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Biosecurity at the border

Whether you are visiting a farm abroad or at home, you have a role to play in helping to keep Canada's animals healthy. Visiting a farm in another country might seem like a harmless activity, but it could expose you to diseases or pests that could pose a threat to you and your family's health, your animals and wild animals, the environment, farmers'; and producers'; incomes and the economy.

Around the world, threats related to diseases, pests, and the environment are constantly changing. These changes impact what food, plants and animals and related products are restricted and prohibited in Canada. To be sure, seek advice before travelling.

Many travellers fail to declare things like meat, animal hides, live birds, plants and fruit. In general, this happens because most travellers are unaware of the hazards - but the risks to Canada's animals and plants are very real.

If you plan to visit any farm during your visit to another country, find out what precautions to take before leaving Canada. If you have been abroad and visited a farm or have come in contact with any wild animals, postpone any farm visits in Canada for one week. Disinfect the footwear you wore, wash your clothing thoroughly and dry it at a high temperature.

On returning to Canada, Complete the areas of your Customs Declaration Card regarding farm visits. This information helps border staff prevent the introduction of disease into Canada. Every traveller entering Canada must declare all food, plants, animals and related products because they could affect Canada's animals, plants, and natural habitats. Items that do not pose a risk are allowed to be imported.

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