USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS) updated the testing interval guidance for horses imported into the United States. 

Effective January 25, 2021, the updated VS Guidance 13407.2, Testing of Equidae During Import Quarantine, will apply and be enforced at all quarantine facilities.

Imported horses must test negative to official tests for dourine, glanders, equine piroplasmosis, and equine infectious anemia to qualify for release from quarantine in accordance to Title 9, Code of Federal Regulations (9 CFR) Part 93.308.

Under the updated VS Guidance 13407.2, horses with non-negative test results for dourine, glanders and equine piroplasmosis may extend quarantine up to twenty-eight (28) days to be retested appropriately[1]. The importer of record must pay for extended time staying at the animal import quarantine center. Extended stays are subject to the quarantine facilities’ ability to keep horses for extended periods. Any horse with confirmed non-negative test results after twenty-eight (28) days will be refused entry. Horses refused entry must be either exported out of the United States within ten (10) days of refusal notification or humanely euthanized.

Only horses imported on or after January 25, 2021, will be tested in accordance to VS Guidance 13407.2. Any horses imported before this date will be tested in accordance to VS Guidance 13407.1, dated January 26, 2018. 

USDA encourages all stakeholders to review and share the testing guidance for understanding.

For further information please visit the USDA APHIS VS Live Animal Imports website or contact Live Animal Imports at (301) 851-3300.