Changes to requirements for breeding cattle to Canada

New identification requirements for breeding cattle to Canada

Effective for breeding cattle shipments arriving at the Canadian border on or after February 1, 2018, cattle must be identified with a NAIS-compliant “840” Radio Frequency tag and a tattoo.

A tattoo must be in the right ear and show the letters “USA” at a minimum of 1 cm in height, or in the case of a female animal, it may be the official United States calfhood vaccination tattoo that includes the U.S. registered shield and “V”. The option of the official USDA metal tag or “silver brite” tag will no longer be accepted for exports of breeding cattle to Canada. Certificates for breeding cattle to Canada will be updated accordingly on the APHIS website as well as within VEHCS. Please ensure that the most current version of the export health certificate is being utilized for cattle exports to Canada. CFIA will put notification of identification requirements on all import permits. Please note that “breeding cattle” includes animals imported for breeding purposes as well as for show or exhibition.

Recent changes to brucellosis export testing for breeding cattle to Canada

Testing options for brucellosis recently changed for the export of breeding cattle to Canada. As of September 1, 2017, exported cattle must be tested with the FPA test, the Buffered Acidified Plate Antigen (BAPA) test, or the Competitive Elisa (cElisa) test. The Standard Tube Test (STT) and Standard Plate Test (SPT) are no longer accepted by CFIA at the border. Certificates for breeding cattle to Canada (IREGS and VEHCS) have been updated accordingly.