
Subcutaneously on the left side of the intra-lumbar area.

Alpacas (as per Australia)
Subcutaneously midway on the left neck or top of the head behind the left ear.

Other mammals
If the adult distance is >17 cm from the backbone (spine) to the shoulder blade, then the implant site is subcutaneously at the base of the left ear. If <17 cm - subcutaneously between the shoulder blades.

Amphibians
The microchip is to be implanted into the lymphatic cavity. The implantation site should be sealed with tissue glue.

Reptiles

Chelonia
Left hind limb socket. Use a subcutaneous site in small Chelonia and an intramuscular technique in large species as well as small species with thin skin. The implant site should be sealed with tissue glue. Hibernating species should be implanted several weeks before the end of their active season in order to allow healing before hibernation.

Crocidilians
Subcutaneously anterior to the nuchal cluster.

Lizards
>12.5 cm snout to vent length: subcutaneously in the left inguinal region.
< 12.5 cm snout to vent length: intracoelomic.
Snakes
Subcutaneously on the left side of the neck, twice the length of the head from the tip of the nose.

Avians

> 1.5 kg adult weight and/or long-legged: subcutaneously at the base of the neck.
< 1.5 kg adult weight: intramuscularly in the left pectoral muscle. Direct the implanter in the caudal (downward) direction. Use tissue glue and digital pressure or suture to seal the implantation site.

Exceptions to the above
Ostrich: up to four days old- implanted in the piping muscle behind the head on the left. Older birds - subcutaneously at back of head (not subcutaneously in left thigh, as Ostrich are commonly used as food animals)
Emu: Implanted in the dorsal midline in the s/c lump.
Ratites: up to four days old, in the piping muscle.
Penguins and Vultures: Subcutaneously at the base of the neck.

Fish

>30 cm in length: on the left side at the anterior base of the dorsal fin.
<30 cm in length: on the left side into the coelomic cavity