DRAFT APHIS-CFIA FAD Zoning Framework—March 19, 2014

Framework for Implementing and Maintaining the Arrangement between the Canadian Food 

Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the 

Recognition of Foreign Animal Disease Control and Eradication Zones 

BACKGROUND AND SCOPE ....................................................................................................................................2

OBJECTIVES............................................................................................................................................................ 3

GUIDING PRINCIPLES AND APPROACHES ...............................................................................................................3

DEFINITIONS .......................................................................................................................................................... 3

PART I—IMPLEMENTING THE ARRANGEMENT DURING AN OUTBREAK.................................................................5

1. LEGAL AUTHORITY......................................................................................................................................... 5

1.1 UNITED STATES.................................................................................................................................................5

1.2 CANADA..........................................................................................................................................................5

2. PROCEDURES FOR RECOGNITION OF ZONING DECISIONS..............................................................................5

2.1 NOTIFICATION OF HCFAD CONFIRMATION............................................................................................................5

2.2 NOTIFICATION AND RECOGNITION OF AN AREA OF CONTROL .....................................................................................6

2.3 RELEASE OF AN AREA OF CONTROL .......................................................................................................................6

2.4 EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES ...........................................................................................................................6

3. MONITORING DURING AN OUTBREAK ..........................................................................................................7

4. COMMUNICATIONS....................................................................................................................................... 7

5. TRADE BETWEEN DISEASE-FREE ZONES .........................................................................................................7

PART II—MAINTAINING THE ARRANGEMENT ........................................................................................................7

1. GOVERNANCE................................................................................................................................................ 7

1.1 STEERING COMMITTEE .......................................................................................................................................7

1.2 WORKING GROUP.............................................................................................................................................8

2. PROJECTS ...................................................................................................................................................... 8

3. RESOURCE CONSIDERATIONS ........................................................................................................................8

PART III—PROMOTING STAKEHOLDER AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT .............................................................8

1. CONSULTATION AND ENGAGEMENT WITH STAKEHOLDERS ..........................................................................8

2. TARGET AUDIENCE OF STAKEHOLDERS..........................................................................................................9

3. ANNUAL CONSULTATION ON PROJECTS AND PRIORITIES..............................................................................9

4. COMMUNICATION/CONSULTATION..............................................................................................................9

5. FREQUENCY OF COMMUNICATION ...............................................................................................................9

APPENDIX 1: ZONING ARRANGEMENT................................................................................................................. 10

APPENDIX 2: APHIS EVALUATION OF ZONING FOR FOREIGN ANIMAL DISEASE CONTROL IN CANADA ................ 10

APPENDIX 3: CFIA EVALUATION OF ZONING FOR FOREIGN ANIMAL DISEASE CONTROL IN THE U.S. ................... 10

APPENDIX 4: CVO-CVO NOTIFICATION FORM ...................................................................................................... 11

APPENDIX 5: PROPOSED TERMS OF REFERENCE—STEERING COMMITTEE ........................................................... 12

APPENDIX 6: PROPOSED TERMS OF REFERENCE—WORKING GROUP .................................................................. 14

APPENDIX 7: WORKING GROUP PROJECTS........................................................................................................... 17

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DRAFT APHIS-CFIA FAD Zoning Framework—March 19, 2014

Background and Scope

Overview

The United States’ President Barack Obama and Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper created the 

Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC) in 2011 as a mechanism to promote regulatory cooperation and 

facilitate trade, with resulting benefits for industry and consumers. The RCC provides a forum for 

increased stakeholder engagement in determining priorities and optimizing resources.

The initial RCC Joint Action Plan outlined 29 initiatives, including Zoning for Foreign Animal Diseases. 

This initiative prioritized federal efforts to look at ways for Canada and the United States to recognize 

each other’s zoning decisions in the event of a foreign animal disease (FAD) outbreak, with the intent to 

formalize mechanisms to minimize trade disruptions due to the outbreak while safeguarding animal 

health in both countries. 

Zoning principles

The United States and Canada both have highly contagious FAD (HCFAD) response plans in place that are 

based on internationally accepted zoning principles. The plans call for establishment of an area of 

control that consists of a central infected zone surrounded by one or more additional zones. The 

infected zone is the focus of efforts to eradicate the disease, while the entire area of control is subject to 

increased surveillance for the disease agent and increased movement restrictions on animals and other 

commodities that could transmit the disease agent. 

The size of an area of control would depend on multiple factors, including the characteristics of the 

disease agent and transmission pathways; estimates of transmission risk; livestock concentrations and 

movement patterns; distribution of susceptible wildlife; and natural terrain and jurisdictional 

boundaries. An area of control may initially be quite large relative to the apparent distribution of cases, 

particularly if the consequences of failing to contain the disease agent are high. The affected country 

may elect to modify or redefine the boundaries of an area of control during the course of an outbreak. 

The territory outside of an area of control is considered free of the disease. The claim to freedom is 

largely substantiated by demonstrating through epidemiological investigation and movement tracing 

that the outbreak is contained within the area of control. The affected country may also elect to 

increase active or passive surveillance for the disease agent in the disease-free zone. 

Zoning for HCFADs

The United States and Canada entered into an Arrangement between the Canadian Food Inspection 

Agency and the United States Department of Agriculture for the Recognition of Foreign Animal Disease 

Control and Eradication Zones (hereafter Arrangement) in October 2012 (see Appendix 1). The intent of 

the Arrangement is to facilitate recognition by USDA and CFIA of each other’s decisions to establish, 

maintain, and release an area of control. The Arrangement is based on reciprocal evaluations of 

veterinary infrastructure and emergency response capacity which concluded that both countries can 

effectively use zoning to control and eradicate an FAD outbreak (see Appendices 2 and 3). 

The Framework for Implementing and Maintaining the Arrangement between the CFIA and the USDA for 

the Recognition of Foreign Animal Disease Control and Eradication Zones (hereafter Framework) is 

restricted in scope to HCFAD outbreaks in domestic livestock and does not apply to endemic diseases or 

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DRAFT APHIS-CFIA FAD Zoning Framework—March 19, 2014

to aquatic species, pets, wildlife, or laboratory or research animals. It provides an operational plan for 

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and CFIA to implement the Arrangement

during an HCFAD outbreak, establishes processes for maintaining the Arrangement over time, and 

outlines a strategy to engage governmental and non-governmental stakeholders in developing the 

means and mindset to effectively implement the Arrangement during an HCFAD outbreak.

Objectives

• Establish an operational plan for APHIS and CFIA to recognize each other’s zoning decisions for 

HCFADs in accordance with the Arrangement;

• Institute a structure for maintaining the Arrangement over the long term; and 

• Elaborate a strategy for engaging APHIS and CFIA with other stakeholders to develop and 

maintain the means and mindset necessary to effectively implement the Arrangement during an 

HCFAD outbreak and minimize cross-border trade disruptions. 

Guiding Principles and Approaches

1. Shared responsibility: Preparing for and limiting the negative impacts of an HCFAD outbreak in 

either the United States or Canada is a concern shared by APHIS, CFIA, and other Federal, State, 

Provincial, Tribal, and non-governmental stakeholders. It is therefore necessary to establish 

mechanisms to:

• Engage CFIA and APHIS with other stakeholders to cooperatively develop the means and 

mindset to effectively implement the Arrangement during an HCFAD outbreak; 

• Support joint priority setting and harmonized work planning; and

• Enhance efficiency through optimization of resources at multiple levels.

2. Cooperation: An on-going cooperative effort between CFIA, APHIS, and other stakeholders in 

both countries is necessary to maintain the Arrangement over the long term. It is the intent of

CFIA and APHIS to:

• Develop a governance structure and forums to support the sustained effort; and

• Create an environment in which openness, sharing, and consensus building are encouraged.

3. Credibility: In-depth knowledge of and trust in FAD management practices in both countries is 

critical to the credibility of the Arrangement among stakeholders and supports good decisionmaking during an HCFAD outbreak. It is therefore necessary to:

• Ensure that the Framework remains current and based on internationally accepted 

principles of risk assessment and risk management;

• Engage with stakeholders to develop and carry out projects to build support and acceptance 

of the Arrangement.

Definitions

Affected country: A country within which an HCFAD outbreak occurs.

Area of control: A geographic region designed to contain an FAD outbreak. The area of control consists 

of a central infected zone surrounded by one or more additional zones. Area of control as used by APHIS 

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DRAFT APHIS-CFIA FAD Zoning Framework—March 19, 2014

is synonymous with Control Area. Area of control as used by CFIA consists of the Primary Control Zone 

and the Secondary Control Zone. Area of control also applies to the Disease Control and Eradication 

Zone as referenced by the Arrangement. 

Arrangement: The Arrangement between the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the United States 

Department of Agriculture for the Recognition of Foreign Animal Disease Control and Eradication Zones 

(see Appendix 1).

Canada: All ten provinces and 3 territories of Canada. 

Case: Occurrence of an HCFAD agent in an animal. 

Domestic livestock: Domestic livestock are those animals that are either bred to be dependent on or are 

under the control of humans, such as cattle, bison, captive cervids, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, and 

poultry. For the purposes of this Framework, domestic livestock does not include laboratory or research 

animals, pets, or aquatic species.

Disease-free zone: A geographic region not included in any area of control. Disease-free zone is 

synonymous with Free Area as used by APHIS and Free Zone as used by CFIA.

Foreign animal disease (FAD): An existing or emerging animal disease that poses a severe threat to 

animal health, the economy, and/or human health, is not usually present in a partner country and, if 

detected, is subject to federally-mandated control and eradication measures. 

Framework: The Framework for Implementing and Maintaining the Arrangement between the CFIA and 

the USDA for the Recognition of Foreign Animal Disease Control and Eradication Zones (this document).

Highly contagious FAD: An FAD that has the ability to spread in an extremely rapid manner.

Outbreak: One or more cases of an HCFAD.

Partner country: A country that is a signatory to the Arrangement.

Project: A specific activity, plan, or task led by the Working Group under this Framework. 

Stakeholder: Any person or other entity that is or could be affected by the Arrangement or its 

implementation, or that otherwise has an interest in the Arrangement or its implementation.

Stamping out: Carrying out under the authority of the veterinary services, on confirmation of the 

occurrence of a disease, the destruction of the animals that are infected and those suspected of being 

infected in the herd and, where appropriate, those in other herds that have been exposed to the disease 

agent by direct animal to animal contact, or by indirect contact of a kind likely to cause transmission of 

the disease agent. 

United States: All of the States of the United States, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Commonwealth 

of the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and all other Territories and 

Possessions of the United States.

World Organization for Animal Health (OIE): An international organization dedicated to improving 

animal health worldwide.

Zoning: Defining a subpopulation of animals on the basis of a distinct health status and geographic 

boundaries within a country’s territory, for the purposes of disease control and international trade.

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DRAFT APHIS-CFIA FAD Zoning Framework—March 19, 2014

Part I—Implementing the Arrangement during an Outbreak

1. Legal Authority 

This section describes the legal authority in Canada and the United States to make zoning decisions for 

the control and eradication of an HCFAD and recognize the zoning decisions made by appropriate 

authorities in the other country.

1.1 United States

APHIS receives its permanent and general regulatory authority from the Animal Health Protection Act 

(AHPA), 7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq. The AHPA authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to take actions necessary 

to prevent, detect, control, and eradicate diseases of animals, including FADs, in order to protect animal 

health, the health and welfare of people, economic interests of livestock and related industries, the 

environment, and interstate and foreign commerce in animals and other articles. Title 7 of the Code of 

Federal Regulations, part 371, delegates this authority down to the Deputy Administrator of Veterinary 

Services. 

APHIS and CFIA recognize the APHIS Deputy Administrator of Veterinary Services—who is also the Chief 

Veterinary Officer (CVO) of the United States—as the appropriate authority to make zoning decisions for

the United States and to recognize zoning decisions made by Canada. 

1.2 Canada

The CFIA’s statutory authority for control of reportable HCFADs is contained in the Health of Animals Act 

of 1990 (the Act). The CFIA applies the Act and pursuant regulations—including the Health of Animals 

Regulations, the Reportable Diseases Regulations, and the Compensation for Destroyed Animals 

Regulations—to regulate animal health and zoonotic disease. The Act provides, among other things, for 

CFIA control over importation and exportation of animals, quarantine of infected places, and regulation 

of animal movement. 

Under the Act, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada may declare an area to be a primary 

control zone for a particular disease, and may subsequently declare one or more secondary control 

zones. The CFIA provides advice to the Minister on zoning decisions and is responsible for enforcing 

Ministerial declarations in accordance with the Act and pursuant regulations.

The CFIA and APHIS recognize the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada as the appropriate

authority to make zoning decisions within Canada and the CVO of Canada as the appropriate authority 

to recognize zoning decisions made by the United States.

2. Procedures for Recognition of Zoning Decisions

2.1 Notification of HCFAD Confirmation

The United States and Canada will notify each other of any and all confirmed detections of an HCFAD in 

domestic livestock. An initial communication between CVOs will help to ensure that each organization is 

sensitized to the ramifications of any public announcements and notification of the World Organization 

for Animal Health (OIE). Additional communications will occur between the corresponding 

import/export, emergency response, and public affairs staffs of each country as necessary. A timely 

courtesy communication will occur if an HCFAD is detected in pets or wildlife.

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DRAFT APHIS-CFIA FAD Zoning Framework—March 19, 2014

The partner country may initially take appropriate action to safeguard animal health in its territory by 

prohibiting the importation of any animals and commodities that could transmit the disease agent. The 

extent of the import restrictions may range from a single state or province to the entire country, 

depending on the disease agent, the apparent magnitude of the outbreak, and other epidemiological 

factors. The affected country will notify the partner country when an area of control is established (see 

Section 2.2).

During the outbreak response period, the CVO of the affected country will immediately communicate to 

the CVO of the partner country any occurrence of the disease outside of an area of control. The partner 

country may place additional import restrictions until such time as a new area of control is established 

and reported to the partner country by the CVO of the affected country in accordance with the 

procedures outlined in Section 2.2.

2.2 Notification and Recognition of an Area of Control

Using the form in Appendix 4, the CVO of the affected country will notify the CVO of the partner country 

when an area of control is established in the affected country. The form requests information 

concerning the disease agent, the outbreak(s), and the response policy, as well as a detailed map and 

description of the area of control boundaries. The CVO of the affected country must certify that the 

information provided is accurate and complete, and extend an invitation for one or more qualified staff 

members of the partner country to embed in and monitor the outbreak response (see Section 3). 

The CVO of the partner country will review the information provided, countersign the form in the space 

provided, and return a copy to the CVO of the affected country. S/he will also ensure prompt

modification of pertinent import restrictions so that trade between disease-free zones can occur as 

described in Section 5. 

The CVO of the affected country will notify the CVO of the partner country of any modifications to the 

boundaries of an area of control during the response period, using the form in Appendix 4. 

2.3 Release of an Area of Control

The United States and Canada intend to conduct surveillance in a manner consistent with OIE diseasespecific guidelines as described in the Terrestrial Animal Health Code prior to release of restrictions on 

an area of control. The CVO of the affected country will notify the CVO of the partner country when 

restrictions on an area of control are released, using the form in Appendix 4. Once the CVO of the 

partner country countersigns to officially recognize the release, s/he will ensure that pertinent 

remaining import restrictions are lifted promptly. 

2.4 Extenuating Circumstances

Canada and the United States anticipate that most HCFAD outbreaks will be small, focal, and well within 

the resources of the affected country to contain. However, in rare instances, a widespread, multi-focal, 

or rapidly progressing HCFAD outbreak may temporarily overwhelm the resources of the affected 

country and negatively impact its ability to contain the disease agent through zoning. Should this 

happen, the CVO of the affected country will contact the CVO of the partner country to initiate 

monitoring as described in Section 3, but will not request recognition of an area of control until two

incubation periods have elapsed in which no new cases have occurred outside of the infected zone. If 

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recognition is requested earlier, the CVO of the partner country may elect not to countersign until this 

time period has elapsed or s/he otherwise determines that the area of control is effectively established. 

3. Monitoring During an Outbreak

Both APHIS and CFIA have adopted the Incident Command System (ICS) organizational structure and 

processes to manage animal health incidents. The CVO of the affected country will invite the CVO of the 

partner country to nominate one or more qualified staff members to observe the emergency response, 

to communicate, liaise, collaborate or offer expert advice and technical support as appropriate.. These 

staff members may be assigned as Agency Representatives reporting to the Liaison Officer on the ICS 

Command Staff, as Liaisons to the Multiagency Coordination Group, or to a similar position. Regardless, 

they will participate in briefings, routinely receive briefing materials/notifications, and act as liaisons for 

the partner country. 

4. Communications

Each country will follow the internal and external communication procedures established in its own 

emergency response plans, guidelines, manuals, and/or standard operating procedures in the event of 

an HCFAD outbreak within its territory. Each country will also follow procedures established by pertinent 

APHIS and CFIA staff to communicate import restrictions to the ports, industry, states and provinces, 

and other stakeholders, and address questions about the Arrangement and trade with disease-free 

zones in the affected country. APHIS and CFIA public affairs staff will coordinate their activities to ensure 

consistency of the message. 

5. Trade Between Disease-free Zones

Prior to establishment and recognition of an area of control, the extent of trade will be governed by the 

movement restrictions put in place by the affected country and the import restrictions enacted by the 

partner country. Once the CVO of the partner country officially recognizes an area of control within the 

affected country, normal trade may resume from the disease-free zone. Export health certificates for 

any animals and commodities that could be infected with or contaminated by the disease agent must 

state that the animal or commodity did not reside in or pass through an established area of control. 

Part II—Maintaining the Arrangement

Maintaining the Arrangement requires both a governance structure designed to keep the Arrangement 

and underlying evaluations current over time and ongoing projects and other activities designed to 

foster credibility of the Arrangement among all stakeholders. 

1. Governance

1.1 Steering Committee

A Steering Committee will have primary responsibility for preserving the concept and intent of the 

Arrangement and promoting the engagement and active participation of stakeholders in its 

implementation. The Steering Committee will be composed of senior-level representatives of APHIS and 

CFIA and will have the authority and responsibility to approve resources for use under this Framework, 

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DRAFT APHIS-CFIA FAD Zoning Framework—March 19, 2014

oversee the Working Group, and make determinations regarding Working Group recommendations on 

projects, the Arrangement, this Framework, and other matters. 

Proposed Terms of Reference for the Steering Committee are provided in Appendix 5.

1.2 Working Group

A Working Group will have primary responsibility for reaching out to other stakeholders, primarily 

through a series of projects, to cooperatively develop the means and mindset to effectively implement 

the Arrangement, in advance of an HCFAD outbreak. The Working Group will be responsible for keeping

the document supporting the Arrangement current, including this Framework, the evaluations, and the 

Arrangement itself.

The Working Group will be composed of individuals from CFIA and APHIS who have appropriate and 

complementary professional, technical, or specialist skills. This includes, but is not limited to, subject 

matter experts in regionalization, emergency preparedness and response, import/export, and other 

disciplines as required.

Proposed Terms of Reference for the Working Group are provided in Appendix 6.

2. Projects

In the context of this Framework, a project is a specific activity, plan, or task in support of emergency 

preparedness, led by the Working Group to foster credibility and facilitate implementation of the 

Arrangement. The Working Group will identify projects in consultation with other stakeholders (see Part 

III), taking into account existing venues and opportunities (joint training, cross-border exercises, etc.).

Other stakeholders are encouraged to conduct their own activities in support of zoning recognition, 

coordinating and collaborating with the Working Group as appropriate. 

Current, proposed, and completed Working Group projects are listed in Appendix 7.

3. Resource Considerations

Projects conducted under this Framework will require commitment and dedication of resources by both 

Canada and the United States in order to be successful. This Framework does not impose specific 

resource obligations on either country; however, each country will be responsible for the costs incurred 

in each party’s interest related to the support of the Arrangement. In addition, completion of projects is 

contingent on resource availability.

Part III—Promoting Stakeholder Awareness and Involvement

1. Consultation and Engagement with Stakeholders

The active involvement of governmental and non-governmental stakeholders in both Canada and the 

United States is critical to the success of this RCC initiative. APHIS and CFIA plan to solicit stakeholder 

input in implementing and maintaining the Arrangement and share that information through public 

meetings on RCC activities and accomplishments.

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Decisions on Working Group projects and priorities will be made by the Steering Committee, taking into 

account the views of stakeholders. The Working Group will determine the best mechanism to ensure 

stakeholders are provided with progress updates and opportunities for input on projects and priorities. 

2. Target Audience of Stakeholders

The target audience of stakeholders will include but is not limited to several categories of interested 

groups and individuals, both in the United States and in Canada. The list below is not comprehensive 

but merely serves as guidance for the outreach efforts of the Steering Committee and Working Group. 

Target Audience

• Livestock and meat trade associations

• Livestock farmers’ associations

• Federal, State, Tribal, and Provincial animal health officials

• Tribal and Aboriginal groups

• Other public officials/agencies

• General public

3. Annual Consultation on Projects and Priorities

The CFIA and APHIS will formally solicit feedback at least once per year on existing Working Group 

projects and priorities. The agencies will also solicit proposals for additional projects for consideration 

under this Framework. This will occur via a mechanism such as a webinar, joint town hall meeting, 

Federal Register Notice, or e-mail solicitation (such as through the APHIS Stakeholder Registry) and will 

take place prior to the annual Steering Committee meeting. 

4. Communication/Consultation

In addition to the annual stakeholder consultation on projects and priorities, the Working Group Cochairs will coordinate ongoing stakeholder engagement through appropriate modes of communication, 

such as webinars, conference calls, face-to-face meetings, internet notices, or other means necessary to 

solicit input and provide updates on projects and priorities.

APHIS and CFIA will also provide updates on projects that are carried out under this Framework to other 

stakeholders using established forums such as Cross-Border Livestock Health Association meetings, 

national and regional United States Animal Health Association meetings, and the National Farmed 

Animal Health and Welfare Council. 

5. Frequency of Communication

Frequency of communication will depend on both the needs of individual projects and the degree of 

stakeholder participation and interest. 

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Appendix 1: Zoning Arrangement

[Will be appended to final]

Appendix 2: APHIS Evaluation of Zoning for Foreign Animal Disease Control in Canada

[Will be appended to final]

Appendix 3: CFIA Evaluation of Zoning for Foreign Animal Disease Control in the U.S.

[Will be appended to final]

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DRAFT APHIS-CFIA FAD Zoning Framework—March 19, 2014

Appendix 4: CVO-CVO Notification Form

Notification of Zoning to Control a Foreign Animal Disease Outbreak

Affected Country

Disease Agent

Zoning Decision New area of control

Change to existing area of control 

Release of area of control

Outbreak Summary Briefly summarize the outbreak to date or provide links to OIE reports:

Boundaries Provide a written description of the area of control boundaries and attach map:

Response Policy Stamping out Other (describe below)

Invitation for Monitoring: I hereby invite one or more qualified staff members of the partner country to embed 

in and monitor the outbreak response, beginning immediately. Please contact the person below to arrange.

Contact name: 

Title:

Email:

Phone:

Certification: I certify that the information above is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge, 

and request recognition of these zoning decisions for the purposes of U.S.-Canada trade. 

_______________________________________________ ____________________

Signature of the CVO of the affected country Date

Approval: I have reviewed the above information and approve recognition of these zoning decisions by 

my agency for the purposes of U.S.-Canada trade. 

_______________________________________________ ____________________

Signature of the CVO of the partner country Date

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Appendix 5: Proposed Terms of Reference—Steering Committee

Overview

The United States and Canada entered into an Arrangement between the Canadian Food Inspection 

Agency and the United States Department of Agriculture for the Recognition of Foreign Animal Disease 

Control and Eradication Zones (hereafter Arrangement) in October 2012 (see Appendix 1). In support of 

the Arrangement, a Framework for Implementing and Maintaining the Arrangement between the CFIA 

and the USDA for the Recognition of Foreign Animal Disease Control and Eradication Zones (hereafter 

Framework) was jointly developed by a bilateral working group. The Framework describes a governance 

structure that consists of a Steering Committee and a Working Group that is designed to keep the 

Arrangement and underlying evaluations current over time. 

Purpose and Scope

The Steering Committee will have primary responsibility for preserving the concept and intent of the 

Arrangement and promoting the engagement and active participation of stakeholders in its 

implementation. 

Membership

The Steering Committee is composed of senior-level representatives of APHIS and CFIA, appointed to 

the Steering Committee by the head of their respective Agency. Co-chairs are also appointed by each 

Agency.

Responsibilities

The Steering Committee has primary responsibility for preserving the concept and intent of the 

Arrangement and promoting the engagement and active participation of stakeholders in its 

implementation. 

The Steering Committee has the authority and responsibility to:

• Appoint Working Group Co-chairs;

• Maintain corporate memory of the Arrangement;

• Prioritize projects appropriate to this Framework;

• Review and approve, as appropriate, Working Group project work plans;

• Support the Working Group and foster participation of Working Group members in bilateral 

discussions to explore areas for collaboration and cooperation;

• Secure resources for completion of projects;

• Request progress and other reports from the Working Group Co-chairs;

• Make determinations regarding Working Group recommendations, including recommendations 

to amend the Arrangement or this Framework; and

• Decide on, and take or task to the Working Group, further actions as necessary to ensure 

effective implementation of the Arrangement.

Administration

The Steering Committee will meet annually and will communicate as necessary throughout the year. 

Additional meetings may be convened at the request of any Steering Committee member. The time and 

place for the meetings will be determined by the Steering Committee Co-chairs. 

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Guidance

• In Canada, guidance will be provided by the Senior Management Committee of the CFIA with input 

from the Animal Health Business Line Committee, particularly the animal health executive directors 

in Science, Programs and Operations.

• In the United States, guidance will be provided by the Veterinary Services (VS) Executive Team with 

input from the VS Leaders Working Group, particularly the pertinent directors from the National 

Import Export Services and the Surveillance, Preparedness and Response Services. 

Reporting

• In Canada, to the Senior Management Committee of the CFIA and to the Regulatory Cooperation 

Council group within CFIA.

• In the United States, to the Veterinary Services Executive Team and to the Regulatory Cooperation 

Council group within APHIS.

Communications

• The Steering Committee will meet at the call of the Co-chairs, but at least once annually;

• Decisions will be recorded and the record made available to all Steering Committee members 

and the Working Group Co-chairs;

• The Steering Committee Co-chairs will communicate Committee recommendations and 

decisions to the entities to which they report, the Working Group Co-chairs, and others as 

appropriate;

• Steering Committee reports and other formal communications will be reviewed by the 

Committee Co-chairs and approved by the Committee Members as necessary.

Governance

• Decision-making in the Steering Committee will be by consensus.

• Tasks will be shared among Committee members or delegated to the Working Group.

Relationships

To be developed by the Steering Committee but may include other Regulatory Cooperation 

Council/Beyond the Borders initiatives, 

Amendments

Amendments to this document may be made by consensus of the Steering Committee members.

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Appendix 6: Proposed Terms of Reference—Working Group

Overview

The United States and Canada entered into an Arrangement between the Canadian Food Inspection 

Agency and the United States Department of Agriculture for the Recognition of Foreign Animal Disease 

Control and Eradication Zones (hereafter Arrangement) in October 2012 (see Appendix 1). In support of 

the Arrangement, a Framework for Implementing and Maintaining the Arrangement between the CFIA 

and the USDA for the Recognition of Foreign Animal Disease Control and Eradication Zones (hereafter 

Framework) was jointly developed by a bilateral working group. The Framework describes a governance 

structure that consists of a Steering Committee and a Working Group that is designed to keep the 

Arrangement and underlying evaluations current over time. 

Purpose and Scope

A Working Group will have primary responsibility for reaching out to other stakeholders to cooperatively 

develop the means and mindset to effectively implement the Arrangement during an HCFAD outbreak. 

The Working Group will be responsible for keeping the document supporting the Arrangement current, 

including this Framework, the evaluations, and the Arrangement itself.

Membership

The Working Group is composed of individuals from CFIA and APHIS who have appropriate and 

complementary professional, technical, or specialist skills. This includes, but is not limited to, subject 

matter experts in regionalization, emergency preparedness and response, import/export, and other 

disciplines as required. The Steering Committee will appoint a Co-chair from each Agency.

Responsibilities

The Working Group is collectively responsible for:

• Regularly updating the evaluations that support the Arrangement, assessing the impact of any 

changes in veterinary infrastructure or emergency management procedures on zoning 

capability, and recommending amendments to the Arrangement to the Steering Committee as 

appropriate; 

• Periodically reviewing this Framework and recommending amendments to the Framework to 

the Steering Committee as appropriate;

• Identifying projects to build knowledge of and trust in the Arrangement among stakeholders and 

facilitate zoning recognition during an HCFAD outbreak; and

• Establishing mechanisms to engage APHIS and CFIA with other Federal, State, Provincial, Tribal, 

and non-governmental stakeholders on an ongoing basis as regards implementation of the 

Arrangement. 

The Working Group Co-chairs have the authority and responsibility to:

• Recommend potential Working Group members to the Steering Committee;

• Prepare and maintain a work plan for each project;

• Appoint ad-hoc groups to work on projects as appropriate;

• Promote stakeholder awareness of and involvement in projects;

• Deliver projects according to plan;

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DRAFT APHIS-CFIA FAD Zoning Framework—March 19, 2014

• Document the activities, milestones, and deliverables;

• Manage project resources;

• Produce the project deliverables for approval by the Steering Committee; and

• Prepare update reports on projects, Working Group meetings, and other activities as requested 

by the Steering Committee.

Additionally, the Working Group Co-chairs will ensure that the Working Group meets at least annually to 

review the Arrangement and this Framework. The Co-chairs will communicate to the Steering 

Committee any resulting recommendations for amendments to either document.

The co-chairs will ensure that the evaluations supporting the Arrangement are reviewed at least 

annually and updated as appropriate. Each co-chair will immediately inform the other co-chair of any 

changes to federal-level veterinary infrastructure or emergency management procedures of which s/he 

becomes aware that could substantially impact zoning capability or the ability to implement the 

Arrangement (e.g., veterinary services reorganization or new response plans). The co-chairs will 

together determine whether to convene a meeting of the Working Group to further discuss and assess 

the impact of the changes.

Each co-chair will provide a summary of other changes to federal-level veterinary infrastructure or 

emergency management procedures (e.g., annual variation in staff or budget) to the other co-chair one 

month prior to the annual meeting of the Working Group. 

The co-chairs will ensure that the Working Group meets at least annually to review existing projects and 

identify new projects to foster knowledge of and trust in the Arrangement.

Administration

The Working Group will meet at least annually but the Co-chairs may call additional meeting to fulfill the 

responsibilities of the Group. The Working Group Co-chairs will provide support for Working Group 

conference call/meeting arrangements, developing agendas and minutes for these meetings, and 

managing information pertaining to Working Group functions.

Guidance

• The bilateral Steering Committee will oversee the work of the Working Group.

• In Canada, guidance will be provided by the Animal Health Business Line Committee, particularly 

the animal health executive directors in Science, Programs and Operations.

• In the United States, guidance will be provided by the VS Leaders Working Group, particularly 

pertinent directors from the National Import Export Services and the Surveillance, Preparedness 

and Response Services.

Reporting

• Working Group Co-chairs to report to APHIS and CFIA Co-chairs on the Steering Committee.

Communications

• The Working Group will meet at the call of the Co-chairs, but at least once annually.

• Discussions and decisions will be recorded and the record made available to all Working Group 

members.

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DRAFT APHIS-CFIA FAD Zoning Framework—March 19, 2014

• The Working Group Co-chairs will communicate formal recommendations to the Steering 

Committee Co-chairs and others as appropriate.

• Working Group communications with other entities will be reviewed by the Working Group Cochairs and approved by the other members as necessary. 

Governance

• Decision-making in the Working Group will be by consensus.

• Tasks will be shared among the Working Group members.

Relationships

• Maintain linkages with other Regulatory Cooperation Council/Beyond the Border initiatives to 

ensure consistency with other animal health initiatives.

• Develop and maintain engagement with other Federal, State, Provincial, Tribal, and nongovernmental stakeholders through a variety of forums.

Amendments

• Amendments to this document may be made by consensus of the Working Group members.

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DRAFT APHIS-CFIA FAD Zoning Framework—March 19, 2014

Appendix 7: Working Group Projects

Proposed projects as of 1 November 2013:

• Incorporate zoning recognition into current APHIS and CFIA FAD response plans and related 

documents to ensure it is considered during training exercises and an FAD outbreak. 

• Each country to develop and share documentation on procedures that it plans to use during an 

HCFAD outbreak to confirm freedom from disease in the disease-free zone(s).

• Revise APHIS and CFIA import/export certificate language to reflect zoning provisions.

• Develop a protocol for rapidly evaluating the economic impacts of resuming trade following an 

Extenuating Circumstances (Framework Section 2.4) outbreak. 

• Joint participation of Canada and the United States in cross-border FAD exercises that include 

zoning recognition and early re-opening of the international border to trade between diseasefree zones.

• Joint participation of CFIA and APHIS technical specialists in training on FAD response and zoning 

recognition. 

• On-going discussion of various outbreak scenarios to estimate consequences and outcomes, to 

inform decision-making on zoning recognition.

• Preparation by each partner country of technical documents and talking points that address 

questions that may be raised about trade with disease-free zones in the affected country.

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