14 Aug - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is implementing new import measures to protect Canadian livestock from an outbreak of vesicular stomatitis reported in Colorado, United States. These are in addition to the measures that were put in place in May 2012 as a result of an outbreak of vesicular stomatitis in New Mexico.
Effective immediately, horses originating from the State of Colorado will not be permitted to enter Canada. Canadian horses returning from Colorado will be allowed entry into Canada if additional import requirements are met. In addition, all horses entering Canada from the United States must be accompanied by official US documents certifying that they have not been in Colorado within the previous 21 days.
- 02 Aug 2012 - Horse illness spurs Colorado to extend livestock travel requirements <more>
- 21 Jun 2012 - New Mexico Reports More Cases of Vesicular Stomatitis <more>
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) ... Vesicular stomatitis (VS) is a viral disease affecting horses, ruminants such as cattle, sheep and members of the deer and llama families, and swine. While VS causes discomfort to affected animals, and may result in loss of markets for live animals, meat and animal genetics, it is most significant because it closely resembles foot and mouth disease (FMD). Foot and mouth disease affects ruminants and swine, and is a devastating disease for producers.
In Canada, vesicular stomatitis is a reportable disease under the Health of Animals Act, and all cases must be reported to the CFIA.
Notice to Industry from CFIA • New Import Measures for Horses Entering Canada from the United States- CFIA vesicular stomatitis web page
- CFIA's fact sheet on Vesicular stomatitis
- USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service - APHIS fact sheet
- USDA's Animal Health and Monitoring - Vesicular stomatitis