Canada has restricted imports of cattle, horses and several other live-animal species from Texas because of the New World screwworm outbreak, adding a new trade consequence to the animal-health emergency.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency restrictions cover cattle and bison, horses and other equines, pigs, sheep, goats, deer, elk, moose, llamas, alpacas and related species originating in Texas.
Animals exported from other states may still enter Canada if they have not lived in or traveled through Texas during the 21 days before export and meet other Canadian import requirements. Returning Canadian animals are also subject to the Texas travel restriction.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the first Texas detection in a calf in Zavala County on June 3. New World screwworm larvae can enter wounds and feed on the living tissue of livestock, pets and wildlife. The pest can also affect people in rare cases.
Federal and state animal-health officials have been working to track cases, inspect animals and expand the production of sterile flies used to suppress the pest. The restrictions could affect livestock sales, breeding, shows and other movements involving animals that have been in Texas.
Canadian regulators stressed that the action concerns animal health. The restrictions do not apply to meat, animal products or animal byproducts, and the agency said New World screwworm is not considered a food-safety risk.
Animal owners planning interstate or international travel should confirm current requirements with a veterinarian and the appropriate state or federal animal-health authority.
Sources: USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and The Texas Tribune.
