The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has enforced strict live animal import restrictions due to confirmed detections of New World Screwworm (NWS) (Cochliomyia hominivorax) in the United States.

Currently Affected U.S. States:

• Arizona (Confirmed: October 31, 2026)
• New Mexico (Confirmed: September 17, 2026)
• Texas (Confirmed: June 3, 2026)

Key Rules for Horsemen & Equine Movements:

• Total Import Ban from Affected States: Importing horses, mules, or other equines originating from Arizona, New Mexico, or Texas into Canada is strictly prohibited-regardless of the purpose (breeding,  competition, sale, or slaughter).
• No Transit Through Affected States: Horses cannot travel through an affected U.S. state, even if they are just passing through without stopping. Plan your transit routes carefully to bypass these states entirely.

Returning Canadian Horses:

• Canadian horses currently in or having travelled through an affected U.S. state cannot return directly to Canada.
• To return, the animals must first be moved to a non-affected U.S. state and remain there for at least 21 days before attempting entry.
• You cannot use your original Canadian health certificate if you have resided in or transited through an affected state.

U.S. Horses from Non-Affected States: Permitted to enter Canada only if they have not resided in or transited through an affected state within the 21 days immediately prior to export.

Dated at the City of Edmonton
in the Province of Alberta
this 6th day of November, 2026.

Chuck Ibey,
Director, Regulatory & Supervisor of Racing