New EC rules on travelling horses abroad

Horses travelling abroad must now be accompanied by an Export Health Certificate — even if they are travelling to Ireland and France.

This afternoon, the European Commission (EC) has issued new advice regarding the movement of all horses, ponies, donkeys and mules within European member states.

All horses being moved from England, Scotland and Wales to other EU member states — including Northern Ireland, the Channel Isles and the Isle of Man must be accompanied by certification proving the animal has not come from premises that are under suspicion of foot-and-mouth, or those from which FMD has been confirmed.

This applies from today until further notice.

Previously, under the Triparte Agreement, horses being transported to Ireland and France did not require pre-export certificate.

Horses moving to other EU member states must also be accompanied by an amended TRACES certificate (90/426 C Equidae for breeding, production and slaughter) bearing the following paragraph:

“Equidae conforming to Commission Decision 2007/552/EC of 6 August 2007, concerning interim protection measures with regard to foot-and-mouth disease in the United Kingdom.”

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