Import Conditions for Horses From the United States for Immediate Slaughter

TAHD-DSAT-IE-2010-14-1
April 15, 2010

Note

The import conditions outlined in this document also apply to the following domestic equines: asses, mules and hinnies.

Documentation instructions

  • Zoosanitary Export Certificate for Horses (Form VS 17-140 or Form VS 17-145).

A United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Official Zoosanitary Export Certificate must be issued by a USDA veterinarian, or issued by a licensed veterinarian and endorsed by a USDA veterinarian.

Certification statements

  1. The animals were inspected within the 30 days prior to export and found to be healthy and free from evidence of communicable disease.
  2. The animals were not, to the best of the knowledge and belief of the issuing veterinarian, exposed to any communicable disease within the 60 days preceding the date of inspection.
  3. Either

    a) the animals have resided in the United States (U.S.) or Canada since birth;

    Or

    b) the animals have met all of the import requirements of the U.S. and have resided in the U.S. for at least the past 60 days.

  4. The animals, at the time of the inspection, were found to be healthy and in a physical condition fit to be transported. "Fit to be transported" means that, on the day of inspection, no animal has any infirmity, illness, injury or other condition that could be aggravated when the animal is being transported, causing the animal to suffer. The exporter has been advised that any deterioration in health or physical condition of an animal that may render the animal unfit for transport may result in the shipment being ordered removed from Canada.

Note

For import conditions implemented as a result of a disease outbreak in the U.S., please refer to the Appendix.

Additional instructions

  • Horses must be sent directly from the Canadian port of entry, in a sealed truck and under licence to destination, to a slaughter plant approved by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) immediately after entering Canada. They must be slaughtered within four days of arriving at the plant.
  • U.S. origin animals must have a required U.S. Owner/Shipper Certificate Fitness to Travel to a Slaughter Facility (Form VS 10-13).
  • No known reactors to a test for equine infectious anemia shall be certified to Canada for immediate slaughter.
  • All animals must be from a single consignor, they must be consigned to the same destination, and they must come from the same premises of origin.
  • All animals must be identified on the Health Certificate with a detailed written description (colour including distinctive patterns, facial and leg markings, other markings, brands, etc.).
  • All animals must have a readily visible numerical identification – e.g. mane tag, back tag, or necklace-type tag. Each animal in the lot must be numbered differently, and this number must be entered alongside the animal's written description on the Health Certificate.
  • The owner/transporter must arrange for CFIA inspection at the port-of-entry.

Appendix: Additional import conditions implemented as a result of a disease outbreak in the U.S.

Equine piroplasmosis related conditions

Either

The animals have not been in a State affected by equine piroplasmosis and the following must be certified:

  • During the previous 21 days, the animals have not been in Texas or New Mexico.

Or

The animals have resided in the State of Texas or the State of New Mexico and the following additional requirements apply:

  1. An import permit must be issued by the CFIA prior to entry into Canada; and
  2. The following statements must appear on the zoosanitary export certificate:
    • the animals have been inspected by a veterinarian within the 15 days prior to export;
    • the animals have been inspected for ticks and (if necessary) treated for ticks at the time of inspection;
    • the animals have not been on a premises where equine piroplasmosis (clinical or serological) has occurred during the 60 days immediately prior to export to Canada, nor has this disease occurred on any adjoining premises during the same period of time; and
    • the animals have tested negative for equine piroplasmosis by the cELISA or IFA method within the 15 days prior to export.
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