The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has modified the import requirements to horses to enter Canada from the state of Texas, Equine Canada recently reported. When the most recent outbreak of equine piroplasmosis occurred, the CFIA had asked the USDA to suspend the issuance or endorsement of export certificates for horses and other equines originating from the state of Texas.

The new modifications are as follows:

A) For horses from Texas for all end uses (including Canadian horses returning to Canada): the following import conditions will be required, effective November 20, 2009:

1) Import permit and

2) Additional US certification stating:

• The horse(s) were inspected by a veterinarian within fifteen (15) days preceding the date of importation;
• The horses were inspected for ticks and treated for ticks, if necessary, at the time of the inspection;
• The horse(s) have not been on a premises where equine piroplasmosis (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; and
• They must have tested negative to equine piroplasmosis using a cELISA test, during the fifteen (15) days prior to the date of importation into Canada.

B) For horses for all end uses from other states (including Canadian horses returning to Canada), the following requirement still applies:

• The USDA has also been asked to provide supplementary certification for horses and other equines from other states as follows: "During the previous twenty-one (21) days, the animal(s) in this shipment has/have not been in the State of Texas."

Current import requirements for horses entering Canada can be found using the CFIA Automated Import Reference System.

Disclaimer: Seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian before proceeding with any diagnosis, treatment, or therapy.