The U.S. has reported the finding of Vesicular Stomatitis (VS), in the State of Texas.
Therefore, as in previous outbreaks, the restrictions which will be applied shortly are:
A) The importation of horses from the State of TEXAS for all end-uses will be prohibited, effective June 2, 2014.
B) For horses coming from the US, for all end-uses, from all other states, the following requirement applies (Note that this is already in place for restrictions related to piroplasmosis):
“During the previous twenty-one (21) days, the animal(s) in this shipment has/have not been in the state of Texas (or New Mexico)”.
AIRS will be modified accordingly.
The USDA has been asked to immediately suspend the issuance or endorsement of export certificates for horses and other equines originating from the State of Texas. They have also been asked to provide a copy of any health certificates for horses and other equines from the State of Texas issued for Canada during the 30 days prior to the outbreak.
All horses from Texas are already subject to CFIA inspection. For horses that are accompanied by a U.S. health certificate issued before June 2, 2014, the CFIA port of entry veterinarian must undertake a clinical exam of the animals with the additional consideration of Vesicular Stomatitis and determine whether the horses should be allowed to enter Canada.
Note: CANADIAN HORSES RETURNING TO CANADA ONLY will be able to enter Canada after a stay in Texas with an import permit (which is already required) and testing and the following additional certification:
*Supplementary certification:
The horse(s) were inspected by a veterinarian within fifteen (15) days preceding the date of importation; (already required);
The horse(s) have not been on a premises where Vesicular Stomatitis (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.
The horses must have tested negative to Vesicular Stomatitis using a cELISA test, during the fifteen (15) days prior to the date of importation into Canada.
The alternative option for Canadian horses returning is that they be moved to another state, stay there for at least 21 days and meet the existing requirement:
“During the previous twenty-one (21) days, the animal(s) in this shipment has/have not been in the state of Texas (or New Mexico)”.
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