The CFIA is going to proceed with new livestock traceability requirements for some livestock, but not all species, at least for the time being. Earlier this year, the federal agency put the changes on hold after negative feedback from cattle producers, primarily. It promised to conduct a series of public hearings this spring to get input and a great deal of it was very negative, to say the least.
This week, the CFIA issued a statement saying producers of goats, sheep and cervids will see changes to bring them in line with cattle and bison. It also plans to move ahead with updated pig traceability requirements. But it’s going to continue discussions with the cattle sector for now.
One of the biggest shifts with these changes is that every movement of animals, between farms, to vet, auction markets, even shows and rodeos or community pastures must be reported and within 7 days. All sites handling livestock would also need an active premises ID number. Some of the key reasons why producers aren’t thrilled is the increase in record keeping which forces them to spend less time on livestock and more time on compliance. The greater reliance on digital tools for tracking is also a challenge for producers in areas that don’t have high speed internet.
-With files from Dean Thorpe-
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