Yukon to subsidize veterinary bills for farmers

Yukon farmers are getting some financial help to keep their livestock healthy a government subsidy to cover vet bills.

The territorial governmentwill spend$30,000 this winter on anew veterinary services pilot program. Up to 30 farmers can enroll. They're then eligible to be reimbursed up to $1000 for veterinary services.

Mary Vanderkop, the territory's chief veterinarian, says the goal is to support food production in Yukon.

"Healthier animals and healthier livestock are more productive," she says.

"The health of the livestock producedin the Yukon is really, we believe, quite good now. But we're just interested in ensuring that farmers are able to access that veterinary care when they need it."

The program covers costs associated with veterinary farm calls and phone consultations. It does not cover fees fordrugs,vaccines or treatments.

Animals covered under the program include all livestock such as cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and chickens. Horses are not covered as they are not raised for food.