CAHFSA Reminds Stakeholders of Requirements for the Movement of Animals

The Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA) is reminding animal owners, traders, transporters, and veterinary authorities throughout the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) of the importance of complying with national import requirements when moving animals between countries and territories.

The safe movement of animals is an essential component of protecting animal health, public health, food security, and regional trade. In accordance with international standards established by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), importing countries have the authority to establish sanitary measures and certification requirements necessary to manage animal health risks.

CAHFSA emphasizes that a valid import permit issued by the competent veterinary authority of the importing country must be obtained prior to the movement of any animals. In addition, all health certificates, identification, testing, vaccination records, quarantine, and certification requirements stipulated by the importing country must be fully satisfied before movement.

Failure to comply with import requirements may result in regulatory actions, including refusal of entry/ re-exportation, quarantine, or euthanasia; measures necessary to safeguard national and regional biosecurity.

CAHFSA encourages all stakeholders to work closely with their respective veterinary authorities and to ensure that all animal movements are conducted in full compliance with the legal requirements of the importing country.