5.8 Swine

Breeding/feeder swine

The export certificate HA1938 Export of Swine to the United States must be used.

Exporters should be advised that individual states may have stricter requirements than the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

  • it is the exporter's responsibility to verify these conditions and to meet them
  • the exporter may contact the United States state veterinarian of the destination state to determine the State requirements and, among other things, whether an import permit or testing is required

Health certification

The swine must be inspected by the accredited veterinarian on the premises of origin within 14 days of export.

The swine must be free of evidence of communicable disease.

  • after clinical examination, any swine displaying symptoms or evidence of contagious or infectious disease or exposure to contagious or infectious disease are not eligible to be certified for export to the U.S.
  • the swine for export have not been exposed to communicable disease during the 60 days prior to export

In the event of an outbreak of a foreign animal disease listed below, the swine must be inspected on the premises of origin within 7 days prior to export.

Canada is free of African swine fever (ASF), Classical swine fever (CSF), Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), Swine vesicular disease (SVD), and Swine pseudorabies (Aujeszky's disease, AD).

or

In the event of an outbreak of foreign animal disease, the swine covered by the health certificate did not originate from or transit through a current United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (USDA APHIS) recognized zone or region established due to the detection of ASF, CSF, FMD, SVD, or AD.

  • the swine must also have had no contact with any swine or swine products (including imported swine or products) that were located in a current USDA APHIS recognized zone or region established due to the detection of ASF, CSF, FMD, SVD, or AD.Footnote 1

The swine are not vaccinated against ASF, CSF, FMD, SVD, or AD and are not progeny of vaccinated sows.

The swine are not vaccinated with any other live or attenuated or inactivated vaccine during the 14 days preceding export to the United States, other than standard vaccination programs developed for newly weaned or feeder pigs.

Swine which are tested or inspected for export to U.S. must be identified with a tag/ indicator approved under the Livestock Identification and Traceability (TRACE) Program.

Health of Animals (HofA) ear tags or Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) allocated premises numbers are no longer allowed.

Approved tags bear the logo of the Canadian Pork Council (CPC).

Specific identification requirements for swine being exported depend on the end use of the animal:

  • breeding animals may be identified with
    • ear tags which bear a unique 15 digit number that follows the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 11784 standard format. these tags can be either electronic or non-electronic

      or

    • ear tags which bear an official 5 digit alphanumeric CPC-designated herd mark unique to the production site, with a secondary unique herd management identification number on the same tag
  • feeder swine may be identified with:
    • ear tags which bear a unique 15 digit number that follows the ISO 11784 standard format

      These tags can be either electronic or non-electronic;

      or

    • ear tags which bear an official 5 digit alphanumeric CPC-designated herd mark unique to the production site; or
    • ear tattoos bearing a CPC-designated herd mark unique to the production site

Note: shoulder tattoos are not to be used for export. If ear tattoos are used, they must be legible.

Exporters should be advised that it is preferable to verify that their tags or indicators are in compliance with state requirements by contacting the United States state veterinarian.

There are no federal test requirements for swine exported to the U.S.

  • some states have specific test requirements with respect to pseudorabies (Aujeszky's disease) and brucellosis for entry of swine into the state
  • confirmation of state requirements is the responsibility of the exporter
  • to comply with these requirements, analyses must be performed by an accredited veterinarian and sent to a laboratory accredited for this purpose within the time frame mandated by the state
  • animals which are tested must have a unique identification number
  • In those instances in which tests have been performed, a copy of the laboratory report is to be attached to HA1938

Zoo swine species

The export certificate HA2230 Export of Zoo Swine Species to the United States must be used and an import permit is required.

Health certification/ certification procedures

Canada is free of African swine fever (ASF), Classical swine fever (CSF), Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), Swine vesicular disease (SVD), and Swine pseudorabies (Aujeszky's disease, AD).

or

In the event of an outbreak of foreign animal disease, the swine covered by this health certificate did not originate from or transit through a current United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (USDA APHIS) recognized zone or region established due to the detection of ASF, CSF, FMD, SVD, or AD

  • the swine must also have had no contact with any swine or swine products (including imported swine or products) that were located in a current USDA APHIS recognized zone or region established due to the detection of ASF, CSF, FMD, SVD, or ADFootnote 1

The swine intended for export to the United States have not been imported into Canada from countries designated by the USDA as affected with FMD, ASF, CSF or SVD; nor are they the first generation progeny of such imported swine.

The swine were born in Canada or have been in Canada and free of any movement restrictions for at least 60 days immediately preceding the date of export to the United States.

No Swine Erysipelas or Swine Plague (Pasteurellosis) has existed on the premise of origin or adjoining premises for at least 60 days immediately preceding the time of movement from the premises of origin.

During the 60 days immediately preceding export, the swine have not had any contact with other swine or ruminants which would not qualify for export to the United States.

  • "contact" refers to any situation where pigs would have nose to nose contact or share feeders/waterers

The swine to be exported are not vaccinated against ASF, CSF, FMD, SVD, or AD and are not progeny of vaccinated sows.

The swine must be identified with a indicator approved under the National Livestock Identification and Traceability (TRACE) program.

  • the tag/indicator must have a unique identification number which bears the official trademark of the responsible administrator (Pig Trace)
  • the unique identification number must follow the ISO 11784 standard (15 digit unique number)
  • in the health certificate, the tag/indicator is referred to as the permanent identifier
    • this tag/indicator must be accompanied by a second individual identification tag (plastic bangle tag)
    • if an approved electronic button ear tag is used as permanent identifier, it can be used as the sole identifier if it can be read without restraining the animal

Note: subcutaneous microchip implants with an ISO 11784 identification number may also be used with the official radio frequency identification (RFID) ear tags, so a second permanent ID is in place in case the RFID tag is lost or damaged. If microchip implants are used, the location must be listed on the export health certificate.

Animals to be exported must be tested with negative results within 30 days of export for the following disease:

Brucellosis: the sample must be sent to a CFIA approved laboratory and the Buffered Plate Antigen Test (BPAT) be selected for testing

Pseudorabies: the sample must be sent to the CFIA Winnipeg laboratory and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or virus neutralization (1:4 dilution) test must be selected

  • in order to submit this test to a CFIA laboratory, use Form CFIA/ACIA 5473 – Animal Health Import, Export and Artificial Insemination Specimen Submission
  • consult section 3.2 Serologic Testing for more information
  • an export notification number must be written on the request form
    • This notification number should be requested at the CFIA district office
  • consult section 3.2 Serologic Testing for more information

Note: some states have specific test requirements for entry of swine into the state. Confirmation of state requirements is the responsibility of the exporter.

The attesting CFIA-accredited veterinarian has inspected the swine within 24 hours before the date of export and found the swine to be free of evidence of infectious and communicable diseases and, as far as can be determined, exposure thereto during the preceding 60 days.

The date of inspection is to be recorded on the certificate.

The transporting conveyance must be cleaned and disinfected prior to the loading of animals at the pre-export premises.

Farmed wild boar

The export certificate HA2228 Export of Farmed Wild Boars to the United States must be used.

Health certification

Canada is free of African swine fever (ASF), classical swine fever (CSF), foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), swine vesicular disease (SVD), and swine pseudorabies (Aujeszky's disease, AD).

or

In the event of an outbreak of foreign animal disease, the swine covered by the health certificate did not originate from or transit through a current United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (USDA APHIS) recognized zone or region established due to the detection of ASF, CSF, FMD, SVD, or AD.

  • the wild boars must also have had no contact with any swine or swine products (including imported swine or products) that were located in a current USDA APHIS recognized zone or region established due to the detection of ASF, CSF, FMD, SVD, or ADFootnote 1

The wild boars to be exported are not vaccinated against ASF, CSF, FMD, SVD, or AD and are not progeny of vaccinated sows.

The wild boars for export were not previously imported into Canada from countries designated by the USDA as affected with FMD, ASF, CSF, or SVD.

The wild boars for export have been in Canada for a minimum of 60 days immediately preceding the date of export to the U.S.

The wild boars were not vaccinated with a live, an attenuated, or an inactivated vaccine during the 14 days preceding export to the U.S.

The wild swine must be identified with a indicator approved under the National Livestock Identification and Traceability (TRACE) program.

  • the tag/indicator must have a unique identification number which bears the official trademark of the responsible administrator (Pig Trace)
  • the unique identification number must follow the ISO 11784 standard (15 digit unique number)
  • a second permanent identification in the form of a plastic or metal ear tag, unique tattoo, brand or microchip is required
  • animals for export must be examined by the signing accredited veterinarian within the 14 days prior to the date of export and were found to be free of evidence of infectious and communicable disease
    • in the event of an outbreak of ASF, CSF, FMD, SVD, or AD, the swine must be inspected within 7 days prior to export

The animals must be isolated for a period of 30 days before export.

The animals for export must be tested with negative results for brucellosis within the 30-day period before the date of export.

  • the sample must be sent to a CFIA approved laboratory and the Buffered Plate Antigen Test (BPAT) be selected for testing

How to complete the Canadian health certificates (HA1938, HA2228 and HA2230)

The accredited veterinarian must use the most recent version of the export certificate.

The accredited veterinarian who inspected the animals must sign the health certificate.

When required, the U.S. import permit number must be entered in the appropriate section.

The date of the tests performed for certificate HA2230 must be indicated on the export certificate.

The results of tests that are performed to meet specific state requirements do not constitute part of the official certification and are not to appear on the export health certificate.

  • the test results can be attached to the export document and must be brought to the CFIA office at the time of endorsement.

The accredited veterinarian must complete the export health certificate by entering all required information according to the directions provided above.

For the export of breeding swine only (HA 1938), individual identification may be indicated by a range(s) of numbers provided that all numbers within the range(s) have been allocated to animals in the shipment.

if an animal(s) is/are removed from the shipment after endorsement of the certificate, the certificate must be replaced and the numbers of the animal(s) not included in the shipment removed.

The "Reference number" is assigned by the CFIA district office.

The completed and signed health certificate will be submitted to a CFIA veterinary inspector to review and, if all requirements are met, it will be endorsed.

Any incomplete export certificates will be returned to the accredited veterinarian for completion.

A fee is charged for CFIA endorsement.

Swine for immediate slaughter to the U.S.

Inspection, testing or certification is not required for swine consigned from the port of entry directly to a slaughter facility.

A statement signed by the exporter showing the farm(s) of origin and the approved U.S. slaughter plant to which the load is consigned must be presented to the USDA veterinarian at the port of entry.

Although the United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) permits the import of sealed loads of Canadian origin swine without health certification requirements (9 CFR 93.517), the swine imports must meet other general requirements of these regulations, including official identification (9 CFR 93.501).

  • animals are required to be individually identified with an official ear tag, official herd mark tattoo, or other PigTrace identification acceptable for use for domestic immediate slaughter movements, including slap tattoos
  • tattoos must be legible
  • in cases where pigs are moved to an intermediate site (for example assembly yard) prior to export, these pigs must meet domestic identification requirements for such movement

Swine for immediate slaughter to the U.S that have been exposed to Seneca Virus A (SVA)

SVA disease is neither a CFIA regulated nor a World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) listed disease.

Rapid investigation and differential diagnosis of every suspect SVA case displaying vesicular lesions remains imperative because the clinical signs and gross lesions of SVA disease are indistinguishable from CFIA regulated foreign animal diseases (Foot and Mouth Disease, Swine Vesicular Disease and Vesicular Stomatitis).

The USDA APHIS requires that inspection and certification using the HA3184 health certificate be performed for pigs from a pre export premises (for example; farm, assembly yard) anytime there have been:

  • 2 or more loads from that premises refused entry at the U.S. border for vesicular lesions

and/or,

  • APHIS has initiated 2 or more foreign animal disease investigations because of vesicular lesions detected in pigs originating from a premises at slaughter plants in U.S. within a 2-week timeframe

Once implemented, the HA3184 health certificate requirement for the affected premises will remain in place for a minimum of 3 months and until at least 60 days has passed with no detection of vesicular lesions in pigs from these facilities.

  • this certificate cannot be used without prior approval from the CFIA. The CFIA will determine, in consultation with the USDA APHIS, when the certificate is required
  • contact your local district office to receive a copy of this certificate
  • swine exported to the U.S. from a SVA affected premises also require a USDA import permit (refer to module 5.1)

Certification requirements

the animals covered by the HA3184 certificate will have been inspected by an accredited veterinarian on the day of loading and found to be clinically healthy and considered fit for transport.

  • for swine exposed to SVA, this implies that specific attention is paid to looking for vesicles or blisters (intact or ruptured) on the snout
  • any animals that show other signs such as salivation or mild lameness should be individually segregated and given a more detailed examination examined for ulcerative lesions in the mouth, on the feet and nail bed
  • lame animals must also be evaluated in terms of suitability for transport under the Transportation of Animal Regulations

The swine for export have been identified with a tag/tattoo/indicator approved under the Canadian National Livestock Identification and Traceability (TRACE) program.

  • if tattoos are used as an identifier, they are clearly legible

The animals were transported in vehicle(s) that has been cleaned and disinfected since last used for livestock transport prior to loading at the facility.

Vehicles must be sealed by the accredited veterinarian using official CFIA seals.

  • to perform this function, accredited veterinarians or their technicians must be designated under the Health of Animals Act to affix seals
  • contact the CFIA district veterinarian to obtain this designation and to obtain the official seals
  • seal numbers are recorded on the HA3184

The animals must be shipped directly from the facility in Canada to an USDA APHIS approved slaughter facility in U.S. via the routing indicated on the HA3184.

How to complete the HA3184

The accredited veterinarian must complete the export health certificate by entering all required information according to the directions provided above.

The Canadian port of embarkation and U.S. port of entry must be listed on the HA3184 along with the total number, species and breed(s) of the animals in the consignment.

The option "Canada is free of African swine fever (ASF), classical swine fever (CSF), foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), swine vesicular disease (SVD), and swine pseudorabies (Aujeszky's disease, AD)" is chosen.

  • in the event of an outbreak of any of the above diseases, the HA3049 would be used (see below)

For swine exported through a pre export premises (that is, an assembly facility), indicate the date at which the animals arrived at the premises.

  • if animals arrived on multiple dates, use the first date animals in the shipment arrived

The "Reference number" is assigned by the CFIA district office.

The completed and signed health certificate will be submitted to a CFIA veterinary inspector to review and, if all requirements are met, it will be endorsed.

Any incomplete export certificates will be returned to the accredited veterinarian for completion.

A fee is charged for CFIA endorsement.

Swine for immediate slaughter to the U.S. in case of foreign animal disease in Canada

In case of detection of African swine fever (ASF), classical swine fever (CSF), foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), swine vesicular disease (SVD) or swine pseudorabies (Aujeszky's disease, AD) in Canada, the certificate HA3049 was negotiated with the USDA to send swine for immediate slaughter to the U.S. Contact your district office before using this certificate.

The most recent version of certificate HA3049 Export of swine for immediate slaughter to the United States of America must be used.

The animals covered by the health certificate have been inspected by a CFIA-accredited veterinarian on the premises of origin or where the animals were assembled within 7 days prior to the date of export and found to be healthy and free from any clinical evidence of infectious disease and, as far as can be determined, exposure thereto.

The swine did not originate from or transit through a current United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (USDA APHIS) recognized zone or region established due to the detection of ASF, CSF, FMD, SVD, or AD.

  • the animals must also have had no contact with any swine or swine products (including imported swine or products) that were located in a current USDA APHIS recognized zone or region established due to the detection of ASF, CSF, FMD, SVD, or AD

The swine are not vaccinated against ASF, CSF, FMD, SVD, or AD and are not progeny of vaccinated sows.

The animals will be shipped directly from the premises of origin in Canada to an USDA APHIS approved slaughter facility in the U.S.

The animals were transported in vehicle(s) that has been cleaned and disinfected since last used for livestock transport prior to loading of the animals at the premises of origin.

  • the truck/trailer license number as well as the date and time of cleaning and disinfection must be provided on the export certificate
  • the exporter, agent or owner must obtain from the transporter a document certifying the cleaning and disinfection before loading, endorse it and provide a copy to the accredited veterinarian to be kept on file

The swine for export have been identified with a tag/tattoo/indicator approved under the Canadian National Livestock Identification and Traceability (TRACE) program.

  • if tattoos are used as an identifier, they are clearly legible

The exporter should be made aware that they must arrange for USDA inspection at the port of entry.

Inspections at U.S. ports of entry

Animals must be presented at the U.S. port of entry by appointment. The veterinarian at the port of entry will conduct a visual health examination of the animals and verify the identification of the animals as well as the information on the official health certificate.

Refer to section 5.1 for the list of land ports of entry designated as having the necessary inspection facilities for the entry of animals from Canada.

  • although the list was provided by the USDA, it is the exporters' responsibility to present their animals to a U.S. port of entry that has the facilities required for the unloading and inspection of such animals

References

Copies of export health certificates HA1938, HA2228, HA2230, HA3049 and HA3184 are available at the district office.