About Canada's Livestock Traceability Program
Canada's national livestock traceability program is managed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency under the Health of Animals Act and Regulations.
Have you heard about possible changes to livestock traceability?
You may have noticed discussions online about proposed changes to the livestock traceability system. It's important to know that these changes are not yet in effect and have not been finalized.
We're here to address your questions and share accurate information about the proposed updates to Canada's livestock traceability regulations. If you'd like to learn more, explore the sections below for the latest facts and answers.
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What livestock traceability means
Traceability is being able to track animals throughout their lifetime.
This helps Canada act fast and protect people, animals and the economy during disease outbreaks, food safety issues, and natural disasters.
Find out more about livestock traceability in Canada.
Facts about the proposed changes
Read the latest CFIA Statement (June 2, 2026) on the revised regulatory approach to these changes.
Was industry informed or involved with the proposed changes to the livestock traceability regulations?
Fact: Yes. The proposed changes reflect more than a decade of engagement with national and provincial producer associations, scientists, governments, and groups of interest.
Background
Public consultations were held from 2013 to 2023.
In 2016, the cattle industry agreed that there was a need for improved traceability, and developed the Cattle Implementation Plan, with input from 19 organizations. This plan formed the core of the requirements originally proposed for cattle.
In March 2023, the CFIA published the first draft of the proposed changes to the livestock traceability regulations in Canada Gazette Part 1 for 90-day public comment period, followed by further consultations with industry associations.
Following the consultation, the CFIA shared the What we heard report that summarizes the comments that were received and offers clarifications to concerns raised. These comments reflect the views of participants, not those of the CFIA or the Government of Canada.
Documents incorporated by reference
The proposed amendments to Part XV of the Health of Animals Regulations includes 2 documents that are incorporated by reference (IBR). IBR is a drafting technique that introduces the content of a document into a regulation without having to reproduce the document's text in the regulation. If a document is incorporated by reference, the incorporated wording has the same effect as if it appeared in the regulations.
Proposed documents to be incorporated by reference
Will CFIA access data from livestock producers about everyday operations on farm?
Fact: No. CFIA and provincial animal health officials will only access livestock traceability data as needed under Canada's animal health legislation, including animal disease preparedness, surveillance and response. Personal data collected under the livestock traceability program is protected by the Privacy Act. If there is a lawful investigation by the RCMP, such as for stolen cattle, they may request to use the data.
What about the existing traceability tools (such as provincial livestock inspections, transport manifests, Premises Identification (PIDs), and herd management software), will they still be used under the new livestock traceability system?
Fact: Existing tools will continue to be used.
Many provincial systems and tools are already in place, and any proposed changes to the regulations are designed to work alongside them.
Will information need to be reported online only?
Fact: Information can be submitted to the responsible administrator, such as the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency database using:
- Website or app
- Third party apps or farm management software that is linked to responsible administrator's databases
- Telephone
- Fax
Related information
Contact us
If you have any questions or comments on the updates to the Health of Animals Regulations (Identification and Traceability), please contact us at: cfia.trace-trace.acia@inspection.gc.ca.