Published with permission. -WJ
On Feb 22, 2007, at 6:33 PM, Kc4 wrote:
Dear Mr. Jeffries
I am a third generation rancher here in Alberta. I too am a small rancher (currently my herd size is 5 head, more of a hobby ranch than anything else). In Canada we have had our own version of NAIS for years. However, its implementation appears to be different. For example, pet registration is still a municipal matter. Also every animal MUST have a separate ID no matter what the size of the operation. However, the operator does NOT need to tag the animals himself. I do not have a squeeze and have to wrestle down the calves when they are a day old (or else as I am sure you know they are too strong to hold down) if something happens and this doesn’t happen on time I only have to supply a properly registered tag when the calf is delivered to the auction in the fall and they will tag the calf. The tags themselves only cost about two or three dollars per tag (making them cheaper than the cost of dog registration in my County).
As far as disease is concerned, under the Canadian implementation we were able to track the first BSE cow back to its birth ranch despite its being born before the program was implemented, thanks in part to tags. However, you are right in that problems can be slow in detection, due in part to a shortage of inspectors.
I also keep some chickens and they are not required to be registered here. In fact animals kept for personal food usage do not need to be registered, only animals are sold to another farm, or at an auction. Hens used for egg production are not part of the program. In Canada commercial egg production is regulated anyway in order to stabilise the economy. Hens for personal use are not required to be registered.
As I wrote this email I reviewed the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) website and tagging is ONLY required for animals leaving their source farm/herd. It also seems to only apply to cattle, bison, and sheep. For more information on the Canadian system see this.
Iain Wislon
Now is the time to make comments on the USDA’s National Animal Identification System (NAIS). For details see the original post on this which contains the links. If my math is right the comment period ends February 28th, 2007. Don’t miss it. Comment today!