Animal health compensation – what to expect when an animal is ordered destroyed

CFIA's commitment

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is dedicated to working directly with affected producers so that the compensation process runs as smoothly as possible.

Under the Health of Animals Act, the CFIA may order the destruction of animals or things affected by a disease. Such an order, while unfortunate and difficult for all concerned, is often necessary to keep humans and other animals safe, and to keep export markets open.

What is covered

The CFIA may compensate producers for:

  • animals ordered destroyed
  • costs related to the disposal of the animals
  • cleaning and disinfecting of the rental equipment used for the destruction and disposal
  • other things ordered destroyed, such as contaminated feed or animal products
  • vaccination costs for animals ordered to be treated

Note: The CFIA will not compensate animal owners for loss of future revenues

Compensation

For animals ordered destroyed, the CFIA bases compensation amounts on the animal's market value, at the time of the order for destruction, up to a maximum amount as stipulated in the Compensation for Destroyed Animals Regulations. At the time of evaluation, the CFIA will take into account all available market reports and supporting documents in order to reach a final market value.

The process

1. Initial visit

When a CFIA district veterinarian determines that a disease is present or suspected on a farm, he or she may issue an "order for destruction (CFIA/ACIA 4202)". The veterinarian will provide an overview of the compensation process and decide which assessment method will be used to award compensation.

In emergencies, the compensation process may be slightly modified in order to respond as quickly as possible to the emerging animal health situation.

2. Compensation assessment

  • Compensation amounts reflect the reasonable market value of the animals and things at the time of destruction, up to the maximum compensation even if the animal's market value exceeds the maximum regulatory amount as stipulated in the Compensation for Destroyed Animals Regulations.
  • In order to receive compensation for the animal(s), supporting evidence of the animal's value must be provided. These supporting materials may include current animal inventories, receipts, historical sales records, contracts and purebred registration papers.

The CFIA determines market value in two different ways:

Method 1: This method applies to cattle, horses, sheep, goats, elk and deer industries when animals are sold in private or public sales. This approach is used to determine the market value of an animal in a disease free market, between a willing buyer and a willing seller who are knowledgeable, informed, and prudent, and who are acting independently of each other.

Method 2: This method may be used for animals such as egg-laying and hatching-egg birds when determination of the current market value is unavailable. Economic models are used to determine an animal's value based on its production/life cycle at the time of its destruction.

Important information to note:

  • The owner of the animal may receive the maximum compensation as stipulated in the Compensation for Destroyed Animals Regulations, even if the animal's market value exceeds the maximum regulatory amount.
  • In cases where there is no food safety risk, animals may be destroyed by slaughter. The owner(s) of the animal(s) will receive the harvest value of the animals from the processor directly. The CFIA will compensate the difference between the harvest value and live animal market value if there is any.
  • Once the owner of an animal submits the required documents and the claim has been approved, payment can be expected in 6-8 weeks.

3. Compensation payments and appeals

Once the evaluation of the animals is complete, the owner will receive a signed copy of a Requirement to Dispose and Award of Compensation form (CFIA/ACIA 4203). If the animal owner thinks the compensation amount awarded is unreasonable, they may appeal the decision within three months of receiving the compensation form via registered mail or in person. Appeals are sent to the following address:

Federal Court Registry
Courts Administration Services
Attn: Application Section
90 Sparks Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A0H9

Other financial assistance

Beyond the CFIA's compensation, other financial assistance may be available through programs administered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), and, in some cases, provincial or territorial governments. Learn more about AAFC's financial assistance programs. For more information, contact your local AAFC office and/or your provincial/territorial agriculture ministry office.

General enquiries

Toll-free: 1-855-773-0241
TTY: 613-773-2600
Fax: 613-773-1081
Email: aafc.info.aac@agr.gc.ca
Online: contact form

Mail:
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
1341 Baseline Road
Ottawa, ON K1A 0C5

Hours of service: 8 am to 5 pm (CT)
Monday to Friday

Programs and services
Toll-free: 1-866-367-8506
TTY: 613-773-2600
Fax: 1-877-949-4885
Telephone (international): 204-926-9650
Fax (international): 204-259-5642
Hours of service: 8 am to 5 pm (CT)
Monday to Friday

For more information on CFIA compensation

Additional information

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