Import and export implications of HPAI (H5N1) in dairy cattle

The World Organisation of Animal Health (WOAH) does not recommend trade restrictions on the movement of healthy cattle or their products at this time. For more information, see the WOAH's recommendations on high pathogenicity avian influenza in cattle.

Import controls for live cattle from the United States (U.S.)

For the importation of live cattle from the U.S., Canada has current evidence based import controls to reduce the risk of introduction of animal diseases in order to help protect its people and animals. These include:

import permits
export certification from the U.S.
veterinary inspection of imported cattle

Additional measures due to HPAI in U.S. cattle

Canada has added more specific requirements for cattle imports from the U.S in response to the HPAI outbreak.

Lactating dairy cattle

Breeding cattle: As of April 29, 2024, Canada requires testing for HPAI with negative result on all imported lactating dairy cattle from the U.S.
Immediate slaughter: As of May 24, 2024, Canada requires a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) export certificate for lactating dairy cattle imported from the U.S. for immediate slaughter.

Canadian cattle returning from the U.S.

Due to the presence of HPAI (H5N1) in the United States dairy cattle population, the CFIA advises against all Canadian cattle travelling to and participating in agricultural exhibitions in the U.S. at this time. For more information on additional requirements:

As of August 14, 2024, cattle returning after a stay of less than 60 days require additional certification
Advisory: Guidance and precautions for participation in United States agricultural exhibitions to mitigate the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Canadian cattle
Follow the guidance in sample collection and submission to collect the necessary samples for post-return testing for cattle from U.S. exhibitions applies

Export of live cattle

To be eligible for export, cattle must meet the conditions of the importing country and be certified by the CFIA before leaving Canada. The specific tests and controls for an export will vary by destination country. A general summary is that all animals to be exported must:

not have lived in a herd with any serious contagious disease (whether reportable or otherwise) for a minimum of 60 days
not had contact with animals or herds of a lesser health status.
have been examined by an accredited veterinarian or a CFIA veterinarian prior to endorsement of the export certificate

For more information, refer to Exporting terrestrial animals and animal products.

Importing food products

All imported food products into Canada must meet Canadian food safety requirements including:.

a valid import licence
a preventative control plan
traceability documentation
recall procedures

Importing livestock feed ingredients

Dairy products including milk and milk products that are imported for use as ingredients for livestock feed are regulated
Only approved feed ingredients may be imported into Canada. Approved feed ingredients are listed in Parts I and II of Schedules IV and V of the Feeds Regulations.
There are several approved feed ingredients derived from dairy products, which are further processed through dehydration, pasteurization, etc. prior to being sold as feed ingredients

More information can be found in the RG-10 Regulatory Guidance: Importing livestock feeds (mixed feeds and single ingredient feeds) into Canada.

Feeding poultry litter to cattle is illegal in Canada.

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