Pig Trace
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has implemented new legislation regarding the identification and traceability law affecting your pig(s). By law now all cattle, bison, sheep and pigs are required to be permanently identified with an approved ear tag or microchip prior to movement off your property. As well, that movement must be reported to the responsible authority. THIS LAW AFFECTS ALL PIGS WHETHER THEY ARE FOR PRODUCTION OR ARE PETS. Animal identification and traceability are vital to Canadian animal health and safety.
One concern for ALL pig owners is African Swine Fever (ASF). This is a highly contagious viral disease of domestic and wild pigs. There is no treatment or vaccine. It results in the death of about 90% of the pigs infected. An outbreak in Canada would have a significant economic impact on the country and the Canadian pork industry. ASF can be brought onto a property by people who have visited areas that are affected with ASF. This includes bringing contaminated food, clothing or equipment onto the property. ASF can survive for several months in fresh, frozen, cooked, partially cooked and processed pork products. Feeding pigs food scraps that are infected with the virus can spread the disease to pet and production pigs. ASF can also be spread through contaminated feed or feed ingredients.
Regardless of whether your pig(s) are pets or you’re a small scale/ backyard producers; a pig is a pig and must adhere to the law in the same manner. Much of the literature you will find about this law is written for pork producers and not pet pig owners. Pet pigs are not likely to go to slaughter or move about as production animals may, but they may be required to leave your property and travel to a veterinary facility for treatment or surgery. Regardless of the length of time, every time a pig leaves your property its movement must be recorded. As of January 1, 2021, all pigs coming to our facility for treatment or surgery must be permanently identified with an ear tag or microchip and their movement reported according to the guidelines. The process of identifying pigs and recording their movement can be done as follows:
Step 1: Register your premises with the Provincial Premises Registry (PPR) and obtain an Ontario Premises Identification Number (PID). The PPR is an initiative of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). Registration is voluntary. There is no cost to register. The PPR is available online at www.ontariopid.com 24 hours a day. Registrations can also be made over the phone at 1-888-247-4999 Monday to Friday between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm.
Step 2: Register for PigTRACE which is an industry-led, live animal traceability initiative designed to ensure protection, prosperity and peace of mind for the Canadian pork industry and its customers. Registration can be done online at www.pigtrace.ca or over the phone at 1-866-300-1825.
Step 3: Identify each pig in your possession according to the guidelines set out by PigTRACE. Although movement to a veterinary facility is not specifically stated in the guidelines, this type of movement would be considered the same as movement to a fair, exhibition or auction and requires each animal to be permanently identified. Production pigs must be ear tagged. Pet pigs may choose to use a microchip instead of an ear tag. Pigs going to slaughter or being exported may have other identification options. Please refer to www.pigtrace.ca for complete details. Ear tags must be obtained directly through PigTRACE or Pork Ontario but we can apply them for you if needed. Please note that ear tags can take up to three weeks to be delivered. Microchips can be implanted by most veterinarians.
Once registered, you will be required to report all incoming and outgoing pig movements through the PigTRACE system. This can be done online, by fax or phone.
If you have any questions regarding this law please refer to the following resources: