Import restrictions: Live whiteleg shrimp from Hawaii

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is prohibiting imports of  live Litopenaeus vannamei (whiteleg shrimp) from Hawaii as a result of the detection of infectious hypodermal and haematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV) in broodstock shrimp imported into a CFIA import quarantine. IHHNV is a viral, immediately reportable disease in Canada.

In order to protect Canada's crustacean populations and export markets, imports of live Litopenaeus vannamei from Hawaii, in addition to California, Florida, Texas and New Mexico, where IHHNv was previously reported, are prohibited for the following end uses:

• culture
• research and education
• diagnostic testing
• aquarium – commercial or private
• outdoor holding unit – commercial or private

The CFIA is committed to working with the United States Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) to renegotiate the import requirements to protect Canada's aquatic animal resources and to minimize the impact on trade.

The full notice to industry and more information on infectious hypodermal and haematopoietic necrosis virus are available on the CFIA's website.