Alberta offers Video Ante-Mortem Inspection

Livestock producers in Alberta now have the option of using video technology for ante-mortem inspections.

The province’s Video Ante-Mortem Inspection Program (VAMI) gives livestock producers the option to offer a humane death and ante-mortem inspection for animals that cannot be transported to a provincially-regulated abattoir.

VAMI can be used if an animal is unfit for transport, compromised and cannot be transported without additional suffering, is difficult to transport (cannot be loaded or transported without endangering itself, another animal, or a person), has escaped, or any other circumstances outlined by the Director.

VAMI is an option for domestic livestock including beef and diary cattle, bison, cervids, hogs, sheep, and goats.

Livestock producers interested in scheduling a VAMI must first make arrangements with a licensed abattoir operator participating in the program. These arrangements must include both the VAMI and a post-mortem inspection. The livestock producer can then submit a video for ante-mortem inspection through the online tool.

Approval for the slaughter must take place prior to the humane death.

After slaughter, the carcass can be transported to the pre-arranged, provincially-licensed abattoir for a post-mortem inspection.

If the animal passes both ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections, and the meat is deemed fit for human consumption, the meat can be sold.

While there is no cost to participate in the VAMI program itself, licensed abattoir operators may charge to accept and process the carcass, and in some cases, appointed inspectors may assist and may charge a fee for this service.

VAMI was enabled under the Alberta Meat Inspection Regulation effective January 4, 2022.

More Information on VAMI