Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives
Permanent Sheep Identification Factsheet
The current status of permanent ID for the sheep industry was discussed at a special meeting held in conjunction with the Canadian Sheep Federation Annual meeting in December 2000. While the Canadian Cattle Industry has a system in place as of January 1, 2001 the Canadian Sheep Industry is still some time away from having a system up and running, although the general consensus is to move forward as quickly as possible. Based on all the input received from the Consultation Meetings held across the country in the fall of 2000, and the general consensus of the group working on the development of the program; the following information can be put forward at this time:
- All animals moving away from the farm of origin, unless going to another location owned by the same individual, will require an approved ID tag, allowing for a 5% slippage as does the Cattle Program.
- Animals entering into cooperative grazing agreements or other such arrangements will likely also require approved identification, even though ownership is retained.
- The province of Quebec, by their own initiative and because of their flock health issues, are moving toward an individual animal ID system. This has not been the direction taken for the National Program, which is looking to establish a trace back system to determine flock of origin only. It will be each producers’ onus to keep accurate records in their own best interests but it will not be a requirement of the National ID program as it is currently being proposed.
- The results of the Consultation Meetings with producers demonstrated the preference of a mandatory system.
- Quebec is moving very quickly toward a mandatory, legislated system and it is felt that the same should be occurring at the national level.
- There has been a great deal of discussion regarding cost, type of tag, enforcement, penalties, sourcing of tags, etc. At this time it would be unfair to comment on any of these issues until some decisions have been made and all avenues and options have been explored. There are currently detailed plans being developed by Committee members to determine: cost of tags, cost of maintaining the database and system administration, and costs for proposed diaries of animal movement (which will be made available to the producer).
Please remember that the individuals involved in the discussions to develop this program are producers who have a vested interest in creating a financially acceptable, accredited ID system that is for the benefit of both producers and consumer confidence.
As more information becomes available this fact sheet will be updated on a regular basis.
Contact:
Mamoon Rashid
Business Development Specialist - Sheep/Goat
Livestock Knowledge Centre
545 University Crescent
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 5S6
Phone: 204-945-7557
Fax: 204-945-4327
