Animal Health Canada (AHC) has recently reported a new outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Germany. In response, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is taking proactive measures to protect the health of Canada’s livestock and minimize the potential economic impact of an FMD outbreak in the country.
The outbreak in Germany has been identified in several susceptible species, including pigs, cattle, sheep, llamas, deer, elephants, and more. To prevent the spread of the disease, the CFIA has established import measures for various commodities associated with these susceptible species.
Affected commodities include live animals, uncooked meat, raw milk, manure, laboratory material, blood products, and more. Additionally, products like raw hides, skins, wool, and animal feed that have come into contact with affected animals are also subject to import restrictions.
Imported products and by-products from affected species that were collected or slaughtered before a specific date are still eligible for entry into Canada. However, proper documentation with the date of collection or slaughter is required. For shipments originating from Germany, certification must confirm that the products were collected or slaughtered prior to December 12, 2024, or that the certificate was signed before this date.
The CFIA will provide further updates if certain regions of Germany are declared free of the disease, allowing imports from these areas to resume. For more detailed information, stakeholders are encouraged to visit the Foot and Mouth Disease – Disease Freedom webpage on the CFIA website.
If there are any inquiries or concerns regarding the import restrictions due to FMD, individuals can reach out to the Animal Products and By-products Import inbox at APABPImport@inspection.gc.ca. Routine questions can also be directed to local CFIA offices for assistance.
It is crucial for stakeholders in the livestock and agriculture industries to stay informed about the current outbreak of FMD in Germany and the associated import measures implemented by the CFIA. By following the guidelines and restrictions set forth by the agency, we can collectively work towards safeguarding Canada’s livestock and agricultural sector from the potential impact of this disease.
In conclusion, the CFIA is closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary steps to protect Canadian livestock and the economy from the threat of Foot and Mouth Disease. Stakeholders are advised to stay updated on the latest developments and comply with the import measures to prevent the spread of the disease within Canada. If there are any questions or uncertainties, individuals can contact the CFIA for guidance and support.