Getting Ready for Proposed Regulatory Changes

Livestock traceability is essential for protecting animal and human health by limiting the risks and impacts of disease outbreaks, food safety concerns and natural disasters. Canada’s traceability system is built on three pillars: animal identification, premises identification and movement reporting. However, gaps currently exist, including incomplete species coverage, delayed, inconsistent or lack of movement reporting and outdated record-keeping 
requirements. 

The federal government has proposed changes to Part XV of the Health of Animals Regulations to address gaps in Canada’s traceability system. Key changes include expanding regulated species to goats and cervids, requiring livestock identification, the identification and registration of premises where livestock are kept or collected, and mandatory reporting of animal movements. 

The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) is committed to supporting its clients through a smooth transition as proposed regulatory changes approach. CCIA is encouraging both their current regulated species groups (beef cattle, bison and sheep) and pending regulations, cervid and goat groups to begin preparing for the incoming changes and utilizing all the tools available to them in the CLTS, which aim to help reduce the administrative burden of the incoming reporting requirements. 

The agency recommends CLTS clients verify their Premises Identification Numbers (PIDs) are up to date and registered through their provincial PID registry. Once federal amendments take effect, movement reporting using PIDs will become mandatory across all sectors involved in livestock handling.  

The movement record function in the CLTS is now live and available for use ahead of proposed regulatory amendments. CCIA is asking clients to begin reporting livestock movements in the CLTS and to share their feedback on the tool’s usability.  

“Our goal is to create a data system that supports our clients across every stage of the livestock supply chain and helps reduce the administrative burden of our clients to meet the proposed regulatory requirements when the amendments come into effect,” said CCIA general manager Ashley Scott. “Starting to use the movement module now and providing feedback, strengthens traceability and ensures our clients are ready when CFIA publishes the updated regulations in Canada Gazette Part II.”