No new traceability requirements for cattle or bison, at least not yet
REGINA — The Canadian Food Inspection Agency will go ahead with new traceability requirements for several species, but not for cattle or bison.
At least not right now.
The federal agency issued a statement June 2 saying producers of goats, sheep and cervids will see changes to bring them in line with cattle and bison. It will also move ahead with updated pig traceability requirements the industry supports.
CFIA said it will continue to work with the cattle sector through industry-led forums and discussions to strengthen Canada’s traceability system in the event of a disease outbreak.
Cattle producers across the country rebelled against the planned introduction of new regulations earlier this year, causing producer organizations to call for a stop. Producers would have been asked to record animal movements but said that would be too costly and they didn’t have the proper technology.
During a Saskatchewan Cattle Association webinar attended by about 95 people, participants spoke both for and against stronger traceability measures. Some said they didn’t trust CFIA.
Informal polls conducted during the session found that 60 per cent of respondents believed Canada is adequately prepared for a disease outbreak. About 70 per cent believed traceability is a critical component of disease preparedness.
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Asked what the biggest challenges with traceability were, 36 per cent said tag retention, while 18 per cent said other more advanced technology or other reasons. Eleven per cent cited practical reporting software, four per cent said rural connectivity, and 13 per cent said they didn’t have challenges.
SCA directors agreed there are issues with tags and producer trust in CFIA.
“We have been pretty hard on CFIA. They have to do better,” said chair Chad Ross.
There were also concerns about data protection.
More to come.
Source: producer.com