The Health of Animals Act (1990) and its Regulations gives Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) the legislative authority to control the distribution and use of any pathogen which may cause infectious or contagious disease in animals. This includes materials of animal origin which contain potential pathogens. In practical terms, this means that AAFC approval must be obtained for the importation of every animal pathogen. In the case of pathogens which affect both humans and animals, importation permits are required from both Health Canada and AAFC. If an agent was brought into Canada under an import permit which restricts its distribution, further approval must be obtained before transferring it to another scientist or laboratory. Recombinant organisms and their release into the environment may also be restricted. AAFC will also establish the conditions under which the animal pathogens will be maintained and the work will be carried out. It is necessary to consider not only the risk to human health, but also the level of containment needed to prevent escape of an animal pathogen into the environment where it may constitute a risk to any indigenous animal species.
Animal pathogens, including pathogens which affect both humans and animals, under the control of AAFC, are listed in a data base maintained by the Animal and Plant Health Directorate, AAFC. This is a dynamic listing which is continuously amended to include emerging pathogens that may require restriction. Animal disease agents considered as not indigenous to Canada form a portion of this data base and are severely restricted. For each animal pathogen, AAFC must be consulted for its importation, use and distribution. Information on the status of veterinary pathogens may be obtained from:
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Animal Health Division
59 Camelot Drive
Nepean, Ontario
K1A 0Y9
(613) 952-8000
Information regarding veterinary pathogens and import permits may be obtained from:
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
59 Camelot Drive
Nepean, Ontario
K1A 0Y9
(613) 225-2342
A copy of the application for a permit to import biological agents into Canada, or to transfer biological agents within Canada, must be If the agent can also impact humans, you may require an importation certificate from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Forms
- CFIA - Application to Import (.pdf)
- CFIA - Facility Certification (.pdf)
- CFIA - Animal Pathogen Containment Level 2 Laboratory Application (.pdf)