OTTAWA, July 22, 2010: As of September 1, importers and exporters of cattle, bison and sheep will be asked to provide their Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) or Agri-Traçabilité Québec (ATQ) database account number on animal health export certificates and import permits.
Adding the database account number to import permits and export certificates will enhance Canada’s ability to track animals entering or leaving the country. Having access to accurate, up-to-date information in emergency situations is important because it can reduce response time, thus limiting the economic, environmental and social impacts of the situation.
The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the health and safety of livestock and the food supply through proper animal identification. Tagging and traceability are key components of Canada’s national strategy to protect animal health.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), CCIA and ATQ are working together to promote consistent data collection and retention.
Producers can contact the CCIA at 1-877-909-2333 or the ATQ at 1-866-270-4319 for their database account number. Under the Health of Animals Regulations, parties subject to part XV of the requirements are required to report livestock identification information to the CCIA or ATQ. In doing so, each of the regulated parties receives a CCIA and/or ATQ database account number.
For more information on traceability in Canada, please contact the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 or visit www.inspection.gc.ca. You can also contact the following organizations:
Canadian Cattle Identification Agency
Telephone: 1-877-909-2333, 403-275-2083
Internet: www.canadaid.com
Agri-Traçabilité Québec
Telephone: 1-866-270-4319; 450-677-1757
Internet: www.agri-tracabilite.qc.ca
