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Canadian Sheep Identification Program tags now available
September
19, 2003
[Ottawa,
September 15th, 2003] The Canadian Sheep Federation has announced that
Ketchum Kurl Lock #3 tags are now available for producers to purchase
in preparation for the Canadian Sheep Identification Program which begins
on January 1st, 2004.
"The Canadian Sheep Federation has chosen the metal Ketchum tags
for our program primarily because they are the most affordable tags for
producers", explained Randy Eros, Chair of the national sheep organization.
"We have also selected pink as the colour of the tags so that they
will be easily recognized." Eros added that as the program evolves,
more tags may be introduced.
All approved tags must meet requirements for retention, readability and
the ability to withstand tampering. Tags will carry a logo featuring a
_ maple leaf with the letters "CA" and a nine- digit number
between 310,000,000 and 319,999,999.
Producers can purchase tags now from approved dealers. Producers living
in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Nova Scotia may
only purchase tags through Canadian Cooperative Wool Growers Limited.
Tags can be ordered from CCWG by calling 1- 800-567-3693 in the Western
provinces or 1-800-488-2714 in the Eastern provinces. Provincial check-off
fees may apply in these provinces. Producers living in all other provinces
may purchase tags from CCWG, other Ketchum dealers, or directly from Ketchum
Manufacturing (1-613-722-3451). Prices will vary depending on where the
tags are purchased.
When tags are purchased, producers will be asked to provide their name,
address and phone number. This information will be entered into the central
database maintained by the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA)
along with the purchased tag numbers. All information will be kept confidential
and will only be accessed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in the
event of an animal health or food safety concern.
As of January 1, 2004 producers must ensure that an approved CSIP ear
tag is applied to all sheep and lambs on their premises before they leave
their farm. This includes animals leaving the premises temporarily (for
example: exhibitions, veterinarian clinics, community pastures).
The Canadian Sheep Identification Program (CSIP) is an industry-led initiative
to develop a trace back system that will address producer concerns about
sheep health and meet consumer expectations for quality assurance and
food safety. The program is mandatory and will be enforced by the Canadian
Food Inspection Agency. Monetary penalties ($ 500.00 and up) will be implemented
for non-compliance.
For more information on the Canadian Sheep Identification Program, please
contact the Canadian Sheep Federation at:
(613) 248-8084
1-888-684-7739
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