Canada Updates ID Requirements for Breeding Cattle Imported From the U.S.
RFID tags with the "840" U.S. country code will be required for breeding cattle exported to Canada beginning in February.
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued a notice that Canada has updated its ID requirements for breeding cattle entering the country from the United States.
Effective February 1, 2018, U.S. breeding cattle exported to Canada will need an 840 radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag and a USA tattoo in the right ear. The USDA metal tag will no longer be accepted as an option for identification of cattle for export to Canada.
APHIS notes that U.S. regulations require special procedures for applying an 840 RFID tag to an animal already tagged with official identification. Veterinarians or exporters can refer to the IREGS website for further information
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has begun issuing import permits for breeding cattle to reflect these new requirements, according to APHIS. The protocols and certificates for breeding cattle are updated accordingly on the APHIS IREGS website and Veterinary Export Health Certificate System.
This change is intended to reduce time during inspection at the Canadian border and eliminate the need for U.S. animals to be retagged with Canadian identification upon reaching their destination in Canada.
