VS Guidance and Other Documents Related to Importing Equines
Last Modified: August 14, 2026
Import Notifications
| Date | Revised | Notification |
|---|---|---|
| 4/4/2025 | 4/7/2026 | Screwworm, FMD, and VEE Requirements Letter (396.64 KB) |
| 6/7/2021 | Disposal of Foreign Origin Waste Accompanying Live Horses (146.18 KB) | |
| 7/21/2020 | 5/8/2023 | Live Animal Import and Transit Permits (272.29 KB) |
| 6/18/2020 | 2/25/2021 | Fractious Animals and Additional Accommodations |
Veterinary Services Guidance Documents
- Equine Testing Info Sheet
- Requirements for Horses Imported Under CEM Waiver for a Special Event
- Requirements for Piroplasmosis Positive Horses to Import for a Special Event (236.95 KB)
- Standard Operating Procedure: Deceased Horses at U.S. Ports of Entry
- Veterinary Services Policy for the Quarantine and Testing of Horses Imported into the United States for Special Events (VS 591.59)
- Treatment of Animals for Ticks with Coumaphos (Co-Ral) (122.62 KB) (VS Guidance 7003.1)
- Approval of Permanent Privately Owned Horse Quarantine Facilities in the United States (VS Guidance 13402.1)
- Importation of Horses From Mexico Using APHIS-Approved Quarantine Facilities at Land Border Ports (VS Guidance 13405.3)
- CEM Testing of Imported Horses at Approved Quarantine Facilities (VS Guidance 13406.3)
- Testing of Equids During Import Quarantine (VS Guidance 13407.3)
- Procedures for the Import of Equines into the United States and Approved Quarantine Facilities (VS Guidance 13424.1)
- Procedures for Submitting Equine Serum Samples to the United States (VS Guidance 14001.2)
- Approval of Labs To Conduct CEM Tests (VS Guidance 15202.2)
Veterinary Services Memoranda
- Review Procedures for Animal Import Center Activities Including Veterinary Services Operations at Associated Air and Ocean Ports and Privately Owned Animal Quarantine Facilities (967.64 KB) (VS Memo 515.2)
- Tick Surveillance, Collection, and Submission of Suspected Exotic Ticks (148.97 KB) (VS Memo 556.13)
Compliance Agreements
Equine Supplemental Information
- Supplemental health certificate for racing Thoroughbreds from France, Germany, Ireland (Republic of), Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales), and Northern Ireland temporarily competing in APHIS recognized CEM-free countries (152.8 KB)
- Model supplemental certification for intact Spanish Purebred horses importing under 9 CFR 93.301 (d) that transit countries APHIS recognizes as CEM affected by land (738.72 KB)