Canada Imposes Import Restrictions on Horses

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Canada has imposed additional requirements on horses entering from the United States because of the outbreak of Vesicular Stomatitis in Arizona.

This is the first 2010 U.S.-based outbreak of VS, which causes blister-like lesions in the mouth and on the tongue, lips, nostrils, hooves, and teats. 

The VS blisters swell and break, leaving raw tissue that may cause the animals to refuse to eat or drink and show signs of lameness, according to the Arizona Department of Agriculture. Severe weight loss usually follows. Humans can also be infected with VS by handling affected animals.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Arizona Department of Agriculture are conducting an epidemiological investigation into the outbreak, according to a release. The premises where the virus was discovered is currently under quarantine.

Several states have also imposed movement restrictions on horses from Arizona. For more information regarding possible state movement restrictions please contact a state animal health official.

Canada’s current restrictions prohibit the importation of all horses from Arizona. In addition, horse owners shipping their horses into Canada from any other state must include the following certifications on the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection in addition to those already required:

--The horse has not been in Arizona during the previous 21 days.

--All horses entering Canada from the U.S. must include a statement that the horse was inspected within 30 days prior to export.

Horses are subject to inspection within 15 days of export if they are entering Canada: 

--Either in accordance with import permit conditions for piroplasmosis, which are applicable to horses resident in Texas or New Mexico within 21 days prior to export;
--Or in accordance with import permit conditions for VS, which are applicable to horses that are of Canadian origin within 60 days prior to export and have been resident in Arizona within 21 days prior to export.