New Guidelines for Importing Feeder Cattle from US

April 20, 2005

20 April 2005

New Guidelines for Importing Feeder Cattle from the United States

The following information bulletin was issued by the CFIA on 19 April. It is available on their web site, at http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/policy/restricte.shtml.

The Government of Canada has new program standards for importing restricted feeder cattle from the United States. The new policy, announced on March 10, 2004, removes anaplasmosis and bluetongue testing and treatment requirements from feeder cattle imported from most U.S. states.

The implementation of these new standards was delayed due to the larger BSE import regulations that prohibited imports of feeder cattle. Given that the BSE import restrictions have been amended, these new program standards are being implemented. The CFIA is now accepting applications for inspection from feedlot operators who wish to have their feedlots approved to import U.S. feeders.

U.S. feeder cattle from up to 39 states considered to have a low risk of bluetongue will be able to enter Canada directly without testing. In addition, exporting states must also be recognized to be free of bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis under U.S. federal programs. Feeder cattle from the remaining 11 states, which are considered to have a high incidence of bluetongue, are also not required to be tested as long as they reside for at least 60 days prior to import in a qualifying state.

Feedlots within the Okanagan Valley, may only be approved to import from any qualifying state during the winter months (October 1 - March 31) or from Hawaii throughout the year. This is because the insects that can spread both bluetongue and anaplasmosis are known to be present in the Okanagan Valley. However, Canada has officially recognized Hawaii to be free from both of these diseases and so Hawaiian feeder cattle do not present a disease risk.

The new program continues to protect Canadian livestock from these diseases, while meeting the needs of Canada’s feedlot industry.

Specifically, under these new rules:

• There are control provisions for the movement of imported feeders between approved feedlots and for Canadian cattle to leave importing feedlots to re-enter Canada’s breeding herd.

• Imported animals are eligible to leave the feedlot only for immediate slaughter, movement to another feedlot that is approved to import restricted feeder cattle or to re-export to the U.S. (once that export market reopens).

• There are requirements for comprehensive management programs for animals in the feedlot, enhanced insect vector control programs and periodic inspection of animals within importing feedlots.

These elements will protect our national herd from any threat of these diseases. CFIA inspection staff will monitor importing feedlots to ensure compliance with all aspects of this new import policy.

How Can Importing Feedlots Become Eligible?

Feedlot operators can apply for a permit through their local CFIA district office. In order to qualify for year-round access, feedlots must be located outside of the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia. Feedlots within the Okanagan Valley may be approved to import from any qualifying state during the winter months (October 1-March 31) or from Hawaii throughout the year.

Once the application is received, the feedlot operator will be requested to supply information about the feedlot’s structure and management practices. CFIA inspectors will perform an initial inspection of the feedlot premises at which time the requirements and standards of the program will be reviewed in detail.

Canadian feedlot operators will need to comply with new standards under the revised import program. For example, feedlot operators are required to:

• Have in place a management system that can track the movement of imported animals into, within and from the feedlot to its final destination.

• Have an enhanced control program in place for insects that may transmit anaplasmosis or bluetongue. Note: preventative antibiotic treatment for anaplasmosis


Topic(s): 
Other Government Departments (OGDs) Requirements
Information Source: 
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
Document Type: 
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