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Canadian Sheep Federation implements its National Identification
Program
December
29, 2003
[December
29, 2003 [Ottawa, ON] – The Canadian Sheep Federation is set to
launch its National Identification program on January 1, 2004. This Canadian
Sheep Identification Program (CSIP) is an industry-led initiative that
has been designed to facilitate a flock of origin traceback system that
addresses producer concerns regarding sheep health and meets consumer
expectations for food safety.
This mandatory program requires that all sheep and lambs must bear an
approved CSIP ear tag before they leave their flock of origin. In addition,
records of movement must be kept on all sheep 18 months or older leaving
any flock to a destination other than a provincial or federally inspected
abattoir and all breeding sheep entering a flock where lambs are produced.
Ear tags must not be removed from any live animal or tampered with for
any reason.
The current tags approved for use are the Ketchum Kurl-Lock #3. Producers
can purchase these pink tags through approved distributors. Tags carry
a logo featuring a _ maple leaf with the letters "CA" and a
nine- digit number between 310,000,000 and 319,999,999.
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.
"With the implementation of the CSIP, the Canadian Sheep Federation
is joining other livestock commodities in preventing and controlling the
spread of disease, while simultaneously ensuring the safety of our food
supply" says Randy Eros, Chair of the Canadian Sheep Federation.
The Canadian Sheep Federation is a national, non-profit organization that
represents all Canadian sheep producers. Its mission is to work closely
and cooperatively with all levels of government and industry related organizations,
both domestic and foreign, to further the viability, expansion and prosperity
of the Canadian sheep and wool industry.
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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