Canada Imposes Temporary Import Restrictions on Livestock Amid Vesicular Stomatitis Outbreak
Table of Contents
Canada has implemented temporary import restrictions on horses, swine, and ruminants – including cattle – arriving from certain U.S. states, following a recent outbreak of vesicular stomatitis (VS). The move, announced on November 13, 2025, by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), aims to protect Canada’s livestock industry from the potentially devastating effects of the viral disease.
Why did Canada impose these restrictions? canada acted to safeguard its livestock industry from the potential economic and health impacts of a vesicular stomatitis outbreak. The disease, while typically mild, closely resembles foot-and-mouth disease, which could cause significant disruption.
The CFIA’s restrictions, currently in affect until further notice, suspend the importation of susceptible animals from affected states. Furthermore, Canadian-origin animals that have spent the past 21 days in a VS-affected U.S. state will be denied re-entry to Canada, with very limited exceptions.
who was affected by these restrictions? The restrictions primarily affected livestock producers and transporters in the U.S. states experiencing VS outbreaks, as well as Canadian producers who had animals in those states. The livestock species impacted were horses, swine, and ruminants (including cattle).
To facilitate the return of Canadian livestock,stringent conditions must be met. Animals must first be moved to a non-affected U.S. state and remain there for a minimum of 21 days. Crucially, they must also receive certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirming their origin from areas demonstrably free of both clinical and epidemiological evidence of VS during that period.
Producers and transporters are strongly advised to avoid travel through VS-affected states whenever feasible. However,if transit is unavoidable,shippers are required to complete a supplementary declaration upon arrival at any Canadian port of entry.
Exceptions for major Agricultural Events
Recognizing the importance of key agricultural events, the CFIA and USDA have collaborated to establish limited exceptions for pre-approved exhibitions and competitions. These include:
- Royal Winter Fair
- Agribition
- Calgary Stampede
- Thunderbirds
- Spruce Meadows
- Longines Global Tour
- Denver Stock show
- Houston livestock show and Rodeo
Animals intending to participate in these events will be subject to rigorous testing, certification, and inspection protocols. These requirements encompass negative VS testing, implementation of vector protection measures, and a thorough veterinary inspection by the CFIA upon arrival at the border.
What were the specific restrictions? Importation of susceptible animals from affected U.S. states was suspended. Canadian animals with recent exposure in affected states were barred from re-entry without a 21-day quarantine in a non-affected state and USDA certification. Strict protocols were implemented for animals attending pre-approved events.
Understanding Vesicular Stomatitis
Vesicular stomatitis is a viral disease impacting horses, cattle, swine, and other ruminants. The disease manifests as blister-like lesions on the mouth, nose, and feet, causing discomfort, potentially reducing milk production, and leading to temporary lameness in affected animals.
While typically a mild illness, VS raises significant concerns due to the striking similarity of its symptoms to those of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) – a highly contagious and economically ruinous condition. Even though rare, VS can also infect humans, typically causing mild illness.
According to available records, the last confirmed case of VS in Canada occurred in 1949.
Worth a look
- Deion Sanders Tightens Restrictions at Colorado Entering Season 4 (news-usa.today)
