The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that Canada has recently suspended numerous animal exports from Texas due to concerns over New World screwworm (NWS) spread.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is now suspending exports of horses, pigs, cattle, bison, sheep, goats, deer, elk, moose, llamas and more from states affected.
Imports from other states remain permissible, under the condition that the animals have not resided in or passed through Texas during the 21 days prior to their arrival in Canada.
The USDA has now informed accredited veterinarians, exporters and shippers that failure to include information on whether an animal has resided in or was transported through a state affected by NWS in their shipment will lead Canada to refuse the shipments entry into their country.
In a news release, the CFIA claimed that it would continue working closely with the U.S. to assess developments and “adjust measures as needed.”
“While our colder climate is not hospitable for the long-term establishment of the fly in Canada, they can survive shorter periods of time in the summer months. Taking this action now is an appropriate risk mitigation measure to prevent its introduction and protect animal health,” read the release.
As of July 10, there have been 34 confirmed cases of NWS in the U.S., with the Texas Animal Health Commission identifying small wildlife and rodents, like armadillos, opossums and rabbits, as well as white tailed deer, as the cause of the rapid and continuing spread.