animalagriculture.org

Equine Health Committee Report
April 7, 2004 

Marvin Beeman, DVM, Chair

Attendance:                  10

Presentations:

1.  Replacement of the CF Test for EP by the C-ELISA; Status and Consequences for International Trade.
Freeda Isaac, DVM

2.  Update on Negotiation Between the USDA and the EU Concerning International Trade in Equids.  Freeda Isaac, DVM

3.  EIA; Proposed Measure to Improve its Prevention and Control on a National Level.

Tim Cordes, DVM

4.  Equine Viral Arteritis; Response to the Status of Draft UM&R.

Tim Cordes, DVM

Presentation Comments:

1.  Currently, there is a one test policy however, a retest policy is being considered as the test extends beyond EP itself i.e. Dourine and Glanders.

            No formalized policy has been set for pre-export horses.  Currently an American horse found positive is placed under quarantine where the state vet has disposition of that horse.  Drs Cordes and Isaac have drafted a memorandum they feel should be published.

            Import horses arrive with many methods of ID – from visual drawing to electronic ID.  There are no provisions at this time to utilize ID for positives. 

            This committee is in support of the cElisa for EP. 

2.  This is a major concern over EU countries known to be endemic to a variety of diseases.  This committee should provide a resolution / formal statement addressing specifics of this issue as supported by the AHC, AAEP, and the US horse industry. 

The EU 48-hour movement documents are not adequate.  Issues of testing and veterinary certification  - signatures are not adequate or engender confidence.  The horse industry does not want to set aside post entry testing.  Equine health certificate are being looked into as to avoid regulation changes. 

2002 – Canada proposed testing of all horses coming from EU, for Dourine and Glanders.  The proposal to include all counties is on hold. 

3.  Crux of the issue is the certification process and census is critical.

Taylor Woods, DVM disagrees w/lab reduction as it holds down testing in his state.

Currently, stats are collected for reactors, number of horses and number of horses tested.  States benefits would accumulate more reporting.  As certification becomes more important, states may seek funds for state studies. 

Banked serum would confirm expectations as to a snapshot in time. 

            It would behoove us to establish known pockets of EIA in the US.  Census is critical to the industry.  CEAH believes there needs to be a NASS update and that this should occur in the future. 

            Money to do so will have to come from the industry.  Go to John Clifford, DVM with economic concerns.  As an industry, we should look to save #11.3 million. 

            $50 million figure came from the cost of the test which doe not factor managing the reactors. 

4.  No longer a draft, The Equine Viral Arteritis UM&R will be published April 19, 2004. 

Testing for EVA needs to be considered as important as EIA and other equine diseases. 

This committee should consideration a resolution of support. 

Business Discussion:

            Bring forth resolutions submitted via CD. 

            Many members were not able to be present due to concurrent NIAA meetings.