The bison identification program is an industry program initiated and established trace back system for the control and eradication of disease. The bison identification system is operated in conjunction with the Canadian Cattle Identification (CCIA) system.

All bison leaving their herd of origin must be tagged with the approved Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)or the previous approved dangle tag.RFID tags are white in colour. It is illegal to use yellow coloured RFID tags.

Bison tags only can be purchased from the Canadian Bison Association. Upon ordering tags they are shipped directly to the producer by Kane Veterinary supplies in Edmonton, AB. 

To order tags, click here for A English-Bison Identification Tag Order Form.

To order tags, click here for a French-Bison Identification Tag Order Form.

NEW! Now available through the Canadian Bison Association: RFID(EID) tag readers click here

             Maximizing the benefits of RFID technology click here

Important Guidelines for Producers

• All bison must be tagged with the approved tag before leaving their herd of origin (unless going to an approved tagging site).
• The bison RFID tags are white in colour – yellow RFID tags are illegal for bison
• The tags should be applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Bison Identification tags should never be reused.
• Records of the ID number of re-tagged animals (i.e.. bison who have lost tags) should be kept along with any known information of where they came from.
• Bison tags should not be removed from an animal that is already tagged unless the number has been retired from the CCIA database as in the case of dead or exported animals.
• Every person who exports an animal shall ensure that the number of the animal’s approved tag is reported to the administrator (CCIA), along with the number of any tag applied to the animal in place of the approved tag, within 30 days after exportation. Click here for CFIA Export Requirements.
• Improper bison identification can result in unnecessary monetary penalties.
• Please note that the previously issued approved bison dangle tags are at this time are still legal.

Bison Identification Questions & Answers

Click here to view the most frequently asked questions and answers on RFID tags.

Bison traceability

The bison industry has been a strong supporter of animal/product tracing and trace back. There are three pillars or areas of traceability. 1) Animal identification 2)Premise identification 3) Recording of all animal movement. The bison industry through official bison tags is well on it way to fulfill the first pillar now the focus is on providing information to producers on premise identification and animal movement. 

Premises identification is the assignment of a randomly generated, unique identification number to a physical land location referred to as a premises location allocator identification number or premises identification number (PLA ID or PID).

Premise identification is regulated provincially and to date only BC, AB, and SK have definitive protocol for registration.

Premise registration in Alberta is mandatory. If you are a producer in Alberta and have not registered your premise here is the link that will enable you to so. https://extranet1.agric.gov.ab.ca/paid

Premise registration in all other provinces is voluntary but is strongly recommend.

Premise identification in BC and Saskatchewan is being registered through the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency(CCIA)

Here is the link to the steps for registering your premise link

Recording animal movement is the reporting on the CCIA data base of any movement of animals in or out of your inventory(CCIA id profile)

You will always be recognized as the herd of origin for animals born on your premise however each movement of animals for what ever reason should be documented.  This would allow fast and accurate tracking for a faster response to assist producers
iif an animal health or food safety issue should ever arise. Here is the CLIA website to assit you with this documentation CLTS Resource Centre

THE CBA IS COMMITTED TO TRACEABILITY AND WILL ASSIT PRODUCERS TO FULFIL THE THREE PILLARS.

PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT THE OFFICE FOR ASSISTANCE