DATCP has received reports of Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) in six Wisconsin counties: Clark, Columbia, Grant, Monroe, Sauk, and Vernon. Access the map of reported cases here.
Horses at affected facilities have tested positive for equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1), a highly contagious virus that causes respirator disease, abortion, and intermittent outbreaks of neurologic disease in horses. Read an update from DATCP's Division of Animal Health here. Importing From Outside Wisconsin
With very few exceptions, horses and other equine animals entering Wisconsin need:
- A current certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) (no more than 30 days old) which must include:
- A complete physical origin and destination address.
- Official individual identification for all animals, regardless of age (one of the following):
- A microchip number of a unique microchip implanted in the equine.
- A written or graphic description included on the CVI (the CVI is the only official document of the animal’s movements, so ID on attached forms is not valid).
- Digital photographs sufficient to identify the individual equine.
- A negative test for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) within the 12 months prior to the date of import. Nursing foals accompanying an EIA-negative dam are exempt from pre-import testing as long as the nursing status is identified on the CVI. The EIA test date and result must be written on the CVI.
- If there is a current vesicular stomatitis diagnosis or quarantine in the state of origin, Wisconsin no longer requires a permit or special statements.
Horses entering Wisconsin do not need an import permit unless they are:
- Part of a circus.
- Rodeo stock horses (a permit is not required for horses owned by individual rodeo participants).
- Horses traveling as part of a menagerie of multiple species for exhibit or competition.
- An exotic equine (such as a zebra or wild ass).
Imports that do not require a CVI are:
- Equines being brought to a veterinary facility for treatment that will return to the state of origin with no change of ownership.
- Equines from Minnesota that will be in Wisconsin for a trail ride, horse show, or exhibition for less than 7 days with no change in ownership. A CVI may be required by the organizers to participate in the event; the equines will need proof they meet the EIA requirements.
Movement Within Wisconsin
Equines moving within Wisconsin need to meet the requirements of the destination.
Fair or exhibition
Equines must have proof of a negative EIA test within the previous 12 months. Check with the fair or exhibition organizers to find out if they require additional paperwork or testing. No EIA test is required for nursing foals accompanying an EIA negative dam as long as the nursing status is identified on the CVI.
Organized trail ride or training seminar
Equines must have proof of a negative EIA test within the previous 12 months. Check with the ride or seminar organizers to find out if they require additional paperwork or testing. No EIA test is required for nursing foals accompanying an EIA negative dam as long as the nursing status is identified on the CVI.
Personal trail ride
No paperwork or testing required.
Sale or transfer of ownership
Equines must have proof of a negative EIA test within the previous 12 months. No EIA test is required for nursing foals accompanying an EIA negative dam. A CVI is not required.
Boarding or private training
No paperwork or testing required by the State. Check with the trainer or boarding facility owner to find out if they require paperwork or testing.
Exporting out of Wisconsin
Wisconsin does not have specific export requirements for equines. Please contact the state or nation of destination for their import requirements.