The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) have regulatory authority that requires reporting to them certain diseases. They may apply movement and quarantine restrictions and order depopulation in certain circumstances.

Federally reportable diseases are outlined in the Health of Animals Act and Regulations. The law requires immediate notification to CFIA of the presence of an animal that has or is suspected of having one of these diseases.

Provincially, immediately notifiable diseases are outlined in the Animal Health Act and Regulations. Animal health laboratories are required to report positive test results for immediately notifiable diseases to the office of the Chief veterinarian for Ontario (CVO).