Bison Producer

The Canadian Cattle Identification Program is an industry initiated and established trace back system designed for the containment and eradication of animal disease.

Tagging Bison

September 1, 2006

All bison leaving their herd of origin are to be tagged with an approved RFID tag for bison which is a white Allflex HDX tag available only through the Canadian Bison Association.

In order to facilitate the transition to RFID, full enforcement by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will commence December 31, 2007.

Please note: Tampering with and /or cutting out an approved bison tag is against regulation. At this time, producers who have bar code tags in animals will need to leave the bar code tag in when applying an RFID tag.  Producers can log onto their accounts at www.clia.livestockid.ca or visit www.canadaid.ca/info for more information on how to cross-reference when two tags are applied on the same animal which ensures all information including any Age Verification information is maintained.

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Important Guidelines for Producers

	The CBA encourages all producers to replace lost tags whenever bison are handled.
	Tags should be applied according to manufacturer's directions.
	If you apply an approved bison tag to an animal that is already tagged, the CCIA requires notification of the cross-referenced numbers.
	CBA approved bison tags should never be re-used.
	Records of the ID number of re-tagged animals (ie. animals who have lost tags) should be kept along with any known information of where they came from.
	Approved bison tags should not be removed from an animal that is already tagged unless the number has been retired from the CCIA database as in the case of dead or exported animals.
	Bison originating from a single location can be tagged with tags purchased under a single PIN number, even if the bison have different owners.
	The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced a regulatory ammendment that requires all bison to be tagged prior to leaving their farm of origin. This includes those going to community pasture, exhibition site, test station or veterinary clinic (unless going to an approved tagging site)
	Canadian Bison Association
	Canadian Bison Tag Order Form (pdf)

For more information on tagging bison please call 306-522-4766.