Proposed federal livestock traceability requirements

This is an overview of the proposed federal livestock traceability regulations and requirements, by species, under Part XV of the Health of Animals Regulations (Traceability).

These amendments are not currently in place and not yet finalized. See Statement from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on proposed amendments to livestock traceability regulations. The purpose of sharing these proposed requirements is to ensure they are widely understood during this time when concerns are being heard and taken into consideration.

Cattle

Tagging cattle

Cattle or cattle carcasses must be identified with a Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) tag (beef cattle), or DairyTrace tag (dairy cattle), before leaving your farm. This is not a new requirement.

Some exceptions to this requirement will include:

when cattle are moved to a tagging site
when cattle or cattle carcasses are moved between sites of the same farm of origin (including pastures if all the livestock kept at that site are from your farm)
when the carcasses of cattle that were less than 3 months old when they died are sent for disposal
when cattle must be moved to a veterinary clinic for an urgent health issue
when cattle must be urgently evacuated from your site

Tagging cattle that are missing a tag

Cattle that arrive at your site without a tag or lose a tag at your site, must be identified with a new Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) or DairyTrace tag as soon as reasonably possible. This is not a new requirement.

You will be required to report the application of a new tag within 7 days. The current requirement is keeping it in records. This does not apply to cattle that were born at your farm.

Premises identification

A premises is a location where farm animals are kept, assembled or disposed of. Premises identification (PID) is a way of linking livestock to land locations and is critical to support disease control activities and for managing animal health emergencies. The PID systems are run by the provinces and territories. Contact your provincial or territorial ministry of agriculture to enroll your operation or update your PID number.

You will be required to report the PID number when purchasing tags and reporting information related to the identification of cattle and their movement. If a producer does not have a PID, they will be required to report all the necessary contact and land location information instead.

Cattle movement onto your farm, ranch or feedlot

You will be required to report the arrival of cattle onto your farm within 7 days.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of the departure site (provided by transporter)
the PID number of your farm
the date the cattle left the departure site (provided by transporter)
the date the cattle arrived at your farm
the identification number on the tags of the cattle arriving at your farm
the licence plate number of the trailer (provided by transporter)

Cattle movement within the same farm, ranch or feedlot

You will not be required to report the movement of cattle within the same farm.

Cattle movement to and from another site for grazing purposes

You will not be required to report the movement of cattle to and from another site for grazing purposes if there is no commingling with livestock from other operations.

Cattle movement off your farm, ranch or feedlot

You will not be required to report the departure of cattle from your farm, unless you are taking them to a community pasture, veterinary clinic, or an agricultural society site (for example, fairs, exhibitions, etc.).

The birth of cattle on your farm, ranch or feedlot

You will not be required to report the birth of cattle.

The death of cattle on your farm, ranch or feedlot

You will not be required to report the death of cattle.

You will be required to report the on-farm disposal of tagged cattle carcasses within 7 days. The current requirement is within 30 days.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification number of your farm
the date the carcass was disposed of
the identification number on the tags of the cattle carcasses

You will not be required to report the on-farm disposal of cattle carcasses if the animal has not been tagged.

Cattle carcasses must be identified with a tag if you move them off your farm for disposal. This is not a new requirement. You will not be required to tag carcasses of cattle born on your farm that were less than 3 months old when they died.

Community pastures

Producers using community pastures will be required to report both the departure and the return of their cattle within 7 days after each movement event. In these cases, the individual tag numbers do not need to be reported. Instead, report the number of cattle that are moved. This will be a "group" movement report.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of your farm
the PID number of the community pasture
the date the cattle left the farm and arrived at the community pasture
the date the cattle left the community pasture and returned to the farm
the number of cattle that left the farm and returned to the farm
the licence plate number of the trailer

Operators of community pastures will not be required to report cattle movement onto and off their site.

If cattle lose their tag at the community pasture, they can return to their farm before having a new tag applied. The application of the new tag must be reported.

Veterinary clinics or agricultural society sites (fairs, exhibitions)

Producers taking their cattle to veterinary clinics or agricultural society sites will be required to report both their departure and their return. These movements can both be reported at the same time within 7 days after the end of the event.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of your site
the PID number of the veterinary clinic or agricultural society site
the date the cattle left and returned to your site
the date the cattle arrived and left the veterinary clinic or agricultural society site
the identification number on the tags of the cattle
the licence plate number of the trailer

Operators of veterinary clinics or agricultural society sites will not be required to report cattle movement onto and off their site.

If cattle lose their tag at the veterinary clinic or agricultural society site, they can return to their farm before having a new tag applied. The application of the new tag must be reported.

Assembly points (auctions, yards) or resting points

Assembly points or resting points (also known as feed, water and rest stations) will be required to report the arrival of cattle at their operation within 7 days. In these cases, the individual tag numbers do not need to be reported. Instead report the number of cattle that are moved. This will be a group movement report.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of the departure site (provided by transporter)
the PID number of the assembly point
the date the cattle left the departure site (provided by transporter)
the date the cattle arrived at the assembly point
the number of cattle that arrived at the assembly point
the licence plate number of the trailer (provided by transporter)

The operation may choose to use a sighting system that reads individual IDs, instead of reporting the group movement arrival as listed above. If this option is chosen, you have 24 hours to report the identification number on the tags of the cattle arriving at your operation, the date of reading, and the PID number of the assembly point.

Abattoirs

Abattoirs will be required to report the arrival of cattle at their operation within 7 days of slaughter, death or arrival. The current requirement is within 30 days.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of the departure site (provided by transporter)
the PID number of the abattoir
the date the cattle left the departure site (provided by transporter)
the date of arrival or slaughter of the cattle
the identification number on the tags of the cattle (current requirement)
the licence plate number of the trailer (provided by transporter)

The abattoir may choose to keep in records:

the date the cattle left the departure site
the licence plate number of the trailer

Abattoirs will not be required to tag cattle that arrive at the abattoir missing a tag if they are being slaughtered at the abattoir.

Abattoirs will be required to report the arrival of cattle at their operation that are missing a tag within 7 days of arrival or slaughter. Items required to be reported will be the same as listed above along with the number of cattle, and if known, the identification number on the tags previously applied.

Tagging sites

Tagging sites will be required to report the arrival and identification of cattle at their operation within 7 days. The current requirement is keeping it in records.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of the departure site (provided by transporter)
the PID number of the tagging site
the date the cattle left the departure site (provided by transporter)
the date the cattle arrived at the tagging site
the identification number on the tags applied to the cattle
the licence plate number of the trailer (provided by transporter)

Carcass collection or disposal points

Renderers or dead stock collectors will be required to report the arrival of the carcasses of cattle at their operation within 7 days of arrival or disposal. The current requirement is within 30 days.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of the departure site (provided by transporter)
the PID number of the receiving site
the date the carcasses left the departure site (provided by transporter)
the date the carcasses arrived or were disposed of at the receiving site
if available, the identification number on the tags of the cattle carcasses (current requirement)
the licence plate number of the trailer (provided by transporter)

Renderers or dead stock collectors will not be required to tag the carcasses of cattle that arrive at the receiving site that are missing a tag.

Transporting cattle

Transporters will be required to provide information to the receiving site within 24 hours of arrival of the cattle. You will be required to keep a record of the information that accompanied the cattle you transported for at least 2 years.

Information required to be provided will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of the departure site
the PID number of the receiving site
the number of cattle
the date the cattle left the departure site
the contact information and licence plate number of the transporter

Exporting cattle from your site

Those exporting cattle out of Canada from their site will be required to report this export within 7 days. The current requirement is within 30 days.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification number of your site
the address where the cattle are being exported
the date the cattle were loaded for export
the production type of the cattle (beef or dairy)
the identification number on the tags of the cattle (current requirement)
the licence plate number of the trailer

Importing cattle onto your site

Those importing cattle into Canada onto their site will be required to report this import within 7 days The current requirement is within 30 days.

Information required to be reported will include:

the address from where the cattle were imported
the premises identification number of your site
the date the cattle arrived at your site
the production type of the cattle (beef or dairy)
the identification number on the tags of the cattle (current requirement)
the licence plate number of the trailer

Reporting the required information

Information required to be reported to the responsible administrators (CCIA or Lactanet) can be submitted to the database by:

responsible administrator's website or app
third party apps or farm management software linked to responsible administrator's databases
email
telephone
fax
mail

The responsible administrators provide support to livestock industry parties through their client support teams and offer a comprehensive set of resources.

Data privacy

Any data submitted to the responsible administrator is only accessible to the account holder, unless they have provided permissions to share the data for other purposes (for example, recovering lost animals). Trained CFIA staff and provincial partners have access for enforcing animal health legislation including for use in animal disease preparedness, surveillance and response work.

Purpose of traceability and this update

A modern, reliable traceability system allows animals to be tracked through their lifetime, supports faster and more targeted disease response, and helps limit impacts on producers, communities, and trade. It is an investment made to protect Canadian animal health and respond to disease threats, like foot and mouth disease.

The current traceability system relies on tagging regulated animals at the farm of origin and reporting their information at slaughter, but it does not capture where the animal has been moved in between these two points. During a disease investigation under the current traceability system, animal health officials must rely on contacting sites and using records that need to be retrieved while disease continues to spread, resulting in long and difficult disease investigations. The proposed changes would result in a full and stronger traceability system, which means:

quicker disease response
fewer producers impacted
fewer animals destroyed
more accurate containment efforts
markets staying open or closed for shorter time periods

Traceability helps Canadian producers and processors remain competitive at home and abroad, while supporting long-term economic stability for businesses.

Bison

Tagging bison

Bison or bison carcasses must be identified with a Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) tag before leaving your farm. This is not a new requirement.

Some exceptions to this requirement will include:

when bison are moved to a tagging site
when bison or bison carcasses are moved between sites of the same farm of origin (including pastures if all the livestock kept at that site are from your farm)
when the carcasses of bison that were less than 3 months old when they died are sent for disposal
when bison must be moved to a veterinary clinic for an urgent health issue
when bison must be urgently evacuated from your site

Tagging bison that are missing a tag

Bison that arrive at your site without a tag or lose a tag at your site, must be identified with a new Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) tag as soon as reasonably possible. This is not a new requirement.

You will be required to report the application of a new tag within 7 days. The current requirement is keeping it in records. This does not apply to bison that were born at your farm.

Premises identification

You will be required to report the PID number when purchasing tags and reporting information related to the identification of bison and their movement. If a producer does not have a PID, they will be required to report all the necessary contact and land location information instead.

Bison movement onto your farm, ranch or feedlot

You will be required to report the arrival of bison onto your farm within 7 days.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of the departure site (provided by transporter)
the PID number of your farm
the date the bison left the departure site (provided by transporter)
the date the bison arrived at your farm
the identification number on the tags of the bison arriving at your farm
the licence plate number of the trailer (provided by transporter)

Bison movement within the same farm, ranch or feedlot

You will not be required to report the movement of bison within the same farm.

Bison movement to and from another site for grazing purposes

You will not be required to report the movement of bison to and from another site for grazing purposes if there is no commingling with livestock from other operations.

Bison movement off your farm, ranch or feedlot

You will not be required to report the departure of bison from your farm, unless you are taking them to a community pasture, veterinary clinic, or an agricultural society site (for example, fairs, exhibitions etc.).

The birth of bison on your farm, ranch or feedlot

You will not be required to report the birth of bison.

The death of bison on your farm, ranch or feedlot

You will not be required to report the death of bison.

You will be required to report the on-farm disposal of tagged bison carcasses within 7 days. The current requirement is within 30 days.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification number of your farm
the date the carcass was disposed of
the identification number on the tags of the bison carcasses

You will not be required to report the on-farm disposal of bison carcasses if the animal has not been tagged.

Bison carcasses must be identified with a tag if you move them off your farm for disposal. This is not a new requirement. You will not be required to tag carcasses of bison born on your farm that were less than 3 months old when they died.

Community pastures

Producers using community pastures will be required to report both the departure and the return of their bison within 7 days after each movement event. In these cases, the individual tag numbers do not need to be reported. Instead, report the number of bison that are moved. This will be a group movement report.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of your farm
the PID number of the community pasture
the date the bison left the farm and arrived at the community pasture
the date the bison left the community pasture and returned to the farm
the number of bison that left the farm and returned to the farm
the licence plate number of the trailer

Operators of community pastures will not be required to report bison movement onto and off their site.

If bison lose their tag at the community pasture, they can return to their farm before having a new tag applied. The application of the new tag must be reported.

Veterinary clinics or agricultural society sites (fairs, exhibitions)

On the rare occasions when producers take their bison to veterinary clinics or agricultural society sites, they will be required to report both their departure and their return. These movements can both be reported at the same time within 7 days after the end of the event.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of your site
the PID number of the veterinary clinic or agricultural society site
the date the bison left and returned to your site
the date the bison arrived and left the veterinary clinic or agricultural society site
the identification number on the tags of the bison
the licence plate number of the trailer

Operators of veterinary clinics or agricultural society sites will not be required to report bison movement onto and off their site.

If bison lose their tag at the veterinary clinic or agricultural society site, they can return to their farm before having a new tag applied. The application of the new tag must be reported.

Assembly points (auctions, yards) or resting points

Assembly points or resting points (also known as feed, water and rest stations) will be required to report the arrival of bison at their operation within 7 days. In these cases, the individual tag numbers do not need to be reported. Instead report the number of bison that are moved. This will be a group movement report.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of the departure site (provided by transporter)
the PID number of the assembly point
the date the bison left the departure site (provided by transporter)
the date the bison arrived at the assembly point
the number of bison that arrived at the assembly point
the licence plate number of the trailer (provided by transporter)

The operation may choose to use a sighting system that reads individual IDs, instead of reporting the group movement arrival as listed above. If this option is chosen, you have 24 hours to report the identification number on the tags of the bison arriving at your operation, the date of reading, and the PID number of the assembly point.

Abattoirs

Abattoirs will be required to report the arrival of bison at their operation within 7 days of slaughter, death or arrival. The current requirement is within 30 days.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of the departure site (provided by transporter)
the PID number of the abattoir
the date the bison left the departure site (provided by transporter)
the date of arrival or slaughter of the bison
the identification number on the tags of the bison (current requirement)
the licence plate number of the trailer (provided by transporter)

The abattoir may choose to keep in records:

the date the bison left the departure site
the licence plate number of the trailer

Abattoirs will not be required to tag bison that arrive at the abattoir missing a tag if they are being slaughtered at the abattoir.

Abattoirs will be required to report the arrival of bison at their operation that are missing a tag within 7 days of arrival or slaughter. Items required to be reported will be the same as listed above along with the number of bison, and if known, the identification number on the tags previously applied.

Tagging sites

Tagging sites will be required to report the arrival and identification of bison at their operation within 7 days. The current requirement is keeping it in records.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of the departure site (provided by transporter)
the PID number of the tagging site
the date the bison left the departure site (provided by transporter)
the date the bison arrived at the tagging site
the identification number on the tags applied to the bison
the licence plate number of the trailer (provided by transporter)

Carcass collection or disposal points

Renderers or dead stock collectors will be required to report the arrival of the carcasses of bison at their operation within 7 days of arrival or disposal. The current requirement is within 30 days.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of the departure site (provided by transporter)
the PID number of the receiving site
the date the carcasses left the departure site (provided by transporter)
the date the carcasses arrived or were disposed of at the receiving site
if available, the identification number on the tags of the bison carcasses (current requirement)
the licence plate number of the trailer (provided by transporter)

Renderers or dead stock collectors will not be required to tag the carcasses of bison that arrive at the receiving site that are missing a tag.

Transporting bison

Transporters will be required to provide information to the receiving site within 24 hours of arrival of the bison. You will be required to keep a record of the information that accompanied the bison you transported for at least 2 years.

Information required to be provided will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of the departure site
the PID number of the receiving site
the number of bison
the date the bison left the departure site
the contact information and licence plate number of the transporter

Exporting bison from your site

Those exporting bison out of Canada from their site will be required to report this export within 7 days. The current requirement is within 30 days.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification number of your site
the address where the bison are being exported
the date the bison were loaded for export
the identification number on the tags of the bison (current requirement)
the licence plate number of the trailer

Importing bison onto your site

Those importing bison into Canada onto their site will be required to report this import within 7 days The current requirement is within 60 days.

Information required to be reported will include:

the address from where the bison were imported
the premises identification number of your site
the date the bison arrived at your site
the identification number on the tags of the bison (current requirement)
the licence plate number of the trailer

Reporting the required information

Information required to be reported to the responsible administrator can be submitted to the database by:

responsible administrator's website or app
third party apps or farm management software linked to responsible administrator's database
email
telephone
fax
mail

The responsible administrator provides support to livestock industry parties through its client support team and offers a comprehensive set of resources.

Data privacy

Purpose of traceability and this update

The current traceability system relies on tagging regulated animals at the farm of origin and reporting their information at slaughter, but it does not capture where the animal has been moved in between these two points. During a disease investigation under the current traceability system, animal health officials must rely on contacting sites and using records that need to be retrieved while disease continues to spread resulting in long and difficult disease investigations. The proposed changes would result in a full and stronger traceability system, which means:

quicker disease response
fewer producers impacted
fewer animals destroyed
more accurate containment efforts
markets staying open or closed for shorter time periods

Traceability helps Canadian producers and processors remain competitive at home and abroad, while supporting long-term economic stability for businesses.

Sheep

Tagging sheep

Sheep or sheep carcasses must be identified with a Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) tag before leaving your farm. This is not a new requirement.

Some exceptions to this requirement will include:

when sheep or sheep carcasses are moved between sites of the same farm of origin (including pastures if all the livestock kept at that site are from your farm)
when the carcasses of sheep that were less than 3 months old when they died are sent for disposal
when sheep must be moved to a veterinary clinic for an urgent health issue
when sheep must be urgently evacuated from your site

Tagging sheep that are missing a tag

Sheep that arrive at your site without a tag or lose a tag at your site, must be identified with a new Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) tag as soon as reasonably possible. This is not a new requirement.

You will be required to report the application of a new tag within 7 days. The current requirement is keeping it in records. This does not apply to sheep that were born at your farm.

Premises identification

You will be required to report the PID number when purchasing tags and reporting information related to the identification of sheep and their movement. If a producer does not have a PID, they will be required to report all the necessary contact and land location information instead.

Sheep movement onto your farm, ranch or feedlot

You will be required to report the arrival of sheep onto your farm within 7 days.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of the departure site (provided by transporter)
the PID number of your farm
the date the sheep left the departure site (provided by transporter)
the date the sheep arrived at your farm
the identification number on the tags of the sheep arriving at your farm
the licence plate number of the trailer (provided by transporter)

Record keeping for the arrival of bred sheep onto your farm will no longer be required.

Sheep movement within the same farm, ranch or feedlot

You will not be required to report the movement of sheep within the same farm.

Sheep movement to and from another site for grazing purposes

You will not be required to report the movement of sheep to and from another site for grazing purposes if there is no commingling with livestock from other operations.

Sheep movement off your farm, ranch or feedlot

You will not be required to report the departure of sheep from your farm, unless you are taking them to a community pasture, veterinary clinic, or an agricultural society site (for example, fairs, exhibitions, etc.).

Record keeping for the departure of sheep that are 18 months or older from your farm will no longer be required.

The birth of sheep on your farm, ranch or feedlot

You will not be required to report the birth of sheep.

The death of sheep on your farm, ranch or feedlot

You will not be required to report the death of sheep.

You will be required to report the on-farm disposal of tagged sheep carcasses within 7 days. The current requirement is within 30 days.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification number of your farm
the date the carcass was disposed of
the identification number on the tags of the sheep carcasses

You will not be required to report the on-farm disposal of sheep carcasses if the animal has not been tagged.

Sheep carcasses must be identified with a tag if you move them off your farm for disposal. This is not a new requirement. You will not be required to tag carcasses of sheep born on your farm that were less than 3 months old when they died.

Community pastures

Producers using community pastures will be required to report both the departure and the return of their sheep within 7 days after each movement event. In these cases, the individual tag numbers do not need to be reported. Instead, report the number of sheep that are moved. This will be a group movement report.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of your farm
the PID number of the community pasture
the date the sheep left the farm and arrived at the community pasture
the date the sheep left the community pasture and returned to the farm
the number of sheep that left the farm and returned to the farm
the licence plate number of the trailer

Operators of community pastures will not be required to report sheep movement onto and off their site.

If sheep lose their tag at the community pasture, they can return to their farm before having a new tag applied. The application of the new tag must be reported.

Veterinary clinics or agricultural society sites (fairs, exhibitions)

Producers taking their sheep to veterinary clinics or agricultural society sites will be required to report both their departure and their return. These movements can both be reported at the same time within 7 days after the end of the event.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of your site
the PID number of the veterinary clinic or agricultural society site
the date the sheep left and returned to your site
the date the sheep arrived and left the veterinary clinic or agricultural society site
the identification number on the tags of the sheep
the licence plate number of the trailer

Operators of veterinary clinics or agricultural society sites will not be required to report sheep movement onto and off their site.

If sheep lose their tag at the veterinary clinic or agricultural society site, they can return to their farm before having a new tag applied. The application of the new tag must be reported.

Assembly points (auctions, yards) or resting points

Assembly points or resting points (also known as feed, water and rest stations) will be required to report the arrival of sheep at their operation within 7 days. In these cases, the individual tag numbers do not need to be reported. Instead report the number of sheep that are moved. This will be a group movement report.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of the departure site (provided by transporter)
the PID number of the assembly point
the date the sheep left the departure site (provided by transporter)
the date the sheep arrived at the assembly point
the number of sheep that arrived at the assembly point
the licence plate number of the trailer (provided by transporter)

The operation may choose to use a sighting system that reads individual IDs, instead of reporting the group movement arrival as listed above. If this option is chosen, you have 24 hours to report the identification number on the tags of the sheep arriving at your operation, the date of reading, and the PID number of the assembly point.

Abattoirs

Abattoirs will be required to report the arrival of sheep at their operation within 7 days of slaughter, death or arrival.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of the departure site (provided by transporter)
the PID number of the abattoir
the date the sheep left the departure site (provided by transporter)
the date of arrival or slaughter of the sheep
the identification number on the tags of the sheep
the licence plate number of the trailer (provided by transporter)

The abattoir may choose to keep in records:

the date the sheep left the departure site
the licence plate number of the trailer

Abattoirs will not be required to tag sheep that arrive at the abattoir missing a tag if they are being slaughtered at the abattoir.

Abattoirs will be required to report the arrival of sheep at their operation that are missing a tag within 7 days of arrival or slaughter. Information required to be reported will be the same as listed above along with the number of sheep, and if known, the identification number on the tags previously applied.

Carcass collection or disposal points

Renderers or dead stock collectors will be required to report the arrival of the carcasses of sheep at their operation within 7 days of arrival or disposal. The current requirement is within 30 days.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of the departure site (provided by transporter)
the PID number of the receiving site
the date the carcasses left the departure site (provided by transporter)
the date the carcasses arrived or were disposed of at the receiving site
if available, the identification number on the tags of the sheep carcasses (current requirement)
the licence plate number of the trailer (provided by transporter)

Renderers or dead stock collectors will not be required to tag the carcasses of sheep that arrive at the receiving site that are untagged.

Transporting sheep

Transporters will be required to provide information to the receiving site within 24 hours of arrival of the sheep. You will be required to keep a record of the information that accompanied the sheep you transported for at least 2 years.

Information required to be provided will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of the departure site
the PID number of the receiving site
the number of sheep
the date the sheep left the departure site
the contact information and licence plate number of the transporter

Exporting sheep from your site

Those exporting sheep out of Canada from their site will be required to report this export within 7 days.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification number of your site
the address where the sheep are being exported
the date the sheep were loaded for export
the identification number on the tags of the sheep
the licence plate number of the trailer

Importing sheep onto your site

Those importing sheep into Canada onto their site will be required to report this import within 7 days. This is not a new requirement.

Information required to be reported will include:

the address from where the sheep were imported
the premises identification number of your site
the date the sheep arrived at your site
the identification number on the tags of the sheep (current requirement)
the licence plate number of the trailer

Reporting the required information

Information required to be reported to the responsible administrator can be submitted to the database by:

responsible administrator's website or app
third party apps or farm management software linked to responsible administrator's database
email
telephone
fax
mail

The responsible administrator provides support to livestock industry parties through its client support team and offers a comprehensive set of resources.

Data privacy

Purpose of traceability and this update

The current traceability system relies on tagging regulated animals at the farm of origin and does not capture where the animal has been moved throughout its life. During a disease investigation under the current traceability system, animal health officials must rely on contacting sites and using records that need to be retrieved while disease continues to spread resulting in long and difficult disease investigations. The proposed changes would result in a full and stronger traceability system, which means:

quicker disease response
fewer producers impacted
fewer animals destroyed
more accurate containment efforts
markets staying open or closed for shorter time periods

Traceability helps Canadian producers and processors remain competitive at home and abroad, while supporting long-term economic stability for businesses.

Goats

Tagging goats

Goats or goat carcasses must be identified with a Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) tag before leaving your farm.

Some exceptions to this requirement will include:

when goats or goat carcasses are moved between sites of the same farm of origin (including pastures if all the livestock kept at that site are from your farm)
when the carcasses of goats that were less than 3 months old when they died are sent for disposal
when goats must be moved to a veterinary clinic for an urgent health issue
when goats must be urgently evacuated from your site

Tagging goats that are missing a tag

Goats that arrive at your site without a tag or lose a tag at your site, must be identified with a new Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) tag as soon as reasonably possible.

You will be required to report the application of a new tag within 7 days. This does not apply to goats that were born at your farm.

Premises identification

You will be required to report the PID number when purchasing tags and reporting information related to the identification of goats and their movement. If a producer does not have a PID, they will be required to report all the necessary contact and land location information instead.

Goat movement onto your farm, ranch, or feedlot

You will be required to report the arrival of goats onto your farm within 7 days.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of the departure site (provided by transporter)
the PID number of your farm
the date the goats left the departure site (provided by transporter)
the date the goats arrived at your farm
the identification number on the tags of the goats arriving at your farm
the licence plate number of the trailer (provided by transporter)

Goat movement within the same farm, ranch or feedlot

You will not be required to report the movement of goats within the same farm.

Goat movement to and from another site for grazing purposes

You will not be required to report the movement of goats to and from another site for grazing purposes if there is no commingling with livestock from other operations.

Goat movement off your farm, ranch or feedlot

You will not be required to report the departure of goats from your farm, unless you are taking them to a community pasture, veterinary clinic, or an agricultural society site (for example, fairs, exhibitions, etc.).

The birth of goats on your farm, ranch or feedlot

You will not be required to report the birth of goats.

The death of goats on your farm, ranch or feedlot

You will not be required to report the death of goats.

You will be required to report the on-farm disposal of tagged goat carcasses within 7 days.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification number of your farm
the date the carcass was disposed of
the identification number on the tags of the goat carcasses

You will not be required to report the on-farm disposal of goat carcasses if the animal has not been tagged.

Goat carcasses must be identified with a tag if you move them off your farm for disposal. You will not be required to tag carcasses of goats born on your farm that were less than 3 months old when they died.

Community pastures

Producers using community pastures will be required to report both the departure and the return of their goats within 7 days after each movement event. In these cases, the individual tag numbers do not need to be reported. Instead, report the number of goats that are moved. This will be a group movement report.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of your farm
the PID number of the community pasture
the date the goats left the farm and arrived at the community pasture
the date the goats left the community pasture and returned to the farm
the number of goats that left the farm and returned to the farm
the licence plate number of the trailer

Operators of community pastures will not be required to report goat movement onto and off their site.

If goats lose their tag at the community pasture, they can return to their farm before having a new tag applied. The application of the new tag must be reported.

Veterinary clinics or agricultural society sites (fairs, exhibitions)

Producers taking their goats to veterinary clinics or agricultural society sites will be required to report both their departure and their return. These movements can both be reported at the same time within 7 days after the end of the event.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of your site
the PID number of the veterinary clinic or agricultural society site
the date the goats left and returned to your site
the date the goats arrived and left the veterinary clinic or agricultural society site
the identification number on the tags of the goats
the licence plate number of the trailer

Operators of veterinary clinics or agricultural society sites will not be required to report goat movement onto and off their site.

If goats lose their tag at the veterinary clinic or agricultural society site, they can return to their farm before having a new tag applied. The application of the new tag must be reported.

Assembly points (auctions, yards) or resting points

Assembly points or resting points (also known as feed, water and rest stations) will be required to report the arrival of goats at their operation within 7 days. In these cases, the individual tag numbers do not need to be reported. Instead report the number of goats that are moved. This will be a group movement report.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of the departure site (provided by transporter)
the PID number of the assembly point
the date the goats left the departure site (provided by transporter)
the date the goats arrived at the assembly point
the number of goats that arrived at the assembly point
the licence plate number of the trailer (provided by transporter)

The operation may choose to use a sighting system that reads individual IDs, instead of reporting the group movement arrival as listed above. If this option is chosen, you have 24 hours to report the identification number on the tags of the goats arriving at your operation, the date of reading, and the PID number of the assembly point.

Abattoirs

Abattoirs will be required to report the arrival of goats at their operation within 7 days of slaughter, death or arrival.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of the departure site (provided by transporter)
the PID number of the abattoir
the date the goats left the departure site (provided by transporter)
the date of arrival or slaughter of the goats
the identification number on the tags of the goats
the licence plate number of the trailer (provided by transporter)

The abattoir may choose to keep in records:

the date the goats left the departure site
the licence plate number of the trailer

Abattoirs will not be required to tag goats that arrive at the abattoir missing a tag if they are being slaughtered at the abattoir.

Abattoirs will be required to report the arrival of goats at their operation that are missing a tag within 7 days of arrival or slaughter. Items required to be reported will be the same as listed above along with the number of goats, and if known, the identification number on the tags previously applied.

Carcass collection or disposal points

Renderers or dead stock collectors will be required to report the arrival of the carcasses of goats at their operation within 7 days of arrival or disposal.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of the departure site (provided by transporter)
the PID number of the receiving site
the date the carcasses left the departure site (provided by transporter)
the date the carcasses arrived or were disposed of at the receiving site
if available, the identification number on the tags of the goat carcasses
the licence plate number of the trailer (provided by transporter)

Renderers or dead stock collectors will not be required to tag the carcasses of goats that arrive at the receiving site that are missing a tag.

Transporting goats

Transporters will be required to provide information to the receiving site within 24 hours of arrival of the goats. You will be required to keep a record of the information that accompanied the goats you transported for at least 2 years.

Information required to be provided will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of the departure site
the PID number of the receiving site
the number of goats
the date the goats left the departure site
the contact information and licence plate number of the transporter

Exporting goats from your site

Those exporting goats out of Canada from their site will be required to report this export within 7 days.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification number of your site
the address where the goats are being exported
the date the goats were loaded for export
the identification number on the tags of the goats
the licence plate number of the trailer

Importing goats onto your site

Those importing goats into Canada onto their site will be required to report this import within 7 days.

Information required to be reported will include:

the address from where the goats were imported
the premises identification number of your site
the date the goats arrived at your site
the identification number on the tags of the goats
the licence plate number of the trailer

Reporting the required information

Information required to be reported to the responsible administrator can be submitted to the database by:

responsible administrator's website or app
third party apps or farm management software linked to responsible administrator's database
email
telephone
fax
mail

The responsible administrator provides support to livestock industry parties through its client support team and offers a comprehensive set of resources.

Data privacy

Purpose of traceability and this update

Currently, goats are not a federally regulated species under the livestock traceability program, so there is no national database of animal identification and movement information. Having a national database benefits not only the goat sector, but all livestock sectors who share diseases with goats. Including goats in the national traceability program will mean resiliency for the sector and opens new trade markets.

During a disease investigation while goats are not federally regulated, animal health officials must rely on contacting sites and using records that need to be retrieved while disease continues to spread resulting in long and difficult disease investigations. The proposed changes would result in a full and stronger traceability system including all ruminant livestock, which means:

quicker disease response
fewer producers impacted
fewer animals destroyed
more accurate containment efforts
markets staying open or closed for shorter time periods

Traceability helps Canadian producers and processors remain competitive at home and abroad, while supporting long-term economic stability for businesses.

Cervids

Tagging cervids

Cervids must be identified with a Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) tag set (one electronic and one visual) before leaving your farm. The identification number on the visual tag must be identical to the identification number on the electronic tag.

Cervid carcasses can be identified with only one tag before being removed from your farm.

Some exceptions to this requirement will include:

when cervids or cervid carcasses are moved between sites of the same farm of origin (including pastures if all the livestock kept at that site are from your farm)
when the carcasses of cervids that were less than 3 months old when they died are sent for disposal
when cervids must be moved to a veterinary clinic for an urgent health issue
when cervids must be urgently evacuated from your site

Tagging cervids that are missing a tag

Cervids that arrive at your site without either of their tags, or lose either of their tags at your site, must be identified with a new Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) electronic tag and/or a matching visual tag as soon as reasonably possible.

You will be required to report the application of a new tag set within 7 days. This does not apply to:

cervids that were born at your farm; or
cervids that have only lost their visual tag, and it is replaced with a visual tag with the identical identification number as the electronic tag

Premises identification

You will be required to report the PID number when purchasing tags and reporting information related to the identification of cervids and their movement. If a producer does not have a PID, they will be required to report all the necessary contact and land location information instead.

Cervid movement off your farm or ranch

You will be required to report the departure of cervids from your farm within 7 days.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of your farm
the PID number of the destination site
the date the cervids left your farm
the identification number on the tags of the cervids
the licence plate number of the trailer

Cervid movement onto your farm or ranch

You will be required to report the arrival of cervids onto your farm within 7 days.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of the departure site (provided by transporter)
the PID number of your farm
the date the cervids arrived at your farm
the identification number on the tags of the cervids arriving at your farm
the licence plate number of the trailer (provided by transporter)

Cervid movement within the same farm or ranch

You will not be required to report the movement of cervids within the same farm.

Cervid movement to and from another site for grazing purposes

You will not be required to report the movement of cervids to and from another site for grazing purposes if there is no commingling with livestock from other operations.

The birth of cervids on your farm or ranch

You will not be required to report the birth of cervids.

The death of cervids on your farm or ranch

You will not be required to report the death of cervids.

You will be required to report the on-farm disposal of tagged cervid carcasses within 7 days.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification number of your farm
the date the carcass was disposed of
the identification number on the tags of the cervid carcasses

You will not be required to report the on-farm disposal of cervid carcasses if the animal is not tagged.

You will not be required to report the departure of cervid carcasses.

Cervid carcasses must be identified with a tag if you move them off your farm for disposal. You will not be required to tag carcasses of cervids born on your farm that were less than 3 months old when they died.

Veterinary clinics or agricultural society sites (fairs, exhibitions)

On the rare occasions when producers take their cervids to veterinary clinics or agricultural society sites, they will be required to report both their departure and their return. These movements can both be reported at the same time within 7 days after the end of the event.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of your site
the PID number of the veterinary clinic or agricultural society site
the date the cervids left and returned to your site
the date the cervids arrived and left the veterinary clinic or agricultural society site
the identification number on the tags of the cervids
the licence plate number of the trailer

Operators of veterinary clinics or agricultural society sites will not be required to report cervid movement onto and off their site.

If cervids lose either of their tags at the veterinary clinic or agricultural society site, they can return to their farm before having a new tag applied. The application of the new tag must be reported unless the visual tag was lost and replaced with the identical identification number as the electronic tag.

Abattoirs

Abattoirs will be required to report the arrival of cervids at their operation within 7 days of slaughter, death or arrival.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of the departure site (provided by transporter)
the PID number of the abattoir
the date of arrival or slaughter of the cervids
the identification number on the tags of the cervids
the licence plate number of the trailer (provided by transporter)

The abattoir may choose to keep in records:

the licence plate number of the trailer

Abattoirs will not be required to tag cervids that arrive at the abattoir missing a tag if they are being slaughtered at the abattoir.

Abattoirs will be required to report the arrival of cervids at their operation that are missing a tag within 7 days of arrival or slaughter. Items required to be reported will be the same as listed above along with the number of cervids, and if known, the identification number on the tags previously applied.

Carcass collection or disposal points

Renderers or dead stock collectors will be required to report the arrival of the carcasses of cervids at their operation within 7 days of arrival or disposal.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of the departure site (provided by transporter)
the PID number of the receiving site
the date the carcasses left the departure site (provided by transporter)
the date the carcasses arrived or were disposed of at the receiving site
if available, the identification number on the tags of the cervid carcasses
the licence plate number of the trailer (provided by transporter)

Renderers or dead stock collectors will not be required to tag the carcasses of cervids that arrive at the receiving site that are missing a tag.

Transporting cervids

Transporters will be required to provide information to the receiving site within 24 hours of arrival of the cervids. You will be required to keep a record of the information that accompanied the cervids you transported for at least 2 years.

Information required to be provided will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of the departure site
the PID number of the receiving site
the number of cervids
the date the cervids left the departure site
the contact information and licence plate number of the transporter

Exporting cervids from your site

Those exporting cervids out of Canada from their site will be required to report this export within 7 days.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification number of your site
the address where the cervids are being exported
the date the cervids were loaded for export
the identification number on the tags of the cervids
the licence plate number of the trailer

Importing cervids onto your site

Those importing cervids into Canada onto their site will be required to report this import within 7 days.

Information required to be reported will include:

the address from where the cervids were imported
the premises identification number of your site
the date the cervids arrived at your site
the identification number on the tags of the cervids
the licence plate number of the trailer

Reporting the required information

Information required to be reported to the responsible administrator can be submitted to the database by:

responsible administrator's website or app
third party apps or farm management software linked to responsible administrator's database
email
telephone
fax
mail

The responsible administrator provides support to livestock industry parties through its client support team and offers a comprehensive set of resources.

Data privacy

Purpose of traceability and this update

Currently, cervids are not a federally regulated species under the livestock traceability program, so there is no national database of animal identification and movement information. Having a national database benefits not only the cervid sector, but all livestock sectors who share diseases with cervids.

During a disease investigation, animal health officials must rely on contacting sites or provincial systems who do not share a common database and using records that need to be retrieved while disease continues to spread resulting in long and difficult disease investigations. The proposed changes would result in a full and stronger traceability system including all ruminant livestock, which means:

quicker disease response
fewer producers impacted
fewer animals destroyed
more accurate containment efforts
markets staying open or closed for shorter time periods

Traceability helps Canadian producers and processors remain competitive at home and abroad, while supporting long-term economic stability for businesses.

Cervid Movement Permits

The requirement for a Cervid Movement Permit under section 76 of the Health of Animals Regulations, to be issued when movement of cervids occur, will be repealed. Instead, the proposed identification and movement reporting will be required.

Pigs

Identifying pigs

Pigs must be identified with a Canadian Pork Council (CPC) indicator before leaving your farm. This is not a new requirement. The form of identification varies depending on the animal and destination. For example, market hogs going to the slaughter stream can be identified with a herd mark slap tattoo, but in all cases a tag is an acceptable form of identification.

Some exceptions to this requirement will include:

when pigs are moved between contiguous sites of the same farm
when non-bred pigs are moved between non-contiguous parts of the same farm or between farms
when pigs must be moved to a veterinary clinic for an urgent health issue
when pigs must be urgently evacuated from your site

Pig carcasses are not required to be identified.

Identifying pigs that are missing an indicator

Pigs that arrive at your site without an indicator and are required to bear one, or lose their indicator at your site, must be identified with a new Canadian Pork Council (CPC) indicator as soon as reasonably possible. This is not a new requirement.

You will be required to report the application of a new indicator within 7 days. The current requirement is keeping it in records. This does not apply to pigs that were born at your farm or on a site contiguous to the site where they were born.

Premises identification

You will be required to report the PID number when purchasing indicators or requesting a herd mark and reporting information related to the identification of pigs and their movement. If a producer does not have a PID, they will be required to report all the necessary contact and land location information instead.

Pig movement off your farm

You must report the departure of pigs from your farm within 7 days. This is not a new requirement.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of your farm
the PID number of the destination site
the date the pigs left your farm
the number of pigs that left your farm
if applied at your farm, the identification number on the indicators of the pigs
the licence plate number of the trailer

You will not be required to report the departure of pig carcasses.

Pig movement onto your farm

You must report the arrival of pigs onto your farm within 7 days. This is not a new requirement.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of the departure site (provided by transporter)
the PID number of your farm
the date the pigs arrived at your farm
the number of pigs that arrived at your farm
the licence plate number of the trailer (provided by transporter)

Pig movement within the same farm

You are not required to report the movement of pigs if they are moved between contiguous parts of the same farm.

The birth of pigs on your farm

You are not required to report the birth of pigs.

The death of pigs on your farm

You are not required to report the death or on-farm disposal of pigs.

You will not be required to report the departure of pig carcasses.

Veterinary clinics or agricultural society sites (fairs, exhibitions)

Producers taking their pigs to veterinary clinics or agricultural society sites must report both their departure and their return. This is not a new requirement. Both movements will be able to be reported at the same time within 7 days after the end of the event.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of your site
the PID number of the veterinary clinic or agricultural society site
the date the pigs left and returned to your site
the date the pigs arrived and left the veterinary clinic or agricultural society site
the identification number on the indicators of the pigs
the licence plate number of the trailer

Operators of veterinary clinics or agricultural society sites will not be required to report pig movement onto and off their site.

If pigs lose their tags at the veterinary clinic or agricultural society site, they can return to their farm before having a new indicator applied. The application of the new indicator must be reported.

Assembly points (auctions, yards) or resting points

Assembly points or resting points (also known as feed, water and rest stations) must report the arrival of pigs at their operation within 7 days. This is not a new requirement.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of the departure site (provided by transporter)
the PID number of the assembly point
the date the pigs arrived at the assembly point
the number of pigs that arrived at the assembly point
the licence plate number of the trailer (provided by transporter)

Assembly points or resting points must report the departure of pigs from their operation within 7 days. This is not a new requirement.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of the assembly point
the PID number of the destination site
the date the pigs left the assembly point
the number of pigs that left the assembly point
the licence plate number of the trailer

Assembly points or resting points will not be required to report the departure of pig carcasses.

Abattoirs

Abattoirs must report the arrival of pigs at their operation within 7 days of slaughter, death or arrival. This is not a new requirement.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of the departure site (provided by transporter)
the PID number of the abattoir
the date of arrival or slaughter of the pigs
the identification number on the indicators of the pigs
the number of pigs when they are identified with a herd mark
the licence plate number of the trailer (provided by transporter)

Abattoirs are not required to apply an indicator to pigs that arrive at the abattoir missing an indicator if they are being slaughtered at the abattoir.

Abattoirs must report the arrival of pigs at their operation that are missing an indicator within 7 days of arrival or slaughter. This is not a new requirement. Items required to be reported will be the same as listed above along with the number of pigs, and if known, the identification number on the indicators previously applied.

Carcass collection or disposal points

Renderers or dead stock collectors must report the arrival of the carcasses of pigs at their operation within 7 days of arrival or disposal. This is not a new requirement.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of the departure site (provided by transporter)
the PID number of the receiving site
the date the carcasses left the departure site (provided by transporter)
the date the carcasses arrived or were disposed of at the receiving site
the licence plate number of the trailer (provided by transporter)

Transporting pigs

Transporters will be required to provide information to the receiving site within 24hrs of arrival of the pigs. You will be required to keep a record of the information that accompanied the pigs you transported for at least 2 years.

Information required to be provided will include:

the premises identification (PID) number of the departure site
the PID number of the receiving site
the number of pigs
the date the pigs left the departure site
the contact information and licence plate number of the transporter

Exporting pigs from your site

Those exporting pigs out of Canada from their site must report this export within 7 days. This is not a new requirement.

Information required to be reported will include:

the premises identification number of your site
the address where the pigs are being exported
the date the pigs were loaded for export
the identification number on the indicators of the pigs
the licence plate number of the trailer

Importing pigs onto your site

Those importing pigs into Canada onto their site must report this import within 7 days. This is not a new requirement.

Information required to be reported will include:

the address from where the pigs or carcasses were imported
the premises identification number of your site
the date the pigs arrived at your site
the identification number on the indicators of the pigs
the licence plate number of the trailer

Reporting the required information

Information required to be reported to the responsible administrator can be submitted to the PigTrace database by:

responsible administrator's website or app
third party apps or farm management software linked to responsible administrator databases
email
telephone
fax
mail

The responsible administrator provides support to livestock industry parties through its client support teams and offers a comprehensive set of resources.

Data privacy

Purpose of traceability and this update

Currently, the swine sector benefits from a full traceability system, including animal identification and movement reporting since 2014. However, with this regulatory amendment, the traceability requirements for pigs will see some adjustments aimed towards practicality based on industry feedback and risk mitigation strategies.

Traceability helps Canadian producers and processors remain competitive at home and abroad, while supporting long-term economic stability for businesses.