The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Program shared the equine-specific requirements for fairs and shows today. MDA noted that “an increased potential of disease transmission occur[s] when large numbers of animals gather for exhibition,” and that exhibitors “can help reduce the potential risk of introduction and spread of infectious and/or contagious diseases by following the species-specific health requirements below.”
MDA encourages exhibitors to check with the management of each fair in advance to ensure compliance.
HORSES, PONIES, MULES, AND OTHER EQUIDAE (COMAR page 15)
ALL EQUINE
● IDENTIFICATION: Individual official identification shall include the following as applicable: Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) test report with photo or drawing of the animal, tattoo, brand, or microchip. Animals using tattoos or brands for official identification must be accompanied by the breed registration papers.
● EQUINE INFECTIOUS ANEMIA (COGGINS) TESTING: All equine for exhibition shall be accompanied by a valid Coggins Test done within 12 months prior to the opening date of the exhibition.
● SELF-CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT AND EXEMPTION: An Equine Exhibitor’s Self Certification of Animal Health is required for each equine entering a fair/show-type event where multiple livestock species are present. The form must be available for inspection if requested (digital or printed). Those participating in equine-only shows and events are exempt from this requirement; however, it is good practice to thoroughly double check the health and skin condition of the animal before departing for the event. The form provides an easy checklist to do this. Exhibitors may not bring an animal having apparent or known signs of a contagious or infectious disease to a show.
● During disease outbreaks, these requirements may change – please check our website for the most up-to-date requirements or call us at 410.841.5810 for more information.
MARYLAND EQUINE
● VETERINARY-CLIENT-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP (VCPR): ALL equines must have verification of a veterinary-client-patient relationship (VCPR). This can be either a current CVI or EECVI (recommended), however, a completed VCPR form is acceptable. This form is available on our website.
OUT-OF-STATE EQUINE
● All horses and other equidae must be accompanied by a CVI issued within 30 days prior to entry. An Interstate CVI must be legible, on an official form from the state of origin, issued by a licensed, accredited veterinarian, and issued for animals being imported to this state within 30 days before the entry of the animals, which shows that the animals listed meet the health requirements of the state of Maryland.
Visit MDA’s Animal Health website for the most up-to-date information.