Traceability
Livestock traceability allows animals to be traced throughout their lifetime. Its primary purpose is to help quickly identify and contain animal disease outbreaks, protecting animal health, food safety and the Canadian livestock industry.
Federal traceability requirements continue to evolve. CCA is actively engaged with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and government throughout the regulatory process to help ensure future requirements are effective, practical and feasible for Canadian cattle producers.
_______________________________________________________
Cattle Identification
All cattle in Canada must be identified with an approved RFID ear tag before leaving their farm of origin. Each tag carries a unique identification number that allows an individual animal to be identified and tracked throughout its life.
The identification number is recorded in Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS) database and remains associated with the animal through its movement, to the point of export or carcass inspection.
In the event that a serious animal health issue is identified, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has two points from which to trace an animal’s movements – the point where the health issue was identified and its herd of origin. The Canadian Cattle Identification Program has been recognized internationally for its effectiveness and cost-efficiency. Proposed regulatory changes would incorporate movement reporting and geolocation through provincial Premises ID.
Accurate animal identification helps producers and industry quickly trace cattle during disease outbreaks, food safety emergencies and other situations that could affect animal health.
Ultra High Frequency-RFID Technology
In Canada today, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has approved low-frequency (LF) RFID ear tags, using HDX and FDX technology, as approved indicators for livestock identification. At the same time, ongoing advances in digital technology have led to the design, development and use of ultra-high frequency (UHF) options that could provide benefits across the Canadian beef supply chain.
CCA, in collaboration with industry stakeholders, continues to monitor developments and explore opportunities for UHF adoption as international standards evolve. This work includes exploring how UHF could complement existing LF technology, particularly at the feedlot level of the beef value chain.
Current Traceability Updates
Current federal traceability requirements for cattle were introduced in 2000 with proposed regulatory amendments being published in Canada Gazette 1 in 2023.
The current traceability system is based on animal identification. The proposed regulations would incorporate movement reporting and geographical information in the form of provincially managed premises IDs. Reporting timelines would also be substantially shortened. CCA is actively engaged with CFIA to ensure that future regulations are both effective at achieving the intent of traceability and feasible for industry to implement.
In June 2026, CFIA announced a revised regulatory approach that will not move forward with new domestic movement-reporting requirements for cattle, while changes for other livestock species continue to be developed. Once final stakeholder engagement on the various components of the revised regulatory package is complete, a new timeline will be provided to advance these amendments for final publication in Canada Gazette, Part II.
CCA supports traceability as an important tool for disease preparedness, market access and confidence in Canadian beef. CCA continues to work with CFIA and industry partners to support a practical, effective and risk-based approach that strengthens Canada’s emergency response while recognizing the realities of cattle production.
_______________________________________________________