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Import Permits and USDA Health Certificates Required for Equine Semen and Embryos from the United States

January 30, 2026

Ottawa, Ontario—Effective January 30, 2026 the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has announced that an import permit is now required for the importation of semen and embryos from the U.S. into Canada. These revised import restrictions are a result of the expanding investigation into Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) in the U.S.

Canadians seeking timely information regarding import requirements are advised to use the CFIA’s Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) at

http://airs-sari.inspection.gc.ca/Airs_External/Default.aspx.

Instructions for Canadian Importers of Semen and Embryos from the US into Canada:
1. Notify immediately the companies/agents/owners in the U.S. that you wish to acquire semen or embryos from and inform them that a USDA-endorsed zoosanitary export certificate MUST accompany all shipments from the U.S. to Canada. For more information and to obtain the required certificate, please visit: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/regulations/vs/iregs/animals/downloads/ca_eq_se.pdf

2. Before semen is shipped, importers in Canada must obtain an import permit from the CFIA. To download an Import Permit Application Form for Live Animals, Semen, Embryos, Animal Products and By-Products, visit the CFIA website at the following link: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/import/permit_covere.shtml .

a. The Import Permit Application Form is to be completed by the importer.

b. Next, contact a CFIA area office ( a complete list of CFIA offices can be found at the end of this release). The completed application must be faxed or mailed with payment to the Import Office in the province you reside in or into which you will be importing the semen or embryos. CFIA have given Equine Canada assurances that you will be contacted by the Import Office within three (3) days of receipt of the application form with information on how to proceed.

c. Single entry (one time) permits cost $35. Multiple entry permits are valid for one year and cost $60. An agent or broker may use this method to do combined shipments of multiple stallions and/or exporters and/or destinations. To reference the responsibilities of Brokers, visit the CFIA website link at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/imp/kite.shtml

In its investigation of CEM in the US, the USDA has undertaken an extensive traceback exercise to identify and locate all horses in the U.S. that have been exposed to the CEM positive stallions either through direct contact or collected semen. For more information, visit http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/hot_issues/cem/index.shtml .

CEM is a reportable disease in Canada and the U.S. This means that all suspected cases in Canada must be reported to the CFIA for immediate investigation by inspectors. CEM is a highly contagious disease that affects the reproductive tract of horses. The disease can cause temporary infertility in mares. In most cases, CEM can be successfully treated with disinfectants and antibiotics.

On February 7, 2009, at 9:30 a.m., a CFIA representative will provide an update on CEM at the Breeds & Industry Delegate Assembly at the Equine Canada Convention taking place at the Crowne Plaza in Ottawa, ON. Everyone is welcome to attend. More information about the Equine Canada Convention may be found www.equinecanada.ca .

As new information about import/export protocols or the CEM outbreak becomes available, the Breeds & Industry Division of Equine Canada will issue updates to Canadian stakeholders. All updates can be found at http://www.equinecanada.ca/breedsandindustry/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&id=232&Itemid=12&lang=en-GB
CFIA area offices:

Atlantic - Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick
Dr. Al McLean / (Mrs. Florence Saulnier- Assistant)
Import Officer, Animal Health, CFIA
P.O. Box 6088
5th Floor
1081 Main Street
Moncton, New Brunswick
E1C 8R2
Telephone: 506-851-7651
Facsimile: 506-851-3700

Quebec
Dr. Alain Lajoie / (Mr. Andre Anctil)
Import Officer, Animal Health, CFIA
Room 746-S, 2001 University Avenue
Montreal, Quebec
H3A 3N2
Telephone: 514-283-8888
Facsimile: 514-283-6214

Ontario
Dr Susan Wray / (Ms. Chris Paolini)
Import Contact, Animal Health, CFIA
174 Stone Road West
Guelph, Ontario
N1G 4S9
Telephone: 519-826-2810
Facsimile: 519-837-9771

West - Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia
Dr. Gary Kruger / (Mr. Craig Sellars)
Import Officer, Animal Health, CFIA
Western Area Office
1115 - 57 Avenue North East
Calgary, Alberta
T2E 9B2
Telephone: 403-292-5825
Facsimile: 403-292-6629

About Equine Canada Breeds & Industry Division
Equine Canada Breeds & Industry Division provides a structure for the more than 40 breed organizations operating in Canada to unite as a coalition under the national federation of Equine Canada. It provides a forum from which to seek and exchange information between Equine Canada, Canadian stakeholders, the Government of Canada and foreign entities. The Breeds & Industry Division works to promote and assist a vibrant equine industry and to affect policy in Canada. Breed organizations and industry partners share resources and expertise with unity of purpose to increase the long-term profitability of Canada’s equine sector and ensure its future viability. Visit www.equinecanada.ca for complete information about the Equine Canada Breeds & Industry Division.

About Equine Canada
Equine Canada is a member-based association that represents, promotes and services Canada’s equine community and industry. Its core areas of activity involve sport, equine health and welfare, education and safety, governance and marketing, representation and communication. Equine Canada is recognized by Sport Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Coaching Association of Canada as the national organization representing equestrian sport and equine interests in Canada. For more information about Equine Canada, please visit www.equinecanada.ca.

Written by Equine Canada · Filed Under Equine Canada, Press Releases 
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