Proposed livestock traceability changes are "necessary incremental improvements": Kee Jim

Proposed amendments to Canada’s livestock traceability regulations would require more consistent reporting and electronic tracking of cattle movements. The changes are described as incremental improvements to a system that has not been updated for more than two decades. Concerns about cost and labour are challenged, with compliance characterized as straightforward for many operations due to inexpensive RFID readers and existing infrastructure. Opposition is said to be strongest in the cow-calf and ranching sector, while larger feedlot operations already use similar practices. The main concern raised is Canada’s heavy reliance on export markets, making weaknesses in traceability risky during foreign animal disease outbreaks or food safety issues. Global outbreaks such as foot-and-mouth disease are cited as evidence of ongoing threats.

"“I think that the traceability changes, the enhancements to our existing system are necessary incremental changes that would put us in a much better position to deal with a animal disease issue or a food safety issue,” Jim says. “We haven't made any changes to the system for over 20 years.”"

"“The proposed amendments would require more consistent reporting and electronic tracking of cattle movements, changes Jim says are already commonplace in larger feedlot operations.”"

"“When you actually go through it ... it's not as if it's a totally onerous program,” he says, adding that inexpensive RFID readers and existing infrastructure make compliance relatively straightforward for most operations."

"“He points to outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and other emerging livestock diseases around the world as reminders that Canada is not immune to similar risks.”"

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