Regarding dairy 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 dairy cattle for a temporary stay (for example less than 60 days) in the U.S., the following precautionary measures will be implemented for all Canadian-origin dairy cattle that return to Canada. This is due to the increased risk of exposure to HPAI if exported to the U.S.
Dairy 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) as 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. Therefore, in order to protect your herd and the Canadian national herd from a potential incursion of HPAI, please be aware that additional post-return requirements will apply as outlined in this letter.
If your animals are eligible for re-entry into Canada following CFIA inspection at the port of entry, the CFIA will issue form CFIA/ACIA 4206 – License to Transport to the animal owner(s) and transporter, which will include the following requirements.
- The imported animals must be transported by the most direct and appropriate route from the port of entry (border crossing) to the final destination premises identified on the License to Transport
- It is important to note that if any imported animals test positive for avian influenza subsequent to their return to Canada, any en route stops or shared transport may result in disease control actions being applied to those additional premises attended and/or animals co-transported/exposed
Additionally, the isolation and cleaning and disinfection requirements described below would also apply to any en route stops. - Any US-origin dairy cattle transported in the same conveyance will be included on the License to Transport and will require the same isolation and testing at the destination premises
- It is important to note that if any imported animals test positive for avian influenza subsequent to their return to Canada, any en route stops or shared transport may result in disease control actions being applied to those additional premises attended and/or animals co-transported/exposed
- The imported animals must remain at the destination premises where they are to be isolated from all other cattle residing on the destination premises until they are proven to be test-negative for influenza A virus (IAV)
This isolation is consistent with the recommendations in section 4.2.3 of the Biosecurity for Canadian Dairy Farms: National Standard, which advises temporary isolation for animals returning from shows and exhibitionsFootnote 1- During this period of isolation, there must be no direct or indirect contact between the imported and resident cattle
The imported animals must be housed such that there is no potential nose-to-nose contact with resident cattle for the duration of the isolation period. Imported animals must be handled last and any equipment used on imported animals must be dedicated to those animals, or cleaned and disinfected prior to being used on other animals (for example milking equipment). - The imported animals must not be re-integrated into the herd until the CFIA is provided with proof of negative test results for IAV from the imported animals
- During this period of isolation, there must be no direct or indirect contact between the imported and resident cattle
- The imported animals must be tested for influenza A virus (IAV) in the following manner:
- testing must occur between 14 and 21 days following re-entry/importation into Canada
- your accredited or other private veterinarian must attend your premises (at the cost of the producer/importer) in order to sample the herd's bulk milk tank and individually test the imported animals for IAV as per the Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in cattle: Guidance for private veterinarians
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results of this testing must be shared with the CFIA upon receipt
If the CFIA does not receive results for the required IAV testing within 21 days of re-entry/importation, the CFIA will attend your premises to conduct a disease investigation, which will include an official quarantine and testing for IAV.
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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 below) 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.
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 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.
While a negative test result on an individual animal provides evidence that the animal is not infected with HPAI, it is still important to continue to monitor your herd for the presence of disease.
Please ensure that you are able to meet the above requirements prior to exporting your animal(s) to the U.S. It is recommended that you discuss the post-return requirements with your accredited veterinarian at the time of, or before, they conduct the export inspection of your animals.
In addition to the above requirements, the CFIA recommends that your private veterinarian conduct a bulk tank milk sample 30 days following re-integration of the imported animals into your herd.
The CFIA will cover the costs for the laboratory analysis of all IAV testing related to the measures described herein as part of its enhanced industry biosecurity efforts.
For information on HPAI in Dairy Cattle, please refer to the Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in cattle page.
Biosecurity for Canadian Dairy Farms: National Standard (excerpt)
4.2.3 Strategy 3: Segregate, isolate, and monitor
Control cattle introduction into the resident herd, using isolation where indicated. Isolate and monitor newly introduced and re-introduced animals for a period of time that is sufficient to reveal the presence of clinical disease and to allow pathogen shedding to cease.
Producers who isolate cattle on entry provide a buffer between the new animals, particularly those with unknown disease status, and the home herd; cattle from the resident herd returning from a commingling activity (for example fairs or shows) would also be considered during this time as unknown disease status. This period of isolation from the resident herd provides an opportunity for any disease that might be carried by 1 or more of the additions to become evident and to be observed and properly diagnosed.