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EQUINE HEALTH CERTIFICATES NOW GOOD FOR SIX MONTHS
West Virginia horse owners will find it simpler to show their animals out of state this summer, thanks to a new law that makes equine health certificates issued by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) good for six months, rather than the 30 days that was allowed in the past.
The move was for the convenience of horse owners, according to West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass.
“Many people like to show their horses in the summer and this move will allow them to attend events all summer without having to visit their veterinarian for another examination,” he said. “The equine industry is a significant and growing sector of the agricultural economy and it’s important to encourage the industry while still protecting the health of all animals.”
The new law also puts West Virginia on par with 12 other southern states. “Uniformity of law among these states will make it a lot simpler for horse owners to move their animals across state lines for shows,” said WVDA State Veterinarian Joe Starcher. “However, owners will still have to have their animals examined and have a Coggins test for equine infectious anemia (EIA).”
To legally cross state lines with their horses, owners must provide WVDA with:
- A short "Equine Interstate Event Permit" application form (available at local veterinarians' offices).
- A legible photocopy of a certificate of veterinary inspection issued within 30 days of the application date.
- A legible photocopy of a current Coggins test that does not expire during the time the health certificate is valid.
- Digitized left, right and front photos so that the animal can be positively identified.
While traveling, horse owners must also maintain a simple travel log that includes in-transit stops, so that tracebacks are possible in the event of an animal disease outbreak.
Other states with equivalent laws and a memorandum of understanding with West Virginia include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
For more information, contact WVDA’s Animal Health Division at 304/558-2214.
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs, as mandated by state law. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials in West Virginia. Currently, Commissioner Gus R. Douglass is the longest-serving agriculture commissioner in the nation. For more information, visit www.wvagriculture.org.
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