| Contact: Molly Dall'Erta | For Immediate Release |
| Phone: 202.296.4031 | Feburary 3, 2000 |
| Email: AHC@horsecouncil.org |
The American Horse Council reports that all restrictions in connection with the West Nile Virus outbreak in the United States have been lifted on shipping horses to the European Union. The change took effect as of February 1.
In October of 1999, the European Union instituted a ban on the importation of horses which had been in the states of New York, Connecticut and New Jersey within 15 days prior to exportation into Europe. The ban was issued in response to the isolation of West Nile Virus (WNV) in three horses on Long Island, New York last year.
WNV is a viral encephalitis affecting the central nervous system that can kill horses. Migratory birds are considered the primary means of the spread of WNV and it is believed that the disease was brought into the U.S. by a bird and then spread by mosquitoes. WNV also affects humans and seven deaths were reported in New York during the same period.
West Nile Virus is known to exist in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Its identification in the New York area was the first time it has been found in the Americas.
The American Horse Council, the national legislative representative for the horse industry, works daily with Congress, federal agencies and the industry itself to create an environment that benefits horses and the people who depend on, care about and enjoy them. A non-profit organization, the AHC's activities are funded entirely through membership dues. The AHC represents all breeds, disciplines and activities as well as owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, competitors, trainers, jockeys, drivers, breed registries, horsemen's associations, race tracks, horse shows and rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.
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Copyright © 1999 the American Horse Council.