The U.S. has reported the finding of horses infected with Vesicular Stomatitis (VS), in the State of Arizona. Therefore, we are taking the following actions:
A) The importation of horses from the State of Arizona for all end-uses will be prohibited.B) For U.S. horses, for all end-uses, from all other states, the following requirement applies:
"During the previous twenty-one (21) days, the animal(s) in this shipment has/have not been in the state of Arizona".
For Canadian Horses going to and returning from the U.S:
Before endorsement of the health certificate the CFIA District Office veterinarian will advise clients that they CANNOT bring their horses back to Canada from Arizona on the original Canadian export certificate.
Instead, it will be necessary that they bring their animals back to Canada with an import permit and a U.S. health certificate containing *supplementary certification OR move their horses to **alternate states and establish residency in that state for at least 21 days prior to export to Canada. In that case, the horses will be returning to Canada on a US health certificate that includes a statement for non residency in Arizona during the last 21 days prior to export to Canada (i.e. "During the previous twenty-one (21) days, the animal(s) in this shipment has/have not been in the state of Arizona").
*Supplementary certification:
The horse(s) were inspected by a veterinarian within fifteen (15) days preceding the date of importation;
The horse(s) have not been on a premises where Vesicular Stomatitis (clinical or serology) has occurred during the 60 days immediately preceding exportation to Canada, nor has this disease occurred on any adjoining premises during the same period of time.
The horses must have tested negative to Vesicular Stomatitis using a cELISA test, during the fifteen (15) days prior to the date of importation into Canada.
**Various U.S. states may also prohibit movement into state without permit/certification/testing/post-entry testing. The Canadian horse owner should check state requirements before movement.
Equine piroplasmosis related import restrictions on Texas and New Mexico are still applicable.
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency Vesicular stomatitis (VS) page