Foot & Mouth Disease

International Travellers Awareness

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a virus that is highly contagious to cloven-hoofed animals including cattle, pigs and sheep. Canada is free of FMD. This virus is the greatest health threat to Canadian livestock and an incursion would be economically and socially devastating. 

Many countries in Asia, Africa and South America are positive for FMD. Travellers returning from these areas pose a risk to Canada’s livestock.

• Travellers can play a role in keeping Canada’s livestock and wildlife safe. 
• Always declare to Canadian Border Services Agents when you have travelled from a farm internationally OR will be returning to a farm in Canada.
• Everyone must avoid contact with livestock or susceptible animals for 5 days after returning to Canada. 
• When returning from a country without an official FMD-Negative status, avoid contact with livestock or agricultural operations for at least 14 days.