The CFIA banned the entry of live animals from Arizona following an outbreak of New World screwworm detected on October 31, bringing to three the number of U.S. states under restrictions. The measure does not cover meat or by-products.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) banned the import of live animals from Arizona after an outbreak of New World screwworm was identified in that state on October 31. With this decision, three U.S. states are now subject to restrictions: Texas, since June, and New Mexico, since September.
New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals and is usually found in tropical climates. An infected animal entering Canada poses a risk of spreading the pest, which is not currently present in Canadian territory, although it was detected in the United States this northern summer for the first time in decades.
The bans apply only to live animals and do not apply to meat, animal products or by-products. The import of animals from unaffected states is permitted provided they have not resided in or transited through restricted states during the 21 days prior to their export to Canada and they meet all other import conditions.
In the case of a Canadian animal attempting to return to the country that has resided in or transited through any of the affected states in the last 21 days, it must be moved to an unaffected state, remain there for at least 21 days and meet other conditions before its return.
The CFIA recommended that owners and exporters contact their local animal health office before traveling to the United States to confirm the current screwworm situation and learn about the return requirements. It also warned that some U.S. states may prohibit interstate movements without permits, certifications and inspections, so it suggested checking each state's requirements before traveling.
