APHIS Mulls Removing Requirement Calling for Pre-Export Examination of Imported Horses
USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is considering removing a requirement that horses imported to the U.S. must be accompanied by documentation proving that a pre-export examination, "endorsed by a salaried veterinary medical officer," has occurred within 48 hours of departure from the port of embarkation, according to a Federal Register notice.
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"We have found that logistical barriers prevent affected parties from meeting this requirement at this time, and that the other requirements of the regulations are sufficient to ensure that imported horses are free of diseases and pests of livestock," APHIS said. These logistical barriers included flight delays and the lack of available veterinary officers in some regions during weekends, the agency said.
Comments are due by Aug. 19.