Government of Canada announces an increase to maximum compensation for depopulated cattle

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Published: June 19, 2025

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The Government of Canada announced an increase to the maximum value for cattle under its animal compensation regulations. This compensation will reflect the current market value.

An amendment to The Compensation for Destroyed Animal and Things Regulations (CDATR) enables cattle producers who have been impacted by a reportable disease to be eligible to receive compensation. The new maximum amount for registered (purebred) cattle is up to $16,500 (up from $10,000 set in 2015). Compensation for non-registered cattle can now go to a maximum of $10,000 (up from $4,500 set in 2015).

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As part of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)’s mandate to safeguard food, animals and plants, the CFIA may order the depopulation of animals, or destruction of things affected by a disease to keep humans and other animals safe, and to keep export markets open. When depopulation and destruction happen, producers are eligible for compensation.

The CFIA conducted a market analysis that showed the market value of cattle has increased since 2015, which was the last time the maximum amounts were updated. Adjusting the maximum amounts will encourage early reporting of disease and cooperation in eradication efforts.

Actual compensation paid to an owner or producer is calculated based on the current market value of the animal. The maximum compensation represents the highest payment that the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food can authorize.

 

 

About the author

Alexis Kienlen

Alexis Kienlen

Reporter

Alexis Kienlen is a reporter with Glacier Farm Media. She grew up in Saskatoon but now lives in Edmonton. She holds an Honours degree in International Studies from the University of Saskatchewan, a Graduate Diploma in Journalism from Concordia University, and a Food Security certificate from Toronto Metropolitan University. In addition to being a journalist, Alexis is also a poet, essayist and fiction writer. She is the author of four books- the most recent being a novel about the BSE crisis called “Mad Cow.”

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