MP E-Newsletter: April 26/2024

April 26, 2024

Governments of Canada and Manitoba Invest in Manitoba’s Livestock Predation Prevention Program

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(April 25, 2024 Joint Government of Canada/Province of Manitoba media release) The governments of Canada and Manitoba are providing financial support to Manitoba’s Livestock Predation Prevention Program, which supports the adoption of proactive on-farm measures to deter predator attacks, federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced today.

“Our hardworking livestock producers can face major challenges due to predator attacks,” said MacAulay. “This funding will ensure our producers have access to the tools they need to modernize their operations so they can continue to farm alongside rural wildlife while protecting their bottom lines.”

Through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), the governments are providing $500,000 to reduce the risk of livestock predation and promote the coexistence of wildlife and livestock in agricultural regions of Manitoba. The funding supports the purchase of equipment, livestock guardian dogs and constructing predator-resistant fencing.

“Predation-related challenges pose a significant concern for Manitoba’s livestock producers, who not only lose animals but experience significant economic losses as well,” said Kostyshyn. “Producers will be able to make on-

farm management changes that should reduce livestock predation and will help offset compensation claims under the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program funded by the federal and provincial governments.”

Wildlife predation of livestock is a significant problem for Manitoba producers, with over 2,000 livestock lost each year. The Livestock Predation Prevention Program provides two funding streams for producers:

• Pre-approved Livestock Predation Prevention Equipment and Guardian Dogs will allow eligible applicants to purchase solar foxlights, electronet, fladry and livestock guardian dogs.

• Predator-Resistant Fence Construction will allow eligible applicants to apply for funding to support construction of eligible fencing that deters predators from entering calving and lambing areas, pastures, extended grazing areas and deadstock compost sites.

Livestock producers that had a paid livestock predation claim under the Manitoba Wildlife Damage Compensation Program from 2021 or later are eligible to apply for the Livestock Predation Prevention Program. Eligible applicants can be reimbursed up to 75 per cent of total eligible expenses to a maximum of $5,000 for preapproved equipment and guardian dogs, and $10,000 for fence construction.

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Livestock Program

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In 2020, Manitoba launched the Livestock Predation Prevention Pilot Project, led by Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) in partnership with Manitoba Agriculture and the Manitoba Sheep Association (MSA). Over 100 projects were completed on 48 farms across the province under this pilot. The Livestock Predation Prevention Program builds on the success of the pilot.

“Manitoba Beef Producers welcomes this valuable commitment to cost-shared funding for practices aimed at reducing the risk of predation and encourages eligible producers to explore the two programs,” said Matthew Atkinson, president, MBP. “MBP appreciates the engagement with the province on the development of strategies to help reduce livestock predation and the negative effects it has on our sector.”

Manitoba’s Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources department will also be increasing funding for the Manitoba Targeted Predator Removal Program by $90,000, for a total funding commitment of $150,000. This funding will allow the program greater flexibility in addressing livestock predation concerns.

“Manitoba’s livestock producers asked for help with predation and our government listened,” said Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources Jamie Moses. “In collaboration with the producers and in partnership with the ministry of agriculture, we are addressing their concerns by more than doubling the Targeted Predator Removal Program. Producers will now have the opportunity to be compensated for the preventative management issues that they have been dealing with for a number of years.”

The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3.5-billion

investment by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provinciallyterritorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.

For information and to apply for the Livestock Predation Prevention Program, visit: www.manitoba.ca/scap/resiliency/livestoc k.html.

Some Additional Information About the Program

Intake information:

The intake for this program is currently open; funding requests will be accepted from April 15, 2024, to:

• 11:59PM on June 14, 2024, for Predator Resistant Fence Construction

• 11:59PM on December 20, 2024, for PreApproved Livestock Predation Prevention Equipment and Guardian Dogs

Worksheets and supplementary documentation must be received by the dates stated above to be considered for funding. Worksheets and supplementary documentation will not be accepted after the dates stated above.

Eligible Applicants

• Agricultural Crown Land forage lease holders

• Association of Manitoba Community Pastures

• Indigenous primary producers and communities, including First Nations and Métis

• Primary producers

Eligible Expenses

Eligible expenses vary by funding stream but include:

• Construction of predator resistant fencing

• Purchase of equipment to deter predator attacks

• Purchase of livestock guardian dogs

Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership

Livestock Predation Prevention Program

Program Description

The Livestock Predation Prevention Program supports adoption of non-lethal, on-farm measures that reduce the risk of livestock predation by wolves, coyotes, bears and other predators. Reducing livestock predation promotes the co-existence of wildlife and livestock in agricultural regions of Manitoba.

Who Qualifies

Livestock producers who have both:

• A paid livestock predation claim under the Manitoba Wildlife Damage Compensation Program in 2021 or later.

• A Manitoba Premises Identification Number.

What Qualifies

Eligible expenses include purchasing equipment, livestock guardian dogs, and constructing predator resistant fencing to deter attacks on livestock by coyotes, wolves, and other predators. The objective of a project must be to deter predation of livestock located on Manitoba farms. More details of eligible expenses can be found in the program guide.

Cost-Share and Funding

Cap

FUNDING STREAMS

Pre-approved Livestock

Predation Equipment and Guardian Dogs

Predator Resistant

Fence Construction

The Pre-approved Livestock Predation Equipment and Guardian Dog funding stream is a rebate program. It allows eligible applicants to purchase items from a pre-approved list and submit the required documents to receive reimbursement.

Eligible producers can apply for funding to support construction of fencing that deters predators from entering calving and lambing areas, pastures, extended grazing areas, and deadstock compost sites. Producers will receive a funding decision letter indicating the approved budget for eligible projects.

Important Dates

June 14, 2024: Deadline for fence construction applications.

October 31, 2024: Complete fence construction.

November 29, 2024: Complete fence inspection.

December 20, 2024: Deadline for submitting claims and proof of payment for equipment and guardian dog purchases and completed fence projects.

Eligible applicants can be reimbursed for up to 75 per cent of total approved eligible expenses, to a maximum of:

• $5,000 for purchases of pre-approved equipment and guardian dogs.

• $10,000 for fence construction projects

These maximums are the total funding available per applicant. Maximums also apply to individual categories of purchases and fence construction projects.

Pre-Approved Equipment & Guardian Dog Rebate Details

Producers submit a rebate claim for purchases from a list of pre-approved equipment and livestock guardian dogs that deter predators from their livestock. No prior approval is required. Claims are processed up to the claim deadline or until funding is exhausted.

Cost Sharing and Funding Cap

Eligible applicants can be reimbursed for up to 75 per cent of total approved eligible expenses, to a maximum of $5,000 for all eligible equipment and livestock guardian dog purchases. Each category of eligible purchase has its own funding cap. Eligible

Solar foxlights create an unusual frequency and colour of light to mimic human presence and deter predators from entering a livestock area. They are best used during high-risk periods as their effect can wear off as predators become used to them.

Electronet is a wire netting fence that is electrified and can be used as temporary fence to deter predators from sheep or other small livestock. Netting and ground rods are eligible purchases. One energizer is also eligible when electronet is purchased.

Fladry is a line of brightly coloured flags that can be hung in front of a fence or other barrier to deter predators due to the novelty of the installation. Turbo fladry has the added feature of being electrified and further deterring predators. They are used temporarily in high-risk periods as the effect will wear off. Fladry, turbo fladry, temporary posts and insulators are eligible. One energizer and ground rods are eligible when combined with the purchase of turbo fladry.

Livestock guardian dogs are breeds of dogs that will deter predators from cattle, sheep, and other livestock. Eligible breeds include Akbash, Anatolian Shepherd, Central Asian Shepherd, Great Pyrenees, Kangal, Komondor, Kuvasz, Maremma, Sarplaninac, and Tatra. One spike collar can be claimed per dog.

Based on the 75% government cost-share, the $5,000 total funding cap is reached with total eligible purchases of $6,666.66. The caps for each category are reached with eligible purchases of $1,333.33 for solar fox lights and $4,666.66 each for electronet, fladry/turbo fladry and livestock guardian dogs.

Eligible Expenses

· Purchase cost including shipping and PST

· Purchasing an energizer when electronet or turbo fladry is also purchased. Two energizers are eligible if both electronet and turbo fladry are purchased.

All invoices must be dated on or after April 1, 2024.

Fence Construction Project Details

Financial assistance is available for construction of fences that reduce the risk of livestock predation:

Cost Sharing and Funding Cap

Eligible applicants can be reimbursed for up to 75 per cent of total approved eligible expenses, to a maximum of $10,000 for all fence construction. Funding approved for each fence construction project is based on the size, type and purpose of the fence.

Caps Applied to Funding For Fence Projects

Project Type Fence Type

Wire-net fence (e.g. page, welded, fixedknot, or hinge-joint fencing)

· 152 cm (60”) high

· 178 cm (70”) high

Electrified, high tensile, no apron

Predator Resistant Fence

Deadstock

Compost Pen

· 7-wire

· 9-wire

· 11-wire

If an apron is added to prevent burrowing under a fence.

Project Cap (base + additional cost per linear foot of fence)

· $1,000 + $6/linear foot

· $1,000 + $7/linear foot

· $1,000 + $3 per linear foot

· $1,000 + $4 per linear foot

· $1,000 + $5 per linear foot

· $1/linear foot is added

For each of the above fence types, the base funding is $2,000 (instead of $1,000). The per linear foot rates are the same as for Predator Resistance Fence.

Note: Based on 75% government cost share, the $10,000 total funding cap is reached with eligible expenses of $13,333.33 or more. Depending on fence size and type, the approved funding may be less than the $10,000 fence category cap.

Eligible Expenses

· Incremental Personal Labour at $30/hour and Incremental Personal Equipment Use at fixed, program rates. For these two incremental expenses combined, applicants can claim up to a total of $3.00/linear foot for deadstock compost areas, $1.00/linear foot for predator resistant fences or $1.50/linear foot if the predator resistant fence has an apron.

· Subcontracted Services related to custom labour and custom equipment use

· Equipment Rental for completion of the project

· Materials and Supplies such as gates, lumber, wire, and energizer (0.7 joules or more.)

· Provincial Sales Tax (PST).

Further conditions for a fence project:

· Fences are inspected to verify work completed and that they will deter predators.

· Specific ineligible items include barbed wire fences, hard-wired power sourcing, temporary or mobile fences, infrastructure and land preparation inside the fence, and fences around feedlots, feed storage areas, and non-grazed crops.

Fence Inspection

Fences constructed to contain cattle, sheep and other livestock are often ineffective barriers to predators. To be effective, fences must be constructed to deter predators from climbing over, passing through, or burrowing under them. All fence projects are inspected to verify that the work has been completed and the fence will deter predators. See the Program Guide and the Sustainable CAP website for fence

HOW TO APPLY FOR FUNDING

standards as well as guidelines and examples for fence construction.

An inspection of the finished fence can be arranged by calling the Program Information Line at 1-800-811-4411 or emailing agriculture@gov.mb.ca

The applicant will then be contacted by an inspector from their local MASC Service Centre. The completed inspection report will be submitted by MASC on the applicant’s behalf.

The application and claim documents for equipment, guardian dogs, and fence construction can be found on the Manitoba Agriculture website:

· Applicant Information Form to be completed once. It covers both pre-approved equipment and guardian dogs and fence construction

· Rebate Worksheet for pre-approved equipment and guardian dogs

· Application Worksheet for fence construction

Go to www.manitoba.ca/scap/ and click on Resiliency and Public Trust and then on Livestock Predation Prevention to find these forms as well as the Program Guide.

The applicant must attach all invoices and proof of payment, along with the Rebate Worksheet for equipment and guardian dogs and the Claim Worksheet for fence construction projects.

An applicant can submit one Rebate Worksheet and one Fence Claim Worksheet over the life of the program. The documents can be emailed to: agriculture@gov.mb.ca.

Canada, Manitoba Governments Support Squeal on Pigs

(April 23, 2024 Joint Federal-Provincial Government News Release) The governments of Canada and Manitoba are providing financial support to Manitoba Pork’s Squeal on Pigs campaign as part of Manitoba’s commitment under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), federal Agriculture and AgriFood Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced today.

“Wild pigs can spread disease and cause serious damage to cropland and natural habitats,” said MacAulay. “This vitally important campaign, backed by federal and provincial investments under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, will help manage the population of wild pigs and keep our land and livestock safe.”

As part of ongoing efforts by the Manitoba government to address invasive swine, the program will receive over $2.6 million of funding through Sustainable CAP. The Squeal on Pigs campaign is designed to help spread awareness of the significant issue of invasive wild pigs on Manitoba’s landscape and empowers Manitobans to spot wild pigs and report their movement.

“Left unchecked, wild pigs pose a threat to the health of people and animals, and this program takes critical proactive measures to protect Manitobans and the province’s pork industry,” said Kostyshyn. “This important initiative also addresses challenges caused by wild pigs to pastures, forages, crops and other parts of Manitoba’s agriculture sector.”

The goal of the campaign is to identify where wild pigs are in Manitoba, control their spread and remove as many pigs as possible from the landscape, added the ministers. This campaign is a collaborative program between Manitoba Pork, Manitoba Agriculture, Agriculture and

Agri-Food Canada, Manitoba Economic Development, Industry, Trade and Natural Resources, as well as with other local and national organizations who have a stake in this issue. It is an important part of government and industry’s efforts to reduce transmission of animal diseases that could cause significant economic damage to Manitoba’s livestock industry.

“Wild pigs continue to thrive across Manitoba and are vectors for many diseases that have a continued on page 8

Canada, Manitoba Governments Support Squeal on Pigs

devastating impact on both domestic pigs as well as other animals,” said Dr. Wayne Lees, project co-ordinator, Squeal on Pigs Manitoba.

“Together with our partners in both the federal and provincial governments, as well as our partners in Manitoba’s agricultural sector and stakeholders across the province, this new funding will help us further our efforts to track, trap and remove wild pigs from the landscape and protect our province.”

Manitobans are asked to report evidence of wild pig sightings or any signs of activity so that movements can be better tracked. Manitobans should not hunt wild pigs on their own, as hunting disperses wild pig populations over wider areas, changing movement patterns and harming control efforts, the ministers added.

The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada’s agriculture, agri-food and agri-products sectors. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.

For more information on Squeal on Pigs campaign, visit https://squealonpigsmb.org/.

Note: If you see evidence of wild pigs, call 1833-SPOT-PIG or complete the reporting form on the aforementioned website.

Agroclimate Impact Reporter Open for the 2024 Growing Season

The Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Agroclimate Impact Reporter (AIR) is an online survey designed for the collection and reporting of weather and climate impacts on-farm operations across Canada.

Join the Network

To subscribe to the AIR email list, please send a blank email to aafc.droughtwatchguetterlasecheresse.aac@agr.gc.ca.

The AIR survey is open during the last week of the month over the growing season (April to October) and is intended to collect weather and climate impacts on farm operations across Canada. Survey results are made into maps and published on the Drought Watch website.

Submit Impacts

Survey responses inform scientists about conditions in a particular area, but once responses are compiled into a map, scientists have a better picture of conditions across Canada. The information provided by these monthly surveys can then be used to identify

developing agroclimate trends as well as visualize the extent of agroclimate impacts to the sector.

Submit Survey

Other ways to complete the survey

By phone

Email aafc.droughtwatchguetterlasecheresse.aac@agr.gc.ca with your contact information and NAIS will call you to complete the report survey over the phone.

By email

Download an accessible PDF version of the AIR survey of the survey and email your response to aafc.droughtwatchguetterlasecheresse.aac@agr.gc.ca using the email button at the bottom of the form.

To view previous Agroclimate Impact maps, follow this link. Or see some of the other resources we produce on the AAFC Weather and Drought home page.

FOR BEEF INDUSTRY DISTRIBUTION ONLY - UPDATED: APRIL 22, 2024

NOTE: This information is current as of April 22, 2024 at 8:00 MST.

This is an evolving issue and information may become out of date quickly.

Emerging Animal Health Issue:

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Dairy Cattle

Key points to date

• The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) have identified the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus or H5N1 in dairy cattle in eight states: Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas.

• Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (HPAI) H5N1 is an emerging disease in dairy cattle and the situation is evolving. There have been no detections in beef herds. The virus has not been identified in bovine animals in Canada

• Wild migratory birds are believed to be the original source of the virus. Some cases are associated with cattle movements between herds indicating bovine to bovine spread occurs, likely through mechanical means. There is additional evidence of spread from dairy cattle premises back into nearby poultry premises through an unknown route.

• The public health risk of this virus is considered low. One person in Texas has tested positive for H5N1 with a virus that is nearly identical to what has been found in cows and birds in Texas. This person worked with dairy cows presumably infected with H5N1 and would be the first instance of cow-to-human spread of bird flu. Symptoms were mild and the CDC does not believe these developments change the overall H5N1 bird flu human health risk for the general public.1

• The food supply including beef and milk is safe2 . Pasteurization kills harmful bacteria and viruses Milk from sick cattle is diverted from the food supply. Cattle are inspected ante- and post-mortem. Safe food handling and preparation is always important.

• The World Organization of Animal Health (WOAH) does not recommend restrictions on the movement of healthy cattle and their products at this time3. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has import controls in place, including import permits, export certification and veterinary inspection of imported cattle4. There are no federal movement restrictions in the United States, but increased biosecurity is recommended, and some states have import restrictions in place5

Information from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Producers can help protect stock and people and prevent the spread of disease by enhancing biosecurity.

• Monitor cattle for clinical signs.

• Report any unusual clinical signs or changes in illness or mortality* rates to veterinarians.

• Minimize contact between cattle and migratory wild birds when feasible. Report dead birds to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative6

• Wear farm-specific boots and clothing.

• Limit non-production animal access to farm areas and implement measures to exclude domestic pets (i.e. cats) and wildlife from buildings housing cattle.

• Avoid feeding unpasteurized colostrum or milk to calves.

• Practice biosecurity between caring for ill stock and other animals on the operation. Wear personal-protective equipment when caring for sick animals.

• Limit visitors.

*Note that no mortality has been associated with HPAI in cattle.

Other

HPAI is a federally reportable disease in any species in Canada, not just poultry. HPAI is an Influenza A virus named for its clinical effects in chickens. The strain identified in dairy cattle is the H5N1, Eurasian lineage goose Guangdong clade 2.3.4.4b which is the same strain and clade that has been affecting wild birds and commercial poultry flocks over the last few years. This strain and clade has spilled over to affect many mammalian species.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is not issuing federal quarantine orders. However, producers should enhance biosecurity measures for cattle moving from affected areas. Incoming animals should be segregated on arrival and monitored for 21 days for unusual clinical signs.

What to watch for

Producers should monitor herds closely for cattle with clinical signs including:

• Decreased herd level milk production

• Reduced appetite/ decreased feed intake

• Thickened, discolored milk

• Lethargy

• Fever

• Dehydration.

Abnormal clinical signs must be reported to your herd veterinarian. Guidance for private veterinarians is available from the CFIA7

The CCA is working with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to monitor the situation. Updates will be provided as there are further developments.

Additional resources

Head Office Ottawa Office

#180, 6815 – 8th Street NE #1101, 350 Sparks St.

Calgary, Alberta T2E 7H7 Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7S8

Phone: (403) 275-8558 Phone: (613) 233-9375

Email: contact@cattle.ca

1 Avian Influenza A(H5N1) U.S. Situation Update and CDC Activities | Avian Influenza (Flu)

2 Questions and Answers Regarding Milk Safety During Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Outbreaks | FDA

3 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza in Cattle (woah.org)

4 Requirements for Breeding Cattle Imported from the United States to Canada - Canadian Food Inspection Agency

5 Livestock Marketing Association (lmaweb.com)

6 CWHC-RCSF :: Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative - Réseau canadien pour la santé de la faune

7 Highly pathogenic avian influenza in cattle: Guidance for private veterinarians - Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in livestock - Canadian Food Inspection Agency (canada.ca)

The Canadian Cattle Association is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 60,000 beef farms and feedlots. www.cattle.ca