Qualitative Risk Assessment of Infectious Agents Associated with Canine Importation into Canada, 2023-2024

Dog importation into Canada has grown substantially since the early 2010s, and concerns have been raised regarding the potential introduction of infectious agents. We conducted a qualitative risk assessment of infectious agents associated with canine importation into Canada. We adapted international risk assessment methodologies coupled with an expert consultation. We estimated likelihood of entry, likelihood of canine exposure, and magnitude of impact of exposure to individual canines and the canine population for all hazards (n = 53). We also completed estimates for likelihood of human exposure and magnitude of impact of exposure on individual humans and the human population for zoonotic hazards (n = 33). Hazards were commonly ranked moderate or high for likelihood of entry and exposure estimates. Magnitude of impact of exposure estimates were assessed at much lower levels, indicating more restricted health impacts. Our study provides a foundation for future risk mitigation, including caregiver education, veterinary assessments, and importation regulations.