BC Sets New Reporting Rule for Cattle From Washington
Producers bringing cattle into British Columbia from Washington State face a new mandatory reporting requirement issued by the province’s Office of the Chief Veterinarian. The general order took effect on October 27, 2026, amid a rising number of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza cases in Washington dairy herds.
Anyone responsible for cattle moved onto a British Columbia premises from Washington State after September 23, 2026, must notify the Chief Veterinarian. Reports can be submitted through DairyTrace, the Canadian Livestock Tracking System, or via email to chief.veterinarian@gov.bc.ca. Submissions must include the specific Premises ID and individual animal identification numbers.
Producers who brought cattle into the province between September 23 and October 27 have a three-day window from the order’s issuance date to report those animals. Any cattle crossing the provincial border on or after October 27 must be reported within three days of arrival.
Monitoring the Washington Outbreak
The reporting mandate follows a sharp rise in Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza detections in dairy cattle across Washington State over the preceding month. The virus, frequently referred to as bird flu, has been identified in more than 1,200 U.S. dairy herds since 2024. Affected cattle exhibit symptoms including decreased feed consumption, lower milk production, respiratory symptoms, and altered milk consistency.
While HPAI primarily affects poultry and wild birds, its transmission to dairy cattle has prompted heightened surveillance on both sides of the border. Canadian authorities require lactating dairy cattle imported from the United States to undergo pre-import HPAI testing before entry. This testing rule does not apply to non-lactating replacement animals.
Canada Reports No HPAI in Cattle
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency states that HPAI has not been detected in dairy cattle or any other cattle in Canada, nor has the virus appeared in U.S. beef cattle to date. HPAI remains a reportable disease across all species in Canada. Management strategies for infected dairy herds focus primarily on milk testing and movement restrictions.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency maintains that the risk of HPAI transmission to the general public is low. Commercial pasteurization processes ensure that milk supplies remain safe for consumption. Researchers continue studying viral behavior and transmission dynamics in cattle.
Producers seeking further guidance can review the producer FAQ published on the Government of British Columbia animal health website.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.