OTTAWA, ONTARIO — Two strategic partners have been selected by the Canadian Pork Council to implement a national traceability program for the Canadian pork sector. Agri-Tracabilite International will provide leadership on traceability solution implementation, system configuration and system hosting and customer support services. Allflex Inc. will be the manufacturer of Canada's nationally-standardized identification ear tag for swine, primarily used for breeding animals.

Both partners will allow the industry to provide information on Canadian swine premises and trace live hog movements. "The C.P.C. has already invested significant time and resource in planning and implementing improvements to the Canadian swine traceability system and looks forward to having this program available to producers shortly" said Jurgen Preugschas, C.P.C. president.

C.P.C. said an effective traceability system requires significant investment in technology, time commitment from all industry stakeholders and a significant investment in administration to ensure effective coordination of the system, effective communications, superior customer service for industry stakeholders and effective, efficient trace out of animals in the event of an animal disease.

"For many years, the Canadian hog industry has enjoyed an excellent herd health status," said Clare Schlegel, chairman of C.P.C.'s traceability implementation committee. "However, because we now live in a global world, with animals and meat traded internationally in unprecedented quantities and with more people than ever traveling abroad, animal health and foreign animal disease preparedness are key priorities for our industry."

In June, C.P.C. released its Strategic Transition Plan titled "The Canadian Hog Industry's Plan for Success," which is a comprehensive plan to guide the sector through the next five years. It includes several strategic initiatives, such as an identification and traceability system, that will contribute to the long-term competitiveness of the industry.

"Once the transition plan is implemented, a leaner, greener and more innovative industry will emerge — one that is prepared to capitalize on domestic and international opportunities" Mr. Preugschas said.