CFIA Announces New Food Safety Regulations for Horses
February 1, 2010—Equine Canada would like to inform all industry stakeholders that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced the implementation of new a Meat Hygiene Directive concerning all equines (domestic and imported) intended for slaughter at federally-inspected meat processing plants. As of July 31st, slaughter facilities will be allowed to process only those equines with complete health records dating back six months. The maintenance of health records must begin by February 1st, for equines that are intended to be sent to (or sold for) processing on or after July 31st of this year.
Health Canada Warns One Lot of Veterinary Drug Longisil Recalled After Reports of Allergic Reactions
January 11, 2010 — The Breeds & Industry Division of Equine Canada would like to inform all stakeholders that Health Canada is warning veterinarians, livestock producers and pet owners that one lot of the prescription veterinary drug Longisil is being recalled due to an unusually high number of adverse reactions in animals treated with this lot.
The recalled lot comes packaged in three different vial sizes:
* Lot #9224 (9224-01) – 100 ml vial
* Lot #9224 (9224-02) – 250 ml vial
* Lot #9224 (9224-03) – 500 ml vial
Longisil is a form of penicillin that is administered by injection and used to treat various infections. While mainly used to treat large animals such as cattle, sheep, pigs and horses, this drug is also sometimes used in cats and dogs.
Longisil is available only by prescription from a veterinarian. It is distributed in Canada by Vétoquinol N.-A. Inc.
Import Restrictions Announced for Horses from New Mexico Entering Canada
January 8, 2010 — The Breeds & Industry Division of Equine Canada would like to inform all stakeholders that due to the outbreak of equine piroplasmosis in the state of New Mexico, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is implementing the following import restrictions effective January 11, 2010:
A) For horses from New Mexico for all end-uses (including Canadian horses returning to Canada) the following import conditions will be required:
