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Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.

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Health Certificate Needed Now

Summary

A veterinary inspection or health certificate is a statement of animal health issued by your vet that is required for interstate travel in the USA. A brief examination is required as part of the issuance of the certificate. Veterinary health certificates are usually valid for 30 days but this depends on the destination and origin states and the status of infectious disease in those States.

Note: Global Vet Link (www.globalvetlink.com) provides access to each state's official website, wherein specific requirements are posted.

For interstate travel in the US, a current Coggins test is required as part of a completed health certificate. International health certificates are unique to the destination country. Because of unique import requirements, they tend to be much more complex, require much longer to complete, and are far more expensive.

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    Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment

your role

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What To Do

Always communicate with your vet well in advance of the projected travel date. This communication ensures you will have your papers when you need them. It is critical that the Coggins test be valid for a valid interstate health certificate, so plan to do this in advance. Once you are in possession of your completed health certificate, keep it accessible and be aware of it's expiration date, usually 2-4 weeks.

your vet's role

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Your vet examines the animal briefly or as needed to satisfy the requirements of the destination state. The main focus of the examination is ensuring freedom from transmissible diseases that could endanger animals in the destination states. In some cases, particular diseases are of major concern, either because of their importance, or perhaps because their are recent outbreaks. A health certificate is only an assessment of very basic health from that standpoint. It is in no way a detailed examination beyond that.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
  • What is your destination state or country?
  • Do you have a current Coggins test for the horse or horses?
  • When do you plan to transport the horse?
  • Are the horses showing any signs of illness?
  • Do the horses have any health problems that you know of?
  • What is the name and address of the person tranporting the horses?

Author: Doug Thal DVM Dipl. ABVP