Canadian Beef Producer Advisory – September 13, 2024

September 13, 2024

Emerging Animal Health Issue: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Dairy Cattle

Guidance and precautions for beef and dairy cattle participating in United States agricultural exhibitions to mitigate the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Canadian cattle

ATTENTION:  Producers considering travelling with cattle (beef & dairy) to US and producers returning to Canada following short term stay (<60 days)

To protect your cattle—dairy or beef—from HPAI, the CFIA does not recommend showing them at exhibitions in the U.S. This particularly applies if there are cattle or poultry participating from states or regions where HPAI in cattle has been detected. Find out where HPAI has been detected in livestock on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website.

Due to the ongoing HPAI outbreak in dairy cattle in the US, cattle – dairy or beef – returning from the US after a stay <60 days now have additional requirements, as indicated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

PRIOR TO ATTENDING A U.S. SHOW:

Various American agricultural exhibitions may have testing requirements prior to entry of cattle, given the current situation. This may vary from state-to-state and by exhibition. If you choose to participate, be sure to contact exhibition organizers to find out what is required before your departure from Canada.

PRIOR TO RETURN TO CANADA:

The requirements for cattle returning from a temporary stay are available at: Requirements for return to Canada. The USDA-APHIS certificate is available at: – Export certification statements for Canadian origin cattle (all breeds and end uses) in United States for less than 60 days returning to Canada. 

  • An export certification statements for Canadian Origin Cattle (beef and dairy) must be completed by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian
  • The statements include:
    • Have undergone veterinary inspection within 7 days of expected return to Canada
    • Lactating cattle have been tested with PCR for influenza A
    • Transport vehicles or containers, in which the animals will be loaded,   will be cleaned and disinfected prior to loading
  • Producers should note that “Any cattle within the shipment that resided on a premises with any animals that were positive for influenza A virus, or were themselves found positive, should be quarantined within the USA for 60 days. The animals must be tested by PCR with negative results of the Canadian Animal(s) at the end of the 60day waiting period (after the initial positive test), before their return to Canada.”  

UPON RETURN

For beef cattle, a recommended best practice is to isolate any animals for 21 days after their return to Canada as per the Canadian Beef Cattle On-Farm Biosecurity Standard.

While beef and dairy cattle are the same species, the risk of HPAI is currently higher for dairy cattle. While beef cattle are likely susceptible, the differences in production and management practices (e.g. the use of milking equipment, higher density housing, and more contact with humans), there is an increased transmission potential for dairy herds.

It is the responsibility of the producer to understand the requirements and to ensure the appropriate documentation and requirements are met. Practicing good biosecurity is the best way to prevent the spread of animal diseases, including HPAI. Additional biosecurity measures can be viewed at https://www.beefresearch.ca/topics/biosecurity/.

For dairy cattle, other measures will be required upon return to Canada, including:

  • Isolating the imported cattle as per the Biosecurity for Canadian Dairy Farms: National Standard. A formal quarantine may be issued when biosecurity measures are not sufficient to prevent potential spread of disease.
  • Bulk tank test by your veterinarian and testing of the individual imported dairy cattle, including heifers, between 14 and 21 days after return. The results must be shared with your CFIA district office when they are received.
    • If negative results are obtained the animal can be re-integrated into the herd
    • If results are not received in a timely manner, the CFIA will follow up and may conduct a disease investigation.
  • Additional bulk tank test by your veterinarian 30 days after re-integration of imported animals into resident herd is recommended.
  • Information on how to submit bulk tank samples to a CAHSN lab can be found at HPAI in cattle: Guidance for Private Veterinarians.
  • For more details refer to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Cattle: Letter for Dairy Cattle Exporters.

If you suspect HPAI in your cattle or any other animals, you must report it immediately to your local CFIA office or district veterinarian under the Health of Animals Act.

Additional information

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