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WVDA ISSUES IMMEDIATE EMBARGO FOR EQUINE FROM FMD INFECTED COUNTRIES
For Immediate Release March 29,2001
CHARLESTON, WV - On March 28, 200 1, Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass issued an immediate embargo prohibiting the entry of all equine (e.g. horses, mules, ponies, etc.) from a LL foreign country known to be infected with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) as designated by the United States Department of Agriculture. These animals will not be allowed to enter West Virginia either by direct or indirect shipment through county, state or territory.
Effective immediately, all equines imported from a foreign country may enter West Virginia with only a halter and a lead rope. All equine tack, supplies and equipment from a foreign country is banned.
Effective immediately, all companion animals (e.g. dogs, cats, etc.) from a country with FMD may enter West Virginia only if the West Virginia Department of Agriculture has issued a prior entry permit. This permit can only be obtained by calling 304/558-2214, 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. (Eastern time), Monday through Friday. Such animals shall be held in quarantine for seven days prior to exportation from the exporting company and bathed with a one-to-one vinegar and water solution to the entire body of the animal immediately prior to the quarantine period and immediately prior to exportation. In addition, these companion animals must undergo a sponge application or heavy misting of a one-to-one vinegar and water solution applied to the entire body following a bath at the premises of destination. Such animals shall be quarantined to the premises of destination for a minimum of 14 days and shall have no contact with, or exposure to, cloven-hoofed animals (cows, sheep, goats, etc.) during the quarantine period.
It is further ordered, effective immediately, no cloven-hoofed animals from a FMD infected country will be allowed to enter West Virginia until six months after the Office of International des Epizootics (OIE) and the United State Department of Agriculture, Animal Plant Health Inspection Services, Veteri-nary Services (USDA-APHIS-VS) have declared a country free of FMD.
This order is issued pursuant to West Virginia State Code § 19-9-2. This order remains in effect until modified or rescinded by the Commissioner of Agriculture.
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