Federal Restriction on Import of Horses to Canada from Florida

Revised Requirements on import of horses from all other U.S. States.

The Ontario Racing Commission would like to ensure that all industry stakeholders are aware of the current federal restrictions on the import of horses to Canada (or returning to Canada) from the United States. Due to a recent outbreak of Equine piroplasmosis in Florida, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has implemented the following special conditions on the import of horses into Canada:

• The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been asked to suspend the issuance or endorsement of export certificates for horses and other equines originating from the state of Florida.

• The USDA has also been asked to provide supplementary certification for horses and other equines from other states as follows: “During the previous twenty-one (21) days, the animal(s) in this shipment has/have not been in the state of Florida”.

The CFIA is continuing to monitor the situation, and is awaiting further information from USDA in order to re-assess the situation. Additional information regarding the current “import requirements” for horses into Canada through the CFIA AIRS (Automated Import Reference System) at: http://airs-sari.inspection.gc.ca

This stop movement on horses entering Canada may affect the ability of breeders to bring Thoroughbred mares to Ontario to meet the October 1st deadline for the Ontario Horse Improvement Program (HIP). Thoroughbred breeders or owners who know that they may be impacted by delays bringing mares to Ontario from the U.S. are encouraged to contact the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (CTHS) (Ontario Division) to notify them of their situation as soon as possible at: CTHS Ontario Division, 416-675-3602, cthsont@idirect.com

Recording their situation with the CTHS prior to the October 1st mare residency deadline will expedite the process and assist in the evaluation of a Breeder/Owner request for an exemption to the October 1st deadline should the need arise.

As this situation evolves, additional updates to the industry will be provided by the Ontario Racing Commission.

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