Welcome to the NCFA website

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
January 4, 2010

MEMORANDUM TO THE CANADIAN CATTLE INDUSTRY

Subject: Cattle exported to the USA not branded in compliance with the USDA import requirements.

It has been brought to the attention of the CFIA, by officials of the USDA, that some Canadian cattle are being presented at the border with improperly placed brands. Section 6 of the Veterinary Health
Certificate for Export of Cattle or Bison to the United States of America (HA1941) states the following:

“The animals have been permanently and humanely identified with a distinct and legible "C7N" mark that has been applied with a freeze brand or hot iron, and is easily visible on the live animal. The mark was applied to each animal's right hip, high on the tail-head and is not less than two (2) inches nor more than three (3) inches high. A tattoo bearing the letters “CAN” applied to the inside of the left ear is also acceptable; or any other alternative method approved by the USDA before the shipment reaches the port of entry into the U.S.”

It seems that improper placement of brands occurs most often when producers have already branded their cattle in the area mentioned above in order to comply with Provincial Regulations. Since regulations about commercial brands require that the animals be branded to a specific place on the animal, which in some cases is the right hip, it has created some confusion as to where to apply the “C7N” mark when this option is chosen over tattooing. As a result, some producers have branded the animals in locations that are not accepted by the USDA (such as the stifle), putting whole shipments at risk of being refused entry in the USA.

After discussions with representatives from the Canadian cattle industry and the USDA, the following is the recommendation as accepted by all parties:

Whenever animals already branded on the high hip need to be branded with a “C7N” mark for export purposes, it should be placed at a distance of 5 cm (2 inches) from the previous marking. This will satisfy USDA and Provincial Regulations as well as insuring that both marks are legible.

Please note that this memorandum is not directed at cattle exported to the USA for immediate slaughter (under a HA2183 certificate) since they do not need to be branded with the “C7N” mark.

Dr Pierre Lafortune
Senior Veterinarian, Import-Export
Terrestrial Animal Health Division
Canadian Food Inspection Agency

PRESS RELEASE NCFA
Welcomes National Traceability Program

The National Cattle Feeder's Association (NCFA) is pleased with the government's commitment to a comprehensive national traceability system for livestock and poultry. The aim is to have a system in place by 2011 supported by national funding and regulatory framework.

“We are very encouraged by this announcement as it will move our industry forward and better prepare us to access and develop international markets for Canadian beef”, said NCFA vice-chair, Bill Jameson in response to the communiqué issued today by federal-provincial-territorial Ministers of Agriculture. Jameson went on to say that the $20 million commitment from the federal government is a good investment that will enhance the livestock handling systems across Canada.

Food safety and traceability are becoming increasingly important to Canadians and consumers in foreign markets. Jameson notes that “we produce high quality safe beef in Canada and we want to build on that reputation to give our customers the utmost confidence in buying our product. A good traceability system will help us compete for greater market share in offshore markets”. He said that the NCFA looks forward to working with the government on the development of the traceability system.

The NCFA is a commerce and trade organization focused on the issues that impact on the economic interests of cattle feeders across Canada.