International Restrictions of Horses Due to West Nile Virus

International Restrictions of Horses Due to West Nile Virus as of 12/17/99

I. European Union:

An additional statement on the international health certificates which states:

The equidae described in the above mentioned animal health certificate complies with the following conditions (1) it has not been resident during the last 15 days in any of the following parts of the territory of the United States of America:

Counties Fairfield and New Haven in the State of Connecticut;

New York City with the boroughs of Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island, and the counties Kings, Nassau, Orange, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk and Westchester in the State of New York;

Counties Bergen, Burlington, Cumberland, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Union and Warren in the State of New Jersey;

(2) During the past 15 days prior to this certification it has not been in contact with equidae which have been resident in holdings where the presence of West Nile Fever was confirmed.

The restrictions on JFK Airport will remain in place - horses can not transit through and leave from JFK.

II. Additional Countries with restrictions for equines are:

Argentina is not authorizing imports of horses or birds from the states involved. USDA is working with Argentina officials to clarify this and to get the restrictions lifted.

Brazil will not accept horses and ostriches from the United States due to the West Nile Virus. Negotiations continue between USDA and Brazilian officials to clarify this and to get the restrictions lifted.

Hong Kong- As of December 9, all restrictions on U.S. horses regarding West Nile Virus have been dropped.

Saudi Arabia requires a statement on the international health certificates that the equine has not been resident during the last 15 days in the states of Connecticut, New York and New Jersey.

United Arab Emirates require an additional statement that the horses have not been resident on premises in New York State within the 14 days immediately prior to export.