New Policy Announced for Emergency Movement of Livestock Across the Border

The Canadian and US governments have agreed on a new policy that will make it easier to move livestock and other animals across the border during an emergency.

Under the joint policy, which was formally announced on Friday, the country declaring an emergency will inspect animals, apply official seals to transport conveyances, and issue a simplified export health certificate either at the port(s) of exit by an official veterinarian or at the premises of origin by an accredited veterinarian or official veterinarian.

An emergency could include such things as flooding, forest fires, extreme weather conditions or disasters, or when routine transportation routes are impaired without feasible alternatives. In addition to livestock, the so-called Emergency Transit Policy for Regulated Animals will also cover such things as birds, pets and companion animals.

The policy was developed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and USDA under the umbrella of the Canada-US Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC), which is intended, amongst others, to maintain and enhance the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment. It is also another example of Canada and the United States' commitment to protect their animal populations and shows the “continued cooperation in supporting producers in both countries,” said a CFIA release.

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