Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), provinces and territories, and members of the livestock industry are promoting #PremisesIDWeek taking place from July 25 to 31, 2017. Read the full Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada News Release.'Livestock premises ID participation strengthens Canadian agriculture'.
The purpose of this special week is to raise awareness about livestock traceability and to encourage participation in premises identification programs. Premises ID links livestock to land locations to help mitigate the effects of events such as animal disease outbreaks, food safety issues and natural disasters.
In Alberta, livestock PID has been required under the Animal Health Act since 2009. Five provinces have mandatory PID programs and new federal requirements are currently being considered.
Alberta sheep farms (and other locations where livestock are held) should already be registered with the PID program. Having a valid, up-to-date account will help insure the system works when needed to protect your farm and the industry.
In Alberta a PID Number is also required to:
- Buy Canadian Sheep Identification Program ear tags.
- Buy medication for your animals at retail outlets
- Complete movement documents such as manifests and permits, if required, when transporting your animals.
- Sell livestock at auction markets
- Apply for government sponsored agriculture grants and programs.
Learn more about Alberta's PID program by listening to a two-part 'Call of the Land' interview with Allan Pelletier, director of livestock traceability with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry.
Part 1 - From the July 24 Broadcast of Call of the Land
Part 2 - From the July 25 Broadcast of Call of the Land
Register for or update your PID account on-line at www.agriculture.alberta.ca/premises or by calling 310-FARM (3276).
For an overview of livestock traceability, watch ALP's webinar: 'Livestock Traceability: Why it's important to you' with Katherine Altman, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry.