Florida Farm & Feed

Horses: Foot and Mouth Disease. Information from the USDA

From the Florida Department of Agriculture

Equine and canine semen/embryos from the EU and countries affected with FMD must be accompanied by a supplementary certificate, “Certification for Importation of Equine and Canine Semen/Embryos into the United States from the European Union and Countries Affected with Foot-and-Mouth Disease.” The official health certification must be endorsed by a veterinarian designated by the National Veterinary Services (NVS) of the country of origin.

Certification Requirements:

• Equine and Dog semen and embryos are allowed entry into the United States provided they are accompanied by a certificate endorsed by the animal health official in the country of origin.
• Equine and Dog semen and embryos containers/tanks from the EU or a country affected with FMD shall be disinfected at the airport in the exporting country prior to departure and again upon arrival to the United States. An Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS/VS) veterinarian shall supervise the disinfection of the container/tanks to ensure that the outside of all semen or embryo containers/tanks are thoroughly treated.

Supplementary Health Certificate Effective April 2001
Importation of Equine/Dog Semen and Embryos into the United States

As FMD becomes more widespread , I suggest the following protocol for shipping horses be immediately implemented in countries affected by FMD (plus/including England, Ireland, & Europe)

During the 30 days prior to export, The animal does not originate from an area within 50 kilometers of a location affected by FMD. The animal has not been in contact with any person within 5 days or animal within 30 days which has been on any FMD affected area .

Prior to shipment, the means of transport (Truck, van, Lorry) was disinfected with a government approved disinfectant effective against FMD.

Enroute the animal will not contact any animal of lesser health status.

At the airport of departure and under the supervision of a government veterinarian the horse was inspected and showed no sign of vesicular disease. the horse is found free of external contamination from bedding, manure, mud and similar containmenants. the horses hoof's were disinfected with an approved product, the horse was treated externally (wipe, spray, mist, etc.) with an approved disinfectant for FMD. The shipper has complied with all applicable regulations. in the country of origin.

Any equipment accompanying the shipment must be inspected, cleaned and disinfected for FMD virus. New equipment not contacting the horse is exempt.

The above should be certified in writing by the Government Vet at the departure airport.

Further, any blankets, sheets, leg wraps which contacted horses or accompanies the horse will be cleaned and disinfected (at the shippers expense) or destroyed at the discretion of the USDA officials.