Regarding beef cattle exported to the United States (U.S.) for temporary stay (for example show, exhibition) less than 60 days and returning to Canada.
Due to the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in U.S. dairy cattle, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) does not recommend that Canadian cattle participate in agricultural shows in the U.S. at this time.
Should you choose to take beef cattle for a temporary stay (for example less than 60 days) in the U.S., the following precautionary measures are recommended for all Canadian-origin beef cattle that return to Canada. This is due to the increased risk of exposure to HPAI if exported to the U.S.
Beef cattle returning to Canada after a temporary stay in the U.S. (less than 60 days) may be permitted entry following veterinary inspection at the CFIA port of entry (border crossing). These animals must be accompanied by:
- the original Canadian zoosanitary export certificate (HA1941)
- United States Department of Agriculture Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) Veterinary Services form (VS 17-140) (zoosanitary export certificate), along with Export Certification Statements for Canadian Origin Cattle (All Breeds and End Uses) in United States for Less Than 60 Days Returning to Canada, issued within 7 days from the date of return to Canada
- Note: any cattle within the shipment that are lactating, must be tested in the U.S. by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for influenza A virus, and demonstrate negative results within 7 days of their expected return to Canada
- additional documentation (CFIA import permit) is required for cattle exported from Canada to the U.S. more than 30 days but less than 60 days before the date of re-importation into Canada
- consult the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) for more information
While your animal(s) may appear healthy at the time of re-entry/import into Canada, it is possible that they may be incubating the HPAI H5N1 virus and not yet showing clinical signs of infection. The CFIA recommends the following best practices to protect your herd and the Canadian national herd from a potential incursion of HPAI:
- transport the imported animals by the most direct and appropriate route from the port of entry to the final destination premises
- maintain the imported animals in isolation at the final destination premises for a period of 21 days
This isolation is consistent with the recommendations in section 1.A.1 of the Canadian Beef Cattle On-Farm Biosecurity Standard, which advises temporary isolation for incoming animals. During this period of isolation, there should be no direct or indirect contact between the imported and resident cattle. The imported animals should be housed such that there is no potential nose-to-nose contact with resident cattle for the duration of the isolation period. Imported animals should be handled last and any equipment used on imported animals should be dedicated to those animals, or cleaned and disinfected prior to being used on other animals (for example handling facilities).
While beef and dairy cattle are the same species, and beef cattle are likely susceptible, the differences in production and management practices (for example the use of milking equipment, higher density housing, and more contact with humans, resulting in increased fomite potential for dairy herds) mean that the risk of HPAI is currently higher for dairy cattle than beef cattle. The post-return requirements for dairy cattle versus beef cattle reflect this different risk level.
Clinical signs of HPAI infections in dairy cattle that have been reported in the U.S. include:
- decreased feed intake with a simultaneous decrease in rumination and rumen motility
- respiratory signs, including clear nasal discharge
- sudden and significant decrease in milk production
- colostrum-like consistency of milk in 1 or more quarters
- dry manure or diarrhea
- lethargy
- dehydration
- fever
The owner(s) and/or person(s) in care/control of the imported animal(s) is obligated to report any suspicion of HPAI under the Health of Animals Act Section 5 (below), should your animal(s) show any clinical signs (see above) consistent with infection.
5 (1) A person who owns or has the possession, care or control of an animal shall notify the nearest veterinary inspector of the presence of a reportable disease or toxic substance, or any fact indicating its presence, in or around the animal, immediately after the person becomes aware of the presence or fact.
The imported animal(s) should be monitored closely for a period of 30 days following import into Canada, as well as the rest of your herd, and any concerns should be reported promptly to your local Animal Health District Office.
Please ensure that you are aware of the above recommendations prior to exporting your animal(s) to the U.S. It is recommended that you discuss the post-return considerations with your accredited veterinarian at the time of, or before, they conduct the export inspection of your animals.
For information on HPAI in cattle, please refer to the Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in cattle page.
Canadian Beef Cattle On-Farm Biosecurity Standard (excerpt)
1.A.1.f. Segregate incoming animals
Segregate all incoming animals from the herd, on arrival, whether they are new or returning. This involves separation and regular monitoring for an extended period of time.
Segregation pens should be near the unloading facility and accessed without exposure to the herd.
Segregation pens should give incoming animals physical, spatial and procedural separation to avoid exposure to the herd. Avoid spreading disease from one group to the other, whether through run-off, fence-line or nose-to-nose contact, common equipment, clothing, footwear, personnel, pets, wildlife, etc. Consider using designated clothing, boots and equipment. Pens should be physically separate from the rest of the Production Area and a substantial distance from the herd to prevent aerosol spread, for example 60 m. or more. Procedures should minimize exposure through different equipment or personnel.
Animals in segregation should be regularly monitored for disease, for an extended period of time. Ideally this involves twice-daily observation for 14 days, possibly more depending on the diseases of concern or whether disease is observed.
Schedule 2. Incoming Animals; Animals that have been purchased/acquired for introduction into the resident herd or animals returning from a brief absence from the herd (exhibition, show, etc.)