Canada, which embraced a national cattle identification program several years ago, recognized the need for a trace back system to protect its $3 billion beef export business.

Today, the nation is successfully using RFID to track cattle, according to news reports. As of Sept. 1, 2006, all Canadian cattle leaving their farm of origin were tagged with a CCIA approved RFID tag. Bar code ear tags will still be recognized until Dec. 31, 2007.

The RFID tags allow for more secure tag retention, accurate and efficient trace back information, electronic reading of numbers and the basis for animal movement tracking.

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