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Feeder/Slaughter Beef Cattle from Canada

  1. Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) (Health Certificate) issued by a CFIA-accredited veterinarian within 30 days prior to entry into Colorado. 
    1. Official Identification must be individually listed on the CVI.
  2. Permit required prior to entry by calling (303) 869-9130 or using the Online Permitting System (OPS).
  3. Official Canadian RFID ear tag required.
    1. Two official ear tags, (one RFID tag and the other a visual-only tag with the same official animal number) are required.
  4. Permanent brand with a "CAN" high on the right hip. The brand may be either a freeze brand or a hot brand.
    1. Alternatively, a tattoo bearing the letters “CAN” applied to the inside of the left ear is also acceptable.
    2. Exemption: 
      1. Cattle shipped directly to a federally inspected slaughter facility and processed within three days of arrival are not required to have a CAN brand.
  5. USDA Requirements: Cattle must meet USDA import requirements prior to import into the US.

Bulls must meet the above requirements AND:

  1. Negative Official Trichomonas foetus PCR Test (individual or pooled) required for bulls 12 months of age or older within 60 days prior to entry into Colorado: 
    1. A negative trichomoniasis test is valid for 60 days after collection if the bull is held separate from females.
    2. Bulls from a known trich positive herd are not permitted to enter Colorado regardless of test status.
    3. Bulls consigned to a livestock auction market must be tested within 60 days prior to the sale if being sold for breeding purposes 
      1. Bulls not tested prior to sale must:
        1. Be tested prior to release from the market;
        2. Be sold directly to slaughter; or 
        3. Be sold to an Approved Feedlot.
    4. Trichomonas foetus Test exemptions:
      1. Bulls used for exhibition (without sale) that have no sexual contact with females; 
      2. Bulls consigned directly to slaughter; or 
      3. Bulls consigned to an Approved Feedlot.

Last updated: 5/20/24