In the ongoing effort to monitor and control highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued an import alert updating restrictions on certain avian commodities from Canada. This FYI update highlights key changes and implications for importers, stakeholders in agriculture, and those concerned with indoor air quality (IAQ) in avian-related facilities, where HPAI risks can impact biosecurity and air hygiene.
Key Updates from the Alert (Issued September 24, 2025)
- Newly Restricted Zones (Effective September 15, 2025):
- PCZ-275 in Alberta
- PCZ-276 in Quebec
- Newly Released Zones: None
These restrictions stem from confirmed HPAI diagnoses in domestic birds in Canada. Maps of the affected zones are available on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) HPAI zones webpage.
Currently Restricted Zones
Importation of poultry, commercial birds, ratites, avian hatching eggs, unprocessed avian products and byproducts, and certain fresh poultry products originating from or transiting these zones is prohibited:
- PCZ-257 in British Columbia
- PCZ-270 in Manitoba
- PCZ-272 in Alberta
- PCZ-273 in Alberta
- PCZ-274 in Alberta
- PCZ-275 in Alberta
- PCZ-276 in Quebec
APHIS will lift restrictions once zones meet World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) criteria for HPAI-free status, as outlined in Article 10.4.6 of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code.
Implications for Imports
- Pet Birds, Zoo Birds, and Columbiformes: Must have a CFIA-endorsed health certificate. Air entries require an APHIS import permit; land entries do not if not from/transiting restricted zones (exceptions apply for pet birds from lower 48 states to Alaska). Birds from/transiting restricted zones must fly directly to JFK (New York) or MIA (Florida) for a 30-day federal quarantine with mandatory testing—no land entry allowed.
- Processed Avian Products/Byproducts (Cargo): Require an APHIS import permit and/or certification confirming APHIS-compliant treatment if from/transiting restricted zones.
- Fully Finished Food Products with Pasteurized Egg Ingredients: From/transiting all of Canada require an APHIS import permit if non-shelf stable or non-commercially packaged/labeled.
- Fresh Unprocessed Shell/Table Eggs and Egg Products: Prohibited from/transiting restricted zones unless consigned directly to an APHIS-approved breaking and pasteurization facility (no permit/certificate needed if consigned appropriately).
- Personal Use/Passenger Baggage Products: Must appear thoroughly cooked, be shelf-stable via APHIS-approved methods, or have a permit/certification. Unprocessed items from/transiting all of Canada are not permitted.
- Hunter-Harvested Wild Game Birds: Must follow conditions in the August 15, 2023, APHIS Import Alert (available on the Temporary Restrictions List under "Canada - Hunter Harvested Wild Game Bird Carcasses").
These measures aim to prevent HPAI spread while maintaining trade safety. For IAQ professionals, this underscores the importance of robust biosecurity in avian environments, where airborne transmission risks highlight needs for enhanced ventilation and pathogen control.
More details are available on the APHIS website, including Bringing Live Animals and Germplasm into the United States, Animal Product Imports, and Avian Influenza resources.
Stay informed—subscribe to the VS Animal Health Stakeholder Registry for updates.
Source: USDA APHIS Import Alert Bulletin (September 24, 2025)
