The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is implementing new import measures to protect Canadian livestock from an outbreak of vesicular stomatitis, which was reported in New Mexico, US.
Under the new import measures, horses originating from the state of New Mexico will not be allowed to enter Canada. Canadian horses returning from New Mexico will be allowed entry into Canada only if additional import requirements are met.
In addition, all horses entering Canada from the US must be accompanied by official US documents stating that they have not been in New Mexico within the previous 21 days.
According to CFIA, an outbreak of vesicular stomatitis in Canada could result in a loss of markets for live animals, meat and animal genetics.
Vesicular stomatitis is a viral disease that can affect horses, ruminants and swine. It can also cause influenza-like symptoms in people who come into contact with infected animals. Canada is currently free of vesicular stomatitis. It was last diagnosed in Canada in 1949.
