October 4, 2010

Canada launches new livestock identification programme

Manitoba's agriculture minister has announced that a new Premises Identification programme is being launched in Manitoba as part of a new national livestock traceability system, according to reports.

Manitoba has allocated US$400,000 to fund a new premises identification database, which will contain information already being collected, to integrate into a new national livestock traceability system.

Stan Struthers, Manitoba's minister of Agriculture Food and Rural Initiatives, says the province has been working with livestock producers to ensure we have a swift thorough method of identifying premises where there may be animal health issues.

The new database will contain information such as legal land descriptions and emergency contact information to be used only for the purpose of dealing with animal health issues.