Livestock traceability

Introduction

Alberta is part of Canada’s national traceability system and works closely with industry organizations representing a diverse number of livestock species and poultry. Traceability is generally defined as the ability to follow the movement of an animal or food product through specified stages of production, processing and distribution. Find out more about livestock traceability.

A key pillar of traceability, Alberta’s Premises Identification Program was established to plan for, control and prevent the spread of livestock and poultry diseases. 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 their animals. Regulations requiring animal owners and operators commingling sites to obtain a Premises Identification (PID) account became law on January 1, 2009.

In addition, animals in Canada are identified using a standard identification system. Find out more about animal identification and how to report mandatory cervid farm information.