Due to a confirmed outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as “bird flu”, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has notified U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of immediate restrictions on the importation of certain bird and poultry products and live birds from a control zone in southern British Columbia.
What commodities are affected?
The products affected include uncooked chicken, turkey, duck, or goose; raw eggs; live birds; hatching eggs; composted manure; and heat from hunter-harvested birds.
Details on prohibited commodities and additional findings may also be reviewed on the following government websites:
What documentation will be required?
In addition to the normal requirement of a Canadian export health certificate, a Veterinary Service (VS) import permit may now be required, for goods originating or transiting an HPAI affected area of British Columbia. Even food products containing small amounts of cooked poultry, such as condiments, sauces and gravies, may now require an import permit.
Subsequent to these announced restrictions, USDA/APHIS has also posted a Statement on Avian Influenza and Trade. You will see this piece provides more current details, along with commentary on actions by countries other than the US and Canada.
As these restrictions are likely to be updated, your specific questions should be directed to USDA APHIS VS NIES at (301) 851-3300, press option one; or email APHIS.
Beyond the commercial transactions affected, travelers intending to bring food products into the U.S. from Canada are encouraged to learn which products are allowed and which are prohibited, before they travel.
Questions about this regulatory update may be directed to Livingston’s U.S. Regulatory Affairs group .