Farm Animal Health & Welfare

Farm Animal Welfare Program

The Farm Animal Welfare Program enforces the farm animal welfare provisions of the Nova Scotia Animal Protection Act and sections of the Criminal Code of Canada. If you witness a farm animal in distress, you can report the incident and animal welfare inspectors will respond.

The program also provides opportunities for you to become an approved foster farm or livestock transporter.

Reportable and Notifiable Animal Diseases in Nova Scotia

Under Nova Scotia's Animal Health and Protection Regulations there is mandatory reporting of notifiable and reportable diseases. All owners, custodians, veterinarians and laboratories that suspect or confirm that any animal is suffering from a provincially notifiable or reportable disease must report the suspicion or confirmation to the Chief Veterinary Officer. Reportable diseases must be reported immediately by telephone with a written report provided within 24hrs. Notifiable diseases must be reported in writing within 24 hours.

Farm Animal Health Programs


Cattle Herd Health Assistance Program

Purpose: To encourage cattle owners to utilize the professional services of a veterinarian, on a regular basis, for the maintenance and improvement of herd health, through the application of the principles of preventative medicine.

Sheep Herd Health Program

Purpose: To encourage purebred and commercial sheep flock owners to utilize the professional services of a veterinarian, on a regular basis, for the maintenance and improvement of flock health, through application of the principles of preventative medicine.

Swine Herd Health Program

Purpose: To minimize disease in swine herds through herd inspections, recording of disease findings, adoption of procedures to reduce or eradicate common disease already present, and to prevent the introduction of other diseases.

Mink Ranch Health Program

Purpose: To encourage mink breeders to utilize the professional services of a veterinarian, on a regular basis, for the maintenance and improvement of ranch mink health, through the application of the principles of bio-security and preventative medicine.