The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which regulates all cross border shipment of animals from the U.S, has announced that all horses coming from Texas and New Mexico must be accompanied with an import permit. This move has been prompted by the discovery of some pockets of equine piroplasmosis infections in these parts
of the U.S.
This permit will require a recent negative piroplasmosis test certificate. If you plan to bring horses up to Canada from those states, you would be well advised to contact your local CFIA office first for up to date information.
At present there are no restrictions, other than normal health paper requirements, for horses from the rest of the U.S. This may change however depending on the American situation so a call to the CFIA and your destination track would be wise prior to shipping.
The CFIA is continuing to monitor the situation. You can access up to date information regarding the current 'import requirements' for horses into Canada through the CFIA AIRS (Automated Import Reference System) at this website.
Equine piroplasmosis is a tick-borne disease, affecting all equine species. For more information, you can view the CFIA website.
Key to the success of the Ontario Racing Program is the health and welfare of racehorses. The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) advises that it is the responsibility of licensees – and particularly owners of Ontario racehorses – to keep up to date on various federal regulatory matters that impact racing and racehorses. Owners and trainers are encouraged to watch for updates on a regular basis.
(ORC)