CFIA changes compensation rates for destroyed sheep

by SUSAN MANN

Sheep farmers whose non-registered animals are ordered destroyed during disease response situations may now be eligible to get increased compensation, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has announced.

The new maximum has been bumped up by $525, effective immediately, pushing rates to $825 per sheep from $300 per animal, the previous maximum amount set in 2007.

Guy Gravelle, CFIA senior media relations officer, says by email that in all disease response situations where animals are ordered to be destroyed, compensation is based on the market value of the animal up to the maximum amount outlined in the compensation for destroyed animals regulations.

The change doesn’t have anything to do with any ongoing animal disease investigations, Gravelle says.

Currently the CFIA is involved in a disease investigation on an eastern Ontario sheep farm owned by Montana Jones. Thirty-one of Jones’ Shropshire flock disappeared in early April just before the agency was slated to euthanize them for suspected scrapie. The agency subsequently euthanized nine others in late April after a ewe that died on Jones’ farm tested positive for scrapie. The nine that were euthanized all tested negative for scrapie.

Gravelle says the increased compensation is based on a through economic analysis with the government and sheep industry working collaboratively during the review process over the past several months.

In its press release, the CFIA says the compensation program encourages sheep producers to promptly report animal diseases by mitigating the economic impact when animals must be destroyed. Immediate disease reporting is critical for controlling diseases and maintaining market access for live animals and their products. BF