The Canadian Food Inspection agency now is requiring new certifications for U.S. cattle entering Canada after a stay of fewer than 60 days, including an export certification statement signed by a veterinarian that the cattle have tested negative for influenza A virus.
The certification covers cattle entering Canada after spending seven days in the United States in addition to confirming that the cattle have not been on a farm where other animals or birds that have tested positive for exposure to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), CFIA added. Imported U.S. cattle also must be physically fit for transport and loaded onto clean vehicles or containers under the expanded rules.
Canadian officials implemented import measures for cattle this spring after a series of H5N1 outbreaks among U.S. dairy cattle that so far has spread to 13 states that have reported a total of 192 confirmed cases since outbreaks were first reported in March, according to USDA. No cases of H5N1 infections have been confirmed in dairy cattle in Canada so far, the CFIA said.
