Guidelines for Microchip Transponder Sites

This document summarises the guidelines for microchip transponder sites in animals. Table 1 summarises the views of the Council of the British Veterinary Zoological Society (BVZS). Alternative guidelines are given for reference.

Table 1. BVZS advice for commonly microchipped species

FISH Midline, anterior to dorsal fin

AMPHIBIA Lymphatic cavity

REPTILES
Chelonians: subcutaneously in left hind leg (intramuscularly in thin-skinned species); subcutaneously in the tarsal area in giant species.
Crocodilians: anterior to nuchal cluster
Lizards: Left quadriceps muscle, or subcutaneously in this area (all species) In very small species subcutaneously on the left side of the body.
Snakes: left nape of neck subcutaneously placed at twice the length of the head from the tip of the nose.
NB it is recommended that tissue glue is placed over the needle entry site in all reptiles

BIRDS Left pectoral muscle. Exceptions: ostriches - pipping muscle; penguins - subcutaneously at base of neck.

MAMMALS
Large: left mid-neck subcutaneously.
Medium and small: between scapulae. Primates: alternative site - back of hand (metacarpal) or foot (metatarsal). This area is suitable if animals can be trained to present hands or feet through cage bars.
Elephants: behind the left ear, or wherever appropriate for the individual animal

Table 2: Global implantation site recommendations for different classes of vertebrates. All transponders should be inserted on the animal's left side when applicable (Source: CBSG news)

FISH
Large (>30cm): left base of dorsal fin.
Small ( <30cm): coelomic cavity

AMPHIBIANS Lymphatic cavity, cover wound with tissue glue

REPTILES
Chelonians: left hind limb socket.
Crocodilians: anterior to nuchal cluster.
Lizards (large>12.5cm snout to vent):left inguinal region. Lizards (small < 12.5cm snout to vent ): intercoelomic cavity.

BIRDS
Large (>1.5kg and/or long-legged): dorsally at juncture of neck and body.
Medium to small (1.5kg): left pectoral muscle.
Note: all Psittaciformes left pectoral, all New and Old World vultures base of neck, all other Falconiformes left pectoral muscle

MAMMALS (size measurement is distance between back bone and shoulder blade of adult mammal)
Large, medium-large (>17cm): behind left ear, at base.
Small, medium-small ( <17cm): between shoulder blade, left of centre.

Table 3: Exceptions to global implantation site recommendations

Elephant: Main caudal fold parallel to tail on left side

Hyrax: Intralumbar. left side (thick skin on neck makes implantation difficult)

Loris: Intralumbar, left side (dermal shield makes scapular implantation difficult)

Table 4: Federation of Zoological Gardens of Great Britain and Ireland guidelines for transponder sites

FISH Base of dorsal fin

AMPHIBIA Lymphatic cavity

REPTILES Chelonia: left shoulder. Snakes and lizards: dorsal side of the tail base

BIRDS Left pectorals and left thigh

MAMMALS Behind the left ear or between scapulae

The Federation recommends that transponders are used in the following animals:

• All animals which are part of Joint Management schemes, UK, Regional, EEP or International studbooks
• Founder and F1 animals
• Psittacines or other species that are likely to be stolen due to trade factors
• Animals under permanent quarantine regulations
• Animals to be exported
• Animals that have no sexual dimorphism
• All species on CITES Appendix 1