Northern Producer Animal Health Network

What is NPAHN?

Northern Producer Animal Health Network (formerly named DAPR – Designated Area Producer Representative) is the umbrella organization for the 22 Veterinary Service Committees serviced by the Vet Assistance Program. The NPAHN was established to contribute to the development and maintenance of a viable and diverse livestock industry in Northern Ontario through the provision of veterinary services to livestock owners and support activities including veterinary recruitment, retention as well as producer education and communication.

NPAHN’s Mission

• Promote the development, sale and export of agricultural products by making veterinary service available to northern and remote communities
• Promote educational opportunities for owners of large animals in health production and management.
• Set up local VSC’s that assess the animal health needs of their local agricultural communities and advise the program manager or the VAP of modifications that will keep the program current to the needs of livestock owners.

What is VAP?

Veterinary Assistance Program helps promote the viability of livestock industry by supporting the provision of large animal veterinary services. This program is run through the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines & Forestry. NMDM offsets the travel, locum and continuing education costs incurred by the participating Veterinarians.

NPAHN promotes Northern Vet clinics as potential job locations to new Vet grads by supporting the Summer Externship program each year. NPAHN has provided $14,000 annually in direct funding for many years. This introduction of the North to potential Vets has resulted in the hiring of new Vets in Northern Communities.

Who qualifies for the Veterinary Assistance Program?

Livestock owners located in the designated program areas, who own or care for at least one horse, bovine, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, bison, deer, fish, or rabbits maintained in captivity for producing fur, velvet or meat.

For more information, visit the Northern Producer Animal Health Network website