A number of local businesses may have to cut staff in response to MPI's recent changes to their rodent claim policy.

In a statement, MPI explains they are in the process of finalizing rodent claim procedures in collaboration with the industry.

"Safety is priority and that is why our claim procedures are being aligned in accordance to guidelines established by the Public Health Agency of Canada."

The change in policy would mean more than $6 million in savings for MPI as costs have ballooned in recent years thanks to the previously generous rodent claim policy.

While some remediation staff agree the system had potential for abuse in the past, others wonder if MPI has now scaled back too drastically.

The scaled back coverage means customers will see less thorough cleanings after rodent infestation in vehicles and RVs.

Being able to offer less services means one local business expects to see that particular work cut in half, which would result in job cuts.

"It will be well under half the work," one owner (who wished to remain anonymous) said. "So instead of having four guys we'll have two."

Without the coverage to perform a thorough job, remediation shops are worried they will also take the blame for a job half-done.

In the past, a vehicle infestation meant MPI would cover a thorough cleaning, including behind panels and headliners in cars, trucks and RV's.

Those added man-hours would no longer be covered which means vehicles would not be as extensively disassembled to assure the rodent and its droppings were completely removed. Air quality tests are also no longer required.

Remediation shops also used to take care of the extermination and eradication process. The new policy would see a third party exterminator take on that role, one that local business owners say is unneccssary and inefficient.

While uncommon, humans can contract Hantavirus, a serious respitory disease transmitted by infected rodents. Although rare, Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) can be deadly.

The infection usually spreds by inhaling the virus, which is in the droppings, urine and saliva of infected rodents.

To make a rodent claim or learn more, go here: https://www.mpi.mb.ca/en/Claims/Vehicle/Rodent/Pages/rodent%20claims-making%20a%20claim.aspx