Operational guideline: sampling at slaughter

On this page

1.0 Purpose

The purpose of this document is to provide instructions to CFIA inspectors responsible for taking and submitting samples for the detection of specific chemical residues/contaminant, microbes, prions, and parasites in federally licensed slaughter establishments.

This document is intended to be used in conjunction with other guidance documents as referenced in Section 3.0.

For guidance related to oversight of sampling performed by the licence holder, please consult Food Inspection Guidance: preventive control inspection.

2.0 Authorities

3.0 Reference Documents

4.0 Definitions

Unless specified below, definitions are located in either the:

5.0 Acronyms

Acronyms are spelled out the first time they are used in this document and are consolidated in the Food business line acronyms list.

6.0 Operational Guideline

A licence holder's Preventive Control Plan (PCP) is required to address biological and chemical hazards related to the slaughter of food animals. Such hazards may include chemical exposure during slaughter operations as well as potential residues in incoming live animals (for example, from veterinary drugs administered past the withdrawal period, cross contaminated feed, or environmental contaminants such as smoke inhalation, flooding etc).

The CFIA conducts three types of sampling of chemical residues, microbes, prions, and parasites to ensure product safety and verify industry compliance with Canadian food safety standards:

  • Monitoring and surveillance sampling, which are statistically based sampling plans, such as the National Chemical Residue Monitoring Program (NCRMP) and the Bovine Serological Survey (BSS), among others. For such sampling, the associated meat products generally do not need to be held pending results. General guidance on planned sampling is available at Operational Procedure: Planned food sample collection, with specific guidance below.
  • Directed sampling, which is triggered by a suspected non-compliance, such as a Kidney Inhibition Swab Test (KIS Test) and laboratory testing for an animal that presents signs that suggest therapeutics may have been used (for example, an injection site).
  • Compliance sampling, which provides oversight over identified problems.

In the case of directed and compliance sampling:

  • General guidance can be found in the Operational Procedure: As required food sample collection, with specific guidance below.
  • Inspectors must assess the situation and determine whether the licence holder's PCP is effective. When assessing whether the licence holder is in control, the inspector should consider the licence holder's root cause determination, food safety and/or animal welfare assessment, product disposition, and preventive measures taken. Completion of the relevant Preventive Control Inspection Sub-element task (PCI SE) (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) may be required.
  • Unless indicated otherwise, meat products and by-products must be held until laboratory results are received. Alternatively, the licence holder may elect to reject the product and by-products as inedible material in accordance with SFCR Section 154(1), rather than incur the cost or inconvenience of storing it pending results.
  • The decision as to whether the meat product or by-product is considered adulterated is a shared responsibility between Science Branch and Health Canada and the results will be communicated through RAMS or other pathways as a violation. The onsite inspector will inform his/her supervisor of the results of analysis and the Area/Regional Recall Coordinator to determine whether a food safety investigation is warranted. For further information see the Food Incident Response Process (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) RDIMS 6108635.
  • Animals, meat products, and by-products that have been condemned or rejected due to adulteration (potential or confirmed) must be disposed of as required in sections 58, 66, and 155 of the SFCR.
    • For most compounds, where only a single animal is involved, disposal of the carcass or portions via inedible rendering is permissible, due to the considerable dilution. This does not apply in the case of residues with a potential risk to human or animal health.
    • Inedible material contaminated with a residue or a micro-organism may not be eligible for rendering into animal feed, in particular if a substantial amount of offal or viscera from animals with residues has been sent for rendering. In such cases, the veterinary inspector must notify the District Office through established communication channels.

6.1 Chemical Residues

6.1.1 On Farm Exposure

Sample selection, testing and follow-up activities are defined based on whether there is potential individual exposure of an animal or an exposure of a lot on farm.

Individual exposure

Every animal which an inspector believes on reasonable grounds may have been treated with a medication or exposed to a chemical is a residue suspect, and must be held until its status can be determined.

"Reasonable grounds" may include (but are not limited to):

  • the presence on ante mortem inspection of signs of a disease condition for which a medical therapy is available
  • the presence on post mortem inspection of pathological changes typical of a disease condition for which a medical therapy is available
  • behavioural changes or clinical signs associated with exposure to treatment with a particular substance or class of substances (such as dystonia with botulin toxin or pupillary constriction with organophosphates)
  • the presence on ante mortem or post mortem inspection of anatomical changes associated with exposure to or treatment with a particular substance or class of substances (such as heavy muscling with β-agonists, or development of sexual structures with estrogens or androgens)
  • a history of recent medical treatment, such that the animal may not have reached the withdrawal period, or such that slightly delayed clearance may result in residues still being present

Antibiotic or other therapeutic agent use should be suspected in any animal in which an injection site is found, and any animal affected with a septic condition, which might have been treated with antibiotics. Animals may be deemed suspect on ante-mortem inspection (for example, animals that are febrile, depressed, with evidence of injection site, etc) and carcasses/offal on post-mortem inspection.

Some pathologies and conditions that may warrant retention and testing include:

  • mastitis
  • metritis
  • peritonitis/evidence of abdominal surgery
  • injection sites
  • pneumonia
  • pericarditis
  • endocarditis
  • abomasal/intestinal disease
  • nephritis
  • cystitis
  • erysipelas
  • septicemia
  • toxemia

For more information on pathology/disease processes, please consult the Disposition Manual for Red Meat Species, Summarized list of diseases and conditions, Archived – Meat Hygiene Manual of Procedures 19.7 Poultry Dispositions, and the CFIA Pathology Catalogue (available on the CFIA Software Center).

These animals may be selected to be sampled using a Kidney Inhibition Swab (KIS) test for antimicrobials. Refer to the KIS testing section of this guidance.

Exposure of a lot

If the veterinary inspector is not satisfied that the animals have been demonstrated to be residue-free, they have the discretion to hold the carcasses and all their parts and submit samples for testing. Utilize established communication pathways for guidance.

If a herd problem is suspected during slaughter, then all meat products, by-products, and inedible material (if the residue may cause a concern in the animal feed pathway) from that lot must be held pending test results. If a group of animals is not determined to be suspect until after they have been slaughtered, then every effort should be made to locate and hold the affected meat products, by-products, and inedible material (if the residue may cause a concern in the animal feed pathway). Samples of appropriate tissues from six animals should be selected at random and submitted for analysis to determine whether there are likely to be non-compliant residues in the lot.

Where a flock or herd is deemed suspect, and has been sampled, the lot must be deemed unacceptable if one animal or carcass exceeds the tolerance limit.

If the product has become mixed with other production and cannot be identified, then all product which might include the affected portions must be held.

If some or all of the meat products, by-products, or inedible material from the lot has left the plant, a determination must be made whether a product recall is warranted. As per the Food Incident Response Process (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) RDIMS 6108635, OFSR must be notified and will determine any need for recall based on a health risk assessment.

6.1.2 In-plant exposure

Licence holders must address any potential for residues originating in the establishment (including in any areas that may potentially contaminate the live animal) in their PCP.

Laboratory assays may not be available for the compounds of interest. Utilize established communication pathways for guidance. Where exposure involves a mixture of compounds (such as smoke exposure), it may be possible to test for an indicator substance, or a compound of particular concern (for example benzo-a-pyrene).

Any product which has been obviously affected upon organoleptic examination (such as visible smoke discolouration, presence of flavours, or odours) must be trimmed or rejected. Note that in the case of hydraulic fluid, it may be difficult to conduct an organoleptic examination and/or demonstrate successful trimming/rejection of affected parts. Though approved for use in food producing establishments, these fluids, over time, may become heavily contaminated with heavy metals or other chemicals from the equipment and therefore must be considered as a contaminant if they contact meat products or by-products.

If the contaminant is volatile and could plausibly dissipate from the product surface (for example, ammonia – ammonia gas is volatile and as the concentration in the air decreases any unbound ammonia will dissipate out of the surface moisture), the licence holder may, at its discretion, hold the product for a period of time and re-evaluate the situation. If any samples are necessary to demonstrate absence of contamination, samples will be processed at the licence holder's expense. The product must remain under control until the licence holder can demonstrate that the product poses no food safety risk.

In the event that it is determined that exposed product is adulterated and must be rejected, established communication pathways should be used to contact Animal Health, Feeds prior to the diversion or conversion of affected product to feed either directly or through rendering. Information required by the Animal Feed Program may include an accurate description of the affected product (for example, ingredients and volume), circumstances and magnitude of contamination, and proposed pathway to feed use (for example, name of renderer, producer, transporter).

6.1.3 National Chemical Residue Monitoring Program (NCRMP) – Domestic

Refer to Meat, National Chemical Residue Sampling Program – Sample guidelines and assessment criteria (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) RDIMS 11244038 and RAMS User Guide for Inspectors (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) RDIMS 19237042.

The applicable pages of the electronic version of the National Domestic Chemical Residue Sampling Plan for the applicable fiscal year must be printed either from the booklet or the Excel spreadsheet to maintain a permanent record of the completion of the sampling, submission and the shipping of these samples. The pages must be maintained on site at the establishment for a minimum of 3 years.

The sampling plan must be reviewed to confirm that scheduled samples are relevant to the species and class of animals slaughtered at the establishment. If there are discrepancies utilize established communication pathways to ensure the RAMS Coordinator is notified. The RAMS Coordinator must also be notified in the event of an operational change part way through the year (for example, opening or closing of an establishment or changes in the volume or species/class of animals slaughtered).

To ensure random sampling, the sampling plan specifies not only the day but also the hour of sampling to avoid bias. If the sampling date has already passed, or the indicated species or class of animals is not being slaughtered on the scheduled date, samples should be taken at the next available opportunity (scheduled samples however should not be carried over to the following fiscal year).

The owner's name and address and (where applicable) the national livestock identification number must be recorded, as well as any other identifying information (for example, sale/auction tags, other ear tags, brands, tattoos, breed, sex). If residues are found on analysis this information will be required for follow up.

Where a sampling plan calls for samples of muscle, the requirement is for any skeletal muscle:

  • Diaphragmatic or skeletal only – heart (cardiac) muscle is not acceptable
  • Avoid sampling animals with injection sites, or tissue which may have been subjected to post mortem contamination
  • If more than a single animal/bird is required, they must originate from the same lot
  • Whole carcasses of any species are not acceptable

Samples must be placed in a clean and sealed sample bag. Put each tissue (muscle, liver, kidney, etc.) in a separate bag to prevent cross contamination, as this renders the samples unfit.

Identify each bag with an accurately completed CFIA/ACIA 1461 Specimen Identification (ID) Tag, indicating these three (3) essential items:

  • the sample number from the sampling plan, which must match the inspection sample number on the submission form;
  • the tissue;
  • the sampling date, which must be the actual date the sample was collected.

Samples and/or the shipping container must be sealed using CFIA tamper-evident tape (CFIA/ACIA 4561) before placing in the freezer prior to shipping. Samples must be kept frozen from the time of sampling until reception at the laboratory. Samples must be shipped for next day arrival at the laboratory.

NB: For samples being shipped to CFIA laboratories and to private laboratories, also record the Laboratory Sample Tracking System (LSTS) System ID number.

Several samples may be shipped to the laboratory in one package. However, samples must be shipped so that they arrive at the laboratory within thirty (30) days of the collection date and under the appropriate environmental conditions to maintain their integrity. All NCRMP samples received by the laboratories more than thirty (30) days after the collection date will be deemed unfit for testing.

Ensure that samples are shipped only to the laboratory identified in the sampling plan. The sampling plan may require the shipment of samples, from the same slaughter establishment, to several different laboratories; pay close attention to this to ensure that the samples are being shipped to the appropriate laboratories.

Samples being sent to a CFIA laboratory or a private laboratory must be accompanied by a CFIA/ACIA 5156 Sample Submission Form (SSF), which is generated by LSTS. In LSTS, enter the sample number from the sampling plan in the second tab "Samples", in the "Inspection Sample Number" field. Enter the sample number exactly as it appears in the sampling plan. LSTS puts a default sample number (such as 0001) in this field – this must be removed prior to submission. Once all information is entered select "Report for Submission" to print the SSF. This must be sent along with the sample as well as submitted electronically.

NB: Indicate the specific class of animal in the "Sample Comments" field located in the "Sample Information" section of the LSTS SSF (for example, red veal, white veal, etc).

After shipping the sample, record the date and waybill number on the page in the sampling plan booklet, as proof that the sample was submitted, and to permit tracing in the event that the sample is not received at the lab.

If a violative residue is detected, the sample will be entered into the Reside, Anti-microbial, and Micro-organisms System for potential trace-back activities. See 6.1.4 Residue, Anti-microbial and Micro-organisms System (RAMS) for further instruction on trace-backs.

Standard Inspection Process (SIP) and NCRMP samples

See Operational procedure: Planned food sample collection for DSDP procedures related to NCRMP samples.

Note: When a violation is noted to be "below action level", it is not to be recorded in DSDP as a non-compliance. The licence holder must still be notified for their records as per 6.3 of the Operational procedure: Planned food sample collection. There are no further trace-back activities required for these violations.

6.1.4 Residue, Anti-microbial and Micro-organisms System (RAMS)

Refer to the RAMS User Guide for Inspectors (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) RDIMS 19237042.

The Residue, Antimicrobial, and Micro-organisms System (RAMS) is a computerized tracking system for CFIA responses to the detection of chemical residues in meat samples.

Residues may be reported by various sources, including a CFIA laboratory, a private contract laboratory, or the United States Department of Agriculture (as a result of the testing of Canadian animals exported for slaughter).

Non-compliant residues are traced back to a farm of origin in order to determine the possible cause of the residue and determine corrective measures. As part of that process, the RAMS Co-ordinator will refer the trace-back to the establishment where the sample was taken so that farm of origin information can be entered.

6.1.5 Kidney Inhibition Swab Testing (KIS)

Sample selection

Any animal or carcass deviating from normal presentation should be retained for veterinary exam, by the licence holder or the inspector. The veterinary inspector will determine whether to initiate testing for the possible presence of antibiotic residues.

Even if the animal, carcass, or parts are condemned a KIS test should still be conducted, so that residue violations may be detected and traced back.

Testing

The KIS test is performed in accordance with the procedure described in the KIS_Test Reference (EN) (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) RDIMS 10123494. Additional KIS test training can be found at the RDIMS folder 6273337.

KIS results are tracked using the CFIA/ACIA 1479 Record of Rapid In-Plant Tests – Swab Test on Premises (STOP) or Kidney Inhibition Swab (KIS) and Monthly Report. These reports should be maintained at the establishment and reviewed regularly by the Regional Veterinary Officer (RVO). If a laboratory result is pending for a held carcass, the Report of Analysis (ROA) must be attached or referenced to the CFIA/ACIA 1479.

The KIS test is only a screening test for the presence of microbial inhibitors, and must be confirmed by laboratory testing before a disposition can be made. If the initial screening result is negative, the carcass is released. If the KIS test results are positive, the carcass and offal remain under control. The company may elect to discard the offal.

Cost of confirmatory testing

If an animal is suspected of having antibiotic residues, all costs for the initial screening test (KIS) will be charged to the licence holder according to the regulations, regardless of whether the result is positive or negative as per the CFIA Fees Notice Part 10.

The licence holder has the option to accept or decline laboratory confirmation. Should the laboratory confirmation fail to detect non-compliant residues, no further charges will be levied, however if non-compliant residue levels are found then the costs of the laboratory work will be charged. In addition, the carcass will be condemned should the muscle sample contain non-compliant levels. The licence holder must complete the Submission Form – Cost Recovered Antibiotic Confirmation (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) RDIMS 6796327.

Company agrees to confirmation

Submit 500 g of skeletal muscle and kidney. Samples of muscle should be selected from a location well away from any suspected injection site, such as the diaphragm. For carcass disposition, skeletal muscle must be used.

Do not submit the injection site from a KIS positive carcass. Because injection sites often contain high levels of the antibiotic, the residue can contaminate the equipment and the laboratory environment.

Company declines confirmation

If the licence holder refuses these conditions, they must make a request in writing to voluntarily reject the carcass. The carcass should be discarded and decision recorded on the CFIA/ACIA 1479. No condemnation certificate will be issued.

In the event that the carcass is rejected at the licence holder's request, a kidney must still be submitted to the Centre for Veterinary Drug Residues, Saskatoon. This will serve to identify the compound which resulted in the positive test, both to validate the KIS result and to determine whether a residue concern exists.

Follow-up

The decision as to whether the product is considered adulterated is a shared responsibility between Science Branch and Health Canada and the results will be communicated through RAMS as a violation. Meat products and by-products may not be released until laboratory reports are received.

If the results are compliant for both muscle and kidney, the skeletal muscle products and offal may be released. If the test results show the muscle is non-compliant, the skeletal muscle product will be condemned. If the test results show the muscle is compliant and the kidney non-compliant, the skeletal muscle product may be released. In the aforementioned case when the kidney sample is non-compliant, all related by-products must be condemned.

Disposal of KIS kit components

Used/expired swabs and negative standards/tablets can be disposed of in normal waste/recycle pathways. KIS vials, incubated or past expiry date, must be disposed of in accordance with applicable local environmental and biomedical waste regulations. Kidney tissue samples may be disposed of in the establishment's normal inedible waste stream.

Standard Inspection Process (SIP) and KIS testing
  • 1. On-site KIS test
    • Once an inspector decides to conduct a KIS test, inspector creates an inspection case in DSDP and chooses the following:
      • Trigger – "Incident response"
      • Business line – "Food"
      • Program – "Meat Hygiene"
    • Adds an inspection task to this case and selects:
      • Inspection task type – "Commodity Inspection"
      • Inspection Task Level 1 – "Perform Test"
      • Inspection Task Level 2 – "Presence of Residues"
    • If KIS test result is negative:
      • Record this information in the task, select "No" for "Is non-compliance observed", complete the task and close the case.
    • If KIS test result is positive:
      • Keep the original case open
  • 2. Laboratory confirmation of a positive KIS test
    • A: If licence holder agrees to confirmation:
      • Add another task to the incident response case opened before for onsite KIS testing and choose the following:
        • Inspection task type – "Sample Collection"
        • Inspection Task Level 1 – "Food Sample Collection Plan"
        • Inspection Task Level 2 – "Chemical Residue"
        • Inspection Task Level 3 – "M8KIS"
      • If the laboratory confirmation test is compliant:
        • Record this information in the task, select "No" for "Is non-compliance observed", complete the task and close the case.
      • If the laboratory confirmation test is non-compliant (for muscle or kidney or both):
        • Select "Yes" for "Is non-compliance observed", generate a non-compliance record and generate a follow-up case, communicate the inspection result via the DSDP final inspection report and deactivate the initial incident response case opened for onsite KIS testing
    • B: If licence holder declines confirmation:
      • The same process is followed as for the section "If company agrees to confirmation" except that
        • the carcass will have been rejected by the licence holder, therefore disposition of the carcass will not be a consideration during the follow-up inspection
        • record in the "Notes" section of the task that the licence holder declined confirmation and requested in writing to voluntarily discard the carcass as inedible
  • 3. Follow-up case to a non-compliant laboratory confirmation test
    • Remove the commodity inspection and sample collection tasks from the scope with scope change reason "initial scope inaccuracy" (these tasks will be automatically added to the scope of the follow-up case upon case creation)
    • Add sub-element (SE) 1.1a task to the scope of the follow-up case and complete a targeted inspection of SE 1.1a for ante-mortem requirements only.
    • If the licence holder rejects the carcass (when muscle test is non-compliant for antibiotics antibiotics) and further non-compliance is not observed when SE 1.1a task is completed, select "No" for "Is non-compliance observed", complete the task and close the follow-up case.
    • If non-compliance is observed when SE 1.1a task completed, select "Yes" for "Is non-compliance observed", generate a non-compliance record, create another follow-up case for SE 1.1a and keep this follow-up case open until compliance is achieved.
    • If non-compliance to SE 1.1a cannot be resolved by the due date on the follow-up case generated for SE 1.1a, or if the licence holder refuses to reject the carcass (when muscle test is non-compliant for antibiotics antibiotics), start the regulatory response process.

Note: Proficiency testing for KIS sampling is not recorded in the DSDP, unless the test result is positive. If the test result is positive, follow the guidance above in this section (starting from "Onsite KIS testing" onwards).

6.1.6 Tetracycline Discoloration

The presence of the discolouration in bones is not an indicator of tetracycline residues in muscle. Because the deposits are essentially permanent, the medication may have long since been cleared from other tissues. This is a quality issue to be addressed through the licence holder's PCP. Meat from carcasses with tetracycline bone staining does not appear to be at an increased risk of having unacceptable tetracycline residues, and residue testing is not warranted unless there are other indications of recent treatment.

6.1.7 Steroid hormones

Implants

Should CFIA inspection staff have any reason to believe that implanted pellets may contain chemicals other than those licensed for use in Canada, the entire carcass and its parts must be detained. The implant site must be collected into a sample bag and frozen, for potential submission to the Centre for Veterinary Drug Residues in Saskatoon. Utilize established communication channels for guidance.

Although hormonal growth promotants (which are approved in Canada for beef production) must not be used in calves destined for veal production, some animals may present with signs of hormonal implantation (for example, if calves were originally intended to be directed to a feedlot but instead went to slaughter early). Accordingly a licence holder with a veal slaughter establishment must, as part of their routine ante-mortem screening process:

  • identify all calves to CFIA which have a missing ear, an ear with an incision indicating recent surgery, or a mutilated ear as "suspect"
  • examine all calves from any suspect group at ante-mortem or before hide removal to screen for the presence of implants in the ears
  • segregate all animals that are confirmed or suspected to have the presence of an implant and refer them to the CFIA inspector/veterinarian for inspection/disposition.

CFIA may condemn a veal calf if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the derived veal products are adulterated due to the use of hormonal growth promotants in contravention of Health Canada's approved Dosage and Administration policies for this these types of chemicals in this species/age/production group of animal. Support for this would include clearly confirming the presence of an implant or confirmation of an animal with a missing ear, incision in the ear, or a mutilated ear. Utilize established communication pathways for guidance.

Diethylstillbestrol (DES)

DES is prohibited for use in food producing animals in Canada. Suspect calves may show precocious sexual development. Special attention should be paid to the mammary gland and teat development in males and females, uterine and ovarian enlargement in females, and testicular and prostatic enlargement in males.

The following samples should be taken from any suspect carcasses:

  • 500 g of liver, frozen
  • sexual organs of the pelvic cavity, specifically prostate or Bartholin glands (found on the caudo-ventral side of the vaginal wall as a sample, the caudo-ventral portion of the vagina should be taken), as well as mammary glands or teats, immersed in 10% formalin (for histological examination)

Utilize established communication pathways for guidance on submission.

Meat products and by-products must be held until laboratory reports are received. The laboratory result will determine the disposition of the carcass or offal, based on the applicable MRL in the Food and Drug Regulations. The dressed carcass and all organs derived from the carcass must be condemned if the skeletal muscle from that carcass is non-compliant. When a liver or kidney or both are found to be non-compliant but the level in the skeletal muscle is below the applicable MRL, then only the organs must be condemned.

Compliance testing requires that any animal from the same producer is deemed suspect until demonstrated otherwise (due to the previous violation). Established communication pathways will be used to direct any check samples (carcass is not held) or compliance samples (carcass held) warranted.

6.1.8 Beta agonists

The National Chemical Residue Monitoring Program continues to randomly select animals for retina sampling and testing. Additionally, juvenile animals such as calves or performance horses showing heavy muscling and little fat should be deemed suspect and tested as well.

Suspect meat products and by-products must be held, and the eyes collected for confirmatory testing (β-agonists have an affinity for neural tissue, and residues will persist in the retina after they have been cleared from other tissues). As with other samples, animal identification such as CCIA, Attestra, or other ear tag/back tag numbers, tattoo, lot numbers, etc. must be maintained on file. Eyes must be frozen and shipped to the Centre for Veterinary Drug Residues, Saskatoon. Utilize established communication channels for guidance on shipping.

If the retinas submitted are non-negative for beta agonist residues, the carcass and offal must be condemned.

CFIA may require compliance sampling prior to presenting the next lot from the same producer for slaughter. If this is the case, the VSA must be notified by the licence holder in writing prior to the next lot, so that samples may be assigned through established communication pathways.

Animals slaughtered as part of the Canadian Program for Certifying Freedom from GEPs for the Export of Beef to the EU, the Canadian Beta Agonist-Free Beef Certification Program, the Canadian Ractopamine-Free Pork Certification Program, or the Canadian Ractopamine-Free Poultry Certification Program are subject to targeted testing, which is communicated through established pathways and does not follow the above guidance. For further guidance consult Annex S: Users' Manual of The Canadian Program for Certifying Freedom from Growth Enhancing Products (GEPs) for the Export of Beef to the European Union (EU), Annex T: Canadian Ractopamine-Free Pork Certification Program, Annex U: Canadian Ractopamine-Free Poultry Program, and Annex V: Canadian Beta Agonist-Free Beef Certification Program.

6.1.9 Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAID residues are of particular concern in equine and a national surveillance plan exists. The criteria to qualify a suspect horse are those animals exhibiting any one or a combination of the following:

  • an injury to a limb that would be expected to cause lameness but equine presents as sound on the limb
  • evidence of the development of lameness while awaiting slaughter, when no such lameness was present during ante mortem inspection
  • presence of a potentially painful condition in an animal however the animal shows little sign of pain (for example, pneumonia, cancer, bruising, fractures, acute or chronic infection, inflammation, etc)
  • lethargy (with no obvious cause. for example, fever or disease), suggesting the animal is under the influence of a sedative or tranquilizer
  • injection site lesion

For each suspect case a KIS test should be conducted.

If the KIS test is positive, follow the guidance in the KIS testing section of this operational guideline.

If the KIS test is negative, collect a minimum of 200g of muscle from the centre of the injection site, 200 g of muscle from the diaphragm, and 200 g of kidney. Samples should be submitted frozen, identified with a CFIA/ACIA 1461 Specimen Identification Label, and sample entered into LSTS and submission label generated.

Enter the sample information into the Laboratory Sample Tracking System (LSTS), and generate a submission form for meat inspection sampling. (CFIA/ACIA 5165)

  • Under "Plan code", select "M8NSD01".
  • Under "Inspection type", select "Directed"
  • Under "Laboratory", select "Saskatoon Laboratory"
  • Under "Sample priority", select "Regular"
  • Under "Submitter information – comments", state the reason that the animal was deemed suspect. If an injection site was found, give the location and a brief description, and state that a KIS test was conducted and was negative.

The carcass and offal from the suspect animal may be released unless there is a strong suspicion of the presence of residues. In this case, select "carcass held" under the Sample Priority heading.

Utilize established communication pathways for guidance on sample submission.

6.1.10 Other therapeutic agents

The presence of a recent injection site in an animal which is negative on the KIS test may indicate the use of a therapeutic agent other than an anti-microbial, such as an anti-inflammatory. In these cases, submit a sample of the injection site. A CFIA inspector may hold any product which may contain residues. This may be based on the presence of a disease condition or a physical or physiological change; or a report or allegation by a producer, transporter, or other source.

The selection of tissues for analysis depends on the suspected substance. Utilize established communication pathways for guidance.

6.1.11 Insecticides and Other Pesticides

If animals are suspected of heavy exposure to a particular insecticide (for example, reports from producer/industry, suspected on ante-mortem or post-mortem inspection), an inspector may submit samples for analysis.

The tissue of choice for regular halogenated hydrocarbons residue analyses is perirenal fat. In cases where a topical dorsal application may be suspected, the subcutaneous fat from that region is more suitable.

The tissues of choice for most organophosphate residue assays are liver and kidney, but perirenal or dorsal fat should be included if the application of a systemic compound is suspected.

For aliphatic organonitrogen compounds, liver tissue is considered the best choice for sampling purposes because the liver is one of the transient target organs.

For all other pesticides, collect 250 g each of liver, kidney, and fat.

All samples should be immediately frozen to stop the break-down of compounds by enzyme activity. Utilize established communication pathways for guidance on sample submission.

6.1.12 Other Environmental Contaminants

Monitoring for pentachlorophenol (PCP) and dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzo(p)dioxins (dioxins), dibenzofurans (furans), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and heavy metals, are conducted as part of the NCRMP.

Polyhalogenated hydrocarbons

A suspect case may be one in that reasonable suspicion exists about the possible presence of residues due to industrial accidents or localized environmental contamination.

Fat and liver must be submitted. In the case of birds, the sample can be pooled from several birds of the same flock.

Heavy Metals

Animals originating from sources with suspected or known access to heavy metals, if not condemned on ante mortem inspection for clearly visible symptoms, may be a suspect case. Skeletal muscle, liver, and kidney must be sampled.

Utilize established communication pathways for guidance on sample submission.

6.2 Foreign Animal Diseases

In the event that a Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) is first detected at a federally licensed slaughter establishment, CFIA will be required to take samples for further testing. Consult Chapter 9 – Meat Hygiene Emergency Preparedness and Response of the Common Procedures Manual (accessible only on the Government of Canada network). For information on specific FADs, consult Terrestrial animal disease policies and information (accessible only on the Government of Canada network).

Below is a list of diagnostic samples to collect for various diseases. In all cases, inspection staff must contact the Area Operations Specialist prior to sampling.

6.3 Prions

6.3.1 Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)

Consult the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Hazard Specific Plan (BSE HSP) (accessible only on the Government of Canada network).

Surveillance Sampling

The Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy National Surveillance System (BSENSS) is an ongoing BSE surveillance program that is targeted at BSE surveillance candidate animals. These animals will be identified when staff performing antemortem inspections notice an adult bovine exhibiting any of the following signs, which are unusual compared to bovines of similar age and sex in the current environment or situation. Staff will then take action as described in the "Steps to Follow":

  • Unexpected excitability and/or nervousness
  • Over-reactivity to stimuli
  • Excessive vocalization
  • Excessive salivation and/or difficulty swallowing
  • Excessive teeth grinding
  • Excessive licking of the muzzle
  • Asymmetrical ear and eye movements
  • Uncoordinated gait
  • Difficulty avoiding obstacles
  • Abnormal pacing in circles
  • Low carriage of the head and/or head shyness
  • Tremors (involuntary quivering muscle movements)
  • Dullness combined with compulsive behaviors, such as pacing in circles or increased chewing and licking
  • Any other neurological signs

Steps to Follow:

  1. Notify the veterinarian with supervisory authority (VSA): Bring the specific bovine to the attention of the responsible VSA.
  2. Use the online questionnaire: Access and complete the online questionnaire on the CFIA BSE surveillance web page.
  3. Receive a unique identifier (UID): If the bovine qualifies as a BSE surveillance candidate, you will receive a unique identifier.
  4. Condemn the animal as per section 5 of the Disposition Manual for Red Meat Species.
  5. Collect an appropriate obex sample: Follow the procedures for sample collection and packaging in the BSE surveillance sampling manual for veterinarians.
  6. Dispose of the carcass: Have the licence holder dispose of the carcass as SRM (specified risk material).
  7. Inform the SRM pickup company: The licence holder should inform the company picking up the SRM that there is a sampled BSE surveillance candidate in that specific load.
  8. Complete the LSTS form: Complete the LSTS Form 5420 – Animal Health TSE Specimen Submission (the "LSTS form for BSE testing") as per the Submission procedures for LSTS form for BSE testing (available only on the Government of Canada network) RDIMS 21815116, ensuring that the UID is entered in the field 'Other Animal ID / Description'.
  9. Submit the sample to the BSE laboratory: Submit the sample and LSTS form to the appropriate CFIA laboratory for BSE testing.

Note: Staff performing antemortem exams must be familiar with the list of clinical signs consistent with BSE. Animal Health District staff can provide training on obex sample collection.

It is highly recommended to collect the BSE surveillance sample on site at the abattoir; however, it is also permitted to collect surveillance samples at a site other than the federally licensed establishment. By definition, these animals are compromised to some degree, therefore any decision to subject these animals to additional transportation has potential to contravene Part XII of the Health of Animals Regulations. Consequently, when a licence holder elects to sample at a site other than the slaughter establishment, these animals must be euthanized and properly marked. The condemned carcass of a BSE surveillance candidate must be classified as SRM, and if moved off site must be transported under a valid CFIA SRM permit (refer to Industry Guidance – Guidance on Specified risk material (SRM)).

The following information must be collected on a form CFIA/ACIA 1438 Ante-mortem Veterinary Inspection Report Ante-mortem Screening Record (or equivalent) and on form CFIA/ACIA 4206 Health of Animals Act / Notice / Requirement to Quarantine and Licence to Transport Animals or Things (or equivalent) prior to the animal leaving the federally licensed slaughter establishment:

  1. name and address of the owner, if available, or auction market, if the animal is from an auction;
  2. full description of the animal including:
    • all animal identification (ear tags, tattoos, brands, etc.)
    • production type (i.e. dairy or beef is acceptable); and
    • age (or best estimate of age) in single integers (if the age cannot be reported in single integers, it should be reported as a range based on dentition).
  3. description of clinical signs observed at ante-mortem inspection and clinical history if available.

6.3.2 Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

Consult the Chronic Wasting Disease Hazard Specific Plan (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) (CWD HSP).

CWD surveillance programs typically require CWD testing of cervids 12 months of age or older that are slaughtered, arrive at slaughter dead, or are condemned at ante-mortem or post-mortem inspection. CWD testing may also be conducted due to a disease investigation, or if suspicion of disease is present in an animal at ante-mortem inspection.

Types of CWD testing include:

  • Provincially mandated surveillance testing of all cervids over 12 months of age. Consult the relevant reference material available from the provincial surveillance program or utilize established communication pathways to determine the provincial or territorial testing requirements. It is not CFIA's responsibility to perform this sampling. At the request of the province, it may be feasible for CFIA staff, after consultation with the plant operator, to collect whole heads and arrange further sample collection at a local network laboratory.
  • Herds enrolled in the CWD Herd Certification Program (HCP) must submit samples from all slaughter destined cervids over 12 months of age. Refer to the Accredited Veterinarian's Manual (AVM), module 13.4 ‒ National Standards for the CWD HCPs, section 4.2 – CWD surveillance in herd for additional information.
  • In some export situations, CWD testing of slaughtered elk may be a requirement of the country importing the elk meat. Consult the Food export requirements library.
  • In the event of identifying a clinical suspect for CWD during ante-mortem inspection or animals undergoing disease response destruction, refer to Operational Guidance –and CWD Sample Collection and Submission Procedures (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) RDIMS 11202644 in chapter 8 of the CWD HSP (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) for more information on specimen packaging and laboratory submission to the CFIA National (and WOAH) Reference Laboratory for CWD (CWD-NRL). The CFIA Inspector at the collection site is responsible for finalizing the submission and sending it to the laboratory.

The tissues required for CWD testing depend on the species of cervid and the purpose of the testing (i.e. provincial surveillance, HCP surveillance, disease investigation, or a suspect case). Consult the relevant reference material listed above and utilize established communication channels if the requirements remain unclear.

Carcasses of animals (including all edible parts and the carcasses of those animals condemned at ante-mortem inspection) undergoing CWD testing must be held pending the receipt of laboratory results. Carcasses and parts may be shipped to a federally licensed processing facility with the appropriate controls in place, but must remain in the federal system until results are received. It is the operator's responsibility to ensure control over the identification of each carcass (including its parts) or each lot pending reception of the laboratory results.

If the laboratory test results are negative, carcasses of animals (including all their parts) that are approved for human consumption can be released and all inedible parts and carcasses (including dead animals and those condemned at ante-mortem inspection) can be disposed of as per normal methodologies used for the handling of inedible material.

If one or more samples from a farm have non-negative results, utilize established communication pathways to notify the local CFIA Animal Health District Office as well as to receive disposition direction. All carcasses of animals from that farm must be held until the CFIA has completed all testing.

The carcass and all associated parts held from an animal deemed a clinical suspect case with a positive test result must be disposed of in accordance with relevant environmental regulations. Disposal considerations must take into account potential exposure of susceptible species to prions. Methods approved by the CFIA for disposal of prions include burial and incineration. The operator may also dispose of carcasses and parts as per Industry Guidance – Guidance on Specified risk material (SRM).

6.3.3 Scrapie

Consult the Scrapie Hazard Specific Plan (accessible only on the Government of Canada network).

The types of scrapie surveillance at slaughter may include:

  • Sheep or goats sampled during routine slaughter under the national surveillance system, or as part of a provincial program conducting scrapie surveillance
  • Sheep or goats slaughtered from a herd on the Scrapie Flock Certification Program (SFCP) where sampling is requested by the flock owner/accredited veterinarian (AV) – in this case, the contact information for the AV overseeing the herd is to be included in the Comments field of the LSTS submission form

Specific numbers of sheep and goats over 12 months of age are targeted for sampling each year in the national scrapie surveillance system. For annual sheep and goat sampling targets by province, animal selection, sampling guidelines including locations, and sample submission instructions, refer to the Scrapie Surveillance Sampling Guidelines. The latest version can always be found on the Merlin page – Terrestrial animal disease policies and information (accessible only on the Government of Canada network), under Scrapie.

The obex and retropharyngeal lymph nodes (RPLN) must both always be submitted for scrapie surveillance testing, and the animal's age (or, if not available, an age estimate of MATURE in the Age field of the LSTS submission indicating that the animal is greater than 12 month old) is necessary. For goats, until national identification and traceability goes into force, basic traceability information, such as the name and phone number of the last owner and address of last farm of residence of the animal, must be included in the LSTS submission, in the event of a positive test. Until full traceability is available for sheep, both the national identification tag number, and last farm of residence/owner name are also ideal for traceability purposes in sheep. Depending on the circumstances, this information may be captured in different LSTS fields. Information regarding the owner and last farm of residence can be indicated for each individual animal sampled using the Owner Information and Animal Location of Origin (Birthplace) sections respectively of the LSTS Sample Details window. For larger submissions, this information can be indicated in the submission Comments field, assuming it is the same for all animals sampled.

Scrapie specific instructions on brain (obex) and lymphoid tissue sampling, packaging and submission procedures can be found in the scrapie HSP (accessible only on the Government of Canada network), appendix 9.1 – Sampling and Submission Procedures (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) RDIMS 2513219. Contact the local AH District Office to obtain scrapie sampling supplies, if required.

According to Health Canada, scrapie is not a known human health risk, therefore surveillance-sampled carcasses and associated edible parts or inedible parts do not have to be held pending test results. However, for any scrapie suspect (clinical signs compatible with scrapie) detected at ante-mortem inspection, the carcass and all associated parts from the suspect must remain under control until reception of the test results.

The carcass and all associated parts held from an animal deemed a clinical scrapie suspect case which subsequently receives a positive test result should be disposed of in accordance with relevant environmental regulations. Disposal considerations must take into account potential exposure of susceptible species to prions. Methods approved by CFIA for disposal of prions include burial and incineration. The licence holder may also dispose of meat products, by-products, and inedible material as per the industry guidance page, Guidance on Specified risk material (SRM).

6.4 Microbial Organisms

6.4.1 Mycobacterium bovis

For information about the disease consult the Bovine tuberculosis hazard specific plan (accessible only on the Government of Canada network).

For a description of the sampling, submission, and testing requirements under the Granuloma Submission Program (GSP), as well as the procedure for acquisition of supplies, consult the Granuloma Submission Program: sample identification, collection, and submission procedures (available only on the Government of Canada network) RDIMS 11796181. General guidelines provided in Operational Guideline: Food Sample Collection (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) RDIMS 20821791 and Operational procedure: Planned food sample collection also apply to the GSP administered in a federally licensed slaughter establishment.

The GSP applies to cattle, bison, small ruminants, cervids, other farmed game, and wild game. All TB compatible lesions (granulomas) from these species that meet the criteria outlined in the Granuloma Submission Program (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) RDIMS 11796181 should be submitted regardless of age.

  • Note: a submission to the GSP does not require that the animal from which the samples were taken is deemed a TB suspect and carcass and parts do not have to be held.
  • Note: lesions compatible with bovine TB identified in swine may be collected and submitted for testing (e.g., generalized thoracic granulomas) at the discretion of the VSA.
Standard Inspection Process (SIP) and the GSP

CFIA inspectors at federally licensed slaughter establishments identify lesions, collect appropriate samples, and send them to the required lab for laboratory analysis.

  • Meat hygiene inspectors at slaughterhouses enter these samples into LSTS.
  • Meat hygiene inspectors at slaughterhouses are not involved in the follow-up to positive results, other than providing the farm of origin coordinates and any other relevant information to the appropriate contacts.
  • The samples are required to be entered into DSDP for time tracking purposes only.

The GSP in federally licensed slaughter establishments is administered as a planned sampling activity under the Food Sample Collection Plan referred to on Food program work planning documents (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) page. A specific number of cases will be pushed to each sub-district at the beginning of a fiscal year. The projected number of federal abattoir submissions (cases) is based on current federal slaughter volumes and consideration of the program's minimum performance standard (of at least 1 granuloma submitted per 2,000 mature cattle carcasses processed). These cases can be identified in the queue for a sub-district (slaughterhouse) based on "TB Surveillance" in the special instructions field. The due date will be the end of the fiscal year.

DSDP data entry will take place as outlined in Annex A: DSDP data entry – CFIA sample collection (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) RDIMS 14985319.

  • For GSP, select
    • Task Type – "Sample Collection"
    • Inspection task Level 1 – "Food Sample Collection Plan"
      • Inspection Task Level 2 – "Other"
      • Inspection Task Level 3 – "TB Surveillance"

If the test result is positive, follow the procedure in the TB HSP. A follow-up case is not generated in the DSDP.

6.4.2 Brucellosis

Consult the Brucellosis Hazard Specific Plan (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) for details on sampling, submission, and testing requirements for confirmatory tissue testing as part of a suspect disease investigation or case response.

Bovine surveillance activities are detailed in the BSS Abattoir Component Sample Collection Guidelines (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) RDIMS 8076330.

Swine surveillance activities are detailed in the Sample Collection Guidelines for Slaughter Establishments in Canada (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) RDIMS 2617088.

Cervid and bison surveillance activities can be found in the Brucellosis HSP Chapter 4.2.1 Brucellosis Hazard Specific Plan (accessible only on the Government of Canada network).

Guidance on sample collection and submission procedures can be found in the Operational Guideline: Blood sample collection and submission procedures for brucellosis (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) RDIMS 12227839.

6.5 Parasites

6.5.1 Cysticercosis

Consult the Bovine Cysticercosis Manual of Procedures (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) RDIMS 2091109.

Cysticercosis is the presence of the immature ('cyst') form of various species of cestodes (tapeworms) in body tissue. Each is associated with a particular host species: Cysticercus bovis, the cyst form of Taenia saginata in cattle; and Cysticercus cellulosae, cyst of the adult Taenia solium in swine. Information about lesions and disposition can be found in the industry guidance documents Post-mortem evaluation procedures and the Disposition manual for red meat species.

When suspected gross lesions of C. bovis are observed at post-mortem inspection, arrangements should be made for specimens to be submitted for confirmation. For lesions that appear to be viable cysts, fresh samples are excised, with surrounding tissue, and sent, on ice, to the Saskatoon Laboratory – Centre for Food-Borne & Animal Parasitology, Saskatchewan for definitive diagnosis. For lesions that are calcified or degenerated, representative lesions are excised with surrounding tissue, preserved in formalin, and sent to the Saint-Hyacinthe Laboratory – Animal Health and Scientific Services, Quebec, for histological confirmation of diagnosis. The source carcass(es) of the lesions is(are) held pending laboratory confirmation. Utilize established communication pathways for guidance on sample submission and carcass disposition.

Cysticercosis is a reportable disease under the Health of Animals Regulations. Utilize established communication pathways for guidance on reporting to the District Office.

6.5.2 Trichinellosis

Consult the Trichinellosis Manual of Procedures (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) RDIMS 2091127.

Pork that does not require further preparation prior to consumption (other than washing, thawing, or exposing to sufficient heat to warm without cooking) must be either treated to a process that inactivates Trichinella, test negative for Trichinella, or derived from an animal originating from a premises that has negligible chance of infection.

Every equine carcass must test negative for the detection of Trichinella spp. larvae.

Consult the Trichinella carcass testing methodology red meat program guidance for further information on testing pork and equine carcasses.

To satisfy CFIA Animal Health surveillance needs and to maintain market access of Canadian pork products to other countries, it is necessary to test the national pig herd at a monitoring level. It is sometimes also a requirement to test individual pigs at a surveillance (screening) level to provide market access for Canadian pork products to some countries or to identify potentially infected carcasses in quarantined or suspect herds.

Monitoring

The CFIA monitoring program M215 is a combined sampling plan for market hogs, breeder hogs (sows and boars), and wild boars slaughtered at federally licensed establishments. The number of M215 samples to collect from each establishment is determined by Science Branch on the basis of the previous year's slaughter volumes. A list of establishments to be sampled and the number of samples to be collected is provided annually by Science Branch to the Areas. Refer to the Operational Guideline: Food Sample Collection (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) RDIMS 20821791, the Food Sample Collection Plan (accessible only on the Government of Canada network), and the Red Meat and Poultry, National Microbiological Monitoring Program – Sample guidelines and assessment criteria (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) RDIMS 7565223.

The cost for monitoring tests is invoiced to the licence holder as per the CFIA Fees Notice Part 10.

Screening Surveillance

Surveillance or screening of individual pork or equine carcasses may be required for domestic or international trade reasons, in lieu of the freezing requirements imposed by certain importing countries. Importing countries may have their own requirements regarding Trichinella testing. For more information on specific export requirements with regard to Trichinella controls, please consult the individual country requirements in Export requirements library.

Suspect Testing

Suspect testing is performed by the CFIA whenever animals from suspect herds are sent for slaughter at federally licensed establishments. Trichinella infection is a reportable disease under the Health of Animals Act and Regulations. When trichinosis is reported by Public Health Authorities and suspected of originating from an animal slaughtered in a federally licensed establishment; or if monitoring or surveillance testing at a federally licensed establishment produces a positive result, follow-up screening of all animals from suspect herds is initiated. All carcasses from suspect herds must be identified and held from their arrival at the abattoir until final results are known. In general, lesions (cysts) are excised, with surrounding tissue, and sent, on ice, to the Saskatoon Laboratory – Centre for Food-Borne & Animal Parasitology, Saskatchewan for analysis. Utilize established communication pathways for detailed guidance on sampling and carcass disposition.

6.6 Histopathology

Histopathological examination can provide considerable information about disease processes that cannot be inferred solely by gross inspection. Any carcass in which the diagnosis is uncertain should be submitted; it is also recommended to occasionally submit samples of conditions where the diagnosis based on gross pathology is certain to support that diagnosis. Some examples of when to submit tissues for histopath include:

  • to confirm the accuracy of a diagnosis which has been made on the basis of gross pathology
  • to confirm or rule out a condition suspected on gross inspection
  • to identify a condition which is unfamiliar
  • to determine the extent of a condition, for the purpose of making a disposition (for example, identification of the level of invasion of a neoplasm, presence of metastasis, etc)

Samples must be representative of the condition:

  • if multiple lesions are present, and appear to represent various stages in progression, then early, middle, and late stages should be sampled.
  • Sample multiple tissues. Organs which appear grossly normal may still show histological changes which will affect the diagnosis.
  • Include the edges of lesions. If a lesion is large, both the edge and centre should be sampled.

Submit samples in 10% formalin at a volume of 10-20 times the volume of tissue. Ensure samples are no more than 1cm thick to ensure adequate formalin penetration. Specimens must be fixed for at least 24h prior to assessment at the laboratory.

Samples must be submitted via LSTS, accompanied by the CFIA/ACIA 5439 Animal Health Disease Control Specimen Submission (generated by LSTS), and fully completed with a description of the gross pathology and contact information for the submitter. High quality photographs of the lesion can be submitted to the pathologist generic email (Pathology Network / Reseau Pathologistes (CFIA/ACIA) cfia.pathologynetwork-reseaupathologistes.acia@inspection.gc.ca) along with the sample number generated by LSTS.

If the carcass has been held pending histopathology, record the held tag number (if applicable) in the space marked "Sample/vial no.", and include the phrase "CARCASS HELD" at the start of the "Submission comments/history" block. If the carcass is held pending results, it is the responsibility of the licence holder to maintain control over the carcass and its parts. Alternatively the product may be treated as inedible and disposed of.

Utilize established communication pathways for guidance on submission (in general, samples from the Western Area will be sent to NCFAD Winnipeg, samples from Ontario to Ottawa Laboratory Fallowfield, and samples from Quebec and the Atlantic Area to the Laboratoire d'Hygiène Vétérinaire). Additional information regarding sample submission can be found in the Animal Health Common Procedures Manual 5.4 Specimen Submission (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) and in the document Animal Health Tests and Analysis performed in CFIA Laboratories (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) RDIMS 4756240.

Date modified: