Microchip implantation

• The implantable microchip is an animal identification device.
• It is small (about the size of a grain of rice) and made of inert substances.  
• Once implanted in the subcutaneous space, the microchips unique serial number can be retrieved via a scanner.
• All current microchip and scanner manufacturers have adopted an international standard so that microchips produced by one company can be read by any scanner, regardless of make.
• The 15-digit codes must not be duplicated in any country for at least 100 years. 
• There are two types of microchip: FDX (full duplex) and HDX (half duplex). FDX or FDX-B (those most commonly used in dogs, cats and horses) are appropriate for rabbits. 
• Microchips are designed to have a life expectancy which far exceeds the life expectancy of a rabbit so failure is highly unlikely.
• National and international databases exist which record the names/addresses/contact details of owners of rabbits and other animals that have been microchipped.
• Scanning equipment is used by veterinary clinics, rescue facilities, cruelty/welfare organizations, zoos and large breeding facilities to identify individual rabbits and where indicated, locate owners of lost or stolen pets. They can also be used to prove ownership of an animal with the corresponding paperwork.

Print out the factsheet on Microchipping - permanent identification of your rabbit to give to your clients.

Uses

• Identification.

Advantages

• Permanent.
• Tamperproof. 
• Sedation or anesthesia not required.
• Easy to implant by trained lay personnel or veterinarians. 
• Owner contact details can be altered at any time after implantation without removal/replacement of the microchip.
• May facilitate accurate record-keeping for large-scale breeders.

Disadvantages

• Migration of microchip is possible. This is not likely to be harmful but may result in failure to successfully identify an animal.
• Risk of introducing infection via the implantation site (risk considered very low if appropriate technique employed).
• No visible means of identification. 
• No central database exists for all microchipped animals. The database storing a particular rabbit owners details depends on manufacturer or supplier of the implanted microchip.

Technical problems

• Most scanners are battery-operated.
• Ensuring batteries are replaced or charged as necessary will reduce the risk of problems with their function.

Alternative techniques

• Photographs or descriptions of morphological differences (inaccurate, unreliable).
• Tattoo (inner pinna).
• DNA profiling (currently rare).
• Metal leg ring ; this technique should not be used due to the leg damage it can cause.

Time required

Preparation

• 5 min.

Procedure

• Less than 5 min.

Decision taking

Criteria for choosing test

• The implantable microchip is an animal identification device.
• Once implanted in the subcutaneous space, the microchips unique serial number can be retrieved via a scanner and used to identify individual rabbits and where indicated, located owners of lost or stolen pets. They can also be used to prove ownership of an animal with the corresponding paperwork.