As the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) continues its role as a world leader in animal identification and efficient disease traceback, several initiatives have continued to progress including the move to Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology. With the previously used bar-coded tags no longer being manufactured as of January, 2005, and no longer eligible for sale in Canada as of July 1, 2005, the transition to RFID technology continues with all animals leaving their farm of origin as of September 1, 2006 needing to be tagged with a CCIA-approved RFID tag. Currently, there are seven CCIA-approved tags, all of which have undergone extensive field and laboratory trials. The CCIA continues to encourage tag manufacturers to submit a variety of RFID tag styles to test. These trials are ongoing and continuously produce consistent results.

Several other enhancements to the CCIA’s database including Premise Identification, Group Lot Identification, Full Animal Movement Tracking and Age Verification, will allow the Canadian Cattle Identification Program to continue its commitment toward further program developments. With the ever-increasing demand for accurate age determination in Canadian cattle, CCIA implemented technological advancements to the national database that provides an effective and internationally recognized Age Verification Process. This voluntary program enables producers to store birthdate information and have it readily available for domestic or export markets. Producers who do not have internet access can assign a third-party user to submit data on their behalf.

By the end of 2005, changes to the CCIA’s database will integrate Premise Identification, Account Management, Age Verification, and Movement and Sighting. This exciting initiative will continue with the addition of Group Lot Identification, Value Added, Zoning and Disaster Recovery components, to be completed and integrated by March 31, 2006. These database enhancements adhere to all post-BSE International Review Committee recommendations.

As an industry-initiated and led organization, the CCIA remains dedicated to working with our partners in new and ongoing initiatives for the benefit of the Canadian cattle industry. The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency is also committed to ensuring that all program components continue to meet and exceed domestic and international requirements in order to maintain our role as a world leader in animal identification and Age Verification.