The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is restricting some U.S. livestock imports following the detection of a deadly pest in the United States.
The CFIA made its announcement on June 5 after New World screwworm (NWS) was found in a Texas calf.
“Animals that originate from or were present in the State of Texas within 21 days prior to border crossing will not be accepted into Canada,” the CFIA said. “Taking this action now is an appropriate risk mitigation measure to prevent its introduction and protect animal health.”
New World screwworms can’t survive Canadian winters, but they could cause damage during the summer months if allowed to enter the country.
NWS larvae eat living tissue of warm-blooded animals like livestock and pets.
These insects will target any open wound, but umbilical areas and horn buds of cattle are especially vulnerable.