Traceability refers to a system that allows the tracing of an animal or animal product all the way through the supply chain, from birth to slaughter.
A fully functional livestock traceability system is based upon the three pillars listed below. Aspects of all three pillars are already mandatory in Alberta for sheep producers.
Animal Identification
The ability to identify animals with a unique identifier is one of the pillars of traceability. In Canada, all sheep and lambs must be identified according to the Canadian Sheep Identification Program.
Premise Identification
Alberta’s Premise Identification Program (PID) was established to plan for, control, and prevent the spread of animal diseases. If you are an owner of livestock in Alberta you are required under Alberta’s Animal Health Act to obtain a Premise Identification (PID) account and obtain a PID number.
A PID number is a unique identifying number assigned to a specific piece of property. It is also used as an early warning system to notify animal owners of a natural disaster such as a flood or fire that could affect animals or operations.
By completing a PID Application and keeping your information current, you take an important step in protecting your animals and those of other producers across Alberta and Canada.
Animal Movement
Traceability provides the ability to trace where an animal has been and what other animals it has come in contact with over the course of its life. In the event of a disease outbreak, knowing the movement history of an animal is very important in supporting efficient trace-back.
In Alberta, a transport manifest is required in most circumstances when sheep are transported. Read more on the Alberta Agriculture and Forestry website or download instructions for completing the manifest.
Full animal tracking is still under development
The three pillar traceability system enables the Office of the Chief Provincial Veterinarian or other emergency management officials to pinpoint and isolate specific sites of concern and target resources in the event of a threat to animal or human health.
The integrity of this system also translates into opportunities for Alberta’s livestock and meat industries to differentiate their products. A comprehensive traceability system provides necessary assurances to markets and consumers around the world that our products are safe and of high quality.
With these three pillars in place, Canada will have a robust and reliable traceability system that delivers full confidence in source verification for all livestock species, including cattle, hogs, sheep, poultry and horses. This includes having in place 48-hour emergency response and tracking capabilities. Legislation will be in place to mandate this program.
Find More Resources on Traceability Here
Factsheet
Traceability in Alberta – Alberta Agriculture and Forestry website
Watch the ALP webinar Livestock Traceability