Bull sales are scheduled across the Prairies in coming weeks and months amid the threat of COVID-19 spread.
Sales are the main source of income for many producers so the Livestock Markets Association of Canada, Canadian Beef Breeds Council and the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association have distributed a list of recommendations.
Those hosting sales should:
- make cattle available for viewing prior to the sale
- make online or phone bidding available where possible
- limit attendance to a maximum of 50 people
- consider online photos and videos as an alternative
- restrict general public access
- do not shake hands and maintain a social distance of two metres
- provide information to employees on COVID-19
- provide hand sanitizer in common areas
- provide space for hand washing
- consider not providing food
- frequently sanitize workstations and pay special attention to telephones, computer keyboards, calculators, desks, photocopiers, counters and common areas shared by more than one person on a regular basis
Those buying cattle and attending sales should:
- where possible view bulls ahead of the sale
- not attend sales without an intention to buy or seriously considering buying
- not attend a sale if sick with even mild symptoms
- send one person per farm operation
- not shake hands and maintain a two-metre social distance
- consider phone bidding
- consider online bidding
- consider online photos, video as alternative to in person viewing
- wash hands thoroughly and frequently
