High health status horse subpopulation

Article 4.16.1.

General provisions

This chapter provides recommendations for the establishment of a subpopulation of horses that are moved internationally to compete in equestrian competitions, including thoroughbred races, and that have a high health status certified by the Veterinary Authority, in order to facilitate their safe temporary importation, onward movement and return to the country of usual residence.

For the purpose of the Terrestrial Code, a high health status horse subpopulation is one with a distinct status with respect to specified listed diseases, which has been established in accordance with the provisions in Chapter 4.4., by the application of documented health management practices and biosecurity measures to create and maintain a functional separation between horses within the defined subpopulation and all other equids at all times.

For the purpose of the Terrestrial Code, a high health, high performance (HHP) horse means one belonging to a high health status subpopulation and registered by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) or the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) as eligible to take part in international competitions and races accompanied by a certificate for temporary international movement in accordance with the Terrestrial Code.

Horses that are moved internationally for the purpose of breeding or any other purpose not linked to competitions are excluded from the high health status subpopulation.

Article 4.16.2.

Criteria for the inclusion of horses in the high health status subpopulation

1. High health status

   Each horse in the subpopulation is subjected to specific measures to establish its health status, and preserve its health status and that of the other horses in the subpopulation.

   These measures comprise a specific set of laboratory tests, treatments, isolation periods and vaccinations appropriate to the disease status of the country or region of usual residence and temporary import of the horse. Records of all treatments and vaccinations, and results of tests and clinical examinations are documented in an individual passport that complies with Chapter 5.12.

2. Identification and traceability

   Consistent with the provisions of Chapters 4.1. and 4.2., horses in the subpopulation are individually identified as follows:

   1. Each horse bears a permanent unique identifier, preferably a microchip.

   2. Each horse is accompanied at all times by its individual passport that contains information on the horse's unique identifier.

   3. Each horse has an attachment to its passport that identifies it as a member of the high health status subpopulation.

   4. Horses are registered in an international database that contains relevant information linked to the passport and the identifier to which Veterinary Authorities have access.

3. Management of the subpopulation
   

   1. In the course of each veterinary examination of a horse, its passport is checked, its identity verified and the details of any tests and treatments, including vaccinations, are recorded and signed by the examining veterinarian.

      For certification purposes, the passport is examined, verified and signed by an Official Veterinarian, in accordance with Article 5.2.2. For international movements of not more than 90 days, HHP horses should be accompanied by an international veterinary certificate in accordance with the Terrestrial Code.

   2. The high health status of each horse in the subpopulation is maintained by ensuring compliance at all times with an international biosecurity plan approved by the Veterinary Authorities of the importing and exporting countries, in accordance with the relevant recommendations of the OIE. This compliance is assured and validated through continual veterinary supervision of horses at the establishment of usual residence, during transport and at competition venues. This supervision is provided by veterinarians authorised for that purpose by a Veterinary Authority. Non-compliance results in suspension of the high health status of the horse.

   3. An appropriate qualification period is required for entry or re-entry of a horse into the subpopulation. The procedures for qualification should be described in the international biosecurity plan.

   4. A maximum period is set for each absence of a horse from its country of usual residence, as specified in the international biosecurity plan.

Article 4.16.3.

Recommendations for the Veterinary Authorities

Organisations that are responsible for ensuring compliance with this chapter should be authorised and supervised by the Veterinary Authorities. Veterinary Authorities are encouraged to develop specific protocols for the temporary importation of horses of high health status entering the country for the purpose of competition at equestrian events or for their onward movement to other such events and for their return to their country of usual residence.

Veterinary Authorities are encouraged to recognise the international biosecurity plan developed by the FEI and IFHA on the basis of the OIE Handbook for the Management of High Health, High Performance Horses.

nb: first adopted in 2014; most recent update adopted in 2017.