| | General Information | Domestic Cervid Producer | Domestic Cervid Production Farm | Government – Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development | References
General Information
Distribution
Complete manuals will be located in the:
- Alberta Elk Commission Office or website www.albertaelk.com
- Alberta White-tail and Mule Deer Association
- Inspection/Investigation Branch offices & on Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development Website www.agriculture.alberta.ca
Key contact list
Regulatory Services Division
2nd Floor, 4920-51 St
Red Deer AB T4N 6K8
Ph: (403) 340-7172
Fax: (403) 340-5870 | Wildlife Management Branch
Fish and Wildlife Division
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
2nd Floor, Great West Life Building
9920 - 108 Street
Edmonton, AB T5K 2M4
Ph: (780) 427-5185 |
Regulatory Services Division
Licensing Office & Cervid Farm System Database
304, 7000-113 Street
Edmonton, AB T6H 5T6
Ph: (780) 427-5083
Fax (780) 422-4513 | Animal Health Division
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Area Office
Room 205, 7000 - 113 Street
Edmonton, AB T5H 5T6
Ph: (780) 495-3333
Fax (780) 495-3359 |
Regulatory Services Division
After Hours Phone
Ph: 1-866-252-6903 | Livestock Identification Services Ltd.
#109, 264 Midpark Way S.E.
Calgary, AB T2X1J6
Ph: 1-866-509-2088
www.lis-alberta.com |
Animal Health Division
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Area Office
654, 220 - 4th Avenue S.E.
Calgary, AB T2G 4X3
Ph: (403) 292-4328
Fax: (403) 292-5629 | Alberta White-tail and Mule
Deer Association
Box 524
Eckville, AB., T0M 0X0
Ph: (403) 746-5151
Fax: (403) 746-5131 |
Alberta Elk Commission
4603-61 Ave
Leduc, AB., T9E 7A4
Ph: (780) 980-7582
Fax: (780) 980-7591 | Enforcement - Field Services Branch
Fish and Wildlife Division
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
3rd Floor, Great West Life Building
9920-108 Street
Edmonton, AB T5K 2M4
Ph: (780) 427-4943 |
Livestock Production Branch
Export Permits
3rd Floor, 7000-113 Street
Edmonton, AB T6H 5T6
Ph: (780) 415-4649
Fax: (780) 644-2400 |  |
Legislative Authority
The Livestock Industry Diversification Act (LIDA) gives authority to farm deer, elk and moose in Alberta. LIDA is administered by Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Regulatory Services Division. The Wildlife Act and Regulations may apply in some circumstances. They are administered by Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Fish and Wildlife Division, Enforcement - Field Services Branch and the Wildlife Management Branch.
There are two regulations pursuant to LIDA:
| A. | The Livestock Industry Diversification (Principal) Regulation prescribes which species of domestic cervid animals can be farmed and what products from these animals may be sold. |
| B. | The Livestock Industry Diversification (Ministerial) Regulation specifies the requirements of the license fee and farm, animal registration and identification, farm containment area, records and reports, slaughter, velvet antler removal and processing. |
Disclaimer
This manual is neither a legal document nor a complete explanation of the current Livestock Industry Diversification Act (LIDA) or the Wildlife Act. It is published to assist Regulatory Services Inspectors, licensed domestic cervid producers and prospective domestic cervid producers to understand the policies, rules and regulations respecting the domestic cervid production farm industry in Alberta.
Regulations and policies may change between publications of this manual, where this has occurred those changes will supersede this manual. Specific details concerning the regulations as they apply to domestic cervid production farming in Alberta may be obtained by contacting Regulatory Services Division in Red Deer, Alberta.
Domestic Cervid Producer
A. Domestic Cervid Tracking
1. Buying/Selling within Alberta
Always ask to see the inventory certificate.
A domestic cervid animal (deer, elk or moose) that is registered may be sold and moved provided the producer has the appropriate movement permits from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Offspring that have not been registered and/or not weaned, may be sold and moved from the farm. Registration shall occur within 30 days. Once registered and tagged (identified) an Inventory Certificate is issued. It is good practice to never remove a domestic cervid animal from a farm unless the inventory certificate is in your possession. This is your security that the animal has been lawfully registered. If the seller cannot provide you with the inventory certificate, do not remove the animal from the farm until you are certain that it has been registered as required. Contact the Regulatory Services Division to confirm the registration of the specific animal in question.
2. New owner - same farm
If an animal has been purchased but is not moving from the farm of origin it is not mandatory to notify Regulatory Services Division. The operator is still responsible for the cervid. If the new owner would like their name to appear on the inventory certificate, fill out the reverse of the primary portion of the inventory certificate with the name of the new owner and send it to Regulatory Services Division. A new certificate will be issued with the requested changes.
3. Different Licensed Cervid Farm
- the farm receiving the cervid will obtain the primary portion of the certificate that confirms the animal is legally registered. The ear tags should be read to confirm the identity shown on the certificate. The receiving farm must notify Regulatory Services Division within 30 days of receiving the animal.
- the operator of the farm selling a cervid is required to detach the "Notice to Update Inventory" portion of the certificate, fill out the appropriate portions and mail it to the Division within 30 days. This will ensure that the cervid is removed from the farm’s inventory.
4. Animal is Slaughtered or Dies
The domestic cervid producer is required to complete the reverse side of the inventory certificate by detaching the "Notice to Update Inventory" portion of the certificate if a cervid dies naturally, is slaughtered on the farm or at an Abattoir. The name/location/ and date of the event is to be noted. Mail this information to Regulatory Services Division. The Alberta Chronic Wasting Disease Mandatory Surveillance Program applies regarding head submission for cervids older than one year.
B. Transporting Requirements
1. Between Farms within Alberta
Permission is not required from Regulatory Services Division before moving a domestic cervid animal within the province however a Transportation Authorization Permit issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is required. Movement or sale of live prospective domestic cervid farm animals including offspring is permitted provided it is registered by the operator within 30 days. Regulatory Services Division is to be notified after a move has occurred.
- You are required to have a Transportation Authorization Permit issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
- It is also good practice to take the inventory certificate with you for every animal being moved.
2. Transportation to Slaughter
- You need a Transportation Authorization Permit issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency before moving the cervid to the slaughter plant.
- The animal must be registered and tagged with approved ear tags. Take your copy of the inventory certificate to prove registration and ownership. The brand or meat inspector will ask for it, if not, you should provide it regardless for verification.
- The Alberta Chronic Wasting Disease Mandatory Surveillance Program applies.
3. Export from Alberta
- The Wildlife Act requires you to obtain an Export Permit for any live domestic cervid (farmed elk, deer or moose) that is to be exported from the Province. Permits are available from Agriculture and Rural Development during normal business hours by contacting Livestock Production Branch at 780-415-4649. A fee is payable for each permit. One permit can be used for multiple animals if they are part of one shipment occurring on the same day to one destination. It is a good practice to arrange for this document well in advance of the moving date to ensure everything is in order. International border crossings require original documents. To obtain an export permit, verification will be needed that the exporter has met the import requirements, if any, from the receiving jurisdiction. Permits are also available from any Fish and Wildlife office during normal working hours.
- You may be required to provide a copy of the Transportation Authorization Permit issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
- Exporting within Canada the operator may be required to apply for a Provincial Import Permit from the receiving jurisdiction. Check with the provincial government’s Agriculture authorities for any permits required.
- For animals leaving Canada the receiving country requires import permits. Officials from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency can help you determine what is required and how to obtain the necessary health and disease testing.
4. Importing Domestic Cervids into Alberta
The Alberta Government domestic cervid import protocols currently consists of:
- Import Protocol for Farmed Elk, White-tailed Deer and Mule Deer from Saskatchewan to Federally Registered Abattoirs in Alberta For Slaughter Only.
- Import requirements for Movement of Farmed Cervids from Canada and the United States into the Province of Alberta.
Detailed information on the eligibility for importation, testing and other requirements must be obtained from the protocols. Import protocols are available through Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, the Alberta Elk Commission, and the Alberta White-tail and Mule Deer Association.
C. Stray Domestic Cervids
Escaped Domestic Cervids are those cervids that are no longer confined by the fenced facilities meant to house them. If a situation arises where a domestic cervid(s) is outside the fenced area the producer should contact Regulatory Services Division as soon as this situation has been discovered. All stray domestic cervids must be reported to Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. This can be accomplished by contacting Regulatory Services Division or directly to Alberta Sustainable Resource Development.
The Alberta Elk Commission, Alberta White-tail and Mule Deer Association, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, and Alberta Sustainable Resource Development have an escape policy (noted below) that defines how these situations will be handled. The basis of that policy allows the producer to use whatever efforts are necessary to recapture the cervid(s) as quickly as possible. Alberta Sustainable Resources will also provide the producer with a collection permit so that in difficult situations a producer has the authority to live trap or shoot the cervid(s) if deemed necessary.
It is important that the producer remain in good communication with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development and the industry organization during these situations so that any required assistance can be provided to recapture the cervid (s) as quickly as possible.
Animals that are missing for more than 30 days need to have their certificates revised indicating an escape. Use the Application to change a registration that is located on the back of the inventory certificate to notify the Regulatory Services Division. Contact the Division if the animal is recaptured and a new inventory certificate will be re-issued.
Escape Guidelines
- The Wildlife Act at section 60(2) requires a domestic cervid production farm owner or operator to make reasonable efforts to recapture an animal that has escaped and to ensure that the escape is reported to an appointed officer within 48 hours after the escape, unless the animal is recaptured within the 48-hour period.
- Immediate reporting of an escape incident is preferred.
- In the agreement reached between Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (ASRD), Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD), and the industry organizations, the first call to report an escape is from the producer to AF. The Manager, Inspection Services is the first contact person and can be reached at (403) 507- 4064. If they are not available, the Inspection/Investigation Branch on-call investigator can be reached at (403) 340-7176. The RITE telephone service at 310-0000 is available to call toll-free from anywhere in Alberta. As well, there exists a toll-free hotline telephone number of 1-866-252-6403.
- The second call is from AF Manager Inspection Services or designate to ASRD Director Enforcement-Field Services or designate. They can be reached at (780) 422-0044.
- The third call is from AF Manager Inspection Services or his designate to the Chair Person of Alberta Elk Commission (AEC) or the Chair Person of Alberta White-tail & Mule Deer Association (AWMDA) or their designates. The Elk Commission can be reached at (780) 980-7582 and the Alberta White-tail & Mule Deer Association can be reached at 403-574-2149.
- Following notification from AF, ASRD will be prepared to issue a collection licence to allow the use of traps, baiting, etc. to recapture the escaped cervid(s). An option for the owner/operator to destroy animals by shooting may be approved depending on the circumstances and location. A time period will be specified on the collection licence as deemed appropriate by ASRD. The producer can request an extension of the specified time period.
- ASRD will notify the appropriate Area Enforcement-Field Services Manager and District Fish and Wildlife Officer who will attempt to contact the producer. Ideally, initial contact between the officer and the producer will be by telephone to establish a mutually agreeable date and time to attend on site. If telephone contact between the officer and the producer is not possible, the officer will attend on site.
- The producer is considered the most appropriate person to recapture the escaped animals. Assistance can be provided by the AEC or AWMDA if the producer so requests. Equipment such as a post-pounder may also be requested from the AEC or AWMDA. AEC or AWMDA will seek to determine which producers have available equipment useful for recapture efforts.
- The officer and the producer will establish a proposed collection plan, which is an assessment of the specific situation and the optimal means to recapture the escaped cervid(s). An AEC Chapter Representative or AWMDA director may assist in establishing the proposed collection plan. The involvement of the AEC or AWMDA representative is at the discretion of the producer.
- Efforts to recapture the escaped cervid(s) will be guided by the collection plan.
D. Wild Cervids on a Domestic Cervid Farm
Contact the Alberta Sustainable Resource Development Office nearest you if a wild elk, deer or moose enters your domestic cervid farm.
During construction of a new domestic cervid farm or expansion of an existing domestic cervid farm ensure that the area is free from wildlife. The adoption of wild cervids is not permitted.
Alberta Sustainable Resources will provide the producer with a collection permit in situations where a wild cervid has inadvertently entered a fenced cervid production farm or when causing damage to fences from the outside that could result in harm or escapes. This permit gives the authority to a producer to live trap or shoot the cervid(s) if deemed necessary. These situations should be reported to Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Regulatory Services Division.
E. Harvesting Velvet Antlers
The Livestock Industry Diversification legislation allows deer and elk producers to harvest velvet antlers provided the Alberta Elk Commission has certified an operator through the velvet antler removal certification program. Antlers must be identified immediately upon removal from the animal. Regulatory Services Division provides velvet antler tags for this purpose. A velvet antler report must be submitted by the due date noted on the form.
1.Velvet Antler Tags - Regulatory Services Division will provide upon request to each producer who reports male domestic cervids on their inventory with a supply of numbered tags for the antlers to be harvested. It is the producer’s responsibility to account for the tags in their possession.
The tags are to be placed on the antlers as soon as the antlers are removed. The tag number should be recorded on the velvet antler report corresponding to the male domestic cervid they were cut from. The tags must be placed on the antler in such a manner that they cannot be removed except by cutting or damaging the tag.
2. Cut/Shed Hard Antler - There is no legislative requirement to tag however it is recommended for export out of Alberta
3. Hard Antler Attached to Skull Plate - The antler must be tagged. Refer to the Alberta Chronic Wasting Disease Mandatory Surveillance Program regarding skull plate removal and head submission.
F. Slaughter of deer or elk
1. Commercial Meat Sales - The slaughter of Domestic Cervids at a Provincial or Federal Abattoir for commercial sale of meat and other by-product is permitted. Moving a cervid for slaughter requires the following documents:
- The animal must be registered and tagged with approved ear tags.
- You need a Transportation Authorization Permit issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency before moving the cervid to the slaughter plant. Take your copy of the inventory certificate to prove registration and ownership. The brand or meat inspector will ask for it, if not, you should provide it regardless for verification.
- The Alberta Chronic Wasting Disease Mandatory Surveillance Program requires all heads of slaughtered cervids with ears and ear tags in place to be submitted to the Provincial Laboratory to test the brain tissue for CWD. The heads are to be submitted with the ears and ear tags in place. It is the producer’s responsibility to ensure that the heads are submitted after slaughter; an accredited certified veterinarian may prepare the sample for submission. The meat will not be released until the Abattoir receives a release clearance-Negative For CWD Result- from the Provincial Laboratory. The Provincial Laboratory will provide the producer with a CWD report for that specific domestic cervid.
It is not necessary to notify Regulatory Services Division of your intention to slaughter. The Division requires only the receipt of the cervids certificate noting on the back the date it was slaughtered including the name/location of the Abattoir. The cervid will be removed from inventory once the certificate and CWD results are received.
2. On Farm Slaughter - A domestic cervid producer is permitted to slaughter a cervid on the farm. Care and attention in the slaughter method is needed to retain the integrity of the brain. See the Alberta Chronic Wasting Disease Mandatory Surveillance Program for slaughter details. Animals slaughtered for meat on the farm must be done in compliance with the Meat Inspection Act.
The Alberta Chronic Wasting Disease Mandatory Surveillance Program requires all heads of slaughtered (commercial or on farm) cervids with ears and ear tags in place be submitted to the Provincial Laboratory to test the brain tissue for CWD. The heads are to be submitted with the ears and ear tags in place. It is the producer’s responsibility to ensure that the heads are submitted after slaughter. An accredited veterinarian can remove the brain stem and report the tagged animals information in any situation but if the producer wishes to retain the skullcap with antlers attached for trophy or mounting purposes it must be done by an accredited veterinarian. The accredited veterinarian will submit the identified samples to the Provincial Laboratory for analysis. Antlers submitted with the specimen will not be returned.
The domestic cervids certificate needs to be submitted to Regulatory Services Division with the back of the certificate completed indicating the location of the slaughter and date. The cervid will be removed from your inventory once the certificate is received.
Disposal of the animal parts and carcass must comply with the Destruction and Disposal of Dead Animals Regulation.
G. Red Deer Policy
The Livestock Industry Diversification Act limits domestic cervid production to: elk, moose, mule deer and white-tailed deer as well as those elk/red deer hybrids that were registered as elk under the Captive Wildlife (Ministerial) Regulation at the time LIDA was first proclaimed and their subsequent progeny. In the early days of domestic cervid farming some elk-red deer hybrids were inadvertently imported and distributed to domestic cervid farms in Alberta. A decision was made to allow these animals to stay provided that:
- all male hybrids are exported, slaughtered or vasectomized, and;
- all offspring in herds containing hybrid females are blood tested for red deer genes.
The offspring of hybrid females not showing red deer blood markers in the blood test are considered to be pure elk and do not require further testing. Offspring testing positive for red deer genes will be treated as above.
Continual monitoring of hybrid herds and the use of pure elk males as sires will eventually eliminate any hybrid influences. Once all known hybrids are eliminated, the need for blood testing for in-province purposes will be finished. It is a requirement of import and export to certain jurisdictions that purity testing has been conducted -live elk and the donors of semen, embryos or ova may need to be tested to satisfy those requirements.
1. Pure Herd Status (PHS) for Elk - A category called PHS was established signifying that all elk in the herd have either been blood tested and confirmed as pure elk or that the elk can be traced back to pure elk parents. All offspring born into a PHS herd are designated PHS without further testing. A PHS elk is equivalent to a pure elk. If an elk does not have a PHS status, the status is either unknown or it is a hybrid. Buyers are encouraged to determine the PHS status of animals before buying them.
Regulatory Services Division will continue the PHS designation so long as hybrid animals exist in Alberta herds. Regulatory Services Division will determine which animals and herds can be designated as PHS based on existing records. If animals cannot be accurately evaluated from the existing records, the owner will be asked to obtain a blood test to establish the genetic category. New inventory certificates will be issued as soon as Regulatory Services Division can designate the genetic status of any unknown animals. Each animal certificate indicates genetic status.
2. Obtaining and Maintaining PHS for an Elk Herd - If an owner does not have PHS and wishes to obtain it, he will have to:
- eliminate all known red deer females from his herd, and;
- blood test any elk whose ancestry cannot be traced back to PHS parents.
No herd that has hybrid females on the property can obtain PHS. All animals must be verified as pure elk before PHS can be issued. Individual animals can be verified PHS if it is possible to trace the parentage back to pure elk status on both sides. If hybrids are located on the farm at any time during previous breeding season or at calving time of the animal in question, it may not be declared PHS. The owner can either eliminate the animal from the herd or obtain a blood test for their animals.
If you wish to obtain PHS and decide to have the blood testing done, plan the testing carefully. If you have only a few animals of the unknown category, you may be able to test a few key parent animals. If they are pure elk, then all subsequent offspring will also be pure. If you are unsure about which animals to test, contact Regulatory Services Division, Cervid Farm System Administrator.
3. How to Obtain a Blood Test to Determine Red Deer Status - Samples may be sent to:
Bova-Can Laboratories
Saskatchewan Research Council
#125-15 Innovation Blvd.
Saskatoon, SK S7N 2X8
Tel: (306) 933-7700 Fax: (306) 933-5505
Email: bovacan@scr.sk.ca
Website: http://entreprisescanada.ca/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1081945311902&lang=en&pagename=CBSC_SK%2Fdisplay&c=Services
or an accredited laboratory indicated by the Alberta-Yukon Elk Import Protocol.
- The blood sample must be taken by an accredited veterinarian.
- Use 10 ml green topped Na-heparinized vacutainers or a purple (EDTA) topped vial is acceptable.
- Ensure that the registration number is recorded on the appropriate application form provided by the lab and on the tubes.
- Blood is to be left whole - do not fractionate.
- Keep blood cool but do not freeze.
- Send samples via Priority Post or Courier to ensure that they reach the test lab within 40 hours of collection. The lab recommends that you label the package “non-pathogenic samples enclosed”.
- Contact the lab prior to submitting samples for fees and testing dates.
- A copy of the result will be issued to Regulatory Services Division in addition to your copy.
4. Blood Test Validity - Some have expressed concerns that the blood test may mistakenly identify pure elk as hybrid. Occasionally in the past a seemingly pure elk, has tested hybrid. There is not an easy explanation for why this happens but it is known that some red deer were released from a ranch in Montana in the 1920's. It is possible that these rare genes surface from time to time in what appear to be pure elk. There is no alternate test and a commitment was made to eliminate red deer genetics from our captive elk. Breeders are advised to do the necessary testing in order to resolve the red deer situation and concern.
5. Importing Elk and the Red Deer Test - Some provinces in Canada do not restrict farming of red deer. Any elk imported into Alberta from those provinces must be blood tested for red deer genes. Any male elk to be imported with red deer genes would have to be vasectomized before it could enter the province. Documentation from the veterinarian performing the vasectomy is required. No female with red deer genes will be allowed into the province.
Domestic Cervid Production Farm
A. Starting and Maintaining a Domestic Cervid Farm
The following are the recommended requirements for perimeter fences and handling facilities on all deer and elk farms.
1. Fencing Standards
a) Perimeter Fences and Gates
| Height: | Elk and Moose - fences have a minimum of 2.5 m (8 ft.) mesh wire or 2.1 m (7 ft.) mesh wire with at least two high-tensile wires above it with a maximum spacing of 15 cm (6 in) between wires. |
| Deer - minimum 2.8 m (9 ft.) mesh wire or 2.5 m (8 ft.) mesh wire with at least two high-tensile wires above it with a maximum spacing of 15 cm (6 in) between wires. |
| Mesh: | must be of high-tensile wire and of the following configuration: |
| Recommendations - Horizontal wires with a spacing of 15 cm (6 in.) or less and vertical wires with a spacing of 30 cm (12 in.) or less. It is recommended that new perimeter fence construction should be 20-96-6, (20 horiz. wires, 2.5m (8ft) high, with 15 cm (6 in) spacing between vertical wires). |
Note: For deer farms it is recommended that predator proof or similar mesh wire be attached to the outside-bottom of the fence 60 cm (2 ft) above the ground extending about 60 cm (2 ft) from the base of the fence, level with the ground surface or buried no more than 15 cm (6 in) below the surface to prevent coyotes and other predators from digging and gaining access to the farm. A single strand of electric fence wire may also be used in addition to other methods of predator fencing.
Producers may contact the Municipal Agricultural Fieldmen in their area regarding coyote predation control.
b) Posts:
Must maintain tension on all horizontal wires and must keep the bottom of the mesh at ground level.
c) Gates:
Perimeter gates must be the same height as the perimeter fence. Perimeter gates must be kept closed and secured (padlocks are recommended) at all times to ensure that wildlife do not enter your farm. Spaces within gates cannot be larger than that of the mesh on the perimeter fence.
2. Handling Facilities
All farms must meet the following standards:
- Facilities must be adequate to ensure that all animals can be captured within 1 week of notification of an inspection request.
- Handling facilities must consist of a squeeze, crush or alley way designed to hold animals securely and in a manner to prevent injury to personnel or the animals.
- Handling facilities should not form any part of the perimeter fence. Where this is unavoidable it is recommended that a portion of the perimeter fence be constructed so there is no likelihood of escape. Handling facilities may be housed within a solid walled building that is inside or is part of the perimeter fence.
- All loading and unloading of animals must be conducted entirely within the perimeter fence.
B. Buying a Domestic Cervid Farm
Domestic cervid farm licences are not transferable. A new licence must be applied for when an existing domestic cervid farm is purchased. Fences and facilities will be inspected before the new owner will be issued a licence. Existing fences and facilities may have to be upgraded to meet the standards for a new domestic cervid farm. It is recommended that fences and facilities be inspected before the purchase to ascertain, if any changes or improvements are required to obtain the new domestic cervid farm licence.
C. Expanding
If you plan to expand an existing domestic cervid farm you must contact Regulatory Services Division. Remember that it must be on deeded private land. If the expansion is on land not described on your licence, changes will have to be made to the licence. Regulatory Services Division has the authority to inspect all domestic cervid farm facilities and if an inspector finds new perimeter fences that do not meet current recommended standards, the operator is required to upgrade them before the farm licence will be renewed.
The fence must be of sufficient height and density to prevent the cervid species you are raising from leaving or wildlife from entering your farm. The Minister has the authority under the Livestock Industry Diversification Act to require certain minimum standards. Best practices standards have been developed in consultation with industry. Although the standards may seem to be higher than is required to keep animals in, the standards were adopted to ensure wildlife of the same species are kept out.
If animals are found to be entering or exiting your farm, Regulatory Services Division will require you to make adjustments to your fences to ensure that it fulfils the requirements of the regulation. In most cases increasing the height of the perimeter fence will solve the problem. You should discuss any problems you experience with Division staff.
Government–Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
A. Licenses
1. Domestic Cervid Farm Licence - If you intend to farm deer, elk or moose, you require a licence issued by Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. A domestic cervid farm licence is renewable annually for a fee of $100.00 per year. The licence is valid from April 1 to March 31 of the following year. The licence allows the holder to conduct all of the activities associated with operating a domestic cervid farm.
Applications for a new domestic cervid farm licence can be obtained by contacting Regulatory Services Division in Edmonton.
2. Licensing Partnerships and Corporations - Licenses are issued by Regulatory Services Division and are non-transferable. The individual identified as the responsible party will be issued the licence and this person or entity will be required to fulfill the requirements of the licence. In the case of land leased from another person, the responsible party would be the entity who applies for the domestic cervid farm licence. This may be a person, a partnership or a corporation. Only one licence will be issued and it will be issued in the name of the responsible person or business that applied for the licence.
Regulatory Services Division will correspond only with the responsible party or entity on each licence. A partnership or corporation must decide who the responsible party is and the business address. All licenses, subsequent correspondence and registration certificates for animals held on the farm will be sent to that address.
A partnership or corporation may choose to use a domestic cervid farm name. The name of the domestic cervid farm may differ from the name of the farm it is situated on. Whatever name is chosen, that name will appear on the licence and the registration certificates of all animals kept on the domestic cervid farm.
The corporation should designate a signing authority. A copy of the minutes of a board meeting, where the person(s) with signing authority is (are) designated, should accompany the application. A partnership may choose to require both signatures on all documents. Without authorization to the contrary, Regulatory Services Division will not issue or renew a licence unless the authorized signatures appear on the licence application.
3. Licence to Dry Velvet Antlers - At the present time no special licence is required to dry antlers. As long as the original antler tags remain attached during the drying process, anyone who is authorized to possess entire velvet antlers can dry them. Only persons holding a valid domestic cervid farm licence or a Big Game Farm Product Buyers Permit, (obtainable from Alberta Sustainable Resource Development), can legally possess domestic cervid parts.
Velvet antler is a food product and anyone drying and processing it for commercial sale is subject to inspection by officials from Health Canada. Contact Health Canada for further details.
4. Licence to Process Velvet Antlers - It is lawful in Alberta to process velvet antlers by grinding, slicing or dissolving them in solution. Refer to the Velvet Antler Policy for further details.
5. Maintain and Renew a Domestic Cervid Licence - Once you have obtained a licence Regulatory Services Division will automatically supply you with an application to renew it each year. The renewal fee is currently $100.00. If you have not received a renewal application by March 1, please notify Regulatory Services Division without delay. Renewals are due on or before April 1st each year.
If you fail to renew your license and records indicate that animals are being kept on the farm, Regulatory Services Division will forward the concern to its Investigation Unit.
6. Consequences of Lapsing a Domestic Cervid Licence - If the licence holder intends to discontinue domestic cervid farming and is selling or has sold all of the domestic cervid animals, the licence may be allowed to lapse after advising Regulatory Services Division. Once the animals have left the facility, the domestic cervid farm is placed on inactive status and the owner will not receive further communication from Regulatory Services Division. The legislation provides a 3-month limit on the period of time a farm will be permitted to complete the dispersal. If more time is required Regulatory Services Division will require you to licence your farm. Regulatory Services Division will conduct a closeout inspection to confirm all domestic cervids have been vacated and collect any unused tags issued.
A farmer who voluntarily ceased domestic cervid farming for more than one year, may farm deer or elk again, but is required to apply for a new licence. The facilities will have to be inspected again as if it was a new farm and is subject to the standards that apply to new farms. This may require the upgrading of fences or facilities to meet the current standards of domestic cervid farming.
If a licence has not been renewed by April 1st of each year, and it is the intention of the owner to continue operating the domestic cervid farm, this situation will be forwarded to the Regulatory Services Division, Investigation Unit.
If the renewal is delayed because the owner has failed to provide the required inventory reports the situation will be forwarded to the Regulatory Services Division Investigations Unit.
Regulatory Services Division may refuse to renew a licence if the farmer cannot meet certain facility standards or is repeatedly unable to meet production or inventory report deadlines.
7. Domestic Cervid License Number - Each new domestic cervid farm receives a number when it is first licensed. This number appears on the licence and will be referred to as your licence number or domestic cervid farm number. This number will stay the same year after year as long as the licence remains valid. It is important to remember this number as you will use it frequently. This number is used by Regulatory Services Division’s to keep track of your operation on the Cervid Farm System database.
B. Registration of Domestic Cervid Animals
1. Registration - All newborn deer, elk or moose held on a domestic cervid farm must be registered with Regulatory Services Division. Regulatory Services Division maintains a registry of all domestic cervid animals held on a domestic cervid farm. Each spring Regulatory Services Division will send domestic cervid farm producers a supply of birth reports.
2. Newborns - Births on an Elk Farm must be reported by the end of the calendar year in which the progeny was born. Births of Deer and Moose must be reported by the end of the March following their birth.
Regulatory Service Division encourages the registration of calves or fawns as soon as possible after they are born. Timely processing and issuing of inventory certificates will be affected if domestic cervid farmers delay registration until the last minute.
Holders of temporary shelter permits for reindeer are required to register offspring born in the preceding year by March 31.
Registration is completed when the animal is tagged (identified) and you provide Regulatory Services Division with the completed registration application form that includes the ear tag number used, sex of the animal and other pertinent information. The Application to Register form, provided by Regulatory Services Division is used for this purpose.
Note: It is important to note that unidentified and unregistered animals over one year of age may be declared to be non-prospective domestic cervid animals. Animals that are found to be unidentified and unregistered are in contravention of the Livestock Industry Diversification Act. These situations will be referred to the Divisions Investigation Unit.
Elk - Make application to register elk calves on the form called Wapiti Calf Registration (this form is provided by Regulatory Services Division). The elk cows on your inventory have been pre-listed on this form. If you cannot match up the dams with their calves contact the Division for non pre-listed forms.
Deer or Moose - Make application to register deer fawns or moose calves on the form called Deer Fawn and Moose Calf Registration (this form is also provided by Regulatory Services Division but the does or cows are not pre-listed).
The registration form must contain
- the registration ear tag number
- the species of the animal
- the sex of the animal
and may contain the following additional information
- birth date
- registration number of the dam
- registration number of the sire
alternate identification (such as plastic dangle tag number if it is different than the registration tag number)
On-line registration is available through the Cervid Farm System. See the information in the reference section regarding this database.
3. Imported Deer, Elk or Moose - Cervids that are imported are called prospective domestic cervid animals. They must be registered within 30 days after arrival. Use the Register New Arrivals Form available from Regulatory Services Division. You are required to provide a copy of the Import Permit for every animal being registered in this category.
If you plan to sell calves or fawns you will need inventory certificates prior to the sale. If you wait until the last minute before requesting your inventory certificates they may not be available when you need them.
4. Inventory Certificate - An inventory certificate will be issued for each registered domestic cervid. The certificate serves a number of useful purposes:
- it is a confirmation that the cervid has actually been registered.
- it designates the owner of the cervid
- it can show the parentage and genetic status of the animal. The genetic status box refers to elk only and indicates whether the animal is pure elk or has known red deer genes
- If an animal is exported, purchased, sold, dies or escapes, it serves as a convenient way to notify Regulatory Services Division of the change to your inventory.
The certificate is made up of three distinct parts:
- The main portion (front side) shows the pertinent registration information; ie. animal registration number, number of farm where the animal is located, birth date, sire and dam numbers and owners name.
- The main portion (reverse) is an application form to transfer ownership or report death, export, slaughter or escape of the animal. The new owner or person who owns the farm where the animal is being kept should complete this form and send it to Regulatory Services Division.
- The tear-off portion that is called “The Notice to Update Inventory” is used to report a change of location of the animal. The person selling the animal is required within thirty (30) days of the transaction to fill in this portion of the certificate and submit it to Regulatory Services Division to indicate they no longer have possession of the animal.
5. Ear Tags -
- Each registered domestic cervid animal must be identified with an ear tag. The ear tag number identifies the animal and its location in the Cervid Farm System computer records. It will appear as the registration number on the inventory certificate.
- Two tags are required, one in each ear. Regulatory Services Division provides metal tags free of charge. These tags are printed with a registration number and herd letters that indicate the farm of origin.
- Regulatory Services Division will provide domestic cervid producers with an ear tag order form each spring and you may order the type of tag you prefer. Either tamper-proof metal or approved plastic tags are allowed. The Elk Commission and Alberta White-tail and Mule Deer Association distribute and charge for the plastic tags.
- Installation of the tamper-proof metal tags requires a special insert (H of A) in order for the pliers to properly hold them. This insert can be obtained from Regulatory Services Division. The pliers are manufactured by Ketchum and are available at most veterinary supply stores.
- Opting for tamper proof plastic tags allows the operator to combine easy field identification with registration requirements. Regulatory Services Division processes the order through the appropriate industry organization to print the number and year letter on the tags. Various color options are available. Plastic tags can be ordered in an assortment of sizes. The plastic tags can be installed using Allflex pliers.
- Animals may be tagged any time prior to the registration deadline but do not send in the Application to Register form before tagging the animals
- When an ear-tag becomes lost the operator shall notify Regulatory Services Division within 7 days of discovery. The department will order a replacement tag for you. The regulations require that domestic cervid animals be tagged with an approved tag in both ears. Install the replacement tag immediately.
C. Reports
Various reports are required to be submitted at different times throughout the year as prescribed by the Livestock Industry Diversification Act and Regulations. The intent of a report is to allow Regulatory Services Division to monitor the industry and ensure that domestic cervid farming is being conducted in accordance with the legislative requirements. It is important that reports either electronic or mailed are completed accurately and submitted to Regulatory Services Division on time.
1. Cervid Farm System Database - Producers with Internet availability are able to access their records and submit information through the Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development user friendly Cervid Farm System Database. Once registered for on line use the producer can easily update their contact information, display active cervids, record and register farm births, declare annual inventory, view available ear or antler tags, order tags, view CWD reports and more. Contact Regulatory Services in Edmonton for further information.
2. Annual Inventory - Every year a list of the registered domestic cervids reported to be on your farm will be sent to you. This list is called the annual inventory. The inventory verification is required by legislation and it is your responsibility to review the computerized list and ensure it accurately describes and includes all the domestic cervids you have on your farm. This will enable Regulatory Services Division to reconcile the location of every domestic cervid registered in Alberta at least once a year. To assist producers with verifying this information Regulatory Services Division has designated appropriate dates that coincide with the normal seasons for handling your deer or elk. Since deer farmers handle their deer later than elk farmers, the dates are different for the two species:
Elk inventories are to be submitted to Regulatory Services in Edmonton no later than January 31
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Deer and moose inventories are to be submitted to Regulatory Services in Edmonton no later than
April 30
* * * * * * * * * * * *
A copy of your inventory will be sent to you approximately 2-3 weeks prior to the inventory date. If you do not receive a copy of your elk inventory by December 15 and/or a copy of your deer inventory by March 15, please call Regulatory Services Division.
3. Calving/Fawning - This report constitutes the registration of newborn elk and moose calves and deer fawns. It can be a simple written statement outlining the number of fawns born or as detailed as the complete registration application. Reporting registration ear tags is optional on this report but it is desirable that some form of identification be given to the newborn. Submission of a birth report at the end of any month in which a birth occurs will assist the department in processing a certificate for the cervid. Legislation requires annual identification and registration.
4. Velvet Antler - Regulatory Services Division requires that all velvet antlers cut from elk or deer be identified by tagging and recorded. A computer printout listing all of the adult males on your inventory will be mailed to you before velvet harvesting begins. The report requires the tag number of each velvet antler tag used. The Division provides velvet antler tags with identification numbers.
This report is due no later than October 31 in the calendar year the antler was removed. A report is required to be submitted even if no antler is harvested.
From time to time requests for additional information may be included in the velvet antler report. Recording the additional information is optional. This information will be used to compile a database to increase our understanding of velvet antler production.
D. Inspection Protocol
Regulatory Services Division will visit all Domestic Cervid Farms once every five years for the purpose of an inspection to evaluate adherence to the legislative requirements in the following categories:
Categories
Administration
Inspections of
- Animal Inventory
- Perimeter Fencing
- Handling Facilities
- Animal Husbandry
Corrective Actions - The inspector will complete a “Domestic Cervid Farm Report” and discuss it with the producer. Non-compliance issues or concerns will be discussed to develop a corrective action plan. Producers shall receive a copy of the inspection report for their records.
A copy of each inspection report will be sent to the Edmonton Office and placed on the producer’s Cervid Farm System file.
Domestic Cervid Farm Inspection - 21K PDF
References
Legislation Websites
Cervid Industry - Duty Role and Contact List (March 18, 2009)
| Licences – | Name | Address |
| Who do I contact if I want to get a cervid farm licence or renew my licence? | Janet Smalley or Janice Wilson | #304, 7000-113 St.
Edmonton, AB T6H 5T6
780-427-5083 |
| Who do I contact if I want to discontinue my cervid operation? | Vaughn Christensen | 5030 - 50 Street
Olds, Alberta T4H 1S1
403-507-4064 |
| Tags – | | |
| Who do I call to order antler tags? | Janice Wilson | #304, 7000-113 St.
Edmonton, AB T6H 5T6
780-427-5083 |
| Who do I call to order cervid ear tags? | Janice Wilson | #304, 7000-113 St.
Edmonton, AB T6H 5T6
780-427-5083 |
| Import/Export – | | |
| Who do call if I want an export permit? | Dolores Mason | #204 4920 – 51 Ave.
Red Deer, AB T4N 6K8
403-340-7172 |
| Who do call if I want an import permit? | Dolores Mason | #204 4920 – 51 Ave.
Red Deer, AB T4N 6K8
403-340-7172 |
| Inventories & Reports – | | |
| Who Do I contact if I want to register my calves or fawns? | Janice Wilson | #304, 7000-113 St.
Edmonton, AB T6H 5T6
780-427-5083 |
| Who do I contact if I have questions about my animal inventory? | Janice Wilson | #304, 7000-113 St.
Edmonton, AB T6H 5T6
780-427-5083 |
| Who do I contact if I have questions about my velvet antler report? | Janice Wilson | #304, 7000-113 St.
Edmonton, AB T6H 5T6
780-427-5083 |
| CFS Program – | | |
| Who do I call to get access to the CFS program? | Janet Smalley | #304, 7000-113 St.
Edmonton, AB T6H 5T6
780-427-5083 |
| Who do I call to get help with the CFS program? | Janet Smalley | #304, 7000-113 St.
Edmonton, AB T6H 5T6
780-427-5083 |
| Audits – | | |
| Who do I call if I want to get an audit done on my herd? | Vaughn Christensen | # 201 5030 – 50 St.
Olds, AB T4H 1S1
403-507-4064 |
| CWD Programs – | | |
| Who do I call to enroll on the National CWD program? | Bill Kingston | 9309 – 113 St.
Fairview, AB T0H 1L0
780-835-3233 |
| Who do I call if I want to appeal the status assessor’s decision on the National CWD program? | Vaughn Christensen | 5030 - 50 Street
Olds, Alberta T4H 1S1
403-507-4064 |
| Where do I submit my cervid heads for CWD testing? | Animal Health Laboratories | ARD Laboratories
9309 – 113 St.
Fairview, AB T0H 1L0
780-835-2238
ARD Laboratories
OS Longman Building
6909 – 116 St. NW
Edmonton, AB T6H 4P2
780-422-3438
ARD Laboratories
97 East Lake Ramp NE
Airdrie, AB T4A 0C3
403-948-8575
ARD Laboratories
3115 – 5 Ave. N
Lethbridge, AB T1J 4C7
403-381-5190 |
| Inspection – | | |
| Who do I contact if I want an inspection done of my cervid facilities? | Vaughn Christensen / Bob Phillips | # 201 5030 – 50 St.
Olds, AB T4H 1S1
403-507-4064
403-556-5184 |
| Transport of Animals – | | |
| Who do I contact if I want to transport cervid animals? | Jennifer Pawlyk
Animal Health
CFIA | #205 7000 – 113 St. NW
Edmonton, AB T6H 5T6
780-495-3075 |
| TB Testing – | | |
| Who do I contact if I want to TB test my herd? | Jennifer Pawlyk
Animal Health
CFIA | #205 7000 – 113 St. NW
Edmonton, AB T6H 5T6
780-495-3075 |
| Escaped Animals – | | |
| Who do I contact if my cervids escape? | Vaughn Christensen
Your local cervid association/commission
| # 201 5030 – 50 St.
Olds, AB T4H 1S1
403-507-4064
Alberta White-tail and Mule Deer Association
Box 524
Eckville, AB T0M 0X0
780-746-5151
Alberta Elk Commission
4603 – 61 Ave.
Leduc, AB T9E 7A4
780-980-7582
Alberta Reindeer Association
Box 27, Site 7, RR 2
Sundre, AB T0M 1X0
403-638-5032 |
| Audits – | | |
| Who do I call if I want to get an audit done on my herd? | Vaughn Christensen | # 201 5030 – 50 St.
Olds, AB T4H 1S1
403-507-4064 |
| CWD Programs – | | |
| Who do I call to enroll on the National CWD program? | Bill Kingston | 9309 – 113 St.
Fairview, AB T0H 1L0
780-835-3233 |
| Who do I call if I want to appeal the status assessor’s decision on the National CWD program? | Vaughn Christensen | 5030 - 50 Street
Olds, Alberta T4H 1S1
403-507-4064 |
| Where do I submit my cervid heads for CWD testing? | Animal Health Laboratories | ARD Laboratories
9309 – 113 St.
Fairview, AB T0H 1L0
780-835-2238
ARD Laboratories
OS Longman Building
6909 – 116 St. NW
Edmonton, AB T6H 4P2
780-422-3438
ARD Laboratories
97 East Lake Ramp NE
Airdrie, AB T4A 0C3
403-948-8575
ARD Laboratories
3115 – 5 Ave. N
Lethbridge, AB T1J 4C7
403-381-5190 |
| Inspection – | | |
| Who do I contact if I want an inspection done of my cervid facilities? | Vaughn Christensen / Bob Phillips | # 201 5030 – 50 St.
Olds, AB T4H 1S1
403-507-4064
403-556-5184 |
| Transport of Animals – | | |
| Who do I contact if I want to transport cervid animals? | Jennifer Pawlyk
Animal Health
CFIA | #205 7000 – 113 St. NW
Edmonton, AB T6H 5T6
780-495-3075 |
| TB Testing – | | |
| Who do I contact if I want to TB test my herd? | Jennifer Pawlyk
Animal Health
CFIA | #205 7000 – 113 St. NW
Edmonton, AB T6H 5T6
780-495-3075 |
| Escaped Animals – | | |
| Who do I contact if my cervids escape? | Vaughn Christensen
Your local cervid association/commission
| # 201 5030 – 50 St.
Olds, AB T4H 1S1
403-507-4064
Alberta White-tail and Mule Deer Association
Box 524
Eckville, AB T0M 0X0
780-746-5151
Alberta Elk Commission
4603 – 61 Ave.
Leduc, AB T9E 7A4
780-980-7582
Alberta Reindeer Association
Box 27, Site 7, RR 2
Sundre, AB T0M 1X0
403-638-5032 |
| Transport of Animals – | | |
| Who do I contact if I want to transport cervid animals? | Jennifer Pawlyk
Animal Health
CFIA | #205 7000 – 113 St. NW
Edmonton, AB T6H 5T6
780-495-3075 |
| TB Testing – | | |
| Who do I contact if I want to TB test my herd? | Jennifer Pawlyk
Animal Health
CFIA | #205 7000 – 113 St. NW
Edmonton, AB T6H 5T6
780-495-3075 |
| Escaped Animals – | | |
| Who do I contact if my cervids escape? | Vaughn Christensen
Your local cervid association/commission
| # 201 5030 – 50 St.
Olds, AB T4H 1S1
403-507-4064
Alberta White-tail and Mule Deer Association
Box 524
Eckville, AB T0M 0X0
780-746-5151
Alberta Elk Commission
4603 – 61 Ave.
Leduc, AB T9E 7A4
780-980-7582
Alberta Reindeer Association
Box 27, Site 7, RR 2
Sundre, AB T0M 1X0
403-638-5032 |
Appendix I - CFIA District Offices
| Calgary |
CFIA District Office
#102 110 Country Hills Landing NW
Calgary, AB T3K 5P3
403-299-7680
|
| Edmonton | CFIA District Office
J.G. O’Donoghue Building
#205, 7000 – 113 St. NW
Edmonton, AB T6H 5T6
780-495-3333 |
| Grande Prairie | CFIA District Office
10135 – 100 Ave.
Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0V4
780-539-3467 |
| Lethbridge | CFIA District Office
3605 – 14 Ave. N
Lethbridge, AB T1H 6P7
403-382-3121 |
| Medicine Hat | CFIA District Office
#105, 7 Strachan Bay SE
Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4Y2
403-528-6850 |
| Red Deer | CFIA District Office
6503 – 67 St.
Red Deer, AB T4P 1A3
403-340-4204 |
| Vermilion | CFIA District Office
Unit B, 5016 – 49 Ave.
Vermilion, AB T9X 1B7
780-853-5637 |
| Wetaskiwin | CFIA District Office
5729 – 40 Ave.
Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 2Z1
780-352-3955 |
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