Resolution No. 21-06M

WHEREAS, there is an Anthrax problem in some areas of the province causing high financial losses to livestock producers; and 

WHEREAS, the present compensation levels for the disposal of infected animals are based on levels set in 1974; 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that SARM lobby the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to increase the compensation levels to more closely reflect a realistic level of compensation for proper animal disposal.

Response from Christine Bakke, Policy Advisor, Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada: 

You may be aware that on August 25, 2006, Treasury Board Ministers approved amendments to the Anthrax Compensation Terms and Conditions to expand the list of animals for which indemnity is available to include bison, cervids (such as white-tailed deer), llamas, and alpacas.  At that time, officials reviewed the amount of indemnity available to livestock losses due to anthrax.  It was decided that the industry amounts will remain the same, at $500.  For details on this policy revision, please refer to the Anthrax Compensation Terms and Conditions on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website at www.inspection.gc.ca/english/reg/apppor/actloi/anthraxe.shtml. 

The purpose of this indemnity is to cover or offset the costs associated with carcass disposal in cases of anthrax.  The market value of the animal is not a consideration when determining indemnity amounts.  The size and weight of the animal and the challenges association with disposal are considerations in determining the amount producers are to be reimbursed.