Livestock Traceability and Identification
Livestock traceability helps authorities follow the movement and history of animals when responding to animal-health, food-safety and emergency situations.
Canada’s traceability system
The Canadian livestock traceability framework is built around three primary components:
- Animal identification
- Premises identification
- Animal movement
Cattle identification
Under federal traceability requirements, cattle are generally required to bear an approved tag before leaving their farm of origin, subject to specified exceptions.
The identifier connects the animal with information used within Canada’s livestock traceability system.
Movement matters
Cattle may move through farms, backgrounding operations, auction marts, feedlots and slaughter facilities during their lives.
Different participants in the livestock system have specific identification, reporting and recordkeeping responsibilities.
A regulatory traceability system can help trace livestock movements without automatically telling a retail customer the complete story of the individual farm, feeding program or production practices behind a package of beef.
Processors are part of the traceability chain
Slaughter facilities have responsibilities relating to livestock identification and records. Processors should understand the requirements that apply to their establishment and the livestock they receive.
Keep regulatory information current
Traceability rules can be amended. Processors and producers should rely on current CFIA requirements rather than old guides or informal summaries.
Last reviewed: September 2026.