July 12, 2012, Ottawa: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is reminding travellers of the important role they play in keeping disease and other threats to animals and plants out of the country.
Travellers entering Canada are required to declare all food, plant material, animals and animal products. To avoid delays at the border, it is best to review the restrictions before travelling.
Current outbreaks of avian influenza in Mexico and foot-and-mouth disease in Taiwan, as well as pests such as Khapra beetle, could all be introduced into Canada aboard travellers' luggage.
Although many of these organisms pose no risk to food safety or to people, they can have devastating effects on animals and plants, the economy and the environment.
Travellers must report if they were on a farm or were exposed to animals while abroad, or if they will be going to a farm while in Canada.
After visiting farms abroad, all footwear should be cleaned and disinfected prior to returning to Canada. Clothing should also be thoroughly washed and dried at a high temperature.
Anyone who has visited a farm in a country where the health status of the animal population is unknown should not have contact with farm animals in Canada for at least five days. Travellers who have been on a farm in a country where a serious animal disease outbreak is occurring should not have contact with farm animals in Canada for a period of 14 days.
To learn more about what to declare at the border
For more information on animal diseases and invasive plants visit www.inspection.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter for the latest on animal health: www.twitter.com/CFIA_Animals.
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CFIA Media Relations
613-773-6600
