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Information for travellers: Restrictions on poultry and birds from the United States

The below information is intended for travelers and cross-border shoppers only. It does not apply to commercial shipments of products or by-products that enter Canada with documentation from official veterinarians from the United States. It does not apply to items shipped by mail or courier either. Commercial importers should refer to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) for more information.

Beginning on March 15, 2023, the CFIA will allow the importation of clearly labelled, retail-packaged poultry products and by-products for human consumption, labelled with the term "Product of the USA", from any state, regardless of whether or not there is currently an outbreak.

When there are outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the United States, the CFIA will restrict the import of some poultry products or by-products from the United States.

The current list of affected states as of 2024-04-11 is:

What is allowed

Retail grocery products for human consumption

As of March 15, 2023, retail packaged poultry products for human consumption that are clearly labelled as a "Product of the USA" are acceptable for import from any U.S. state, regardless of outbreak status. Some examples of these products include:

  • Raw table eggs
  • Vacuum-packed flats of raw chicken breasts and thighs
  • Rotisserie chickens
  • Frozen chicken strips or wings
  • Frozen whole turkeys and chickens
  • Deli meat
  • Hard boiled eggs

Pet Food

Cooked kibble and/or canned pet food with avian ingredients can be imported, regardless of outbreak status, as long as the pet accompanies the traveler. Raw pet food is not eligible for importation by travelers at any time.

Live birds

Live pet birds are still permitted into Canada with official certification from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Contact the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for more information on restricted areas.

Hunted game birds

Carcasses of hunted wild game birds originating from the United States are still permitted into Canada with a hunting permit.

What is not allowed

Poultry products must be retail packaged, for human consumption, and clearly labelled as a "Product of the USA" to enter Canada. Some examples of restricted items include:

Important Definitions

Retail Packaged ("consumer prepackaged")
Packaged in a container in the manner in which the food is ordinarily sold to or used or purchased by an individual - or in which the food may reasonably be expected to be obtained by an individual - without being repackaged, to be used for non-commercial purposes.

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