Terrestrial Animal Health Code
Terrestrial Animal Health Code |
General principles on identification and traceability of live animals
Animal identification and animal traceability are
tools for addressing animal health (including zoonoses) and food safety
issues. These tools may significantly improve the effectiveness
of activities such as: the management of disease outbreaks and
food safety incidents, vaccination programmes, herd or flock husbandry,
zoning or compartmentalisation, surveillance,
early response and notification systems, animal movement controls, inspection,
certification, fair practices in trade and the utilisation of veterinary
drugs, feed and pesticides at farm level.
There is a strong relationship between animal identification and
the traceability of animals and
products of animal origin.
Animal traceability and
traceability of products of animal origin should have the capability
to be linked to achieve traceability throughout the animal production
and food chain taking into account relevant OIE and Codex Alimentarius
standards.
The objectives of animal identification and animal traceability for a particular country, zone or compartment and the approach used should be clearly defined following an assessment of the risks to be addressed and a consideration of the factors listed below. They should be defined through consultation between the Veterinary Authority and relevant sectors or stakeholders prior to implementation, and periodically reviewed.
There are various factors which may determine
the system chosen for animal identification and animal traceability. Factors
such as the outcomes of the risk assessment,
the animal and public health situation (including zoonoses) and
related programmes, animal population parameters (such as species
and breeds, numbers and distribution), types of production, animal
movement patterns, available technologies, trade in animals and
animal products, cost/benefit analysis and other economic, geographical
and environmental considerations, and cultural aspects, should be
taken into account when designing the system.
Animal identification and animal traceability should be under the responsibility of the Veterinary Authority. It is recognised that other Authorities may have jurisdiction over other aspects of the food chain, including the traceability of food.
The Veterinary Authority, with relevant governmental agencies and in consultation with the private sector, should establish a legal framework for the implementation and enforcement of animal identification and animal traceability in the country. In order to facilitate compatibility and consistency, relevant international standards and obligations should be taken into account. This legal framework should include elements such as the objectives, scope, organisational arrangements including the choice of technologies used for identification and registration, obligations of all the parties involved including third parties implementing traceability systems, confidentiality, accessibility issues and the efficient exchange of information.
Whatever the specific objectives of the chosen animal identification system and animal traceability, there is a series of common basic factors, and these must be considered before implementation, such as the legal framework, procedures, the Competent Authority, identification of establishments or owners, animal identification and animal movements.
The equivalent outcomes based on performance criteria rather than identical systems based on design criteria should be the basis for comparison of animal identification systems and animal traceability.
nb: first adopted in 2006; most recent update adopted in 2007.
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