July 6, 2009
Brazil in process to simplify cattle traceability system
The Brazilian lower house has passed a bill of law which will simplify the Brazilian Cattle Traceability System (SISBOV) and make it more affordable to smaller-sized producers.
SISBOV is currently considered too complicated to be adopted by a large number of producers, as it requires more detail than the requirements of the EU, for which the system was created for.
Cattle traceability will be implemented by a burn mark, tattoo or another permanent form of animal identification, an Animal Transit Guide, tax invoice, vaccination records and the Federal Inspection Service records, according to the bill.
The burn mark or tattoo is to be placed on the left ear or leg to indicate the animal's birth property, while marks on the right ear or leg will indicate subsequent properties. These marks or tattoos may be replaced by other voluntary systems such as electronic chips.
After approval by the upper house, the cattle industry will have to adopt these new regulations within a two year time frame.
