Equine Passport - TX, AR, OK and MS

["Johns, Carrie" <CJohns@jenkens.com>]

For information, contact Carla Everett, information officer,
at 1-800-550-8242, ext. 710, or ceverett@tahc.state.tx.us


NEWS RELEASE
Texas Animal Health Commission
Box l2966 *Austin, Texas 78711 *(800) 550-8242* FAX (512) 719-0719
Terry Beals, DVM* Executive Director


For Immediate Release--
   Equine Passport Keeps Animals "Good to Go"

State livestock health officials in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and
Mississippi have forged a reciprocal livestock health agreement, making it
easier for horse enthusiasts to travel between and within these states with
their equine.  On January 1, the group ushered in an "Equine Passport" that
is valid for six months and can be used in lieu of the certificate of
veterinary inspection (health paper) , good for only 30 to 45 days,
depending on the state in which it is presented.

"We spent months working with the other states to develop the passport, so
owners could easily travel with their animals to rodeos, trail rides,
competitions and events within the four states," said Dr. Beals, Texas
state veterinarian and executive director for the Texas Animal Health
Commission (TAHC), the state's livestock health regulatory agency.   "TAHC
regulations prohibit the use of the Equine Passport for entry into
pari-mutuel race tracks.  All other major shows and events welcome either
the new document or a certificate of veterinary inspection."

"Private veterinary practitioners have been very supportive of the
passport, as it cuts down on filling out paperwork for their clients who
are on the rodeo, trail ride or other event circuit," said Dr. Beals.
"Owners who compete, ride or show frequently within the four participating
states may find that the passport suits their needs perfectly.  Now they
can choose either a certificate of veterinary inspection or the passport,
either of which will be acceptable.  Anyone interested should talk with
their private veterinary practitioner."

Dr. Beals explained that one advantage of the passport is the stepped-up
surveillance for the incurable viral disease Equine Infectious Anemia
(EIA), or "Coggins."   Equine traveling under a passport must have an EIA
test run every six months, instead of every 12 months, which is the
requirement for a certificate of veterinary inspection.   "That will give
greater assurance that the equine (horse, donkey, mule, ass or zebra)
hauled most frequently among the four states are free of the disease," said
Dr. Beals.  The EIA test paper, known as a VS 10-11, must be carried with
the passport document.  The equine also must be inidividually identified
with a permanent tattoo, brand or microchip-type implant.

"When the passport was being developed, Louisiana 'bought in' on the
project but had to delay accepting or issuing passports," said Dr. Beals.
For more information, or to check on Louisiana's participation in the
interstate agreement after mid-February, equine owners may call their TAHC
area office or TAHC Permits at 1-800-550-8242, ext 777.

			----30---





=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.    
Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/RideCamp   
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=