Canada and the United States have agreed to use the emergency transit provisions of a joint policy that was in the final stage of finalization and the Health of Animals Regulations, which were amended in June 2021.
The policy was specifically designed to support animal welfare and transport during emergency situations. The Health of Animals Regulations were amended in June 2021 to allow the implementation of this bilateral policy.
The decision to activate the transit policy for the British Columbia floods was agreed between the United States Department of Agriculture and the CFIA on November 18, 2021. This is the first time such a policy is being used for the movement of animals during an emergency due to a natural emergency situation.
When the policy is officially invoked, it allows regulated animals, such as livestock and birds, to transit across the border in emergencies, such as flooding, forest fires, extreme weather conditions and disaster and/or when routine transportation routes are impaired without feasible alternatives. The bilateral agreement establishes guidance for activation of the policy, requirements for simplified animal health certificates, seals and procedures at the ports of exit and re-entry to enable safe transit through the other country. Import transit permits are not required during those emergencies.
Companies must contact their local CFIA office before organizing any shipment transiting through the US under this policy, so they can be informed of the mandatory procedures and ensure they have a contingency transportation plan in case the truck hauling the transiting animals cannot complete the trip for any reason.
This agreement is a temporary emergency measure and will end once Canadian roads are re-opened well enough to sustain regular and safe commercial traffic.