Since early 2024, the United States (U.S.) has reported outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy cows in several states. Due to the presence of HPAI (H5N1) in the U.S. dairy cattle population, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) advises against all Canadian cattle travelling to and participating in agricultural exhibitions in the U.S. at this time. While we understand the traditional and business significance of attending these events, the current HPAI situation in the U.S. may pose a risk of introducing and spreading the virus into Canada and may negatively impact the health of your animals.
To protect your cattle – dairy or beef – from HPAI, the CFIA does not recommend showing them at exhibitions. This particularly applies if there are cattle or poultry participating from states or regions where HPAI in cattle has been detected. Find out where HPAI has been detected in livestock on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's website.
Recommendations to prevent the spread of HPAI
Various American agricultural exhibitions may have testing requirements prior to entry of cattle, given the current situation. This may vary from state-to-state and by exhibition. If you choose to participate, be sure to contact exhibition organizers to find out what is required before your departure from Canada.
If you choose to travel with your animals to agricultural exhibitions in the U.S. despite the known risks, a certificate for all Canadian cattle that are in the U.S. for less than 60 days will be required. The requirements for cattle returning from a temporary stay in the U.S. (any breed, any end use) are available at – Requirements for return to Canada. The USDA-APHIS certificate is available at: Export certification statements for Canadian origin cattle (all breeds and end uses) in United States for less than 60 days returning to Canada (PDF)
Your cattle will be required to stay in the U.S. for 60 days if they have resided on a premises (including exhibition sites) where HPAI or any other contagious disease that cattle can contract, has been detected within the last 60 days, or if they have been exposed to these diseases.
For dairy cattle, other measures will be required upon return to Canada, including:
- isolating the imported cattle as per the Biosecurity for Canadian Dairy Farms: National Standard
- A formal quarantine may be issued when biosecurity measures are not sufficient to prevent potential spread of disease.
- bulk tank test by your veterinarian and testing of the individual imported dairy cattle, including heifers, between 14 and 21 days after return
The results must be shared with your CFIA district office when they are received.
- if negative results are obtained the animal can be re-integrated into the herd
- if results are not received in a timely manner, the CFIA will follow up and may conduct a disease investigation
- additional bulk tank test by your veterinarian 30 days after re-integration of imported animals into resident herd is recommended
- information on how to submit bulk tank samples to a Canadian Animal Health Surveillance Network (CAHSN) lab can be found at HPAI in cattle: Guidance for Private Veterinarians
for more details refer to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Cattle: Letter for Dairy Cattle Exporters
- For beef cattle, a recommended best practice is to isolate any animals for 21 days after their return to Canada as per the Canadian Beef Cattle On-Farm Biosecurity Standard.
- For more details refer to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Cattle: Letter for Beef Cattle Exporters
While beef and dairy cattle are the same species, the risk of HPAI is currently higher for dairy cattle. While 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), there is an increased transmission potential for dairy herds.
It is the responsibility of the owner to understand the requirements and to ensure the appropriate documentation and requirements are met. Practicing good biosecurity is the best way to prevent the spread of animal diseases, including HPAI.
If you suspect HPAI in your cattle or any other animals, you must report it immediately to your local CFIA office or district veterinarian under the Health of Animals Act.
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