Livestock identification and traceability

Livestock traceability is the ability to follow one animal or a group of animals from one point in the supply chain to another.

Livestock traceability systems are based on three basic elements:

  • animal identification
  • premises identification
  • animal movement

Traceability systems are important, effective tools that can be used for many things, including:

  • protection of animal health
  • public health
  • food safety

They can help reduce response times during an emergency or outbreak, thereby limiting economic, environmental and social impacts of disease outbreaks, food safety issues and natural disasters.

Effective traceability includes identification and movement reporting. The regulations for cattle, bison, sheep, pigs and farmed wild boars are outlined in the Health of Animals Regulations.

Objectives

Regulatory requirements

Management of animal traceability information

Premises identification

Animal identification

Animal movement

Additional information

News releases

Proposed regulations

General information

Provincial traceability initiatives