Importing Live Cattle and Bison from Canada to the United States

Last Modified: April 12, 2024

USDA APHIS regulates the importation of all ruminants and their germplasm (embryos/oocytes, semen, cloning tissue) to prevent the spread of animal diseases. Ruminants include all animals which chew the cud, such as cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, deer, antelopes, camels, llamas and giraffes.

View Countries From Which Bovines and Their Germplasm May Be Imported

Requirements

Ports of Entry

Northern Border Ports

Idaho: Eastport
Maine: Houlton and Jackman
Michigan: Detroit, Port Huron, and Sault Ste. Marie
Minnesota: Baudette
Montana: Opheim, Raymond, and Sweetgrass
New York: Alexandria Bay, Buffalo, and Champlain
North Dakota: Dunseith, Pembina, and Portal
Vermont: Derby Line and Highgate Springs
Washington: Oroville and Sumas

Air/Ocean

Newburg, NY
Miami, FL
Los Angeles, CA

** Please see 9CFR 93.403 for list of special/limited ports of entry

Live Domestic Cattle and Bison

Protocol Wood Bison from Canada (178.94 KB) November 2023
Protocol Cattle and Bison from Canada (143.59 KB) June 2018
- NOTE: As of November 13, 2017, the requirement for individual age identification for cattle destined for immediate slaughter has been removed from the Canadian export certificate.

Guidance specific to the importation of Cattle/Ruminants from Canada

Feeder Calves (“bob” calves under 21 days)

Destination Inspection and Country Mark Verification (137.9 KB)
Destination Facility Approval Requirements (137.9 KB)
Port of Entry Pilot Project Information

Update: Import Alert: Pre-Shipment Approval and Destination Inspection for Calf-Only Shipments from Canada (govdelivery.com)

Highgate, VT (VS.highgate.springs.POE@usda.gov)
Alexandria Bay, NY (vs.alexandria.bay.poe@usda.gov)
Niagara Falls, NY (vs.niagara.poe@usda.gov)
Port Huron, MI (VS.Port.Huron.POE@usda.gov)

Bovine Embryos

A permit and export health certificate are required to import bovine embryos from Canada.

Bovine Semen

A permit is not required to import bovine semen from Canada transported by land; an export health certificate must accompany the shipment and the port of entry into the United States must be notified at least three days in advance. VS Contacts: Live Animal and Animal Product Exports

What You Need To Know

U.S. transits are classified as shipments presented to a U.S. port of entry for conveyance purposes to then be transported to a destination country shortly after. Notice Regarding APHIS Live Animal Import and Third-Country Import Transit Permits (272.29 KB).
Please note that any animals and their germplasm transiting the United States must not transit countries with questionable disease statuses prior to reaching a U.S. port of entry.
All transits require a contingency plan. Please submit your contingency plan with your permit application (VS 17-129) to laipermits@usda.gov. To submit an import permit electronically, visit APHIS eFile.

If you are applying to import live animals, semen, and embryos, you may submit applications by email to laipermits@usda.gov