New Import Measures for Horses Entering Canada from the United States

OTTAWA, May 4, 2012: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is implementing new import measures to protect Canadian livestock from an outbreak of vesicular stomatitis reported in New Mexico, United States.

Effective immediately, horses originating from the state of New Mexico will not be permitted to enter Canada. Canadian horses returning from New Mexico will be allowed entry into Canada if additional import requirements are met. In addition, all horses entering Canada from the United States must be accompanied by official US documents certifying that they have not been in New Mexico within the previous 21 days.

Details on these import measures can be found in the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS).

Vesicular stomatitis is a viral disease that can affect horses, ruminants (such as cattle, sheep and members of the deer and llama families) and swine. It can also cause influenza-like symptoms in people who come into contact with infected animals. Protective clothing should be worn when handling suspect animals to help prevent exposure to the virus.

Canada is currently free of vesicular stomatitis. It was last diagnosed in Canada in 1949. An outbreak of vesicular stomatitis in Canada could result in a loss of markets for live animals, meat and animal genetics.

For more more information on vesicular stomatitis

call 1-800-442-2342
visit www.inspection.gc.ca

Source: Gov’t of Canada