Canadian cattle producers are joining ostrich farmers in voicing serious concerns about the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's handling of disease control measures. Farmers across multiple livestock sectors report experiencing unclear processes, inconsistent decision-making, and inadequate compensation during government-ordered cull operations.
Farmers Testify About CFIA Communication Failures
Diane Sawley of Alberta's Anchor P Cattle Company recently shared her experience before the House of Commons agriculture committee. In July, her cattle were flagged for tuberculosis tracing because animals she purchased in 2021 originated from a herd later found to have the disease.
The CFIA placed her animals under quarantine, requiring 800 man hours to gather every animal for testing due to tight timelines and challenging geography. Sawley described CFIA officials as clueless about the logistical challenges involved in the operation.
The Heavy Toll of Tuberculosis Testing
The tuberculosis testing process proved exceptionally burdensome for Anchor P Cattle Company, consuming most of August. The procedure involves gathering animals, taking blood samples, and injecting cattle with a compound that causes reactions in infected animals, followed by several days of monitoring.
The outcome was devastating: eleven cows tested positive and had to be killed. Beyond these direct losses, the farm received no compensation for numerous additional expenses including:
- Loss of grazing range
- Disruptions in breeding programs
- Cattle abortions during testing
- Fuel and vehicle wear and tear
- Missed marketing opportunities during quarantine
Sawley emphasized the particular stress of being unable to market cattle during historic high prices in the current cattle market.
Complete Herd Destruction Without Clear Guidance
Even more severe was the case of Erin Sawley from Saskatchewan's East Point Cattle Corporation, who also testified before the agriculture committee. Her operation had won an award in 2024, but by February 2025, the CFIA ordered the destruction of her entire 2,000-head herd following a positive tuberculosis case.
The agency took until the end of March to complete the cull, forcing the farm to provide care for 40 days at its own expense while also handling cleanup operations. Sawley reported never receiving a clear roadmap from the CFIA about how the process would unfold, with critical information being brought up piecemeal throughout the ordeal.
The compensation provided by the government has offered little consolation to affected farmers. They report valuations that don't reflect their animals' true worth, payment delays stretching for months, and ultimately insufficient funds to rebuild their agricultural businesses.
