Producers Laud Change on U.S. – Canadian Bison Shipping Rules

New ID Requirements Reduce Stress on Animals, Costs for Producers

(April 13, 2015) – The leaders of the U.S. National Bison Association and the Canadian Bison Association today applauded the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture for implementing a new directive that eliminates the requirement that bison imported into the United States from Canada be branded.
   
The new directive replaces the branding requirement with a new rule that allows producers to identify animals with an approved RFID (Radio Frequency) tag compliant with the U.S. National Animal Identification System, and a secondary ear tag bearing the official identification number.

“This is a very positive development for the bison business. The National Bison Association, Canadian Bison Association and individual producers have worked with our respective federal agencies to request this new procedure. We are very pleased that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the U.S. Department of
Agriculture responded to our requests,” said Bruce Anderson, president of the National Bison Association.

Mark Silzer, President of the Canadian Bison Association noted, “These developments are very positive for bison and the bison industry. We have been working to remove the requirements for branding since the requirement was imposed about 10 years ago. Also, reduced requirements for importation of bison to Canada from the United States will provide easier access for Canadian producers to enhance their herds' genetic base.”
  
The new rule is effective as of April 8, 2015. A transitional periods will take place until May 8 to accommodate health certificates issued prior to the effective date of the new rule. See more details here