How the System Works
The Database
The Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS) database at clts.canadaid.ca is a trace-back system that maintains the information associated with each unique, approved animal identification indicator/tag device.
The System Itself
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- CCIA allocates unique identification numbers from the CLTS database to approved manufacturers for the manufacture of approved animal indicators used in the livestock identification program for beef cattle.
- Approved manufacturers visually and electronically embed each approved CCIA Radio Frequency Identification animal indicator with a unique identification number allocated from the CLTS database.
- Approved CCIA Radio Frequency Identification animal indicators for beef cattle are distributed to livestock operators through CCIA-authorized retailers across Canada, CCIA’s toll-free order desk at 1-877-909-2333 or online at tags.canadaid.ca. This national distribution network securely reports all tag issuance records directly to the CLTS database.
- Livestock operators apply an approved animal indicator to an animal prior to the animal leaving its farm of origin or the premises where it is located.
- Livestock operators are able to record and report livestock traceability-related data by associating reportable events with the unique identification number of an approved animal indicator that has been issued to the livestock operator’s CLTS database account and applied to an animal. Reportable data includes birth date, move in, move out, imported, exported, retired animal events.
- Livestock operators and terminal sites must maintain the unique identification number for each animal to the point of export or carcass inspection for traceability purposes.
- The CLTS database maintains all historical data that has been associated with the unique identification number for each approved animal indicator. This data may be accessed by the CLTS account holder as needed, or authorized Canadian Food Inspection Agency personnel in an emergency situation only.
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Radio Frequency Identification Technology & CLTS
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- CCIA allocates unique identification numbers from the Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS) database to approved animal indicator/tag manufacturers for the manufacture of approved animal tags used in the livestock identification program.
- Approved manufacturers program each approved CCIA RFID animal tag with a unique identification number allocated from the CLTS database. Each animal tag has a transponder which consists of an encoded chip and antenna in the female portion of the device. Each tag also has a male, back-stud pin that is used to couple the device like interlocking puzzle pieces.
- The transponder charges when it is within range of a reader’s electromagnetic waves. When the cycle is complete, the transponder transmits data (e.g. the embedded unique identification number) to the reader, which in turn receives the data or “response” from the transponder – “reading” the unique, embedded identification number.
- It is important to note, approved CCIA RFID animal tags are passive devices designed to function without internal power. These devices have the capacity to perform for the lifetime of an animal when retained.