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REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE 
 
THE ANIMALS AND BIRDS ACT (CHAP.7) 
 
VETERINARY CONDITIONS FOR IMPORTATION OF 
HORSES – RETURN OF SINGAPORE HORSES FROM 
INTERNATIONAL RACES/COMPETITIONS (3/3)  
 
 
I COUNTRY OF EXPORT 
 Argentina, Australia, Canada, Denmark, France , Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Maca u 
SAR, Malaysia, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, U nited Kingdom and the United States of America.  
II PURPOSE  
 Re-entry of Singapore horses following internation al races/competitions.  
III IMPORT LICENCE 
 Each consignment of horses shall be accompanied by  a valid import licence issued by the Agri-Food and  
Veterinary Authority (AVA) of Singapore. 
IV VETERINARY CERTIFICATION  
 Each consignment of horses shall be accompanied by  current individual international equine passports 
recognized by the respective national racing associ ations and a veterinary health certificate dated no t 
more than forty-eight (48) hours prior to export an d signed or endorsed by the competent Veterinary 
Authority of the country of export describing the a ge, breed, sex, colour, markings or other points of  
identification, and the passport number and the nam e and address of the premises of origin of each 
horse, and certifying to the effect that:  
(i) the horse has not been exported from Singapore for more than 60 days and the horse has not been 
outside the approved countries listed above at Part  1 during the 60 days period; 
(ii) the following diseases has not occurred in the  last 2 years in a zone in the country where the ho rses 
have been resident and vaccination is not permitted  in the country:  African horse sickness, 
Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis and glanders,  
(iii) the horse has been tested negative using immu nodiffusion (Coggin’s) test for Equine Infectious 
Anaemia (EIA) ; Serum neutralisation test (SNT) for Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA); and 
Fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) for Equine Piroplasmosis  (This is not required if the horse has 
been tested in the last 14 days), 
(iv) During the 90 days prior to export, the horse has not suffered from or been exposed to nor been 
in premises infected with Equine Influenza (EI) , and was vaccinated against EI according to 
manufacturer’s recommendation with an inactivated o r recombinant vaccine approved by the 
country of export, between 21 and 90 days before sh ipment either with a primary course or a 
booster, 
(v) the horse has not suffered from or been exposed  to nor been in premises which have been 
infected in the past 3 months with any condition or  disease including the following: equine 
infectious anaemia, equine viral encephalomyelitis,  horse pox, scabies, glanders, dourine, surra, 
strangles, epizootic lymphangitis, ulcerative lymph angitis, equine rhinopneumonitis, equine viral 
arteritis, equine piroplasmosis, equine influenza, vesicular stomatitis, Getah virus infection, 
anthrax, rabies, Hendra virus infection, Nipah viru s infection, West Nile virus infection, or any 
other disease of horses notifiable in the country o f export, 
(vi) the horse has been resident on premises under official veterinary supervision and agreed by the 
AVA, 
(vii) the horse has no contact with other horses ot her than during a race/ competition; 
(viii) the horse has been housed in vector-proofed and insecticide-treated accommodation,  and a 
topical long-acting insecticide approved for use by  the competent Veterinary Authority has been 
applied to the horse each time upon removal from th e vector-proofed stables during the time the 
horse has been resident in the country; 
(ix) the horse has not been mated during the time t he horse has been resident in the country; 
(x) to the best of the certifying veterinarian’s kn owledge, the horse has not been in contact with 
equidae suffering from an infectious or contagious disease in the last 15 days prior to export or in 
the period of residency in the country of export;  DRAFT  
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(xi) the horse had not been vaccinated with a vacci ne which is not approved by the AVA; 
(xii) the horse shows no sign of clinical disease, is free from external parasites and is fit to trave l; 
(xiii) the vehicle transporting the horse has been cleaned, disinfected and sprayed with an insecticid e 
prior to transporting the horse, and the horse has been transported directly from the resident 
premise to the port of exit. 
V DECLARATION FROM MASTER/CAPTAIN OF SHIP/AIRCRAFT 
 (not required if traveling by road)  
 Each consignment of horses shall be accompanied by  a signed declaration from the master/captain of th e 
ship/aircraft in which the horses were carried stat ing that: 
 (i) the horses had been embarked or emplaned in th e country of export (which country is to be named 
in the declaration and had not been landed at any i ntermediate port (unless it is an approved 
stopover ports at Part XII) during the voyage or fl ight to Singapore, 
 (ii) no horse from another country was carried in the ship/aircraft during the time that the horses t o 
which such declaration refers were on board the shi p/aircraft (unless prior approval obtained from 
AVA), 
 (iii) no fodder from another country was carried in the s hip/aircraft during the time that the horses to 
which such declaration refers were on board the shi p/aircraft (unless prior approval obtained from 
AVA).  The use of hay or straw bedding during trans port is prohibited; treated wood shavings, 
sterilised peat and soft boards may be used. 
(iv) the interior of the aircraft carrying the hors es had been sprayed with an approved insecticide ju st 
prior to its departure from the country of export, the approved intermediate port(s), and on landing i n 
Singapore (only applicable for exporting countries and  stopover(s) at approved intermediate port(s) 
in countries which cannot certify country freedom a gainst Venezuelan, Western and Eastern equine 
encephalomyelitis, trypanosomiasis, equine infectio us anemia or piroplasmosis).  
(v) in a case where the aircraft has stopped at an intermediate port not approved by AVA as a 
stopover port but for refuelling purpose, the cargo  hold where the horses are carried in the 
aircraft had not been opened during the entire time  of its refuelling stop and the interior of the 
aircraft carrying the horses had been sprayed with an approved insecticide just prior to its arrival 
at the port and also prior to departure from the po rt.  
VI ISOLATION   
(i) Upon return of the horse to Singapore, it shall  undergo a 14-day isolation period in a vector-
protected stables stable away from the local popula tion of horses.  
(ii) The horse shall have no contact with local hor ses and is only permitted to train during the 14-da y 
isolation period. 
(iii) Facilities for isolation shall be approved by  AVA. 
(iv) The horse may be subjected to tests during the  14-day isolation period. 
VII APPLICATION FOR IMPORT LICENCE   
 The owner or his agent must apply for the import l icence by submitting an online application through 
AVA’s website (www.ava.gov.sg>Services>AVAe-Service s>Animals&Pet Sector>Licence to 
Import/Export/Transship of Animals/Birds/Eggs/Biolo gics) 30 days prior to the arrival of animals. The 
applicant must indicate the route of travel, includ ing any stopover or refueling stops, at the time of  
application. 
VIII  NOTIFICATION OF ARRIVAL   
 The owner or his agent shall contact Quarantine of fice at CAPQ or AVA Head Office at least five (5) 
working days before the arrival of the animal.  
IX VETERINARY INSPECTION   
 On arrival at the port of disembarkation in Singap ore, the horses and documents (Import Licence, 
Veterinary Health Certificate and Captain's Declara tion) shall be presented to and examined by an 
authorised Veterinary Officer.  If the consignment of horses is found to be healthy and documents are in 
order, the horses shall be allowed entry into Singa pore. 
X  PENALTY   
 If any animal is not healthy or if any document is  not in order, the animals shall be quarantined for  30 days 
or destroyed/returned or re-exported at the discret ion of the Director-General of Agri-Food and Veteri nary 
Services at the owner’s expense without recompense.  In addition the owner or his agent is subject to 
prosecution. 
XI FEES   
 Import Licence   -     see Fee Schedule:  Attachme nt-2 
XII OTHER REQUIREMENTS/INFORMATION      DRAFT  
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(i) Stopover of aircraft at all Australian airports , all Canadian airports, Amsterdam, Anchorage, Bahr ain, 
Basel, Berlin, Brussels, Chicago, Copenhagen, Dubai , Dublin, Frankfurt, Hong Kong SAR, 
Honolulu, London, Los Angeles, Luxembourg, Manchest er, New York, Paris, San Francisco, Taipei, 
Tokyo, Vienna and Zurich may be permitted.  
(ii) All mares destined for Singapore must not be p regnant.  Any pregnant mare as well as in-contact 
material may be detained in quarantine or returned to the country of origin at the 
importer’s/exporter’s expense. 
(iii) Any expenditure incurred in the process of im portation of the horse shall be borne by the owner or 
his agent.  
(iv) If a horse dies or is destroyed while under th e custody of AVA, AVA will not be liable for any 
compensation. 
(v) Horses must be kept in places licensed by the D irector-General of Public Health, Ministry of the 
Environment and Water Resources, Singapore. 
(vi) Horses should be transported in accordance wit h latest recommendations of the OIE 
International Animal Health Code and International Air Transport Association Live Animal 
Regulations, unless otherwise agreed by AVA.  
(vii) Regulations and fees are subject to change wi thout notice notwithstanding the issuance of a 
licence from AVA. 
 
 
 
ISSUED BY:  
GROUP DIRECTOR, REGULATORY ADMINISTRATION GROUP 
AGRI-FOOD AND VETERINARY AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE 
5 MAXWELL ROAD #18-00 
TOWER BLOCK, MND COMPLEX 
REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE 069110 
 APPLICATION/ENQUIRIES : 
GROUP DIRECTOR, QUARANTINE & INSPECTION GROUP 
AGRI-FOOD AND VETERINARY AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE 
5 MAXWELL ROAD #02-03 
TOWER BLOCK, MND COMPLEX 
REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE 069110 
E-mail:  AVA_Import&Export_Animals@ava.gov.sg 
 
 
 
12 Apr 2013  
HORSE39-3 (12042013)-DRAFT.DOC  
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 DECLARATION BY CAPTAIN /AUTHORISED AIRLINE STAFF  OF 
AIRCRAFT CARRYING LIVE HORSES FOR IMPORTATION INTO 
SINGAPORE 
 
For temporary  importation of horses from Argentina, Australia, C anada, Denmark France, Germany, Hong 
Kong SAR, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Macau SAR, Malaysi a, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdo m 
and the United States of America (not required when  travelling by road). 
OR 
For permanent  importation of horses from Argentina, Australia , Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong 
Kong SAR, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Un ited Arab Emirates, United Kingdom (Great Britain, 
Northern Ireland) and United States of America. 
OR 
For importation of Singapore horses returning from international races  from Argentina, Australia, Canada, 
Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, I taly, Japan, Macau SAR, Malaysia, New Zealand, Unit ed 
Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States of America (not required if travelling by road). 
 
 
I, ______________________ (Name), Captain / Authorised Airline Staff of _____________________ 
(Flight No.), do hereby declare that: 
 
(i) the horses had been embarked or emplaned in the  country of export (to state the name of the countr y) and 
had not been landed at any intermediate port (unles s it is an approved stopover ports at Part XII) dur ing 
the voyage or flight to Singapore; 
Name of country of export: ________________________ _____ 
 
*Name of intermediate port (if any): ______________ ________   
 
(*please delete accordingly) 
 
(ii) no horse from another country was carried in t he ship/aircraft during the time that the horses to  which 
such declaration refers were on board the ship/airc raft (unless prior approval obtained from AVA), 
 
(iii) no fodder from another country was carried in  the ship/aircraft during the time that the horses to which 
such declaration refers were on board the ship/airc raft (unless prior approval obtained from AVA). 
The use of hay or straw bedding during transport is  prohibited; treated wood shavings, sterilised 
peat and soft boards may be used, 
 
(iv) the interior of the aircraft carrying the hors es had been sprayed with an approved insecticide ju st prior 
to its departure from the country of export, the ap proved intermediate port(s), and on landing in 
Singapore (only applicable for exporting countries and  stopover(s) at approved intermediate port(s) 
in countries which cannot certify country freedom a gainst Venezuelan, Western and Eastern equine 
encephalomyelitis, trypanosomiasis, equine infectio us anemia or piroplasmosis), 
 
(v) in a case where the aircraft has stopped at an intermediate port not approved by AVA as a stopover  port 
but for refuelling purpose, the cargo hold where th e horses are carried in the aircraft had not been o pened 
during the entire time of its refuelling stop and t he interior of the aircraft carrying the horses had  been 
sprayed with an approved insecticide just prior to its arrival at the port and also prior to departure  from the 
port.  
 
 
(07 Sep 2011) Name of Declarant: 
 
 
Signature: 
 
 
Rank: 
 
Date & Time: Insert Official Stamp here:  
HORSE39-3 (12042013)-DRAFT.DOC  
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  DATE :  
 
  
VETERINARY  HEALTH  CERTIFICATE 
FOR  RETURN  OF  SINGAPORE  HORSES  FROM  INTERNATIONAL   
RACES/COMPETITIONS  
For importation of horses from Argentina, Australia , Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, 
Italy, Japan, Macau SAR, Malaysia, New Zealand, Uni ted Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States  of 
America 
 
 
Exporting country  : ______________________________ __________________________ 
 
Ministry   : ______________________________________ __________________ 
 
Department  : _____________________________________ ___________________ 
 
Province or District : ____________________________ ____________________________ 
 
 
SECTION 1 IDENTIFICATION OF THE HORSE 
 
Name Year of Birth Sex Colour Breed/ Description/ P assport number 
 
  
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SECTION 2 ORIGIN OF THE HORSE 
 
Name and address of exporter/owner*:        
*Please delete accordingly 
                                        
 
              
Name and address of premise of origin of horse:            
 
 
 
 
 
 
SECTION 3 DESTINATION OF THE HORSE 
 
Country of destination:    
 
 
 
Name and address of consignee:  
 
 
 
 
 
AVA Import Permit Number:   
 
 
Nature and identification:    
of Means of Transport   
HORSE39-3 (12042013)-DRAFT.DOC  
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SECTION 4 CERTIFICATION 
 
I hereby certify the following (please tick, write Not Applicable (NA) or indicate  the date of testing/vaccination in the 
column on the right where appropriate):  
 
I The horse has not been exported from Singapore fo r more than 60 days and the horse has 
not been outside the approved countries listed in “ Veterinary Conditions for Importation of 
Horses–Return of Singapore Horses from Internationa l Races/ Competitions” during the 60 
days period. 
  
II The following diseases have not occurred in the last 2 years in a zone in the country where 
the horses have been resident and vaccination is no t permitted in the country:  African 
horse sickness, Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis  and glanders.  
  
III The horse has been tested negative using immunodiff usion (Coggin’s) test for Equine 
Infectious Anaemia (EIA) ; and  
 
 Date of test: 
The horse has been tested negative using Serum neut ralisation test (SNT) for Equine 
Viral Arteritis (EVA); and 
 
 Date of test: 
The horse has been tested negative using Fluorescen t antibody test (IFAT) for Equine 
Piroplasmosis  (This is not required if the horse has been tested  in the last 14 days). 
 
 Date of test: 
IV During the 90 days prior to export, the horse ha s not suffered from or been exposed to 
nor been in premises infected with Equine Influenza (EI) , and was vaccinated against 
EI according to manufacturer’s recommendation with an inactivated or recombinant 
vaccine approved by the country of export, between 21 and 90 days before shipment 
either with a primary course or a booster. 
  
V The horse has not suffered from or been exposed t o nor been in premises which have 
been infected in the past 3 months with any conditi on or disease including the following: 
equine infectious anaemia, equine viral encephalomy elitis, horse pox, scabies, 
glanders, dourine, surra, strangles, epizootic lymp hangitis, ulcerative lymphangitis, 
equine rhinopneumonitis, equine viral arteritis, eq uine piroplasmosis, equine influenza, 
vesicular stomatitis, Getah virus infection, anthra x, rabies, Hendra virus infection, Nipah 
virus infection, West Nile virus infection, or any other disease of horses notifiable in the 
country of export. 
  
VI The horse has been resident on premises under of ficial veterinary supervision and 
agreed by the AVA. 
  
VII The horse has no contact with other horses othe r than during a race/ competition.  
VIII The horse has been housed in vector-proofed an d insecticide-treated accommodation, 
and a topical long-acting insecticide approved for use by the competent Veterinary 
Authority has been applied to the horse each time u pon removal from the vector-proofed 
stables during the time the horse has been resident  in the country. 
  
IX The horse has not been mated during the time the  horse has been resident in the 
country. 
  
X To the best of the certifying veterinarian’s know ledge, the horse has not been in contact 
with equidae suffering from an infectious or contag ious disease in the last 15 days prior 
to export or in the period of residency in the coun try of export. 
  
XI The horse had not been vaccinated with a vaccine  which is not approved by the AVA. 
   
HORSE39-3 (12042013)-DRAFT.DOC  
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XII The horse shows no sign of clinical disease, is  free from external parasites and is fit to 
travel. 
  
XIII The vehicle transporting the horse has been cl eaned, disinfected and sprayed with an 
insecticide prior to transporting the horse, and th e horse has been transported directly 
from the resident premise to the port of exit. 
  
 
 
 
 
I, ________________________________________________ _________________ (Name in BLOCK LETTERS), 
the undersigned veterinarian, being an Official gov ernment veterinarian of 
________________________________(the country of exp ort), certify in respect of the horse described abo ve that I 
have no reason to doubt the truthfulness of the inf ormation given in Sections 1 to 4 and am satisfied to the best of 
my ability that the horse certified above meets wit h the requirements for importation into Singapore. 
 
 
 
Signature: ___________________________________ Date : ________________________    
         (day/month/year)  
Name of official government veterinarian:  
___________________________________________________ ______ 
Designation:  
___________________________________________________ ______ 
Address, telephone, fax, email contact:      Offici al Stamp: 
___________________________________________________ ______ 
___________________________________________________ ______ 
___________________________________________________ ______ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(12042013)