Avian Influenza: Compensation

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Are poultry producers affected by an avian influenza disease response compensated?

Under the Health of Animals Act, the CFIA compensates producers for birds ordered destroyed during disease response situations. This compensation is intended to cover the costs of replacing and disposing of destroyed animals.

In addition, federal, provincial and territorial governments have agreed on a new suite of business risk management programs, to help farmers manage the risks of farming. These programs include:

• AgriStability, to help producers cover income losses of more than 15 per cent; and
• AgriRecovery, to provide rapid assistance to fill gaps not covered by existing programs.

Together, the compensation available under the Health of Animals Act and the business risk management programs should address the majority of a producer's income loss during an outbreak.

How does the CFIA determine compensation amounts for destroyed animals?

An economic model is used to estimate how much compensation is awarded for a flock of chickens producing eggs or hatching eggs at the time of its destruction. This model takes into consideration factors such as genetic value, the type of species and how far the bird is in its life cycle.

Maximum amounts of compensation per bird ordered destroyed are set out the in the Compensation for Destroyed Animals Regulations.

Would producers be compensated for eggs ordered destroyed?

Yes. Owners are eligible to receive compensation at market value for eggs that must also be destroyed.

Where can producers find more information about these compensation programs?

For more information on compensation maximums by species, please refer to the Health of Animals Act and the Compensation for Destroyed Animals Regulations. More information can also be obtained on the CFIA website at www.inspection.gc.ca or by calling 1-800-442-2342.

For more information on how to apply for business risk management programs, consult the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada website at www.agr.gc.ca or call 1 866-367-8506.