Due to a recent case of vesicular stomatitis being confirmed in horses in Arizona, Canada has imposed movement restrictions on U.S. equines which are in effect until further notice.

Effective June 2, 2010, for equines exported to Canada from all other states than Arizona, the export health certificate must contain the following statement: "During the previous twenty-one (21) days, the animal(s) in the shipment has/have not been in the State of Arizona.

These restrictions do not apply to equine semen.

Effective immediately, APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) will not endorse any export health certificates for US origin equines to Canada from the State of Arizona. Canadian origin equines from the State of Arizona can be exported to Canada with the provisions listed below:   
    1. An import permit issued by CFIA is required
    2. In addition to other information required for equines, the export health certificate must contain the following statements: (a) The animal(s) was/were inspected by a veterinarian within fifteen (15) days prior to export. (b) The animal(s)  have/have not been on premises where Vesicular Stomatitis has occurred during the 60 days prior to export to Canada, nor has this disease occurred on any adjacent premises during the same period of time. (c) The animal(s) tested negative on c-ELISA within 15 days prior to export.

Any questions can be forwarded to the William G. Smith, DVM, New England APHIS office at (508) 363-2290.