February 24, 2004

Canada Bans Poultry From Texas, US

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) on Monday suspended imports of live poultry and poultry products from Texas, US, following detection of highly pathogenic bird flu strain in the state.

The disease has been detected on one farm. Information from U.S. authorities indicates that no live poultry or poultry products have been exported from this establishment to Canada. Work is underway to determine whether Canada has imported any potentially affected commodities from any other establishments in Texas.

The CFIA has alerted the Canadian Border Services Agency to refuse entry into Canada of any affected commodities. As well, Canadian officials have asked the U.S. to voluntarily withhold any further export certification of these commodities to minimize the amount of product sent to the border.

As a regular practice Canada requires all imports of live poultry from the U.S. to be certified as free from clinical signs of communicable diseases within 30 days before being imported. The interim import restrictions announced today are an added safeguard intended to protect animal and human health while the U.S. administers its epidemiological investigation and trace-out activities. Canadian animal health experts are in close contact with their American counterparts to monitor the situation. Canada will re-assess the measures once additional information becomes available.