Government of Canada Seeking Comments on Proposed Pig Traceability Regulations

An enhanced traceability system for swine would help protect the health of Canadians and the national herd, and could contribute to the reopening of export markets in the event of an animal disease outbreak.

17 Jul 2012 --- The Government of Canada is further strengthening Canada's livestock sector by proposing new regulations that would make traceability mandatory for pigs.

An enhanced traceability system for swine would help protect the health of Canadians and the national herd, and could contribute to the reopening of export markets in the event of an animal disease outbreak.

After working with a broad range of stakeholders, including swine industry associations, provinces and territories, and other federal departments, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is proposing regulations that would require custodians of pigs to:

- identify all farmed pigs and farmed wild boars using approved methods; and
- record and report all movements of pigs from birth or import, to slaughter or export.

In Canada, mandatory identification systems are already in place in the cattle, bison and sheep sectors. The proposed regulations would bring national consistency in the pig sector and build on what is already in place in some provinces. For example, Alberta enhanced its capacity to track animals from farm-to-slaughter in 2011 with the launch of the Alberta Swine Traceability System.

Recently, the Government of Canada introduced the Safe Food for Canadians Act. If accepted, the Act would strengthen and modernize Canada's food safety system, including elements of livestock traceability.

The proposed regulations are being introduced through an amendment to the Health of Animals Regulations, which has been published in Canada Gazette, Part I, for public comment. Comments will be accepted until August 13, 2012.