Canada Imposes Import Restrictions on Poultry and Birds from the United States

Trade Update • January 16, 2023

he Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has restricted the import of live, fresh, raw, or unprocessed poultry products or by-products from 27 U.S. states that are currently experiencing a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) or Newcastle Disease outbreak.

The affected states are Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.

This list was last updated on January 3, 2023.

What is Not Allowed?

Imports that include fresh, raw, unprocessed poultry products or by-products from a state currently experiencing an outbreak are not allowed into Canada. Items that are not consumer pre-packaged, including products from a roadside stand or small farm, are also restricted. Examples of other restricted items include:

• Raw poultry meat (including frozen turkeys and chickens)
• Raw table eggs
• Egg yolks and egg white (albumen)
• Cooked leftovers from a restaurant
• Raw pet food and raw poultry items for pet food
• Feathers

What is Allowed?

As of September 19, 2022, imports of retail packaged and fully-cooked poultry products are acceptable and can be brought in from any U.S. state—regardless of outbreak status. The label must say Ready to Eat, Cooked, Fully Cooked, or something equivalent. Canned or hermetically sealed items are also acceptable. Examples of these allowed products include:

• Rotisserie chicken (Retail barbecued, roasted or broiled)
• Chicken soup and soup mixes
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Chicken or turkey hot dogs
• Chicken or turkey deli meats
• Fully cooked chicken or turkey sandwiches, wraps, kabobs, etc.

Pet Food

Canned pet food and cooked kibble that include avian ingredients can be imported, regardless of outbreak status.

Live birds

Live pet birds can be brought into Canada with official certification from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Hunted game birds

The carcasses of hunted wild game birds from the United States are permitted into Canada only with a hunting permit.

Questions or concerns about these restrictions and if your imports are affected? We are always here to help, contact us.