COVID Protocol Document for Feedlots

IMPORTANT COVID-19 BULLETIN FOR CATTLE FEEDERS

RE: AHS DOCUMENTING

It is now crucial that feedlot operators are documenting the policies and procedures you have implemented, as local health services are requiring this information when conducting contact tracing and other COVID-19 related inquiries. Alberta Health Services will need to ensure anyone potentially exposed receives the correct guidance.

At minimum, operators should be able to provide: Names, addresses, phone numbers, roles and positions of staff, workers and visitors who were potentially exposed to a case while they were infectious at that location

Each feedlot also needs to be prepared to respond to symptomatic workers or confirmed cases of COVID 19. It
is necessary that feedlots have detailed protocols and procedures as well as a comprehensive written Rapid Response Plan to assist Alberta Health Services (AHS) in their worksite investigation.

Information vital to have documented:

• Crucial roles and contingency plans

  • Ex: If regular staff cannot feed animals, who completes the job and how

• Employee health and safety measures

  • Masks, sanitization, shift work, distancing policies, etc.

• HR Policies

  • Employee symptom reporting and isolation plan
  • Sick leave policy

• Visitor protocols

Specific information and detailed planning for each of these points and more can be found in our comprehensive COVID 19 Feedlot Protocols and Guide.

We worked closely with Alberta Ag and Forestry to ensure this document is as relevant as possible to cattle feeders. If you have questions or an issue arises, ACFA will work with your farm to connect you with the appropriate contact to provide you with further services /information.

There are also several good resources within this document like this Feedlot Emergency Planning tool, HR Guidelines, and much more.