United States

Department of

Agriculture

Animal and

Plant Health

Inspection

Service

APHIS 91– 55–082

National Veterinary 

Accreditation Program

Reference Guide
Introduction - Page 1 of 4

Preface 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and 

activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, 

sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic 

information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is 

derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all 

programs.)

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program 

information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 

(202) 720–2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, 

Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250–

9410, or call (800) 795–3272 (voice) or (202) 720–6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal 

opportunity provider and employer.

Mention of companies or commercial products does not imply recommendation or 

endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture over others not mentioned. USDA 

neither guarantees nor warrants the standard of any product mentioned. Product names 

are mentioned solely to report factually on available data and to provide specific 

information.

This publication reports research involving pesticides. All uses of pesticides must be 

registered by appropriate State and/or Federal agencies before they can be recommended.

CAUTION: Pesticides can be injurious to humans, domestic animals, desirable plants, and fish 

or other wildlife — if they are not handled or applied properly. Use all pesticides selectively 

and carefully. Follow recommended practices for the disposal of surplus pesticides and 

pesticide containers.

This guide supersedes APHIS 91-55-065, “Veterinary Accreditation: A Reference 

Guide for Practitioners”, published in February 1993, and all subsequent revisions 

pre-dating July 2011.

This guide may be obtained from your APHIS VS Area Office on compact disc (CD). 

Information on how to contact your APHIS VS Area Office is contained in Appendix B of this 

guide.
Introduction - Page 2 of 4

Introduction

Welcome to the National Veterinary Accreditation Program (NVAP). Thank you for 

participating in the program and becoming a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) accredited veterinarian. This reference 

manual is your guide to the NVAP and contains information vital to understanding and 

performing your responsibilities as an accredited veterinarian, including:

• Animal identification;

• Disease prevention, control, and eradication;

• Regulatory immunization;

• Regulations for intrastate, interstate, and international shipment of animals and

animal byproducts; and

• Instructions on the proper selection, completion, and submission of regulatory forms.

As an accredited veterinarian, you are the first line of defense in ensuring the health of this 

Nation’s livestock and poultry. APHIS is dependent on accredited veterinarians for carrying 

out many of the programs and services designed to protect public health and safeguard 

animal health. You and other accredited veterinarians share in a partnership with APHIS, 

State animal health officials, and the animal agriculture industry. The professional ethic is 

the basis for trust between veterinarians and their clients and also between veterinarians 

and their peers working in animal health and regulatory medicine.

As an accredited veterinarian, you must perform all accreditation work following State and 

Federal laws and regulations and approved procedures. Included in this guide are the 

Standards for Accredited Veterinarians from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 

(appendix A).

By agreeing to participate in the Accreditation Program, you have accepted the 

responsibility for knowing these and other appropriate Federal and State regulations and 

you have agreed to conduct all activities as an Accredited Veterinarian in accordance with 

the Standards of Accredited Veterinarian Duties and any amendments there to which may 

subsequently be issued and in accordance with any instructions received from an APHIS 

representative.

It is important to be sure that all APHIS-accredited veterinarians are performing their 

duties in accordance with current USDA regulations. Within USDA–APHIS, Investigative 

and Enforcement Services (IES) provides support to all the agency’s program units, 

including Veterinary Services (VS). IES investigators look into allegations that an accredited 

veterinarian did not abide by the standards for accredited veterinarian duties as noted in 9 
Introduction - Page 3 of 4

CFR PART (161.4). Further details about IES’ work and your role in the investigative 

process are found in the chapter entitled “Compliance and Regulations” of this Reference 

Guide. 

Chapter Contents Navigation Hint

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Chapter Contents

Introduction 1

Preface - - - - - - - - - - 

Introduction - - - - - - - - - - 

Chapter Contents - - - - - - - - - 

Control and Eradication 2

Brucellosis - - - - - - - - - - 

Johne’s Disease - - - - - - - - - 

Pseudorabies (PRV)- - - - - - - - - 

Tuberculosis - - - - - - - - - 

Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSE) - - - - 

Scrapie - - - - - - - - - -

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) - - - - -

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) - - - - - - -

Poultry 3

National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) - - - - - 

Avian Influenza (AI) - - - - - - - - 

Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) - - - - - - - 

Equine 4

Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) - - - - - - - 

Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) - - - - - - - 

Slaughter Horse Transport Program (SHTP) - - - - - 

Aquatic Animal 5

Aquatic Animal National Health Plan - - - - 

National Aquatic Animal Health Activities - - - - 

Animal Health Emergency Management 6

Emergency Response Structure - - - - - - -

National Response Framework - - - - - - - 
Introduction - Page 4 of 4

National Incident Management System - - - - - - 

National Animal Health Emergency Management System - - - 

Foreign Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Plan - - - 

Foreign Animal Disease Recognition and Initial Response - - - 

National Animal Health Emergency Response Corps - - - - 

Notifiable Diseases and Conditions - - - - - - 

OIE and International Standards - - - - - - - 

Cleaning and Disinfection 7

Cleaning and Disinfecting Pens, Vehicles, etc - - - - - 

Safety - - - - - - - - - - - 

Cleaning - - - - - - - - - - 

Disinfection - - - - - - - - - - 

Disease Surveillance 8

Laboratory Submission 9

 

Animal Movement 10

Interstate Regulations - - - - - - - - 

Interstate Animal Movement - - - - - - - 

Issuing Interstate Animal Movement Documents (CVI) - - - 

International Animal Movement - - - - - - - 

Issuing International Animal Export Documents (OHC) - - - 

Common Problems - - - - - - - - - 

Animal Identification 11

Cattle Identification - - - - - - - - 

Swine Identification - - - - - - - - 

Equine Identification - - - - - - - - 

Sheep Identification - - - - - - - - 

Fowl Identification - - - - - - - - - 

Dog and Cat Identification - - - - - - - - 

Compliance and Regulations 12

Appendixes 13

Appendix A— Code of Federal Regulations - - - - - 

Appendix B— Veterinary Services Area Offices - - - - 

Appendix C— State Animal Health Officials - - - - - 

Appendix D— VS Forms and Instructions for Completing Them - - 

Appendix E— Other Organizational Information - - - - 

Appendix F— Web Sites - - - - - - - - 

Appendix G— Aging the Horse - - - - - - - 
Control and Eradication - Page 1 of 28

Control and Eradication

Brucellosis

Brucellosis is a contagious, infectious, and communicable disease affecting primarily cattle, 

bison, and swine that is caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. Brucella abortus affects 

mainly bovine species; B. suis affects mainly porcine species. Goats, sheep, and horses are 

also susceptible to B. abortus. A third strain, B. melitensis, affects mainly goats and sheep. 

Though B. ovis, which affects sheep, does exist in the United States, it does not cause 

significant disease problems. Currently, there is no program and no initiative to establish a 

program for the control of B. ovis or B. melitensis. 

In its principal animal hosts, brucellosis causes loss of young through spontaneous 

abortion or birth of weak offspring, reduced milk production, and infertility. It can affect 

both animals and humans. Brucellosis is transmitted from animals by direct contact with 

infected blood, placenta, fetuses, or uterine secretions or through the consumption of 

infected and raw animal products (especially milk and milk products). There is no 

economically feasible treatment for brucellosis in livestock.

The regulations of APHIS’ Brucellosis Eradication Program vary on the basis of the 

brucellosis status in each State. Minimum standards are set forth in the Brucellosis 

Eradication Uniform Methods and Rules, a publication distributed by VS. Some States have 

more restrictive requirements. Check with the APHIS –VS Area Office nearest you 

(appendix B) for testing and vaccination policies. Contact the State or Federal animal health 

officials in your State to obtain all necessary forms, mailers, identification tags, and other 

items required for both vaccinating and testing eligible animals. (For some items, fees may 

apply.)

Interstate Shipment

Before testing for interstate shipment, obtain specific State regulations by contacting the 

State animal health official’s office in the importing State. See appendix C for a list of 

addresses and telephone numbers of State animal health officials.

International Export

When preparing to test and certify an animal for international export, become familiar with 

the requirements by visiting the National Center for Import and Export, Animal Regulations 

Library at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/
Control and Eradication - Page 2 of 28

and then contact the APHIS –VS Area Office for additional guidance at:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/area_offices/

VS Form 4 – 33 

VS Form 4–33, Brucellosis Test Record, must be completed for each animal or each herd 

tested (a separate 4–33 must also be completed for each species tested). See appendix D for 

an example of this form and instructions for completing it. VS Form 4–33 requires that you 

list the reason for the test. Reasons may include export (specify the test required by the 

importing country), interstate movement (depends on the State of destination), sale (even 

local change of ownership in many States), show or fair, diagnostic assessment (such as 

abortion), and owner request. If infection is suspected or confirmed, regulatory officials 

will contact you, the owner, or both, to develop a herd plan.

VS Form 4 – 54 

VS Form 4–54, Brucellosis Test Record—Market Cattle Testing Program, is used for 

brucellosis tests done as part of the Market Cattle Testing Program. That program refers to 

the testing of cattle and bison at markets (first point of concentration) or slaughter. See 

appendix D for an example of this form and instructions for completing it.

Testing

Bovine—A complete herd blood test must include all cattle or bison 6 months of age and 

older, except steers, spayed heifers, official Strain 19 calfhood vaccinates of the dairy 

breeds under 20 months of age, and official Strain 19 calfhood vaccinates of bison or beef 

breeds under 24 months of age. The presence of the first pair of fully erupted permanent 

incisor teeth is evidence that an animal has reached 24 months of age. Official Strain 19 

calfhood-vaccinated cattle or bison under these ages must be included in the herd test if 

they are parturient (springers) or have already calved.

Note: Age-based testing requirements do not apply to RB51 vaccinates.

Swine—A complete herd test must include all breeding swine more than 6 months of age 

unless they are being fed for slaughter and are not in contact with breeding swine. 

Vietnamese potbellied pigs are considered to be domestic swine for the purposes of disease 

control and eradication procedures and, as such, fall under the same regulations in Title 9 

of the CFR. All tested swine must be identified with an official eartag, tattoo, or other 

official identification. Also see the subsection entitled “Current Animal Identification.”
Control and Eradication - Page 3 of 28

Exotic Species—When dealing with exotic or nondomestic species, contact your State 

animal health official at: 

http://www.usaha.org/Portals/6/StateAnimalHealthOfficials.pdf

or APHIS –VS Area Office at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/area_offices/

Blood Collection and Submission

Identify each animal with either an official USDA metal eartag placed in the upper middle 

portion of the right ear, an official USDA RFID eartag placed in the middle of the left ear, an 

individual animal’s breed registration tattoo or brand, or an individual registration number 

(in conjunction with an official eartag, or breed registration tattoo or brand) issued by a 

breed association recognized by VS. (Also see the section entitled “Current Animal 

Identification.”) Record the eartag (identification or vaccination), registration tattoo, age 

(months or years), sex, and breed on VS Form 4–33. If you are working with a herd known 

to be, or suspected of being, infected, take proper precautions by wearing protective gloves 

and eyewear. Avoid direct contact with retained placenta, vaginal discharges, aborted 

fetuses, and other reproductive tissues because these materials are potential sources of 

human brucellosis.

Note: If the animal has an official USDA metal or RFID eartag in place, record that eartag on 

the 4-33, but do not place a new official USDA metal or RFID eartag in the ear. Record all 

official USDA eartags (metal and/or RFID). 

Collect 3 to 5 mL of blood. Take appropriate precautions to prevent hemolysis by (1) 

sending the samples with ice packs or (2) centrifuging, pouring the serum off, and sending 

the serum only. (See the section entitled “Laboratory Submissions.”) Because swine blood 

is particularly susceptible to hemolysis, take extra precautions in handling it. If you are 

bleeding the animal with a needle and syringe, do not extrude the sampled blood from the 

syringe through the needle into the test tube. This practice can cause hemolysis. Blood or 

serum samples should be delivered to the cooperative State or Federal laboratory as soon 

as possible for testing. Test results will be interpreted by State or Federal regulatory 

officials. You may be contacted for additional individual or herd history.

Animals Eligible for Vaccination

Vaccinate only heifer calves between the ages of 4 and 12 months. Many States have even 

more restrictive age requirements for vaccination. Before vaccinating any animals for 

brucellosis, be certain that you understand and follow your State’s requirements. Adult 

vaccination for brucellosis is conducted by State and/or Federal officials only. If you have 

questions concerning this program, contact the State animal health official or the APHIS –

VS Area Office nearest you.
Control and Eradication - Page 4 of 28

Instructions for Vaccination

Step 1: Vaccine Handling and Administration— 

1. Keep the vaccine stored properly according to label instructions.

2. Check the expiration date before using.

3. Reconstitute the vaccine following the label instructions.

4. Mix the RB51 vaccine just before using; keep it cool and out of direct sunlight.

5. Use caution. RB51 may cause clinical brucellosis in humans if accidentally injected, 

sprayed in the eyes, or allowed prolonged contact with the skin. If you are exposed, contact 

a physician as soon as possible.

6. After reconstitution, the vaccine loses potency rapidly. Do not reconstitute more vaccine 

than will be used in 1 hour, and, if working in warm weather, keep the vial on an ice pack to 

maintain viability.

7. To avoid contamination and accidental vaccine exposure to other than vaccinationeligible animals, maintain separate syringes and needles for brucellosis.

8. Administer 2 mL of the vaccine subcutaneously.

Step 2: Tattooing— 

1. Clean the inside of the right ear to enhance ink penetration. Green ink works best for 

legibility, especially in black-pigmented ears.

2. Tattoo the ear with the appropriate coding between cartilage ribs in the middle of the 

ear. Allow for normal growth of the ear. If ear marks or notches do not permit this location, 

try to place the tattoo as near as possible to the recommended position.

3. Apply the ink with a dauber and thoroughly rub the ink into the tattoo holes.

4. Vaccination tattoos must be applied to the right ear. For B. abortus Strain 19 vaccinates, 

the tattoo will include the U.S. Registered shield and “V,” which will be preceded by a 

number indicating the quarter of the year and followed by a number corresponding to the 

last digit of the year in which the vaccination was done. For B. abortus Strain RB51 

vaccinates, the tattoo will include the U.S. Registered shield and “V,” which will be preceded 

by a letter R and followed by a number corresponding to the last digit of the year in which 

the vaccination was done. Documentation of brucellosis vaccination tattoo information on 

the VS Form 4–33 and 4-54 is essential for accurate test interpretation.

5. Below is an example of the tattoo that would be applied in the right ear of a female calf 

that was brucellosis vaccinated in the 3rd quarter of a year ending in the digit “2”. The first 

digit represents the quarter of the calendar year that the female calf was vaccinated in. The 

third digit represents the last digit of the 4 year digits of the year the female calf was 

vaccinated in. The middle digit is the Official Brucellosis Shield. In this example the calf was 

vaccinated in either July, August, or September and in either 1992, or 2002, or 2012, etc.

For a female calf vaccinated with RB 51, the 3 would be replaced by an R, indicating 

vaccination with RB 51 in 1992, or 2002, or 2012. You should contact your State animal 
Control and Eradication - Page 5 of 28

health official if you are interested in obtaining the Brucellosis Shield digit for your vaccination 

pliers.

Example of a reduced dose vaccination tattoo applied in the right ear 

Step 3: Records— 

1. Record the information (eartag, age in months, breed, sex, and whether purebred or 

grade) on VS Form 4–24, Brucellosis Calfhood Vaccination Record, or VS Form 4–26, 

Brucellosis Vaccination Record. (See appendix D for examples and instructions for 

completing these forms.) 

2. Use only official USDA orange metal vaccination tags and official USDA tattoos placed in 

the right ear. Individual animal registered breed association registration brands or tattoos 

may be substituted for official eartags. Official USDA RFID eartags placed in the left ear, to 

avoid interference with the official vaccination tattoo, may be substituted for the official 

USDA orange metal vaccination tags. 

3. Promptly submit the vaccination records to your State program records offices as 

instructed by your State Officials. Many States require that records be submitted within 7 

days; check with your State for specific guidelines. Note: Animals are not considered to be 

official vaccinates until the State animal health official or APHIS –VS Area Office has recorded 

the certificate information. Timely submission of certificates is essential. 

4. On rare occasions, it may be necessary to recertify a vaccinated animal that has no tag or 

an illegible tattoo as having been vaccinated. Phone your State animal health official or 

APHIS –VS Area Office for permission and specific instructions. 

Working With Infected Herds 

The details of eradicating brucellosis from herds known to be infected are beyond the 

scope of this manual. Your State animal health official, the APHIS –VS Area Office for your
Control and Eradication - Page 6 of 28

State, and your local regulatory veterinarian will work with you and your client to develop 

a herd plan. 

Johne’s Disease

Johne’s disease is a contagious, chronic, and usually fatal infection that affects primarily the 

small intestine of ruminants. Johne’s disease is caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies 

paratuberculosis (M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis), a hardy bacterium related to the 

agents of leprosy and TB. Johne’s disease is found worldwide.

 

Based on the 2007 Dairy NAHMS study, about 68 percent of U.S. dairy herds have at least 

one cow that tests positive for Johne’s with herd prevalence approaching 100% in large 

dairy herds. Because few herds have instituted biosecurity programs, infection continues 

to spread. Although infection seems less widely distributed in beef and goat herds and 

sheep flocks, Johne’s is nonetheless of critical significance to all producers. 

Johne’s disease can have severe economic impacts on infected herds. It is imperative that 

U.S. herds and flocks employ safeguards against becoming infected. Identifying and 

protecting noninfected herds and flocks will provide a source of breeding stock and 

replacement animals for others and help to reduce the national prevalence of the disease.

 

Clinical Signs and Stages 

In cattle, signs of Johne’s disease include weight loss and diarrhea with normal appetite. 

Several weeks after the onset of diarrhea, a soft swelling may occur under the jaw. This 

intermandibular edema, or “bottle jaw,” is due to protein loss from the bloodstream into 

the digestive tract. Animals at this stage of the disease will not live very long—perhaps a 

few weeks at most. 

Signs are rarely evident until 2 or more years after the initial infection, which usually 

occurs shortly after birth. Animals exposed at an older age, or exposed to a very small dose 

of bacteria at a young age, are not likely to develop clinical disease until they are much 

older than 2 years. 

In sheep and goats, the clinical sign are harder to spot. The intestines become thick and

less efficient at absorbing nutrients. Affected sheep continue to eat but lose weight and 

“waste away.” Although the disease causes diarrhea in cattle, less than 20 percent of sheep 

show diarrhea. In up to 70 percent of sheep, the disease may remain at subclinical levels, 

where individual animals never show signs of the disease but shed the agent in their feces 

and infect other sheep and contaminate the environment. In goats, weight loss, poor 
Control and Eradication - Page 7 of 28

performance and occasionally clumpy feces are all that is seen. Affected animals usually 

show sign before they are 1 year of age.

Johne’s Disease is Generally Described as Having Four Stages: 

Stage I: Silent, subclinical, nondetectable infection. Typically, this stage occurs in calves, 

heifers, and young stock under 2 years of age or animals exposed at an older age. Current 

tests (including fecal culture and serological tests) cannot detect infection in animals that 

young. Research to develop new tests to detect the disease in such animals is ongoing. This 

stage progresses slowly over many months or years to Stage II. It is possible that some 

animals recover from this early phase of infection. 

Stage II: Subclinical shedders. This stage usually occurs in heifers or older animals. 

Animals appear healthy but are shedding M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis in their 

manure at levels high enough to be detected. Current blood tests are not reliable to detect 

Johne’s in animals at this stage. These animals pose a major but often hidden threat of 

infection to other animals through contamination of the environment. Stage II animals 

may or may not progress over time to Stage III.

Stage III: Clinical Johne’s disease. Animals in this stage have advanced infection, and 

clinical signs are often brought on by stress. Clinical signs at this stage include acute or 

intermittent diarrhea, weight loss despite a normal appetite, and decreased milk 

production. Some animals appear to recover but often relapse in the next stressful period. 

Most of these animals are shedding billions of Johne’s-causing organisms, and fecal 

organism detection tests give positive results. Many animals are positive on serologic tests 

as well. Clinical signs may last days to weeks before the animals progress to Stage IV. 

Stage IV: Emaciated animals with fluid diarrhea. This is the terminal stage of the disease 

in which animals become extremely thin and develop bottle jaw. Animals culled to 

slaughter in this stage may not pass inspection for human consumption due to 

disseminated infection. 

In the typical herd, for every animal in Stage IV, many other cattle are infected. For every 

obvious case of Johne’s disease (Stage IV) among dairy cattle on the farm, 15 to 25 other 

animals are likely infected. The clinical case represents only the “tip of the iceberg” of 

Johne’s infection. 

In other ruminant species, the progression of the disease may occur more rapidly with 

weight loss as the only visible sign of infection. 

Epidemiology 

Johne’s disease usually enters a herd when healthy but infected animals (Stage I or II) are 
Control and Eradication - Page 8 of 28

introduced. Cattle are most susceptible to the infection in the first year of life. Calves most 

often become infected by swallowing small amounts of infected manure from the calving 

environment or udder of the cow. In addition, calves can become infected while in the 

uterus or by swallowing bacteria passed in milk and colostrum. Studies have shown that up 

to 25 percent of calves are infected in utero if the cow is in Stage III of the disease. Calves 

may become infected by exposure to contaminated manure any time in the first year of life 

(e.g., from manure splatter to calves raised near adult cows). 

Cattle of any age can become infected, though some age resistance does occur. This age 

resistance can be overcome by high doses of bacteria over time from sources such as 

manure-contaminated feed bunks or water sources. All ruminants are susceptible to 

Johne’s disease. In addition, all infected animals shed the organism through feces, thereby 

creating a possible route of exposure. 

Diagnosis 

In the live animal, fecal organism detection tests (culture and polymerase chain reaction 

methods (PCR)) are the most accurate diagnostic test. However, on a herd basis only about 

40 percent of infected cattle will be disclosed by even the most sensitive fecal culture 

technique. The sensitivity of fecal culture is low because some infected cattle (Stages I and 

II) do not shed the agent in their manure or because some animals shed the agent only 

intermittently and can be missed at testing time.

In addition, M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis is a slow-growing organism. Fecal culture on 

solid media requires 12 to 16 weeks for results. New liquid culture systems have reduced 

this time to as little as 5 weeks. PCR methods can detect the presence of M. avium subsp. 

paratuberculosis without its having to be grown. The test has the advantage that it takes 

less than 3 days and may not be affected by strain variations but has the disadvantages of 

higher cost and the potential of missing animals shedding only low quantities of bacteria. 

Various serologic tests, including ELISA, agar-gel immunodiffusion (AGID), and 

complement fixation, detect antibody in the serum and can be used on a herdwide basis to 

screen for infection. Although less accurate than fecal culture, these tests are more rapid 

and less expensive. Serologic tests also work well to confirm clinical cases. 

It is important to note that, as an accredited veterinarian, you should use only the USDAlicensed ELISA tests and USDA-approved laboratories. 

In the dead animal, Johne’s disease may be diagnosed by culture and histopathology of the 

lower small intestine and associated lymph nodes. 
Control and Eradication - Page 9 of 28

Johne’s Disease Control Program 

VS’ goal is to curtail the spread of M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis to noninfected herds 

and to reduce the disease prevalence in herds currently infected. To accomplish this goal, 

VS has developed a cooperative Federal–State–Industry program that provides producer 

assistance by performing risk assessments for M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis

transmission and developing herd-management plans to mitigate those risks.

VS is also working to provide funding for research to develop and validate control 

measures. Moreover, VS coordinates State activities and monitors current levels of 

infection in the United States. 

State Governments and Tribal Councils participate by providing personnel to conduct 

risk assessments and aid in the development of herd-management plans. Depending on 

funding available, these agencies also help producers by supporting testing at reduced 

fees and underwriting other direct program costs. Industry cooperates by encouraging 

producers to participate in the program through information provided in industry 

journals and consultation with APHIS and professional societies.

 

To work with the Johne’s Disease Control Program as an accredited veterinarian, one must 

first become a Johne’s Certified Veterinarian. Johne’s Certified Veterinarians have received 

additional education on the disease and have demonstrated to the State-Designated Johne’s 

Coordinator that they can 

1. Develop approved herd-management plans; 

2. Provide appropriate Johne’s disease risk assessments; 

3. Understand Johne’s disease epidemiology, testing, and test interpretation; 

4. Understand State and Federal program requirements; and 

5. Collect and submit fecal, tissue, and blood samples for Johne’s disease testing. 

Johne’s Certified Veterinarians must provide Johne’s risk assessments and develop herdmanagement plans and collect and submit samples according to the program requirements.

For information on Johne’s Certified Veterinarian training in your state, please contact your 

State animal health official or your APHIS –VS Area Office.

For further information on the Voluntary Bovine Johne’s Disease Control Program, please 

go to: 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_diseases/johnes/index.shtml
Control and Eradication - Page 10 of 28

Prevention 

For herds that are not infected, managers should take precautions against introduction of 

Johne’s disease. Such precautions include keeping a closed herd or requiring that 

replacement animals come from test-negative herds. Some States offer Johne’s certification 

to test-negative herds. The new Uniform Program Standards for the Voluntary Bovine 

Johne’s Disease Control Program (APHIS 91–45–014) outline a new, voluntary national 

Johne’s classification program that helps to identify risk of infection in participating herds. 

The Johne’s Program Standards can be found on the Web at: 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_diseases/johnes/index.shtml

The key to preventing Johne’s infection is to know that 

• Herds get infected only when infected animals are added to the premises; 

• Prepurchase testing for Johne’s disease is today’s standard of veterinary practice; 

and 

• Testing the herd of origin is much more reliable than testing only the purchased 

animals.

Table 2 outlines options (in order of decreasing risk) of buying M. avium subsp. 

paratuberculosis-infected animals. 

Table 2—Johne’s disease testing options and the risk of buying cattle

Options Risk 

No testing. Very risky—10 percent chance of purchased animal 

being an M. paratuberculosis–infected cow. 

ELISA-test the individual animal before purchase; do 

not purchase anything from herds with cows suspect or 

positive by ELISA. 

Slightly less risky than not testing; more confidence in 

negative tests on older animals, not heifers. 

Quarantine and test after purchase: ELISA positive—

culture twice at 6-month intervals. 

Lowers risk and is sound policy for several infectious 

diseases of cattle. 

Partial test on herd of origin: ELISA on 30 lactating or 

older cows. 

Low risk of Johne’s disease in any animal from such 

herds but not 0 percent. 

Whole-herd ELISA-test herd of origin. Very low risk of Johne’s disease if herd tests 100

percent ELISA negative or culture negative. 

Purchase only from classified low-risk herds. No risk of Johne’s disease. 

Pseudorabies (PRV)

Pseudorabies is a contagious, infectious, and communicable viral disease of livestock. The 

pig is the only natural host. However, pseudorabies virus (PRV) can infect most mammals, 

to include, cattle, goats, sheep, dogs, cats, and wild animals such as opossums, raccoons, 
Control and Eradication - Page 11 of 28

rodents, and skunks, except humans, horses and birds. Transmission of PRV can occur by 

direct nose-to-nose, venereally, including insemination with infected semen or 

transplacental transmission. Indirect transmission can occur by inhalation of aerosolized 

virus or ingestion of contaminated water. 

Transmission of PRV can occur by direct nose-to-nose;, venereally , including insemination 

with infected semen or transplacental transmission. Indirect transmission can occur by 

inhalation of aerosolized virus or ingestion of contaminated water. 

PRV is still found in feral swine populations. All feral swine should be considered a 

potential risk for PRV and other diseases of swine. The PRV virus commonly found in feral 

swine primarily transmits through sexual contact. That said, other transmission methods 

as described above are possible. Biosecurity to prevent feral swine exposure is important 

to protect swine. 

In general, the virus infects the central nervous system (CNS) and the respiratory tract. 

Clinical signs observed depend on the age at time of infection. Young swine are very 

susceptible and can develop severe CNS symptoms. Mortality can reach 100 percent in 

piglets. Clinical signs in weaned pigs, depends on age. Few weaned pigs develop a fatal CNS 

disease but more often will develop a respiratory disease.

Grower finishing swine typically develop only a respiratory disease component. Adult 

swine may have a respiratory disease component and if pregnant, depending on the 

trimester of pregnancy, may abort, have stillborns or give birth to weak piglets.

Pigs of all ages display a generalized febrile response, anorexia, and weight loss. Infected 

pigs remain latently infected following clinical recovery.

PRV Program

PRV through State – Federal- Industry efforts was eradicated from the commercial industry 

in 2004. The US commercial industry has remained free. Additional information on current 

swine programs including the PRV program can be found at: 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_dis_spec/swine/

Interstate Shipment

If you are testing for interstate shipment, contact the State animal health official in the State 

of destination for specific requirements. 
Control and Eradication - Page 12 of 28

International Export

When preparing to test and certify an animal for international export, become familiar with 

the requirements by visiting the National Center for Import and Export, Animal Regulations 

Library at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/

You should also contact the APHIS –VS Area Office to confirm the current requirements for 

the country of destination and to get additional guidance at: 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/area_offices/

As an alternative, you may have the exporter or broker contact the ministry of agriculture 

of the importing country for specific regulations and the need for any permits. You may 

find information about the ministry of agriculture at this web site: 

http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/fco/ 

Tuberculosis

Bovine tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious, infectious, communicable disease of animals and 

humans caused by Mycobacterium bovis. It is commonly a chronic, debilitating disease but 

occasionally may assume an acute, rapidly progressive course. TB is a widespread zoonosis 

of global magnitude and affects nearly all species of vertebrates. Disease is spread by direct 

contact, inhalation of droplets expelled from infected lungs, and ingestion of contaminated 

feed or milk. All accredited veterinarians must immediately report every suspected or 

diagnosed bovine TB case promptly to both the Veterinarian-in-Charge and the State

Animal Health Official.

Testing

Diagnosing TB in live animals depends on using an effective testing technique with an 

intradermal injection of tuberculin obtained through your State animal health official or 

APHIS –VS Area Office. Several varieties of tuberculin are produced. However, use only 

bovine purified protein derivative tuberculin (PPD bovis) licensed by USDA for official 

testing. See table 1 for tuberculin test requirements for different species of animals.
Control and Eradication - Page 13 of 28

Table 1 – Tuberculin test information for various animal species

Species Dose and Type Site Read test visually 

and palpate

Cattle & Bison 0.1mL PPD bovis Caudal Fold 72 h +/- 6h

Horses Not reliable

Sheep & Goats 0.1mL PPD bovis Caudal Fold 72 h

Swine 0.1mL PPD bovis Base of Ear or 

Vulvar lips

48 h

Poultry 0.05 mL avian Wattle 48 h

Exotic Bovidae 0.1mL PPD bovis Midcervical 72 h

Deer, Elk & other 

Cervidae

0.1mL PPD bovis Midcervical 72 h

Camelidae 0.1mL PPD bovis Postaxillary Region 72 h

Note: TB testing and test result interpretation for many exotic species (such as some zoo 

animals) are not yet developed or reliable. For interstate movement of these animals, contact 

the State animal health official in the State of destination for the TB-testing requirements (if 

any) for these species.

Because the tuberculin test is based on an immune response, the animal being tested 

should not concurrently be receiving other medications, vaccinations, or anthelminthic 

drugs. These agents may temporarily affect the immune system and influence the result of 

the tuberculin test. This also means that sick animals may not be injected even if they are 

not being medicated or treated in any fashion. In addition, tail-bleeding is not 

recommended for other diagnostic procedures (e.g., brucellosis, Johne’s disease) at the 

time of tuberculin-test injection in cattle or bison because tail-bleeding may interfere with 

test interpretation.

Veterinarians are legally responsible for properly conducting and evaluating the results of 

tuberculin tests. Therefore, perform the test yourself; do not delegate the responsibility to 

a technician. For TB testing in species other than cattle or bison (e.g., cervidae), contact 

your State animal health official or APHIS –VS Area Office for additional guidance.

Instructions for Testing

Step 1: Forms— 

1. Complete VS Form 6–22, Tuberculosis Test Record. (See appendix D for an example of 

this form and instructions for completing it.)
Control and Eradication - Page 14 of 28

2. Identify the animal on the form by its official identification as outlined in the section 

entitled “Current Animal Identification.” 

• All cattle and bison tested shall be individually identified by official eartags. Such 

identification must be recorded in its entirety on the test record at the time of injection 

and must be confirmed at the time of observation. 

• Additional identification (such as bangle tags, non-official metal ear tags, neck chain 

numbers, tags, brands, horn numbers, and names) should also be recorded on the test 

record as supplemental information, but must never be used as the sole method of 

identification. 

• When cattle and bison have been tagged with more than one official ear tag, all ear tag 

numbers must be recorded in their entirety. 

• The breed, sex, and approximate age in years of each animal tested must be recorded in 

their entirety on the test record. Abbreviations such as C=Calf or A=Adult are not to be 

used. 

• The owner should be informed of the number of animals injected, and advised to 

restrict them to the premises until the test is completed.

Step 2: Supplies— 

1. Tuberculin. Use USDA-Veterinary Services approved PPD Bovis tuberculin (see table 1). 

Check the expiration date to be certain that the tuberculin is still valid.

2. Syringe. Use disposable 1.0 cc plastic tuberculin syringe.

3. Needle. Use a 26-gauge, 3/8-inch-long needle; a larger gauge and longer or shorter 

needle might allow the tuberculin to leak from the injection site. A new needle must be 

used for each animal. 

Step 3: Injection of Tuberculin— All cattle and bison tested must be sufficiently 

restrained to permit careful application of the tuberculin injection(s), correct reading of 

animal identification, and careful observation and palpation of the injection sites. No test 

should be applied or observed without having the animal restrained in a satisfactory 

manner. Nose tongs are no longer used by APHIS regulatory personnel.

1. In cattle and bison, injections should be made about 2 to 3 inches distal to the base of the 

tail. Rest the caudal fold on the forefinger exposing the area outside the hairline in bare 

skin near the center of the caudal fold. 

2. Note scars, defects, and anomalies of the skin in this area on VS Form 6–22 so that they 

will not be confused with possible test reactions at the time of reading. 

3. Use the caudal fold on either side of the tail; however, note which side you injected.

4. Clean the area to be injected, but do not use alcohol because it may be irritating to the 

skin.

5. Grasp the caudal fold between the thumb and index and middle fingers to stabilize it.
Control and Eradication - Page 15 of 28

6. Carefully insert the needle to its full length between the superficial layers of the skin; 

withdraw it slightly and deposit 0.1 mL of tuberculin.

7. A small bleb should appear in the skin at the end of the needle.

Note: It is important to establish a consistent injection technique (i.e., all animals should be

injected on the same side of the tail)—particularly when testing large numbers of animals, 

unless there is some physical abnormality at the injection site. 

Step 4: Reading the Test— 

1. The test must be read between 66 and 78 hours after injection (72 hours is optimum). 

The veterinarian who made the injection must be the veterinarian who reads the test 

result. Exceptions must be approved in writing by the USDA, Veterinary Services, Area 

Veterinarian-in-Charge. The veterinarian must determine the results of the test by both 

observation and palpation of the injection site.

2. Verify the identification of the restrained animal and raise the tail to exert slight tension 

on the caudal fold.

3. Visually inspect the injection site closely and palpate it carefully to detect changes from 

the normal. Any swelling, sensitivity, or increase in thickness of the skin is considered to be 

a positive response to the tuberculin. The size of responses may vary and are not indicative 

of infectious status. Responses may be small, hard, pea-sized responses, diffuse responses, 

circumscribed responses, or large responses. If there is doubt about whether a response 

has occurred, palpate the opposite side of the tail to determine if there is a change from 

normal. Any observed change should be recorded.

4. Test observation without palpation is unacceptable.

Step 5: Recording the Results of the Test— 

1. Use VS Form 6–22.

2. Enter “N” (negative) when you observe no change in the tissue at the site of injection.

3. Enter “S” (suspect) when you observe or palpate any increase in caudal fold thickness, 

size, or sensitivity, at the injection site as described above. 

Reactions and Interpreting Test Results

If an animal is exposed to the antigens present in bovine TB, a tuberculin injection results 

in a delayed hypersensitivity reaction manifested by swelling and induration at the 

injection site. A positive response usually begins within 8 to 12 hours and peaks about 72 

hours after injection.

If the test produces any type of response, immediately notify your APHIS –VS Area Office 

and State animal health officials. The caudal-fold test is used as a presumptive diagnostic 
Control and Eradication - Page 16 of 28

procedure, and animals classified as suspect must be evaluated further by the comparative 

cervical (CC) test, gamma interferon test, or sent directly to slaughter under permit.

Only Federal or State regulatory veterinarians who have had specialized training may 

conduct the follow up testing. Follow-up testing must be performed within 10 days of the 

initial caudal-fold injection in cattle and bison, or the herd owner must wait 60 days (90 

days for cervidae) before the follow-up test can be administered. If the CC or gamma 

interferon test indicates that the animal is a reactor, all further herd testing is conducted by 

Federal or State regulatory veterinarians.

In most areas of the United States, a caudal-fold response rate of 3 percent or greater 

should be expected. Improper injection or observation techniques may result in true 

suspects’ or reactors’ being missed. See the Bovine TB Eradication Uniform Methods and 

Rules for more information. The most current version of this VS-published document is 

posted at:

<<<<<http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_diseases/tuberculosis/do

wnloads/tb-umr.pdf>>>>>

9 CFR part 77.1 Material incorporated by reference.

Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication. The Uniform Methods and 

Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication (January 22, 1999, edition) has been approved for 

incorporation by reference into the Code of Federal Regulations by the Director of the Federal 

Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

(a) The procedures specified in the Uniform Methods and Rules—Bovine Tuberculosis 

Eradication (January 22, 1999, edition) must be followed for the interstate movement of 

certain animals regulated under this part.

Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are rare progressive 

neurodegenerative disorders that affect both humans and animals and are caused by 

similar uncharacterized agents that generally produce spongiform changes in the brain. 

Specific examples of TSEs include classical and Nor98-like scrapie, which affect sheep and 

goats; bovine spongiform encephalopathy, which affects cattle, and rarely other bovidae 

(nyala, oryx, eland, kudu, and goats), domestic and exotic cats (feline spongiform 

encephalopathy), humans (variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease), and zoo primates; 

transmissible mink encephalopathy; and chronic wasting disease of mule deer, whitetailed deer, black-tailed deer, elk and moose. 
Control and Eradication - Page 17 of 28

TSEs are insidious degenerative diseases of the central nervous system. Historically, the 

diagnosis of TSEs has been based on the occurrence of clinical signs of the disease, which 

could only be confirmed by postmortem examination of brain tissue using histopathology. 

More recently, identifying the presence of abnormal prion protein by various techniques 

has allowed preclinical diagnosis.

A characteristic feature of all TSEs is the lack of a measurable host immune response to the 

agent, meaning that no antibodies are produced. No conventional serologic test can be used 

to identify infected animals. Scientists usually diagnose TSEs in the laboratory by 

immunohistochemistry, western blot, or ELISA performed on brain and or lymphoid tissue 

which may be followed by one or more supplemental tests.

Three TSEs will be discussed in this chapter; Scrapie, Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, 

and Chronic Wasting Disease. 

Scrapie

There are two types of scrapie; classical and nonclassical. Nonclassical scrapie is also 

referred to as atypical, Nor98, or Nor98-like scrapie. Nonclassical scrapie appears to occur 

sporadically and has occurred in sheep of all the common genotypes and goats. It is either 

not transmissible or poorly transmissible under natural conditions. Given this the scrapie 

eradication program focuses on classical scrapie. Here after where “scrapie” is used it is 

intended to mean “classical scrapie”. 

Scrapie is a fatal, degenerative TSE disease affecting the central nervous system of sheep 

and goats. First recognized as a disease of sheep in Great Britain and other countries of 

Western Europe more than 250 years ago, scrapie has been reported throughout the world. 

In the United States, scrapie has primarily been reported in the black-face meat breeds and 

their crosses. It also has been diagnosed in numerous other breeds and crossbreeds 

including wool and hair sheep, and in goats. The prevalence of scrapie in U.S. sheep was 

estimated to be 0.2 percent in 2002-2003 and 0.03 percent in FY 2010. 

The agent responsible for scrapie and other TSEs is smaller than the smallest known virus 

and has not been completely characterized. There are a variety of theories regarding the 

nature of the agent. The most widely accepted is that disease is caused by an infectious 

protein, or prion, that causes the normal cellular version of the protein to change shape 

such that it can no longer be degraded by the cell, causing the protein to accumulate and 

damage the cell. 
Control and Eradication - Page 18 of 28

The scrapie agent is extremely resistant to heat and to normal sterilization processes. It 

does not evoke any detectable immune response or inflammatory reaction in host animals. 

The scrapie agent is thought to be spread most commonly from the ewe to her offspring 

and to other lambs in contemporary lambing groups through contact with the placenta and 

placental fluids. Signs or effects of the disease usually appear 2 to 5 years after the animal is 

infected but may take longer to appear. Sheep usually live 1 to 6 months after the onset of 

clinical signs and in some cases longer, but death is inevitable.

On the farm, veterinarians identify scrapie suspects based on the appearance of its signs 

combined with knowledge of the animal’s history and signalment. Signs of scrapie vary 

widely among individual animals and develop very slowly. As the result of nerve cell 

damage, affected animals usually show behavioral changes, tremor (especially of the head 

and neck), pruritus, and locomotor incoordination, which progresses to recumbency and 

death. Early signs include subtle changes in behavior or temperament. These changes may 

be followed by scratching and rubbing against fixed objects, apparently to relieve itching. 

Other signs are loss of coordination, weight loss despite retention of appetite, biting of feet 

and limbs, lip smacking, and gait abnormalities, including high-stepping of the forelegs, 

hopping like a rabbit, and swaying of the back end.

An infected animal may appear normal if left undisturbed at rest. However, when 

stimulated by a sudden noise, excessive movement, or the stress of handling, the animal 

may tremble or fall down in a convulsivelike state. Several other problems can cause 

clinical signs similar to scrapie in sheep, including the diseases ovine progressive 

pneumonia, listeriosis, and rabies; the presence of external parasites (lice and mites); 

pregnancy toxemia; and toxins. 

Testing

The official test currently used for scrapie diagnosis in the United States is 

immunohistochemistry. Histopathology, Western Blot, and ELISA may be used as 

supplemental tests or when tissues are not suitable for immunohistochemistry. 

Histopathology is used to identify pathological changes in the brain following necropsy. 

Pathological changes of scrapie are confined to the central nervous system. The lesions are 

characteristically found in the grey matter of the brainstem. They include neuronal 

vacuolation, other forms of neuronal degeneration, astrocytosis, and a vacuolar or spongy 

alteration called status spongiosis. Immunohistochemistry, Western Blot, and ELISA can be 

used to detect the abnormal prion protein in brain or lymphoid tissues.

The third-eyelid and rectal lymphoid tissue biopsy are APHIS-approved tests for scrapie 

detection in live animals. The tests use a biopsy of lymphoid tissue from the third eyelid or 
Control and Eradication - Page 19 of 28

rectum and IHC. Rectal biopsies typically have fewer samples with insufficient follicles to 

give a valid result and it is an easier sample to collect compared to the third eyelid. A single 

rectal biopsy or two third eyelid biopsies done at the same time have a sensitivity of 

approximately 87 percent when compared to the result of IHC testing on lymph node and 

brain. When animals over 14 months are tested, held and necropsied upon death the 

sensitivity of the third eyelid is reduced to about 70 percent as would be expected due to 

the long incubation period of the disease. It is likely that the rectal biopsy, if evaluated long 

term, would have similar results.

Identifying Affected Animals

Animals that are incubating the disease and may be shedding the agent are rarely identified 

until the onset of clinical signs. The only absolute way to prevent an introduction of scrapie 

into a flock is to prohibit all movements of sheep and goats into a flock. Until a more 

sensitive, cost-effective live-animal test is available, the risk can be substantially reduced 

by maintaining a closed ewe flock; by acquiring female animals only from certified free 

flocks, zones, or countries; and/or by acquiring ewes that are genetically resistant or less 

susceptible.

If scrapie develops in a flock, the risk of further spread, reintroduction of the disease, or 

both can be minimized through

• Removal of genetically susceptible exposed sheep and exposed goats;

• Live-animal testing and removal of test-positive animals;

• Breeding for genetic resistance;

• Careful cleaning and disinfection of lambing facilities;

• Improved management of animals at lambing time with particular attention to

segregating them into small groups or keeping them alone when possible, maintaining the 

risk classification of animals in each group at the same level, and removing and incinerating 

placenta and soiled bedding immediately following lambing; and

• When warranted, employing embryo transfer, cesarean section, or both.

The National Scrapie Eradication Program

The National Scrapie Eradication Program has two major components: a regulatory 

eradication program called the Accelerated Scrapie Eradication Program (ASEP) and a 

voluntary certification program called the Scrapie Flock Certification Program (SFCP).

Accelerated Scrapie Eradication Program 

• In September 2001, the scrapie regulations were revised to require the official

identification of sheep and goats not in slaughter channels (except low-risk commercial 

goats) and any sheep over 18 months of age in interstate commerce with some exceptions. 
Control and Eradication - Page 20 of 28

In addition, the revision required States to implement and enforce official identification of 

most sheep and goats on change of ownership intrastate in order to move sheep and goats 

interstate with minimal restrictions. 

• APHIS provides free official sheep and goat eartags to producers and accredited

veterinarians. Call 866-USDA-TAG to request tags;

• Infected sheep are identified through active slaughter surveillance, reporting of suspect

animals by producers and accredited veterinarians, testing of mature sheep or goats that 

die on farm or at other locations, and live-animal testing of higher risk animals;

• Effective tracing of infected animals to their flock or herd of origin and tracing and testing

of exposed animals made possible as a result of the new identification requirements; and

• Providing effective cleanup strategies that will allow producers to stay in business,

preserve breeding stock, and remain economically viable.

APHIS provides the following assistance to owners of exposed and infected flocks or herds 

that participate in cleanup plans including owners of exposed animals that have been sold 

out of infected and source flocks or herds: 

• Indemnity for high-risk, suspect, and scrapie-positive sheep and exposed goats that

owners agree to destroy;

• Genetic testing for scrapie susceptibility; and

• Scrapie testing on live or dead animals

Scrapie Flock Certification Program (SFCP) 

The SFCP is a voluntary program that is open to all sheep and goat producers in the United 

States. The overall objective of the SFCP is to minimize the scrapie risk of participating 

flocks and herds, thereby improving the marketability of animals from participating flocks 

and herds and contributing to the national scrapie eradication program.

The SFCP has two categories: Export and Select. The Export category has two statuses 

(Export Monitored and Export Certified), and the Select category has one status (Select 

Monitored).

Export Category. The objective of this category is to certify participating flocks and 

herds as scrapie free establishments through annual inspections, individual animal 

identification (ID) requirements, recordkeeping requirements, and animal sampling 

requirements. Animals from Export Certified flocks are considered highly unlikely to be 

infected with scrapie, and have greater marketing opportunities both domestically and 

internationally. 
Control and Eradication - Page 21 of 28

Select Category. The objective of this category is to report animals with clinical signs of 

scrapie and to submit samples from at least one mature animal for scrapie testing every 

1-3 years, depending on the size of the flock or herd. Participating flocks do not advance 

to a certified status.

All requirements of the SFCP are outlined in the SFCP program standards, available in 

electronic form at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_diseases/

scrapie/free-certi.shtml.

Role of Accredited Veterinarians in Scrapie Eradication Accredited

veterinarians play an integral role in the eradication of scrapie. Within the eradication 

program, they are required to report live or dead scrapie suspects to State and Federal 

authorities. In addition to this critical role, accredited veterinarians are the producers’ 

primary source of education about all aspects of the program, including identification, 

recordkeeping, and shipping requirements. When requested by the producer, accredited 

veterinarians can apply official eartags, collect and submit samples for official genotype 

testing, scrapie testing on obex, lymph node, third-eyelid lymphoid tissue, or rectal 

lymphoid tissue; and issue Certificates of Veterinary Inspection for interstate movement. 

Additionally, accredited veterinarians play a very important role in educating producers 

about the disease and in assisting producers with the prevention and elimination of 

scrapie. 

Information on the issuance of Certificates of Veterinary Inspection for sheep and goats and

on identification of sheep and goats can be found in the “Sheep and Goat” section under the 

“Animal Movement” heading. Additional information on the APHIS National Scrapie

Eradication Program may be found at: 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_diseases/scrapie

Guidance on the scrapie regulations can be found in the Scrapie Eradication Uniform

Methods and Rules at :

<<<<<http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_diseases/scrapie/downloa

ds/umr_scrapie.pdf>>>>>
Control and Eradication - Page 22 of 28

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)

BSE, widely referred to as “mad cow disease,” is a chronic degenerative TSE disease 

affecting the central nervous system of cattle.

History

BSE was first diagnosed in 1986 in Great Britain. Since then, more than 185,000 cases have 

been confirmed worldwide. More than 95 percent of these have occurred in the United 

Kingdom, but the disease has also been confirmed in native-born cattle in the following 

countries: Austria, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, 

Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, 

Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, and the United States.

Three cases of BSE have been identified in the United States. The first case was detected in 

2003 in Washington State in a 6 year-old dairy cow imported from Canada. The second, in 

2005, was a 12 year-old beef cow in Texas. The third, in 2006, was a 10 year-old beef cow 

in Alabama. As a result, U.S. beef exports dropped 80% in 2004 and have not yet fully 

recovered.

Clinical Course

Cattle affected by BSE experience progressive degeneration of the nervous system. Affected 

animals may display changes in temperament (nervousness or aggression), abnormal 

posture, incoordination and difficulty in rising, decreased milk production, or loss of 

condition without noticeable loss of appetite. There is no treatment or vaccine to prevent 

BSE. The incubation period is from 2 to 8 years. Following the onset of clinical signs, the 

animal’s condition deteriorates until it either dies or is destroyed. This process usually 

takes from 2 weeks to 6 months. 

Etiologic Agent and Tissue Distribution

The agent responsible for BSE has not been completely characterized. There are a variety 

of theories regarding the nature of the agent. The most widely accepted is that disease is 

caused by an infectious protein, or prion, that causes the normal cellular version of the 

protein to change shape such that it can no longer be degraded by the cell, causing the 

protein to accumulate and damage the cell. 

The BSE agent is extremely resistant to heat and to normal sterilization processes. It also 

does not evoke any detectable immune response or inflammatory reaction in host animals. 

In cattle naturally infected with BSE, evidence of disease has been found only in brain 
Control and Eradication - Page 23 of 28

tissue, in the spinal cord, and in the retina. In experimentally infected cattle, the distal 

ileum, bone marrow, dorsal root ganglion, and trigeminal ganglion from experimentally 

infected cattle were also found to be infective.

Transmission

BSE is not a contagious disease and therefore is not spread through casual contact between 

cattle or with other species. The primary source of BSE infection in cattle is commercial 

feed contaminated with the infectious agent. Scientific evidence shows that feed 

contamination results from incorporating ingredients (for example, meat-and-bone meal) 

that contain protein derived from rendered infected cattle. Standard rendering processes 

do not completely inactivate the BSE agent. Therefore, rendered protein such as meat-andbone meal derived from infected animals may contain the infectious agent. The preferred 

method for disposal of BSE-infected carcasses is alkaline digestion or complete, hightemperature incineration. Under no circumstances should BSE suspects be used for human 

or animal consumption.

Testing

Currently, there is no validated test to detect the disease in a live animal. BSE testing is 

done by examining the obex portion of the brain stem for the accumulation of abnormally 

folded prion protein. BSE screening is generally done by enzyme-linked immunosorbent 

assay (ELISA) on fresh tissue. BSE can be confirmed by immunohistochemistry or Western 

Blot. Histopathology may also be utilized to look for spongiform changes in brain stem 

tissue that are characteristic of the TSEs. 

The accumulation of abnormal prion protein material and other changes in brain stem 

tissue that are diagnostic for BSE are not apparent in the early stages of the disease. Thus, 

the failure to detect BSE is not equivalent to a negative test or the absence of infectivity. 

Current testing methods are surveillance tools only. They are not intended to protect 

human health or animal health nor can they guarantee food safety.

Surveillance

BSE surveillance has been conducted in the United States since 1990. After the initial case 

of BSE was detected in the United States in late 2003, APHIS conducted a BSE Enhanced 

Surveillance Program from 2004 to 2006. This was a one-time intensive effort to detect 

BSE if present at a very low level and to provide information about prevalence. More than 

830,000 animals were tested. Subsequent data analysis indicated that the prevalence of 

BSE in the U.S. was very low—less than one infected animal per million based on a 

population of 42 million adult cattle.
Control and Eradication - Page 24 of 28

Beginning in 2006, the BSE Ongoing Surveillance Program was implemented. This program 

was developed to meet not only the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) 

surveillance standard of detecting one case of BSE per 100,000 adult cattle with 95% 

confidence, but also the more stringent U.S. standard of detecting one case of BSE per one 

million adult cattle with 95% confidence. Both standards are based on a point system that 

reflects the likelihood of finding BSE. The BSE Ongoing Surveillance Program focuses on 

populations of cattle at higher risk for BSE, including those of any age with CNS signs and 

those over 30 months of age that are condemned on antemortem inspection at slaughter. 

Since 2006, more than 40,000 samples have been tested per year resulting in point totals 

that far exceed both the OIE and U.S. requirements.

Eradication and Control Efforts

Agricultural officials in the United Kingdom and other countries affected with BSE have 

taken actions to eradicate or control the disease. These entail prohibiting the inclusion of 

mammalian meat-and-bone meal in animal feed; prohibiting the use of specified risk 

materials or SRMs (those tissues, e.g., brain and spinal cord, known to have the highest 

infectivity) in food, feed, or other products; and destroying animals showing signs of BSE 

and other animals at high risk of developing the disease. As a result of these actions, most 

notably the imposition of feed bans, the rate of newly reported cases of BSE in the United 

Kingdom has greatly decreased.

In 1997, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) implemented regulations that 

prohibit the feeding of most mammalian proteins to ruminants, including cattle. This feed 

ban is the most important measure to prevent the transmission of disease to cattle. In 

2008, the ban was strengthened by prohibiting the inclusion of SRMs (brains and spinal 

cords from animals 30 months of age or older) in any animal feed. The 2008 rule also 

prohibits the use of entire carcass of cattle not inspected and passed for human 

consumption, unless the cattle are less than 30 months of age, or the brains and spinal 

cords have been removed.

Public Health Significance

In March 1996, the United Kingdom’s Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee 

(SEAC) announced the identification of 10 cases of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) 

in people. These cases had a characteristic clinical and pathological phenotype that differed 

from other routinely diagnosed cases of classic (sporadic) CJD. SEAC concluded, and 

scientific evidence later confirmed, that these cases were linked to exposure to BSE before 

the feed bans were implemented. 
Control and Eradication - Page 25 of 28

In the United States, public or human health protective measures are maintained by both 

the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the FDA. The most important public 

health protective measure is the removal of SRMs from the human food supply. Other 

controls include banning nonambulatory disabled cattle from the human food chain; 

prohibiting air-injection stunning of slaughter cattle; requiring additional process controls 

in advanced meat-recovery systems; and forbidding the use of mechanically separated 

meat in human food. Additionally, protection from BSE and other disease is achieved 

through antemortem inspection of slaughter cattle and the exclusion from slaughter of 

animals with any clinical signs of neurological disease or other abnormalities. 

Identifying Affected Animals

Beginning in 1989, APHIS prohibited the importation of ruminants and most ruminant 

products from countries that had identified BSE in native cattle or that were at risk for BSE. 

An ongoing, comprehensive interagency surveillance program for BSE has been in place in 

the U.S. since 1990. APHIS also supports the FDA’s regulation prohibiting the use of most 

mammalian proteins in ruminant feed. Currently, USDA allows the importation of some 

animals and commodities under permit or by regulation from minimal BSE-risk countries. 

Because of the clinical history that can be obtained, samples collected on the farm from 

cattle exhibiting symptoms of central nervous system disease are particularly valuable to 

the BSE Ongoing Surveillance Program efforts in the United States. Accredited 

veterinarians with proper training can play a key role in the sampling of these animals and 

should contact their VS area office for more information. BSE is a reportable disease. Any 

suspicious cases should be reported to the APHIS – VS Area Office or the State animal 

health official as a suspected foreign animal disease (FAD).

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

CWD is a TSE of cervids in the genera Odocoileus, Cervus, and Alces. Known susceptible 

species are white tailed deer, mule deer, black tailed deer, Rocky Mountain elk, and moose. 

Transmission studies involving direct or indirect contact between CWD infected deer and 

elk, and other ruminant species including wild ruminants and domestic cattle, sheep, and 

goats have shown no evidence of transmission of CWD to these other ruminant species. 

 

First recognized as a clinical “wasting” syndrome in 1967 in mule deer in a wildlife 

research facility in northern Colorado, it was identified as a TSE in 1978. CWD is typified by 

chronic weight loss leading to death. There is no known relationship between CWD and any 

other TSEs of animals or people.
Control and Eradication - Page 26 of 28

In the mid-1980s, CWD was first detected in free-ranging deer and elk in contiguous 

portions of northeastern Colorado and southeastern Wyoming. In May 2001, CWD also was 

found in free-ranging deer in the southwestern corner of Nebraska (adjacent to Colorado 

and Wyoming). At that time, the limited area of northern Colorado, southern Wyoming, 

and western Nebraska in which free-ranging deer and elk positive for CWD have been 

found was referred to as the original endemic area. 

Since 2002, CWD has been identified in free-ranging cervid populations in 15 States: 

Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska, New York, New 

Mexico, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Wyoming. The first 

CWD-positive free-ranging moose was identified in Colorado in 2005. 

Since 1997, CWD has been found in farmed cervids (white-tailed deer and elk) in 11 States: 

Colorado, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New York, Oklahoma, South 

Dakota, and Wisconsin. As of 2011, only Colorado and Nebraska have CWD positive 

farmed herds.

Like the causative agents of scrapie and Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), the 

agent responsible for CWD has not been completely characterized. The CWD agent is 

thought to be an abnormal prion protein. It is smaller than most viral particles and does not 

evoke any detectable immune response or inflammatory reaction in the host animal. On the 

basis of experience with other TSE agents, the CWD agent is assumed to be resistant to 

enzymes and chemicals that normally break down proteins as well as to heat and normal 

disinfection procedures.

Clinical Signs

CWD has been reported to occur in susceptible cervids 12 months of age and older. The 

disease is progressive and always fatal. The most obvious and consistent clinical sign of 

CWD is long-term weight loss with loss of body condition. Behavioral changes also occur in 

the majority of cases, including decreased interactions with other animals in the pen, 

listlessness, depression, lowering of the head, blank facial expression, and repetitive 

walking in set patterns within the pen. In elk, behavioral changes may also include 

hyperexcitability and nervousness. Affected animals continue to eat grain but may show 

decreased interest in hay. Victims salivate excessively and grind their teeth. Most deer 

show increased drinking and urination. 

Testing

Currently, definitive diagnosis is based on IHC testing of the obex area of the brain stem or 

the medial retropharyngeal lymph nodes. Gross lesions seen at necropsy reflect the clinical 
Control and Eradication - Page 27 of 28

signs of CWD, primarily emaciation and sometimes aspiration pneumonia, which may be 

the cause of death. On microscopic examination, lesions of CWD in the central nervous 

system resemble those of other spongiform encephalopathies. At this time, abnormal prion 

proteins are detected using IHC, Western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent 

assay (ELISA). New technologies may provide additional means of detecting abnormal 

prion proteins in the future. Research is being conducted to develop live-animal diagnostic 

tests for CWD. The rectal biopsy test, while not yet validated by NVSL for regulatory 

testing, appears promising but may have limited applicability due the number of positive 

animals in the early stages of the disease that may not be detected. 

Official CWD tests are performed only at APHIS-approved university, State, or Federal 

veterinary diagnostic laboratories. If the animal to be tested is a farmed deer or elk, 

accredited veterinarians should check with Federal or State regulatory veterinarians for 

information on sample collection and appropriate sample submission. If the animal to be 

sampled is a wild deer or elk that is suspected of having CWD, accredited veterinarians 

should inform State and Federal authorities and work with their State wildlife management 

agency to find out how officials would like the sample collected and submitted. Check with 

the State animal health official or APHIS –VS Area Office to determine whether CWD testing 

is being conducted in hunter-harvested deer. However, the wildlife management agencies 

have other alternatives they may choose to use as well.

If the animal to be sampled is a clinically normal wild animal that an individual hunter 

would like tested, accredited veterinarians should also work with their State wildlife 

management agency or department of agriculture to find out how best to proceed. Several 

approved laboratories exist with sufficient capacity to provide fee-for-service testing for 

samples collected by individual hunters. Accredited veterinarians should always check 

with the diagnostic laboratory to make sure samples are properly collected, packaged, and 

shipped.

Disposal

Horizontal transmission of CWD has been demonstrated from environments contaminated 

with CWD-positive organic materials. Therefore, the proper disposal of potentially CWDinfected tissues is an important factor in reducing the risk of CWD transmission. Carcass 

and tissue disposal options may be regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency 

(EPA), FDA, or State or local authorities. Accredited veterinarians should check with these 

entities first before disposing of a suspect or positive carcass.

Management
Control and Eradication - Page 28 of 28

APHIS has provided assistance to State officials in diagnosing CWD and in monitoring 

international and interstate movements of animals to help prevent further spread of CWD. 

An extensive nationwide surveillance effort was started in 1997–98 to better define the 

geographic distribution of CWD in free-ranging cervids. 

Surveillance for CWD in farmed cervids began in 1997 and has been a cooperative effort 

involving State agriculture and wildlife agencies and APHIS. Farmed cervid surveillance has 

been increasing each year since 1997 and will be an integral part of the USDA program to 

prevent and control CWD in farmed cervid herds and wild cervid populations.

In 2002, at the request of Congress, USDA and the U.S. Department of the Interior to 

worked with the States to create a national plan to assist States, Federal agencies, and 

Indian tribes in addressing CWD in both farmed and wild animals. Involved agencies 

continue to work toward the implementation of this plan as existing budgets allow.

Specifically, USDA has continued to develop a national herd-certification program with a

goal to eliminate CWD in farmed cervids. The program includes requirements for premises 

fencing, animal identification, animal inventory, and continued surveillance testing for herd 

advancement. After 5 years of continual surveillance with no evidence of disease, a herd is 

considered to be certified

Additional information about CWD can be found at the CWD website at: 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_diseases/cwd/
Poultry - Page 1 of 5

Poultry

National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP)

The NPIP is a voluntary State–Federal cooperative testing and certification program for 

poultry breeding flocks, baby chicks, poults, hatching eggs, hatcheries, and dealers. It 

became operative in 1935 with a three-pronged focus on certifying breeding stock, bird 

performance, and the elimination of bacillary white diarrhea (caused by Salmonella 

pullorum). The objective of the NPIP is to provide a cooperative State–Federal program 

through which new technology can effectively be applied to the improvement of poultry 

and poultry products by establishing standards for the evaluation (testing) of poultry 

breeding stock, baby chicks, poults, and hatching eggs with respect to freedom from certain 

diseases.

 

The diseases covered by the NPIP are avian influenza (fowl plague) and those produced by 

S. pullorum (pullorum disease), S. gallinarum (fowl typhoid), S. enterica var. enteritidis, 

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG, chronic respiratory disease, and infectious sinusitis in 

turkeys), M. synoviae (MS, infectious synovitis), and M. meleagridis (MM, day-old 

airsacculitis). In addition, the NPIP has programs such as “U.S. Salmonella Monitored” and 

“U.S. Sanitation Monitored” that are intended to reduce the incidence of salmonella 

organisms in hatching eggs, chicks, and poults through effective and practical sanitation 

procedures at the breeder farm and in the hatchery.

Poultry is defined in the NPIP as domesticated fowl, including chickens, turkeys, ostriches, 

emus, rheas, cassowaries, waterfowl, and game birds (except doves and pigeons) that are 

bred primarily to produce eggs and meat. Three types of participants are involved in the 

NPIP: independent flocks, hatcheries, and dealers. The poultry products certified by the 

NPIP are hatching eggs, baby chicks, poults, and started pullets. The vast majority of U.S. 

States prohibit the entry of any poultry shipments except those designated pullorumtyphoid clean. Essentially, such bans mean that poultry moving interstate should

participate in the “U.S. Pullorum-Typhoid Clean” program of the NPIP or be tested negative 

for pullorum-typhoid before leaving their home State. Fifteen States require that all 

shipments of turkeys they receive be MG clean. Essentially, that requirement means that 

turkeys moving interstate should participate in the “U.S. MG Clean” program of the NPIP or 

be tested free of MG before shipment.

Most U.S. trading partners importing poultry and products from the United States also 

require NPIP participation. Accredited veterinarians may be requested to inspect breeder 
Poultry - Page 2 of 5

flocks participating in the NPIP for compliance with the standards and to issue health 

certifications. Every spring, APHIS publishes a directory of participants handling egg-type 

and meat-type chickens and turkeys and a directory of participants handling waterfowl,

exhibition poultry, game birds, and ratites. These directories list hatcheries, independent 

flocks, and dealers participating in the NPIP, the products that they handle, and the disease 

classifications that they participate in. 

Other information about the program can be obtained from the:

NPIP, USDA–APHIS –VS

1506 Klondike Rd, Suite 300

Conyers, GA 30094

Information can also be obtained on the NPIP Web site: 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_dis_spec/poultry/

Avian Influenza (AI)

AI viruses are classified by a combination of two groups of proteins: the hemagglutinin or H 

proteins, of which there are 16 (H1-H16), and neuraminidase or N proteins, of which there 

are 9 (N1-N9). Many strains of avian influenza (AI) virus exist worldwide. These viruses 

affect chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, ducks, geese, and guinea fowl as well as a wide 

variety of free-flying species. Migratory waterfowl have been shown to be a natural 

reservoir for AI. AI strains also are divided into two groups based upon the ability of the 

virus to produce disease. 

Low Pathogenicity or "low path" Avian Influenza (LPAI)

LPAI occurs naturally in wild birds and can spread to domestic birds. In most cases it 

causes no signs of infection or only minor symptoms in birds. These strains of the disease 

pose little significant threat to human health. These strains are common in the U.S. and 

around the world. 

Highly Pathogenicity or "high path" Avian Influenza (HPAI)

HPAI is often fatal in chickens and turkeys. HPAI spreads rapidly and has a high death rate 

in birds than LPAI. HPAI has been detected and eradicated three times in U.S. domestic 

poultry. HPAI H5N1 is the subtype rapidly spreading in some parts of the world. Most of 

the highly pathogenic AI viruses fall under types H5 or H7; however, most AI infections, 

including those typed as H5 or H7, are clinically of low pathogenicity. These typically 

produce few or no clinical signs in affected birds. Sometimes the only evidence of this virus 
Poultry - Page 3 of 5

is a minor increase in bird mortality. Aside from the possible mutation of low-pathogenicity 

strains under field conditions into high-pathogenicity strains, the presence of

low-pathogenicity virus can also result in restrictions on exports and serious repercussions 

on the production economy. Avian Influenza of H5 and H7 subtypes are known as 

Notifiable Avian Influenza (NAI). APHIS works to keep NAI from becoming established in 

U.S. poultry populations.

Identifying Infected Birds

Birds infected with the HPAI virus may show one or more of the following signs:

• Sudden death without clinical signs;

• Lack of energy and appetite;

• Decreased egg production or soft-shelled or misshapen eggs;

• Swelling of head, comb, eyelid, wattles, and hocks;

• Purple discoloration of wattles, comb, and legs;

• Nasal discharge, coughing, and sneezing;

• Incoordination; or

• Diarrhea.

Epidemiology

HPAI can strike poultry quickly and spread rapidly from premises to premises. Migratory 

waterfowl can introduce the disease to U.S. poultry. International visitors or smuggled 

birds are also risk factors. Once introduced, the disease spreads from bird to bird by direct 

contact or through contact with contaminated manure, equipment, vehicles, crates, and the 

clothing or shoes of individuals who have come in contact with the virus. The virus remains 

viable in the environment for long periods, particularly at lower temperatures, and it can 

survive indefinitely in frozen material.

Biosecurity Measures on the Farm

Veterinarians should work with poultry producers to strengthen biosecurity practices. 

Established and enforced biosecurity protocols will help prevent introduction of HPAI and 

other infectious agents. Recommended biosecurity measures include

• Establishing an “all-in, all-out” flock-management policy;

• Protecting against exposure to wild birds or water or ground contaminated by wild birds;

• Closing bird areas to nonessential personnel or vehicles;

• Providing employees with clean clothing and disinfection facilities and directions for their 

use;

• Thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting equipment and vehicles (including tires and 

undercarriage) when entering or leaving the farm;

• Banning the borrowing or lending of equipment or vehicles;
Poultry - Page 4 of 5

• Banning visits to other poultry farms, exhibitions, fairs, and sales or swap meets (if visits 

must occur, direct workers to change footwear and clothing on their return); and

• Banning bringing birds in slaughter channels back to the farm.

Reporting Suspicious Diseases

Practitioners are encouraged to educate their poultry clientele and pet bird owners to 

report all signs of disease. If signs of disease resemble AI or cannot be diagnosed, they 

should immediately be reported to both the Veterinarian-in-Charge and the State Animal 

Health Official.

Exotic Newcastle disease (END)

END is a contagious and fatal disease affecting all species of birds. Previously known as 

velogenic viscerotropic Newcastle disease, END is one of the most infectious diseases of 

poultry in the world. The mortality in unvaccinated birds can reach 100 percent, and birds 

may die without any clinical signs of disease. Though recommended and widely used, 

vaccination does not fully protect against END and may obscure the disease, resulting in 

further spread.

Identifying Affected Birds

END affects the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems. The incubation period ranges 

from 2 to 15 days. An infected bird may exhibit some or all of the following signs:

• Sneezing, gasping, nasal discharge, coughing;

• Greenish, watery diarrhea;

• Depression, muscular tremors, droopy wings, opisthotonus, circling, and complete 

paralysis;

• Partial to complete drop in egg production and thin-shelled eggs;

• Swelling of tissues around the eyes and in the neck;

• Sudden death; and

• Increased flock mortality.

Epidemiology

END is spread primarily through direct contact with droppings and nasal, ocular, or oral 

secretions of infected birds. The virus is present in high concentrations in body fluids and 

discharges and spreads rapidly through birds in confinement. The virus can be carried 

from one premises to another on contaminated shoes and clothing of service crews and 

visitors and their contaminated vehicles. END virus survives for several weeks in a warm 

and humid environment on feathers and in manure and other materials and can survive 
Poultry - Page 5 of 5

indefinitely in frozen material. It is rapidly destroyed by dehydration and ultraviolet rays. 

Smuggled psittacines, especially Amazon parrots from Latin America, pose great risks for 

introducing the virus into the United States. These parrots are asymptomatic carriers and 

can carry the virus for up to 400 days.

Biosecurity Measures on the Farm

Veterinarians should work with poultry producers to strengthen biosecurity practices. 

Established and enforced biosecurity protocols will help prevent introduction of END and 

other infectious agents. Recommend biosecurity measures include:

• Establishing an “all-in, all-out” flock-management policy;

• Protecting against exposure to wild birds or water or ground contaminated by wild birds;

• Closing bird areas to nonessential personnel or vehicles;

• Providing employees with clean clothing and disinfection facilities and directions for their 

use;

• Thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting equipment and vehicles (including tires and 

undercarriage) when entering or leaving the farm;

• Banning the borrowing or lending of equipment or vehicles;

• Banning visiting other poultry farms, exhibitions, fairs, and sales or swap meets (if visits 

must occur, direct workers to change footwear and clothing on their return); and

• Banning bringing birds in slaughter channels back to the farm.

Reporting Suspicious Diseases and Illegal Bird Movements

Veterinarians may receive information regarding illegal introductions of birds from 

countries at risk for END. All such incidents should immediately be reported to both the 

Veterinarian-in-Charge and the State Animal Health Official. Once END has been 

introduced, the only way to eradicate it is through depopulation, cleaning and disinfection, 

and strict quarantine. Practitioners are encouraged to educate their poultry clientele and 

petbird owners to report all signs of disease. If signs of disease resemble END or cannot be 

diagnosed, they should immediately be reported to the AVIC or State animal health official.
Horses - Page 1 of 6

Horses

Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA)

EIA is an infectious and potentially fatal viral disease of members of the horse family. The 

equine infectious anemia virus (EIAv) is categorized as a retrovirus: it contains genetic 

RNA material, which it uses to produce DNA. The DNA is then incorporated into the genetic 

makeup of infected cells. There is no vaccine or treatment for the disease. It is often difficult

to differentiate from other fever-producing diseases, including anthrax, influenza, and 

equine encephalitis.

Clinical Forms

Acute—When horses are exposed to EIAv, they may develop severe, acute signs of disease 

and die within 2 to 3 weeks. This form of the disease is the most damaging and the most 

difficult to diagnose because the signs appear rapidly, and often only an elevated body 

temperature is noted. One-fifth of a teaspoon of blood from a horse with acute EIA contains 

enough virus to infect a million horses. Clinical signs of acute infectiousness are rather 

nonspecific; in mild cases the initial fever may be short lived (often less than 24 hours). 

Horse owners and veterinarians may not observe this initial response when a horse is 

infected with EIAv. Horses often recover and continue to move freely in the population. The 

first indication that a horse was exposed to, and infected with, EIAv may be a positive result 

on a routine annual test.

Chronic—If the horse survives the first acute bout, it may develop a recurring clinical 

disease with most or all of the following signs:

• Fever: An infected horse’s temperature may rise suddenly to 40.5 °C (105 °F) or, rarely, as 

high as 42.2 °C (108 °F) but may then drop back to normal for an indeterminate period 

until the onset of another episode.

• Petechial hemorrhages: Minute blood-colored spots appear on the mucous membranes.

• Depression: A horse appears more or less dejected (head hangs low) and generally 

listless.

• Weight loss: A horse may refuse feed or may eat an inordinate amount but still continue 

an obvious decline from normal weight.

• Dependent edema: A horse may develop swelling, which is evidence of fluid collecting 

under the skin in the legs and under the chest and other underbody surfaces.

• Anemia: The horse’s blood may manifest a marked drop in its red corpuscle count and 

appear thin and watery. The animal may also have an irregular heartbeat, and a jugular 

pulse may become evident.
Horses - Page 2 of 6

Inapparent—The majority of horses are inapparent carriers: they show no overt clinical 

abnormalities as a result of infection. These animals survive as reservoirs of the infection 

for extended periods. Inapparent carriers have dramatically lower concentrations of EIAv 

in their blood than horses with active clinical signs of the disease. Only 1 horse fly out of 6 

million is likely to pick up and transmit EIAv from such horses. All horses infected with 

EIAv are thought to remain virus carriers for life. The inapparent form may become chronic 

or acute owing to severe stress, hard work, or the presence of other diseases.

Transmission

EIA is a classic blood-borne infection. People have played an important role in EIAv 

transmission over the years by using blood-contaminated materials on different horses. 

But the EIAv is most often transmitted between horses in close proximity by large biting 

insects such as horse flies or deer flies. The bites from these flies stimulate defensive 

movement by the horse, which often results in an interruption of the bloodfeeding. When 

interrupted, the fly is motivated to complete the feeding as soon as possible. It then attacks 

the same or a second host and feeds to repletion. Any infective material from the blood of 

the first host present on the mouthparts of the insect can be mechanically transmitted to 

the second host. Insect transmission of EIAv is dependent on the number and habit of the 

insects, the density of the horse population, the number of times the insect bites the same 

and other horses, the amount of blood transferred between horses, and the level of virus 

obtained in the blood meal.

Prevention

The AGID, or Coggins, test has been shown to correlate with horse inoculation test results 

for EIAv and therefore can be used to identify EIAv carriers. Although other serologic tests 

have been defined and approved for the diagnosis of EIA, the AGID test is recognized 

internationally as the “gold standard” serologic test. The use of AGID and additional tests 

has assisted in the control of EIA. Presently, USDA recognizes the AGID and a number of

ELISA formats for conducting official tests.

Controlling the spread of EIAv involves minimizing or eliminating contact of healthy horses 

with the secretions, excretions, and blood of EIAv-infected horses. Once the reservoirs of 

EIAv are identified, separated, and maintained a safe distance from the other horses, the 

transmission of EIAv is broken. Until all horses are tested, precautions should be taken to 

prevent commingling with horses that do not originate from test-negative farms or that 

have been exposed to test-positive horses. All diagnostic laboratories are required to 

report positive test results to Federal and State authorities for appropriate action.
Horses - Page 3 of 6

When an equine has a positive result on an official test for EIA, the animal must be placed 

under quarantine within 24 hours after positive test results are known in order to permit 

confirmation testing and to prevent further exposure of other equines. The equine must 

remain in quarantine until final classification and disposition are made.

All exposed equines (either individual or within a herd) within 200 yards of the location 

where a reactor equine is or was maintained must also be placed under quarantine. The 

quarantine area must provide no less than 200 yards of separation from all other equines. 

The quarantine area and the quarantined equines therein must be monitored periodically 

by regulatory personnel to ensure that provisions of the quarantine are not being violated. 

Additional information regarding the control program may be obtained by contacting your 

local APHIS –VS Area Office.

Additional information may be found at the EIA web site: 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_diseases/eia/

The most current version of the EIA Uniform Methods and Rules may be found at: 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine/eia/eia_umr_jan_10_2007.pdf

Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA)

EVA is an infectious viral disease of horses that causes a variety of clinical symptoms—

most significantly abortions. The disease is transmitted through both the respiratory and 

reproductive systems. Many horses with the disease are asymptomatic, and others exhibit 

flulike symptoms for short periods. In mares, abortions are among the first, and in some 

cases, only signs of the disease. EVA has been confirmed in a variety of horse breeds, and 

the highest infection rate is found in adult standardbreds.

Breeders, racehorse owners, and owners of show horses all have strong economic reasons 

to prevent and control this disease. Although it does not kill mature horses, EVA can 

virtually eliminate an entire breeding season by causing a high percentage of mares to 

abort. In addition, U.S. horses that test positive for EVA antibodies and horse semen from 

EVA-infected horses can be barred from entering foreign countries. As the horse industry 

becomes increasingly internationalized, nearly all major horse breeding countries are 

enforcing import policy measures to reduce the risk of EVA.

Transmission
Horses - Page 4 of 6

EVA is primarily a respiratory disease. Healthy horses can inhale particles in the nasal 

discharges from acutely infected horses during movements at sales, shows, and racetracks. 

Because horses are herd animals that tend to commingle, this close contact facilitates the 

spread of the virus.

EVA can also be transmitted venereally during breeding—either naturally or by artificial 

insemination. When a mare, gelding, or sexually immature colt contracts the disease, the 

animal will naturally eliminate the virus and develop a strong immunity to reinfection. 

Infected stallions, on the other hand, are very likely to become virus carriers for a long 

time. Once stallions are in the carrier state, they transmit the virus to mares during 

breeding.

Although the mare will eliminate the virus easily, a pregnant mare infected with EVA may 

pass the virus to her unborn fetus. As determined by the stage of the pregnancy, the fetus 

can become infected, die, and be aborted. If the infected foal is born, it will live for only a 

few days.

Clinical Signs

Many horses infected with EVA are asymptomatic. When clinical signs do appear in the 

acute stage of the disease, they can include any or all of the following: fever, nasal 

discharge, loss of appetite, respiratory distress, skin rash, muscle soreness, conjunctivitis, 

and depression. Other clinical signs are swelling around the eyes and ocular discharge, 

swollen limbs, swollen genitals in stallions, and swollen mammary glands in mares. 

Abortion in pregnant mares is also a symptom of EVA. Abortion rates in EVA-infected 

mares range from 10 percent to 70 percent.

Diagnosis

Horse owners should suspect EVA when respiratory symptoms accompany an abortion in a 

mare. Because the clinical signs of EVA are similar to those of other respiratory disease and 

no characteristic lesions are found in EVA-aborted fetuses, only diagnostic tests can 

confirm the disease. Virus isolation can be attempted from swabs of the nose, throat, or 

eyes; semen, placentas, or fetal tissue; and blood samples. The most common method of 

diagnosis is testing blood for the neutralizing antibodies of the virus. Although presence of 

these antibodies alone does not indicate active infection, it does signify that EVA exposure 

has occurred. The signs of active infection are very high levels of antibodies on a single 

sample or a rising antibody titer from paired blood samples collected 14 to 28 days apart.

Treatment
Horses - Page 5 of 6

Although there is no specific treatment for EVA, care should include rest and, in selected 

cases, antibiotics, which may decrease the risk of secondary bacterial infection. Adult 

horses recover completely from the clinical disease. However, the virus commonly persists 

in the accessory glands of recovered stallions, and thus these carrier stallions continue to 

shed the virus for years and remain a significant source of infection.

Prevention

A safe, effective, and low-cost avirulent live-virus vaccine is now available. Combining this 

vaccine with isolation of the vaccinated animal from noninfected horses can prevent the 

spread of EVA. Because properly vaccinated EVA-negative stallions do not become carriers, 

all EVA-negative colts less than 270 days old should be vaccinated. The vaccine is not 

approved for use in pregnant mares. All vaccinated horses should receive yearly boosters 

to protect against infection and, for the stallions, to prevent the development of a carrier 

state.

The EVA Uniform Methods and Rules contain minimum standards for detecting, 

controlling, and preventing EVA. These may be obtained by contacting your local APHIS-VS 

Area Office or found at:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_diseases/eva/downloads/evaumr.pdf

Slaughter Horse Transport Program (SHTP)

New regulations for the transportation of horses to slaughter became effective on 

December 7, 2001. These regulations fulfill USDA’s responsibility under the 1996 farm bill 

to ensure the proper care of horses without inhibiting the commercially viable transport of 

these animals to slaughter facilities. The regulations address the food, water, and rest that 

must be provided to the animals. Owner–shippers of horses are required to take certain 

actions in loading and transporting the animals and, in addition, certifying that the 

commercial transportation meets certain requirements by completing the owner–shipper 

certificate. Special backtags, available from the APHIS –VS Area Office, are required to 

identify the slaughter horses during transport.

In addition, the 2001 regulations prohibit the commercial transportation to slaughter 

facilities of horses considered to be unfit for travel, the use of electric prods, and, beginning 

in 2006, the use of double-deck trailers.

The program activities have been aimed at ensuring that truckers, horse owners, 

stakeholders, and slaughter-plant personnel within the United States, Mexico, and Canada 
Horses - Page 6 of 6

are conversant with the new regulations and their implementation. APHIS –VS developed 

and distributed a guidebook, video, truckers’ leaflet, posters, and a revised owner– shipper 

certificate with instructions. These materials provide useful information and guidance to 

stakeholders involved in handling or transporting horses to slaughter.

This information is available from the APHIS Web site at 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_dis_spec/horses/horse_transport

.shtml

or may be obtained in hard copies from the APHIS –VS Area Office at: 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/area_offices/
Aquaculture - Page 1 of 2

Aquatic Animal

APHIS provides agricultural producers with a broad range of cooperative programs for 

protecting the health of animals and plants. Aquaculture, the managed production of 

aquatic plants and animals, is one of the fastest growing segments of U.S. agribusiness. 

Because of this rapid expansion, accredited veterinarians are becoming integral to the 

practice of aquaculture.

APHIS programs currently serve important aspects of both plant and animal aquaculture—

especially involving disease control and eradication, pest prevention, and wildlife damage 

management. APHIS is also involved in facilitating the import and export of aquacultural 

products because of increased global trade

APHIS –VS is one of three Federal agencies developing a National Aquatic Animal Health 

Plan (NAAHP) under the auspices of the Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture (JSA). The JSA, 

a Federal interagency group authorized by the National Aquaculture Act, serves to 

coordinate aquaculture efforts in the various Federal agencies. The JSA has many task 

forces.

The National Aquatic Animal Health Task Force (NAAHTF) has been charged to develop the 

NAAHP. The rationale for developing such a plan is to protect our country’s wild and 

cultured resources, support efficient aquaculture, achieve efficient and predictable 

commerce, and meet the United States’ national and international trade obligations.

It is expected that accredited veterinarians will play a role in carrying out APHIS activities 

as they relate to aspects of the NAAHP.

More information may be found on the APHIS NAAHP web page: 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_dis_spec/aquaculture/

National Aquatic Animal Health Activities

APHIS – VS is involved in several activities related to the health of aquatic animals. Those 

activities can generally be divided into two overarching components:

(1) aquatic animal-health certification procedures for aquatic animals and products that 

are exported internationally and require attestations by the National competent authority 

APHIS -VS.
Aquaculture - Page 2 of 2

(2) regulations for the importation and interstate movement of aquatic animals and 

products and the maintenance development of a laboratory network to support the 

movement of healthy aquatic animals.

These two complementary aspects of the program ensure that diseases notifiable to the 

World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) will be reported and appropriate control 

measures can be enacted.

Accredited veterinarians have a vital role in certifying documents based on information 

gathered from farm inspections, onsite sample collections and laboratory submissions. In 

many cases, aquatic animal health management is provided by accredited veterinarians for 

a variety of aquaculture commodities including the tropical and ornamental fish, 

crustaceans, mollusks, amphibians, and aquatic reptiles.
Emergency Management - Page 1 of 15

Animal Health Emergency Management

General

The strength and success of the U.S. agricultural economy is due in large part to the bonds 

forged by Government, veterinarians, and producers in preventing, controlling, and 

eradicating foreign animal diseases (FADs). In an era characterized by unprecedented 

levels of international transportation and trade, the threats posed by FADs (either 

accidentally or intentionally introduced) have never been greater.

FADs can enter the United States accidentally through the importation of infected animals 

or animal products. Such diseases can be carried inadvertently into our country via 

contaminated clothing, shoes, or other objects. FADs can also be introduced as an act of 

terrorism. Once introduced, an FAD may be very difficult to control and eradicate because 

of the high potential for animal exposure from high livestock concentrations and 

movements of market-bound animals. Pathogens spread by wildlife can pose an additional 

problem for control and eradication. 

Even a single case of an FAD like foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) would have a considerable

negative impact on the U.S. economy due to the international and interstate restrictions 

that would be imposed on the trade of livestock and livestock products. The spread of a 

FAD would have impacts that could include the failure of individual farms and potential

effects on other segments of the U.S. economy. Other significant costs would be incurred in 

the course of controlling the spread of disease pathogens by animal depopulation or 

vaccination, cleaning and disinfecting livestock environments, and disposing of animal

carcasses. These activities also generate concern about the environment. In addition to 

impacts on the economy and the environment, many FADs are zoonotic and therefore also 

present potentially significant threats to public health.

Outbreaks of FADs in the United States (Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis in 1971, 

exotic Newcastle disease in 1971-73 and 2002–03, highly pathogenic avian influenza

(HPAI) in 1983-84), and overseas (FMD in the United Kingdom in 2001, Japan in 2010, and 

North and South Korea in 2010-11; HPAI H5N1 in Asia, Africa, and Europe from 2003 to 

2011), have underscored the dangers these diseases pose to U.S. livestock and poultry. Our 

livestock, poultry, and wildlife populations have little or no immunity to such diseases, 

which, if introduced, could cause potentially catastrophic losses to the American animal 

industry and even threaten the availability of the safe, wholesome, affordable, abundant 

food supply Americans currently enjoy.
Emergency Management - Page 2 of 15

APHIS Veterinary Services safeguards U.S. poultry and livestock from the introduction, 

establishment and spread of FADs. This involves regular health surveillance of our 

domestic animal herds and flocks, as well as monitoring of animal disease outbreaks 

around the world. APHIS also works with other Federal agencies at airports and maritime 

ports to inspect and approve incoming shipments of animals and animal products. More 

information on APHIS animal health emergency management can be found at: 

www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/emergency_management.

Emergency Response Structure

In the event of a major animal health emergency in the United States, the appropriate local, 

State, Tribal, and Federal governments, and their partners (such as industry) in the private 

sector, must respond in a coordinated, mutually supportive manner to (1) determine the 

nature of the disease outbreak or other emergency, (2) initiate an appropriate response 

(e.g., eliminate or control disease), and (3) help facilitate recovery (e.g., the resumption of 

business and trade).

Successful animal health emergency preparedness and response requires integration 

between the National Response Framework (NRF), the National Incident Management 

System (NIMS), and the National Animal Health Emergency Management System 

(NAHEMS). Each of these systems has a specific function in a hierarchical pattern from 

general to more specific. 

National Response Framework (NRF)

The NRF is a guide to how the nation conducts all hazards response. It describes specific 

authorities and best practices for managing incidents that range from the serious, but 

purely local, to large-scale terrorist attacks or catastrophic natural disasters. It builds on 

the NIMS, which provides a consistent template for managing incidents, including animal 

health emergencies. 

The intended audience for the NRF is government executives, private-sector and 

nongovernmental organization leaders, and emergency management practitioners. It 

provides a concise, common playbook.

National Incident Management System (NIMS)
Emergency Management - Page 3 of 15

Since the terrorist attacks in September 2001, the Federal Government has re-evaluated 

how to respond to emergencies on U.S. soil. In 2003, the Department of Homeland Security 

(DHS) established the NIMS. This presidentially mandated system provides a consistent 

nationwide approach for Federal, Tribal, State, and local governments to work effectively 

and efficiently together to prepare for, prevent, respond to, and recover from domestic 

incidents, regardless of cause, size, or complexity.

The NIMS provides a managerial and organizational structure for use in accomplishing 

these objectives. Use of the NIMS also provides the agricultural community with ready 

access to the human and material resources of the wider emergency management 

community, thus facilitating the potential mobilization of large-scale resources for 

response to major emergencies.

The NIMS works hand in hand with the NRF. The NIMS provides the template for managing 

incidents, while the NRF provides the structure and mechanisms for national level policy 

for incident management.

Under most circumstances, the existing well-trained cadre of local, State, and Federal 

animal health professionals is sufficient to cope with a disease outbreak threatening 

American agriculture. In the event of a sizable regional or national disease outbreak, 

however, the agricultural community would need help from the larger emergency 

management community to avoid being overwhelmed by the logistical, operational, and 

administrative demands of a rapidly changing situation. 

The U.S. agricultural community is accelerating its efforts to prepare to respond to a 

potentially major epidemic by reaching out to the emergency management community. 

This outreach involves learning and using the NIMS as well as building partnerships with 

other emergency management agencies and groups for coordinated responses to various 

emergency scenarios. Such partnerships are vital to planning for the mobilization of largescale human and material resources to address potentially catastrophic animal health 

emergencies.

One key component of the NIMS is the Incident Command System (ICS), which is the 

managerial and organizational structure for use with emergencies that may increase in size 

or evolve in complexity—whether within a few hours or over several days, weeks, or 

months. The ICS is designed to enable effective and efficient domestic incident 

management by integrating a combination of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures, 

and communication operating within a common organizational structure, designed to 

enable effective and efficient domestic incident management.
Emergency Management - Page 4 of 15

APHIS has adopted the NIMS and ICS organizational structures and processes to manage 

emergency responses and other events.

Additional information on the NIMS can be found at: www.fema.gov/emergency/nims. 

Additional information on ICS can be found at:

http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/ICSResource/index.htm. 

National Animal Health Emergency Management 

System (NAHEMS)

A Federal-, State-, and industry-coordinated emergency response system established in 

1996, the NAHEMS is an integrated system for dealing with animal health incidents in the 

United States, such as the incursion of a foreign animal disease or a natural disaster. It 

encompasses the four tenets of emergency management: prevention, preparedness, 

response, and recovery. One cornerstone of the NAHEMS is the response guidelines series. 

The NAHEMS Guidelines are designed for use by official response personnel in the event of 

a major animal health emergency. They provide information that may be integrated into 

the preparedness plans of other Federal, State and local agencies, Tribes, and additional 

groups involved in animal health emergency management activities. For more information 

see: www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/emrs/nahems.shtml. 

Foreign Animal Disease Preparedness and Response 

Plan (FAD PReP)

The Foreign Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Plan (FAD PReP) was developed 

by APHIS to provide a framework for FAD preparedness and response. The FAD PReP is 

intended to integrate and synchronize the principles and applied systems of the NRF and 

the NIMS by providing outbreak goals, guidelines, strategies, and procedures for local, 

State, Federal, and Tribal responders in one “toolbox.”

The FAD PReP documents include NAHEMS guidelines for general veterinary activities, 

disease specific response plans, industry or facility manuals aimed for industry 

stakeholders, standard operating procedures and checklists for planners and responders, 

and continuity of business plans that are “ready to go” for exercises and outbreaks. 
Emergency Management - Page 5 of 15

FAD Recognition and Initial Response

The local veterinary practitioner, who may be the first to suspect the possible presence of 

an FAD, is one of the most important figures in the Government–veterinarian–producer 

partnership formed to prevent and respond to FADs. The veterinarian’s alertness to the 

possibility of serious disease and prompt action in notifying both the APHIS–VS Area 

Veterinarian in Charge and the State Animal Health Official can mean the difference 

between immediate disease containment and a protracted control and eradication effort 

involving large-scale economic consequences and possibly requiring many months or years 

to complete. Once the notification is made, a specially trained FAD diagnostician (State or 

Federal) visits the premises, investigates the report, and takes diagnostic samples. On the 

basis of results of this process, the FAD diagnostician makes a field diagnosis, initiates 

appropriate control measures, ships diagnostic samples to the National Veterinary Services 

Laboratories (NVSL), and informs the AVIC or SAHO. 

After the presence of disease has been confirmed and regulatory measures have been put 

in place for pathogen control, local veterinarians continue to play key roles not only by 

increasing public awareness of disease-control measures but also by supporting or joining 

the disease control and eradication effort. Joining the effort is done through the National 

Animal Heath Emergency Reserve Corps (NAHERC), a program that provides temporary 

Federal status for selected private veterinary practitioners and animal health technicians. 

See the section on NAHERC, below, for more information. 

When an incident occurs, the appropriate AVIC and SAHO will establish an Incident 

Command Post (ICP) with an Incident Management Team (IMT), and will delegate their 

authority to take appropriate action to the Incident Commander (IC) of the IMT. The IMT 

consist of all types of communication, safety, and liaison sections. This team is the 

incident’s command and general staff. The IMT also includes four line organizations to 

perform all of the effort required to identify, contain, eradicate, recover, and return the 

situation to normal business practices. These line organizations include sections for 

operations, planning, logistics, and finance and administration. Within each of these 

sections is the capability to accomplish all of the tasks necessary to ensure a successful 

outcome to an animal health emergency.

If multiple ICPs are needed in the State, an Area Command may be established to 

coordinate the activities of the ICs through this organization. The AVIC and SAHO will 

continue to set priorities for the ICs and for use of resources.
Emergency Management - Page 6 of 15

In any given incident, one of three levels of response may be appropriate and 

commensurate with the severity of the outbreak or other emergency:

• A local or limited response: This level of response is managed by local, State, Tribal, 

Federal, and industry officials with response coordination provided primarily at the State 

and regional levels and with national-level consultation and consequence management 

(like trade issues).

• A regional response: A regional response is managed by local, State, Tribal, Federal, and 

industry officials—in some cases, with the involvement of the appropriate State emergency 

management agency as specified in State animal health emergency response plans. 

National-level crisis management, response coordination, consultation, and consequence 

management are required.

• A national response: A national response requires the combined efforts of local, State, 

Tribal, Federal, and industry agricultural officials; coordination from nonagricultural 

personnel from Government bodies like DHS; and the support of the private and volunteer 

sectors in national-level crisis management, response coordination, consultation, and 

consequence management.

National Animal Health Emergency Response 

Corps (NAHERC)

When an animal health emergency occurs, an immediate response is necessary to protect 

both animals and people. APHIS will look to many sources to obtain veterinary personnel 

to help meet critical staffing needs during such an emergency. 

In 2001, APHIS established the NAHERC to respond to exotic disease outbreaks and other 

disasters that affect livestock, poultry, companion animals, and wildlife.

The mission of the NAHERC is to support responses for animal health incidents and 

emergencies that affect livestock and poultry, and to support other animal health 

emergency responses, in the event capabilities are overwhelmed. The NAHERC currently 

has positions for veterinarians and animal health technicians. When activated, NAHERC 

members become temporary APHIS employees and are compensated in accordance with 

the General Service (GS) pay scale. 

NAHERC members volunteer for all temporary assignments or deployments. NAHERC 

members are not involuntarily drafted for assignments or deployments. Assignments or 

deployments may be as short as 3 to 4 weeks, but they can be much longer.
Emergency Management - Page 7 of 15

Potential NAHERC members apply for positions through the USA JOBS website application 

process. Over 1,400 NAHERC members have successfully completed the application 

process since 2007.

NAHERC wants you!

• Protect U.S. agriculture

• Help communities in need

• Expand career options

• Network within the veterinary community

• Learn emergency response procedures

For more information, or to join NAHERC, please contact:

http://naherc.aphis.usda.gov

NAHERC@aphis.usda.gov

(301) 734–8073

Notifiable Diseases and Conditions

An accredited veterinarian shall immediately report to both the Veterinarian-in-Charge and 

the State Animal Health Official all diagnosed or suspected cases of a communicable animal 

disease for which a APHIS has a control or eradication program in 9 CFR chapter I, and all 

diagnosed or suspected cases of any animal disease not known to exist in the United States 

as provided by §71.3(b) of this chapter.

Report any suspicious clinical or necropsy findings accompanied by a history of people or 

animals that have recently returned from a foreign country and report any disease of 

unknown etiology causing high mortality or morbidity. Most States provide a list of

reportable diseases that should be used to supplement the list of reportable diseases that 

follows. Contact your SAHO for such a list.

You should be suspicious of the following:

• High morbidity, high mortality;

• Severe abortion storms of unknown etiology;

• Severe respiratory conditions;

• Vesicular lesions;

• Pox or lumpy skin conditions;

• Poor or no response to treatment when response is expected;

• Atypical findings at necropsy;
Emergency Management - Page 8 of 15

• History of foreign travel, foreign visitors, or receipt of foreign parcels; 

• Recent importation of animals, embryos, or semen;

• Undiagnosed encephalitic (CNS) conditions;

• Larvae (maggots) feeding on living tissue; 

• Avian disease with acute deaths or CNS signs;

• Unusual myiasis or acariasis (exotic flies, mites, ticks, etc.); or

• Unusual or unexplained signs of illness.

Guidelines

If you suspect a highly contagious foreign or reportable disease (e.g., foot-and-mouth 

disease, classical swine fever, highly pathogenic avian influenza), phone the Veterinarianin-Charge and the State Animal Health Official directly from the farm or premises (see your 

Federal listing in appendix B and your State listing in appendix C). Have the following 

information available:

• Producer or owner name, address, county, and phone number;

• Directions to the farm or premises;

• Complete clinical history;

• Number and species of animals affected, and number and species of animals susceptible;

• Conditions you may have already ruled out;

• Any treatments given and response noted; and

• Contact information for you, including your name, address, and relevant phone numbers.

The following diseases listed by OIE are considered by APHIS to be foreign to the United 

States and must therefore be reported.

Multiple Species Diseases

• Brucellosis (Brucella melitensis) 

• Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever

• Foot-and-mouth disease

• Heartwater

• Japanese encephalitis

• New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax)

• Old World screwworm (Chrysomya bezziana)

• Rift Valley fever

• Rinderpest

• Surra (Trypanosoma evansi)

• Vesicular stomatitis
Emergency Management - Page 9 of 15

Cattle Diseases

• Bovine babesiosis

• Bovine spongiform encephalopathy

• Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia

• Hemorrhagic septicemia

• Lumpy skin disease

• Theileriosis

• Trypanosomosis (tsetse-transmitted)

Sheep and Goat Diseases

• Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia

• Nairobi sheep disease

• Peste des petits ruminants

• Sheep pox and goat pox

Equine Diseases

• African horse sickness

• Contagious equine metritis

• Dourine

• Equine piroplasmosis

• Glanders

• Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis

Swine Diseases

• African swine fever

• Classical swine fever

• Nipah virus encephalitis

• Porcine cysticercosis

• Swine vesicular disease

• Teschovirus encephalomyelitis

Avian Diseases

• Duck virus hepatitis

• Fowl typhoid

• Highly pathogenic avian influenza in birds

• Newcastle disease

• Turkey rhinotracheitis

Lagomorph Diseases

• Rabbit hemorrhagic disease
Emergency Management - Page 10 of 15

Other Terrestrial Animal Diseases

• Camelpox

• Leishmaniosis

Fish Diseases

• Epizootic hematopoietic necrosis

• Gyrodactylosis (Gyrodactylus salaris)

• Infectious salmon anemia

• Red sea bream iridoviral disease

• Spring viremia of carp

• Viral hemorrhagic septicemia

Mollusc Diseases

• Infection with abalone herpes-like virus

• Infection with Bonamia exitiosa

• Infection with Bonamia ostreae

• Infection with Marteilia refringens

• Infection with Perkinsus olseni

• Infection with Xenohaliotis californiensis

Crustacean Diseases

• Crayfish plague (Aphanomyces astaci)

• Infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis

• Infectious myonecrosis

• Taura syndrome

• White tail disease

• Yellow head disease

In addition to the preceding diseases, the following VS program diseases are reportable 

diseases even though they are not foreign to the United States:

• Aujeszky’s disease (pseudorabies)

• Bovine tuberculosis

• Brucellosis (Brucella abortus) 

• Brucellosis (Brucella suis) 

• Chronic wasting disease

• Equine infectious anemia

• Equine viral arteritis

• Scrapie
Emergency Management - Page 11 of 15

Please note that other disease entities (e.g., Johne’s disease) may be reportable at the State 

level. Check your State listing of reportable diseases.

OIE and International Standards

The Office International des Epizooties (OIE) was established in Paris, France, in 1924 with 

the signing of an international agreement by 28 countries. In 2003 the Office became the 

World Organization for Animal Health, but kept its historical acronym OIE. As of 2011, the 

OIE has 178 Member Countries and Territories, each of which is represented by a delegate 

who, in most cases, is the Chief Veterinary Officer of the country. 

The OIE is the intergovernmental organization responsible for improving animal health 

worldwide and has six primary missions: 

(1) to ensure transparency in the global animal disease situation;

(2) to collect, analyze, and disseminate scientific veterinary information;

(3) to encourage international solidarity in the control of animal diseases;

(4) to safeguard world trade by publishing health standards for international trade in 

animals and animal products (within its mandate under the World Trade Organization, 

Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement); 

(5) to improve the legal framework and resources of national veterinary services; and 

(6) to provide a better guarantee of the safety of foods of animal origin and to promote 

animal welfare through a science-based approach.

One of OIE’s important missions is to improve knowledge, as well as the transparency, of 

the world animal health situation. Members are obligated to report disease events of 

animal health significance. To achieve this, the OIE developed and manages a web-based 

reporting system called the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS). Through 

the WAHIS Members must report to the OIE all notifiable terrestrial and aquatic animal 

diseases detected within their respective territories. This information then becomes 

immediately available to the world so that countries can take any necessary preventive 

action. As an OIE Member the United States takes its commitment to disease reporting

seriously and responsibly. OIE maintains a list of notifiable diseases that is updated 

annually. 

The following diseases are currently included in the list.

Terrestrial Animal Diseases:
Emergency Management - Page 12 of 15

Multiple Species Diseases

• Anthrax

• Aujeszky’s disease (pseudorabies)

• Bluetongue

• Brucellosis (Brucella abortus) 

• Brucellosis (Brucella melitensis) 

• Brucellosis (Brucella suis) 

• Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever

• Echinococcosis/hydatidosis

• Epizootic haemorrhagic disease

• Equine encephalomyelitis (Eastern)

• Foot-and-mouth disease

• Heartwater

• Japanese encephalitis

• Leptospirosis

• New world screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax)

• Old world screwworm (Chrysomya bezziana)

• Paratuberculosis

• Q fever

• Rabies

• Rift Valley fever

• Rinderpest

• Surra (Trypanosoma evansi) 

• Trichinellosis

• Tularemia

• Vesicular stomatitis

• West Nile fever

Cattle Diseases

• Bovine anaplasmosis

• Bovine babesiosis

• Bovine genital campylobacteriosis

• Bovine spongiform encephalopathy

• Bovine tuberculosis

• Bovine viral diarrhea

• Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia

• Enzootic bovine leukosis

• Hemorrhagic septicemia

• Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis/infectious pustular vulvovaginitis
Emergency Management - Page 13 of 15

• Lumpy skin disease

• Theileriosis

• Trichomonosis

• Trypanosomosis (tsetse–transmitted)

Sheep and Goat Diseases

• Caprine arthritis/encephalitis

• Contagious agalactia

• Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia

• Enzootic abortion of ewes (ovine chlamydiosis)

• Maedi–Visna

• Nairobi sheep disease

• Ovine epididymitis (Brucella ovis)

• Peste des petits ruminants

• Salmonellosis (S. abortusovis)

• Scrapie

• Sheep pox and goat pox

Equine Diseases

• African horse sickness

• Contagious equine metritis

• Dourine

• Equine encephalomyelitis (Western)

• Equine infectious anemia

• Equine influenza

• Equine piroplasmosis

• Equine rhinopneumonitis

• Equine viral arteritis

• Glanders

• Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis

Swine Diseases

• African swine fever

• Classical swine fever

• Nipah virus encephalitis

• Porcine cysticercosis

• Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome

• Swine vesicular disease

• Teschovirus encephalomyelitis (under study)

• Transmissible gastroenteritis
Emergency Management - Page 14 of 15

Avian Diseases

• Avian chlamydiosis

• Avian infectious bronchitis

• Avian infectious laryngotracheitis

• Avian mycoplasmosis (Mycoplasma gallisepticum)

• Avian mycoplasmosis (Mycoplasma synoviae)

• Duck virus hepatitis

• Fowl cholera

• Fowl typhoid

• Highly pathogenic avian influenza in birds 

• Low pathogenicity notifiable avian influenza in poultry

• Infectious bursal disease (Gumboro disease)

• Marek’s disease

• Newcastle disease

• Pullorum disease

• Turkey rhinotracheitis

Lagomorph Diseases

• Myxomatosis

• Rabbit hemorrhagic disease

Bee Diseases

• Acarapisosis of honey bees

• American foulbrood of honey bees

• European foulbrood of honey bees

• Small hive beetle infestation (Aethina tumida) 

• Tropilaelaps infestation of honey bees

• Varroosis of honey bees

Other Diseases

• Camelpox

• Leishmaniosis

Aquatic Animal Diseases:
Emergency Management - Page 15 of 15

Fish Diseases

• Epizootic hematopoietic necrosis

• Epizootic ulcerative syndrome

• Gyrodactylosis (Gyrodactylus salaris)

• Infectious hematopoietic necrosis

• Infectious salmon anemia

• Koi herpesvirus disease

• Red sea bream iridoviral disease

• Spring viremia of carp

• Viral hemorrhagic septicemia

Mollusc Diseases

• Infection with abalone herpes-like virus

• Infection with Bonamia exitiosa

• Infection with Bonamia ostreae

• Infection with Marteilia refringens

• Infection with Perkinsus marinus

• Infection with Perkinsus olseni

• Infection with Xenohaliotis californiensis

Crustacean Diseases

• Crayfish plague (Aphanomyces astaci) 

• Infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis

• Infectious myonecrosis

• Necrotising hepatopancreatitis

• Taura syndrome

• White spot disease

• White tail disease 

• Yellow head disease

Amphibian Diseases

• Infection with Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis

• Infection with ranavirus 
Cleaning and Disinfection - Page 1 of 6

Cleaning and Disinfection

Cleaning and Disinfecting Pens, Vehicles, etc.

As an accredited veterinarian, you are required to take such measures of sanitation as are 

necessary to prevent the spread of communicable diseases of animals. In situations 

involving a contagious disease, vehicles, holding pens, and other facilities must be cleaned 

and disinfected. As an accredited veterinarian, you must be prepared to make 

recommendations as to the disinfectant and the techniques to be used for cleaning and 

disinfecting.

When dealing with certificates of veterinary inspection and the movement of animals, the

accredited veterinarian must be prepared to certify that transportation vehicles have been 

properly cleaned and disinfected before animals can be moved across State or international 

borders. In Title 9 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), part 91, subsection 91.3 (d), it 

is stipulated that “the origin health certificate accompanying animals shall be accompanied 

by a statement from the issuing accredited veterinarian or inspector that the means of

conveyance or container has been cleaned and disinfected since last used for animals with 

a disinfectant approved under subsection 71.10 of this chapter, prior to loading, or that the 

carrier or container has not previously been used in transporting animals.”

As a member of the professional community, the accredited veterinarian should be 

prepared to consult on disinfectants to be used for various disease threats. This is 

especially critical given homeland security concerns. The accredited veterinarian should 

cultivate a broad knowledge of the general nature of disinfectants and sources from which 

suitable chemicals can readily be obtained rather than just superficial information about 

specific commercial brands. You need to be clear, before you approach the task, whether 

you are disinfecting or sterilizing. Disinfecting reduces the number of pathogenic 

microorganisms below a harmful level; sterilizing eliminates all microorganisms (and 

spores). It is not possible to consider sterilizing a corral, barn, paddock, or truck.

Safety

Worker Protection Standards (WPS) are a specific portion of the Federal Insecticide, 

Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA; Title 40 CFR part 170), that requires the protection 

of employees from agricultural pesticides www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/worker.htm. 

If you supervise individuals who will be applying pesticides, in this case disinfectants, read 
Cleaning and Disinfection - Page 2 of 6

the worker protection standards on the package closely. Personal protective equipment—

boots, coveralls, rain suits (including both pants and jackets with hoods), gloves (specific to 

the materials being handled), face shields when applying disinfectants, and goggles when 

handling concentrated powders or solutions—must be utilized when required by the label 

of the pesticide product(s) being applied. Respirators and chemical resistant suits may be 

required for some solutions.

Cleaning

Cleaning is one of the most important steps in the disinfection process. When done 

appropriately, cleaning alone can remove over 90 percent of microorganisms. This step 

also helps improve disinfection efficacy since most disinfectants have reduced effectiveness 

in the presence of organic material. The cleaning process can be broken down into four 

basic steps: dry clean, wet wash, rinse, and dry.

1. Dry cleaning involves the removal of any gross contamination and organic material (e.g., 

soil, manure, bedding, feed) from production areas or equipment. Use shovels, manure 

forks, brooms, and brushes to sweep, scrape, and remove organic material and debris from 

surfaces and areas. Air blowers should not be used for dry cleaning due to the risk of 

spreading pathogens. Begin with the ceiling and continue down the walls with special 

attention to any overhead pipes, ducts, and lights as well as window sills and molding. 

Suitable personal protective equipment should be worn if significant dust is raised in the 

process. Moistening the areas or items with water may be helpful for controlling dust and 

minimizing aerosolization of pathogens. 

When dry cleaning is finished, there should be no loose dirt, dust, feed, bedding, manure, 

hay, straw, or any other organic material remaining, but the surfaces will not necessarily be 

visibly clean. Disposal of all material should be in a manner that minimizes further spread 

of microorganisms and that is compliant with Federal, state, and local requirements and 

policies. 

2. Following the removal of gross contamination (dry cleaning), areas or items should be 

washed with soap or detergent. The washing process helps to further reduce the number of 

microorganisms as well as removes any oil, grease, or exudates that may inhibit the action 

of disinfection. Prior to washing, any electrical equipment should be turned off and 

removed or covered tightly with plastic sheeting. An electrician may need to be contacted 

for the removal of thermostats, timing devices, motor controls, and remote sensing 

equipment prior to washing. 
Cleaning and Disinfection - Page 3 of 6

Areas and items with organic material adhered to the surfaces should be pre-soaked for 

several hours. Mechanical scrubbing and scraping may be necessary to remove oils, grease 

or exudates. The scrubbing can be done with rags on smooth surfaces, although the 

commercially available plastic or metal scrub pads are much more efficient. Rough surfaces 

should be scrubbed with a stiff brush to ensure that they are cleaned as completely as 

possible. Deep cracks, crevices, pits, pores, or other surface irregularities should be given 

particular attention to dislodge accumulated grime. 

High pressure water and detergent is very effective in removing the heavy accumulation of 

urine and feces often present in the environment and for cleaning porous surfaces. 

However, in cases of highly infectious or zoonotic pathogens, high pressure systems should 

be avoided or used with caution to avoid further dispersal of the pathogen or risk to the 

applicator.

Whenever possible, warm to hot water (90-130°F [32-54°C] or higher) should be used. 

This can increase efficacy for some products and may be important for the proper 

dissolution of certain chemicals (e.g., sodium carbonate); heat may also aid in inactivating 

some pathogens. Hot water and steam can be effective for cleaning cracks, crevices and the 

inside of pipework where pathogens are likely to linger.

3. After washing, all surfaces should be thoroughly rinsed, as residues from cleaners and 

detergent can inactivate certain chemical disinfectants. Rinsing should be done at low 

pressure with cold water. When the rinsing process is completed, surfaces should be 

carefully inspected to ensure they are visibly clean. Moisture should spread evenly over 

surfaces and no “beading” should occur as this would indicate the presence of oil or grease. 

4. Whenever possible, surfaces should be allowed to dry completely (if possible overnight) 

before application of a disinfectant. Excess moisture, especially on porous surfaces, may 

dilute and reduce the efficacy of the disinfectant applied to the surface; it may also harm 

equipment. In cool or cold weather, drying can be accomplished by heating the building 

and circulating the air with auxiliary blowers. In hot weather, drying may be accomplished 

with blowers or fans. In confined areas or on equipment where air circulation from fans is 

not enough, the use of high pressure air from a compressor or high volume blowers can aid 

in the removal of excess moisture so drying can take place. If highly infectious or zoonotic 

pathogens are suspected, high pressure systems should be avoided or used with caution to 

avoid inadvertent spread of pathogens.
Cleaning and Disinfection - Page 4 of 6

Disinfection

Definition of Disinfectant and Sterilant

A disinfectant is an agent or substance that destroys or irreversibly inactivates all forms of 

harmful microorganisms, but not necessarily their spores, on hard inanimate surfaces. In 

contrast, a sterilant (or sporicide) is an agent or substance that destroys or eliminates all 

forms of microbial life in the inanimate environment, including all forms of vegetative 

bacteria, bacterial spores, fungi, fungal spores and viruses. (Definitions derived from: 

www.epa.gov/oppad001/ad_info.htm. Over time, multiple repetitions of cleaning and 

disinfecting might approach sterility, but from a practical point of view the aim when 

disinfecting is to diminish the population of microorganisms to a level at which they are no 

longer harmful.

Regulation of Disinfectants

Chemical disinfectants in the United States are regulated by the U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency (EPA) under FIFRA (40 CFR Parts 150-189). Under FIFRA, chemical 

disinfectants are considered to be “antimicrobial pesticides” that are intended for the 

control, prevention and destruction of pathogenic microorganisms on inanimate objects 

and surfaces. 

Prior to product registration and marketing, manufacturers are required to submit product 

chemistry, efficacy and toxicity data, along with proposed labeling, for EPA’s review. FIFRA 

requires that any pesticide be registered or exempted before it may be sold or distributed 

in the United States. A federally registered product registration number consists of two 

parts—the Federal registrant’s company number and the product number. [Note: 

Supplemental or distributor products bear three numbers – the Federal registrant’s 

company number, the product number and the distributor’s company number.] The 

product label for any EPA-registered disinfectant may be retrieved by entering the 

registration number in the EPA’s Pesticide Product Label System (PPLS) Search engine at 

http://oaspub.epa.gov/pestlabl/ppls.home. 

FIFRA further requires that all label use directions and safety precautions must be 

followed. Application of a registered disinfectant in a manner inconsistent with its labeling 

may not only result in an ineffective application, but may be a “misuse” of the product 

subject to potential enforcement action. Thus, a chemical disinfectant should be selected 

not only on the basis of its desirable characteristics, but also on whether it is registered or 

exempted under FIFRA and whether it can be used in accordance with its label safety 
Cleaning and Disinfection - Page 5 of 6

precautions and use directions for its intended use(s). Individual States also have 

regulations that may be stricter than Federal regulations. 

The EPA Antimicrobials Division has a web site with information about the registration 

process, data requirements, labeling requirements and other issues pertaining to chemical 

disinfectants at

www.epa.gov/oppad001/. 

Emergency Exemptions

In some situations (e.g., highly contagious foreign animal diseases), a particular pathogen 

may not be listed on the product label of an EPA-registered disinfectant. In these cases, 

Section 18 of FIFRA authorizes EPA to grant several different kinds of exemptions to 

Federal Agencies or States to use unregistered pesticides for a limited time, if EPA 

determines that emergency conditions exist. If granted, such exemptions would allow the 

use of non-registered pesticides or the “off-label” uses of a registered pesticide for a 

specified time period. Use is only allowed for designated personnel and as described in the 

exemption. A full explanation of FIFRA Section 18 exemption process can be found at 

www.epa.gov/opprd001/section18. Federal regulations regarding emergency 

exemptions (40 CFR Part 166) are described at

www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_04/40cfr166_04.html. 

Selecting and Using Disinfectants

As a first step in disinfectant selection, determine which disinfectants are registered by U.S. 

EPA for use against the microorganism(s) of interest and for the sites/locations that need 

to be treated. These products will either have been registered under FIFRA Section 3 (i.e., a 

regular label) or exempted under FIFRA Section 18 (i.e., emergency use label). Get label 

information on each possible disinfectant so that you can determine dilution requirements 

and check to see that the company’s EPA-approved label indicates effectiveness against the 

microorganism of interest. If there are no EPA-registered disinfectants for the pathogen of 

concern, the best alternative may be a broad spectrum disinfectant approved by the EPA 

for small non-enveloped viruses and bacteria. An extensive list of EPA-approved pesticides 

for use against selected animal disease agents in farm settings can be found at: 

www.aphis.usda.gov/emergency_response/downloads/nahems/Selected FAD table 

March 2011.pdf. 

These disinfectants should be used according to their approved labels at the indicated 

dilution, use sites, application method, contact time, precautionary statements, etc., against 

the pathogens specified on the label. The dilution listed on the label must be followed 

exactly unless you have a Section 18 exemption allowing a different dilution. Disinfectants 
Cleaning and Disinfection - Page 6 of 6

are tested and proven effective at the specified dilution. Use of concentrations of 

disinfectants that are higher than specified on the label may be more hazardous to 

personnel and to the environment. Disinfectant wet time (contact time) should be observed 

carefully. A surface to be disinfected should remain “shiny” wet for at least 10 minutes; 

damp is not adequate. 

For additional general information regarding disinfectants, see 

www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health and www.biosecuritycenter.org.
Disease Surveillance - Page 1 of 2

Disease Surveillance

In all the following surveillance activities, veterinary practitioners play a key role. 

Veterinarians in the field are often the first line of defense against the incursion of a 

disease. Because the veterinary practitioner is usually the primary contact person with the 

owners of livestock or pets, it is imperative that he or she do all that is possible to educate 

owners, to be aware of unusual clinical signs, to be aware of current disease outbreaks or 

threats, and to immediately report possible diseases of concern to both Federal and State

Animal Health Officials.

9 CFR Part 161.4(f) requires an accredited veterinarian to immediately report to the 

Veterinarian-in-Charge and the State Animal Health Official all diagnosed or suspected 

cases of a communicable animal disease for which APHIS has a control or eradication 

program in 9 CFR Chapter I, and all diagnosed or suspected cases of any animal disease not 

known to exist in the United States as provide by Part 71.3(b) of this chapter.

The classic action plan for disease control and eradication is as follows:

1. Find—surveillance;

2. Contain—prevention of spread from infected herds; and

3. Eradicate—elimination of the disease.

In a disease eradication program, it is critically important to recognize that an effective 

surveillance system is a critical first step that must be in place to be successful. It is 

imperative to (1) be able to find the disease in order to eliminate it, and (2) find the disease 

before it has had a chance to spread. If the disease can be identified and eliminated before 

it has had a chance to spread, eradication can be achieved.

The mission of APHIS –VS is to protect and improve the health, quality, and marketability of 

our Nation’s animals, animal products, and veterinary biologics by preventing, controlling, 

or eliminating animal diseases and monitoring and promoting animal health and 

productivity. To accomplish this, it is critical to be able to detect foreign animal diseases 

and emerging domestic diseases, monitor disease trends and threats in the United States 

and other countries, detect risk, evaluate disease control and eradication programs, and 

provide adequate animal health information. Animal health surveillance plays a key role in 

accomplishing these goals. 

The National Animal Health Surveillance System (NAHSS) is a comprehensive, integrated, 

coordinated system created to detect events and trends related to animal health for all 

stakeholders involved in public, animal, and environmental health. The system provides a 
Disease Surveillance - Page 2 of 2

dynamic knowledge base for actions designed to reduce morbidity, mortality, and 

economic losses while improving animal health, productivity, marketability, and product 

safety. Such a system is the foundation for animal health, public health, food safety, and 

environmental health.

In addition to the obvious role surveillance plays in monitoring endemic diseases and 

providing actionable information for disease eradication programs (e.g., for brucellosis, 

tuberculosis, and others), there are a several other significant justifications for animal 

health surveillance. These include the rapid detection of emerging animal and public health 

issues and accidentally or intentionally introduced foreign animal disease agents. Animal 

health surveillance also provides support for the marketability of animals and animal 

products by demonstrating quality and safety attributes of products through quality 

assurance and certification programs and by providing scientifically sound evidence of 

regional prevalence for trade-significant diseases.

Historically, animal health surveillance systems in the United States have been designed 

primarily for specific disease control or eradication programs. Now, however, working in 

collaboration with State and industry partners, APHIS is moving toward an organizational 

and informational infrastructure that supports baseline animal health monitoring and 

“grows” a dynamic knowledge base for actions designed to reduce morbidity, mortality, 

and economic losses while improving animal health, productivity, marketability, and 

product safety. APHIS –VS is focusing on several key areas during the enhancement of 

current national animal health surveillance efforts:

• Enhancement of surveillance for current program diseases,

• Rapid detection of emerging and foreign animal diseases,

• Surveillance for diseases affecting marketability or economics of industry,

• Surveillance based on risk of disease,

• Monitoring of animal health trends, and

• Ability to do focused surveillance as needed.

In closing this chapter, we cannot overemphasize the key role veterinary practitioners play 

in national disease surveillance efforts. The veterinarian in the field is the critical first line 

of defense against an emerging or foreign animal disease incursion.
Laboratory Submissions - Page 1 of 3

Laboratory Submissions

Part of your responsibility as an accredited veterinarian is to ensure that specimen samples 

sent to a laboratory for testing and certification are properly collected, prepared, identified, 

packed, and sent along with appropriate submission form(s). Most testing for regulatory 

work involves drawing and submitting blood samples, but you may also be required to 

submit other fluid or tissue specimens. When submitting blood or serum samples, it is 

important to take precautions to provide adequate sample volume for testing and to 

prevent hemolysis, spoilage, or breaking of the sample tubes.

Diagnostic sample submission procedures are complex and consist of multiple regulatory 

shipping requirements enforced by multiple entities. Due to the complexity and length of 

these submission procedures, this guide will explain only what agencies are involved in 

shipping regulations and then direct you to several sources of information in the event that 

you have samples that need to be submitted to the laboratory. For shipment of samples for 

regulatory purposes you should contact either your State animal health official or your VS 

Area Office. 

The following are entities involved in the regulation of shipment of diagnostic samples:

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) 

DOT has regulatory authority over shipments of hazardous materials. Diagnostic specimens 

fall under this category. DOT regulations were revised in 2003 to harmonize U.S. 

requirements with international requirements and to enhance the safe transportation of 

diagnostic specimens. For further information, consult the DOT Web site at: 

http://www.dot.gov/

U.S. Postal Service (USPS)

The USPS regulates hazardous material shipments of “diagnostic specimens” sent through 

the mail. Their regulations are consistent with those of DOT and IATA for shipments of 

diagnostic specimens. For further information, consult the USPS Web site at: 

http://www.usps.com/

International Air Transport Association (IATA) 

IATA is the trade association of the world’s airlines. Its regulations are tailored to United 

Nations technical instructions. IATA regulations must be followed for all shipments of 

diagnostic specimens by air whether sent within the United States or internationally. IATA 

regulations are consistent with DOT and USPS requirements for shipments of diagnostic 
Laboratory Submissions - Page 2 of 3

specimens. For further information, consult the IATA Web site at: 

http://www.iata.org/Pages/default.aspx

If you need to submit diagnostic specimens in your role as an accredited veterinarian, we 

request that you follow the guidance below on how and where to get instructions on the 

sampling, packaging, and shipping of these specimens.

For routine diagnostic samples to be submitted to a State or university diagnostic 

laboratory

You should contact the laboratory for how the sample should be collected, prepared, 

packaged and shipped. Contact information for many State and university veterinary 

diagnostic laboratories is available at the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory 

Diagnosticians (AAVLD) web site at:

http://www.aavld.org

Most laboratories have websites that will guide you to their diagnostic test offerings, 

submission form, and user fees.

For routine diagnostic samples to be submitted to NVSL

You should visit the NVSL web site to ensure you have the most current submission forms 

and instructions: 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/lab_info_services/forms_publications.sht

ml

You should also visit the NVSL website that will provide you the most current information 

of available test and user fees. 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/lab_info_services/diagnos_tests.shtml

For regulatory diagnostic samples to be submitted to NVSL at Ames, IA or FADDL at 

Plum Island, NY under the direction of your VS Area Office

During normal working hours, contact your local VS Area Office to determine how the 

sample should be collected and packaged and where the sample should be shipped. Contact 

information for all VS Area Offices is in appendix B of this guide. But to check for the most 

up-to-date listings, visit this Web site:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/area_offices/

For questions on Foreign Animal Disease Investigation submission after normal 

working hours

Please contact NVSL directly at (515) 663–7200. This phone number connects you with the 

night security at NVSL. Ask to speak with the manager on duty to determine how the 
Laboratory Submissions - Page 3 of 3

sample should be collected and packaged and where it should be shipped.

Remember, even when submitting samples directly to a laboratory after hours, always 

provide the APHIS –VS Area Office with a copy of the submission information. NVSL 

Laboratory submission forms (VS 10–4 and VS 10–4a) including instructions on completing 

the forms on are available electronically at: 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/lab_info_services/forms_publications.sht

ml
Animal Movement - Page 1 of 11

Animal Movement

Interstate Regulations

Interstate regulations provide for quarantine, restriction of movement, maintenance of 

sanitation, and identification of animals to prevent the spread of animal disease. Accredited 

veterinarians certify livestock, birds, and poultry for intrastate and interstate 

transportation according to the regulations in Title 9 Code of Federal Regulations (9 CFR). 

Individual States provide certificates of veterinary inspection that are available from the 

State animal health official.

 

Interstate transportation of animals (including poultry) and animal products must 

conform to the requirements in 9 CFR, chapter 1, subchapter C, parts 70 through 89. Most 

States have additional animal-entry requirements. These requirements, as well as 

intrastate transportation regulations, can be obtained from the appropriate State animal 

health official.

A list of State Department of Agriculture Officials is available online at the National 

Association of State Departments of Agriculture: 

http://www.nasda.org/cms/7195/8617.aspx

A list of State Animal Health Officials is available online at the United States Animal Health

Association: http://www.usaha.org/

APHIS –VS provides an online State Regulations Retrieval System at:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/animals/animal_import/animal_impor

ts_states.shtml

To facilitate the movement of livestock and poultry and to prevent the spread of disease, 

you as an accredited veterinarian are responsible for becoming familiar with the 

appropriate State and Federal movement regulations. You should inspect and or examine

animals or poultry according to these regulations and any additional instructions given by 

your State animal health official or VS Area Office and provide a complete and legible 

certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI). 

The following sections summarize pertinent areas of 9 CFR and State requirements. 

Because the regulations are subject to change, this information should be verified. (See 

appendix B for contacts in the State of destination.) An entry permit may also be required 

from the State of destination. 
Animal Movement - Page 2 of 11

Diseased Animals and Poultry 

Interstate movement of diseased animals and poultry is generally prohibited, 9 CFR Part 

71.3.

(a)Animals or poultry affected with any of the following diseases endemic to the United 

States shall not be moved to another State except as provided for in the CFR: equine 

babesiosis (piroplasmosis), bovine piroplasmosis or splenetic fever, scabies in cattle, acute 

swine erysipelas, tuberculosis, Johne’s disease, brucellosis, scrapie, bluetongue, anthrax, 

psittacosis or ornithosis, poultry disease caused by Salmonella enterica serotype enteritidis, 

and Newcastle disease, or any other communicable disease that is endemic to the United 

States. Also, animals that are infested with the Boophilus tick are not to move interstate. 

(b)Animals or poultry affected with any of the following diseases not known to exist in the 

United States shall not be moved interstate: foot-and-mouth disease, hog cholera (classical 

swine fever), rinderpest, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, European fowl pest, 

dourine, vesicular exanthema, screwworm, glanders, scabies in sheep, or any other 

communicable disease exotic to the United States. 

Interstate Movement of Cattle, Horses, Swine, 

Sheep and Goats

Cattle

For interstate movements, all cattle 2 years of age or over, except steers and spayed 

heifers, must be individually identified (see the section entitled “Current Animal 

Identification”) and accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection or other 

document. Exceptions apply to certain movements, such as when there is no change of 

ownership or movements to certain stockyards or slaughtering establishments. Check 

with your APHIS –VS Area Office or your State animal health official. Contact information 

for them is contained in Appendixes 2 and 3.

Horses

For interstate movements, most States require that horses be individually identified and 

accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. Specific requirements, such as proof 

of negative EIA testing, or other restrictions of movement based on regional or national 

disease conditions such as neurological Equine Herpes Virus, equine piroplasmosis, or 

Contagious Equine Metritis, are dictated by each importing state.

Swine

For interstate movements, all swine must be individually identified with official 
Animal Movement - Page 3 of 11

identification unless the swine are kept as a group. The CFR part 71.19 explains the 

requirements for group shipment of swine. 

Additionally, swine moving within a production system do not need to be individually 

identified if there is a swine production health plan agreement, as defined in 9 CFR Part 

71.1, in place. Producers who are moving swine via interstate commerce within their 

production system may qualify if all the necessary agreements are implemented. To 

qualify for within production system movements the producer would need to develop a 

swine production health plan. The plans have to be approved by both the sending and 

receiving swine State animal health officials. There are also additional requirements on 

moving swine within a production system. These requirements are explained in 9 CFR 

71.19(g) 

Sheep and Goats

For interstate movement, CVIs are required, as specified by 9 CFR 79.3, for certain 

interstate movements of sheep and goats. CVIs may be required for other classes of animals 

by some States. For sheep and goats, CVIs are required for: 

• Breeding sheep and goats (any sexually intact animal that is not moving directly to 

slaughter, through slaughter channels to slaughter, or to a feedlot to enhance its 

condition for movement to slaughter) except 

• –Sheep and goats being moved for grazing without change of ownership;

• –Low-risk commercial sheep that require an owner and veterinary 

statement instead of a CVI; 

• –Low-risk commercial breeding goats (Note: an owner and veterinary 

statement is not required, unlike the practice for low-risk commercial sheep. 

Goats that have been commingled with sheep or that are in CO, MI, or IL do not 

qualify for the low-risk commercial goat exemption); 

• Sexually intact sheep or goats for exhibition. 

Please note that scrapie-positive, suspect, and high-risk animals, some exposed animals, 

and animals that originated in an infected or source flock require permits rather than 

CVIs. Contact the VS Area Office for further information on these permits. 

A certificate must show 

• Individual animal identification numbers including: the official eartag number(s), 

registered breed association registration tattoo or brand numbers, registered breed 

association registration number and any other official individual identification of each 

animal to be moved. Except that in the case of animals identified with premises 

identification that is assigned to the flock of origin and that meets the requirements for 

individual animal identification, the premises number may be recorded instead of the 

individual identification number. (Copies of the registration papers can be attached to 
Animal Movement - Page 4 of 11

the CVI in lieu of recording all registration information on the certificate. Other 

attachments may also be used to list the identification of the animals as permitted in 9 

CFR 79.5(b), in lieu of recording them directly on the certificate.) 

• Number of animals covered by the certificate. 

• Purpose for which the animals are to be moved. 

• Points of origin and destination. 

• The consignor and the consignee. 

• A statement by the issuing accredited or State or Federal veterinarian that the animals 

were not exhibiting clinical signs associated with scrapie at the time of examination. 

(State CVIs that have certification statements indicating that “the animals have no 

history of clinical signs or exposure to contagious or infectious diseases,” or words to 

that effect, will suffice in lieu of the specific scrapie statement). 

For additional information, please refer to the section on “Identification Requirements” in 

the Scrapie Eradication— Uniform Methods and Rules at 

<http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_diseases/scrapie/downloads/u

mr_scrapie.pdf> 

Issuing Interstate Animal Movement Documents

Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI)

When a CVI is required, it must accompany each shipment and list the following 

information: 

• Consignor and location from which the animals have been moved; 

• Name and address of the owner at the time of movement; 

• Consignee and destination of the animals; 

• Number of animals covered by the certificate; 

• Purpose for which the animals are to be moved; 

• Individual official identification of each test-eligible animal; 

• Dates and results of the official tests; 

• Age; 

• Official calfhood vaccination (OCV) status of each animal (OCV tattoo); and 

• If required, a permit number issued by the State of destination. 

Note: The most common veterinary accreditation violations include the improper completion 

and/or issuance of Cerificates of Veterinary Inspection for the interstate movement of 

animals. Compliance action resulting from improper certificate completion can affect a 

practioner’s accreditation status. 
Animal Movement - Page 5 of 11

Other Interstate Movement Documents 

As an alternative to writing individual animal identifications on a CVI, you may use 

another document to provide this information but only under the provisions specified in 

9 CFR part 78.1 or in the case of sheep or goats 79.5. Test dates and results must be 

recorded on the CVI. All of the following requirements must be met:

• The document must be a State form or an APHIS form that requires individual 

identification of animals. 

• A legible copy of the document must be stapled to the original CVI and each copy of the 

CVI. 

• Each copy of the document must identify each animal to be moved with the inspection 

certificate, but any information pertaining to other animals and any unused space on 

the document for recording animal identification must be crossed out in ink. 

The following information must be written in ink in the identification column on the 

original CVI and each copy of the document and must be circled or boxed, also in ink, so 

that no information can be added: (1) the name of the document and (2) either the serial 

number on the document or, if the document is not imprinted with a serial number, both 

the name of the person who prepared the document and the date that the document was 

signed. 

International Animal Movement

International Origin Health Certificates (OHC) for the export of animals from the United 

States are completed by the accredited veterinarian, who certifies herd and animal 

inspection status, conducts tests, and records test results for the individual animals being 

exported. To be valid, completed and signed certificates of veterinary inspection for the 

export of animals from the United States must be reviewed and endorsed by the APHIS –VS 

Area Office in the State where they were issued.

Livestock

The United States has minimal requirements for certain livestock to be exported to other 

countries. Your APHIS –VS Area Office can provide you with the current regulations, tests, 

and inspections required for the export of livestock. Approved ports of embarkation and 

shipping requirements can be found in 9 CFR part 91. The most common OHC for the 

export of livestock is the VS Form 17–140, U.S. Origin Health Certificate.

Each destination country may have other specific health requirements for entry of animals. 

These requirements are established by the importing country, not the United States. Some 
Animal Movement - Page 6 of 11

countries also have their own import health certificate that may be used instead of the VS 

Form 17-140 or may be in addition to the VS Form 17-140. Frequently, import permits are 

required.

 

Because export requirements change frequently, obtain the current export requirements 

by visiting the National Center for Import and Export, Animal Regulations Library at: 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/

Export certificates are official documents, and they should be typewritten, accurate, and 

complete. If you have additional questions not answered by the Regulations Library, 

contact your APHIS –VS Area Office for assistance at: 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/area_offices/. 

Horses

The international shipment of horses is sometimes delayed because all requested 

information is not included or because the animals are not identified completely on VS 

Form 17–140, U.S. Origin Health Certificate (OHC) or on forms designated by the country of 

destination submitted for approval by the accredited veterinarian. Many countries are now 

requiring their own form for animal importation and some countries require the OHC in 

addition to their own form, therefore you should always check with your APHIS –VS Area 

Office to be certain of the form(s) required.

The U.S. Origin Health Certificate (OHC) VS Form 17-145 for the Export of Horses From the 

United States to Canada is used for all horses going to Canada except horses for immediate 

slaughter. Horses for immediate slaughter are recorded on VS Form 17–140. This 

certificate can be obtained from the APHIS –VS Area Office. For the completed OHC to be 

valid, it must be reviewed and endorsed by the AVIC.

The VS Form 17-145 OHC should be typed or printed. It is valid for 30 days from the date of 

issue by the accredited veterinarian. The date of issue refers to the date the horse was 

inspected and determined to be healthy to move and is not necessarily the date the 

certificate was signed. The horse’s description on the export certificate must match the 

description on VS Form 10–11, Equine Infectious Anemia Laboratory Test or official State 

EIA Laboratory Test form. Four copies of the CVI and either the original or a carbon copy of 

VS Form 10–11 (or official State EIA Laboratory Test form) are submitted for review and 

endorsement.

Photocopies and facsimile copies of VS Form 10–11 (or official State EIA Laboratory Test 

form) are not acceptable, although in certain situations as mentioned below, the testing 
Animal Movement - Page 7 of 11

laboratory could be authorized to fax or e-mail the laboratory test results directly to the 

AVIC. VS Form 10–11 is not required for horses exported for immediate slaughter.

See appendix D for examples of VS Forms 17–140, 170-145, 17-6, and 10–11 and for 

instructions on completing them. For additional information on horse identification, see the 

section entitled “Current Animal Identification.”

Poultry

VS Form 17–6, Certificate for Poultry or Hatching Eggs for Export, is used for the 

international movement of poultry or hatching eggs (see appendix D for an example of this 

form). You can obtain VS Form 17–6 from your nearest APHIS –VS Area Office. The NPIP 

Approval Number and NPIP Classification (blocks 9 and 10 on VS Form 17–6) can be 

obtained from your APHIS –VS Area Office. This information is also published annually in 

two books: the NPIP Directory of Participants Handling Egg-Type and Meat-Type Chickens 

and Turkeys and the NPIP Directory of Participants Handling Waterfowl, Exhibitory 

Poultry, Game Birds, and Ratites.

Dogs and Cats

USDA does not regulate the exportation of privately owned dogs and cats. Many foreign 

countries do regulate the entrance of dogs and cats from the United States. U.S. airlines 

usually require a health certificate for movement by air. The most common export 

certificate for dogs and cats is the APHIS Form 7001, U.S. Interstate and International 

Certificate of Health Examination for Small Animals.

Some countries require USDA endorsement but others do not. A few countries require an 

additional endorsement by the U.S. Department of State. The APHIS –VS Area Office in your 

State can provide additional information on this protocol.

The APHIS Form 7001 form is now available on line at: 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/library/forms/pdf/APHIS7001.pdf

The most definitive source of information in the United States regarding import regulations 

for pet animals is the U.S. embassy for the respective foreign country at: 

http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/fco/ or: http://www.embassy.org/embassies/
Animal Movement - Page 8 of 11

Issuing International Animal Movement 

Documents

United States Origin Health Certificates (OHC)

Certification statements, test results, vaccinations, animal identification, and other 

information appearing on VS Form 17–140, 17-145, 17-6, or APHIS 7001, are the 

responsibility of the issuing accredited veterinarian. When an AVIC endorses a health or 

inspection certificate, he or she is

• Certifying that the animals meet the importing country’s requirements as far as can be

determined;

• Verifying that the inspection, testing, and certification were made by an accredited 

veterinarian; and

• Certifying that the test results are negative and all certification statements are true and 

factual as far as can be determined.

Original or carbon copies (no photocopies or facsimile copies) of all laboratory test results 

must be included with the OHC when it is presented to USDA for endorsement. In certain 

situations, such as time constraints or lost original laboratory test results, with prior AVIC 

approval, test results can be faxed or e-mailed directly from the testing laboratory to the 

AVIC. After a certificate is endorsed, the certificate and supporting documents are returned 

to the practitioner or exporter.

Time Constraints

Sufficient time must be allowed to arrange isolations, conduct treatments, obtain test 

results, and meet other requirements for certification. Be sure that your client knows and 

understands these time constraints.

Certification Statements

All certification statements should be typed exactly as they appear in the requirements 

received from the APHIS –VS Area Office. Frequently certification statements must be 

made by the owner or agent of the animals, usually for both the herd of origin and the

animals from the herd that are to be exported.

When herd certification statements are required by the importing country for periods 

greater than the time spent at the assembly points, the exporter and accredited 

veterinarian will be required to obtain proper certification statements on the herd health 
Animal Movement - Page 9 of 11

status for both the assembly premises and the premises where the animals have been 

located for at least the 120 days before assembly for export.

For example, if the animals were on two premises during the 120 days before assembly, the 

certification statements would need to be prepared for each premises, including the 

assembly premises. A sample certification format that could be used by the accredited 

veterinarian and owner is shown below.

If more than one veterinarian is involved in the preparation of the animal(s) for export, 

each accredited veterinarian who provided certification statements and performed tests or 

vaccinations, as well as the location where such inspections, tests, or vaccinations were 

performed, must be identified on the OHC. If test results, vaccinations, or certification 

statements are provided by a nonaccredited veterinarian, they are not acceptable. If you 

have any questions about certifying work that was done by another accredited 

veterinarian, call your APHIS –VS Area Office for instructions. The following format can be 

used by the issuing veterinarian:

I (block letters) certify that the certification statements, tests, and/or vaccinations included in 

this certificate of veterinary inspection were either performed and issued by me or I have the 

documents on file from the accredited veterinarian(s) listed below that they were performed 

and/or issued: 

Accredited Veterinarian’s Full Name, Location (City, State) and State License Number, and

National Accreditation Number (NAN) (all in block letters).

DECLARATION BY OWNER/AGENT OF THE ANIMALS

TO BE EXPORTED TO (Name of Country)

I (block letters), the owner/agent of the (number) of animals whose official tag or 

other official identification/markings are listed below declare:

1. The animal(s) resided at (full address in block letters), the premises of 

origin since (full date), or since birth, and no clinical evidence of contagious 

or infectious disease has occurred on the premises during this time.

2. During the 6 months preceding export, or since birth, the animal(s) to be 

exported have not been subject to any official quarantine for contagious or 

infectious disease.

Eartag or other official identification/markings (block letters and numbers) 

Written Signature and date of owner/agent: _____________________________________
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Laboratory Tests

All tests for export must be conducted in USDA-approved laboratories (State or private diagnostic 

laboratories). Official retests must be conducted in the same laboratory where the initial test was 

performed. Contact your APHIS –VS Area Office for a list of approved laboratories. NVSL in Ames, 

IA, will conduct export-qualifying tests for dourine, glanders, and piroplasmosis and other tests that 

are not available from other laboratories. All submissions to NVSL must be accompanied by a VS

Form 10–4, Laboratory Submission Form. When preparing to submit samples to NVSL, you should 

contact the local APHIS –VS Area Office because they may need to have the permission of the AVIC 

to submit samples to NVSL. See the section entitled “Laboratory Submissions.”

Commonly Used International Export Certificates

The most commonly used international export certificates are listed below. For examples of 

each form, please refer to appendix D. You can get additional information regarding export 

certificates by visiting the National Center for Import and Export, Animal Regulations 

Library at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/

or by contacting the APHIS –VS Area Office at: 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/area_offices/

• VS Form 17–140, U.S. Origin Health Certificate for the export of livestock, embryos, 

semen, and horses for immediate slaughter.

• VS Form 17-145, U.S. Origin Health Certificate for the Export of Horses From the United 

States to Canada. This certificate should be used all horses exported to Canada except 

horses for immediate slaughter.

• VS Form 17–6, Certificate for Poultry or Hatching Eggs for Export.

• APHIS Form 7001, U.S. Interstate and International Certificate of Health Examination for 

Small Animals.

Because some countries require individualized certificates for entry of certain species, 

individualized export certificates have been developed for these special requirements. 

These are often used in place of VS Form 17–140 and sometimes used in addition to VS 

Form 17-140. You should always check with your APHIS –VS Area Office before every 

export shipment to confirm that you have the most recent protocol and form for the 

shipment.
Animal Movement - Page 11 of 11

Always remember you must insure the livestock to be exported meet the minimum U.S. 

livestock export requirements, which may be more than the receiving country requires.

Common Problems observed on CVIs or OHCs 

The following are examples of typical errors that could affect the interstate or international 

movement of animals. Animals may be held at ports, confiscated, destroyed, refused entry, 

or returned to premises of origin because the certification, testing, and/or vaccinations

needed are inaccurate or incomplete. At the very least, errors can result in unnecessary

delays for your clients or patients. Please review these examples. If you have any questions, 

contact your nearest APHIS –VS Area Office or State animal health official for guidance.

• Failure to use the proper CVI or OHC. Check with the APHIS –VS Area Office or 

destination State animal health official if you have any questions.

• Test results or vaccination certificates (such as a rabies certificate) were not 

included.

• Accreditation status of issuing veterinarian is questionable. Accreditation is not 

automatic—you must have received written authorization stating that you are 

accredited.

• Owner or accredited veterinarian did not record complete name and address of 

place of origin and/or destination.

• Missing certification statements.

• Signature of issuing veterinarian is missing or illegible.

• Failure to be timely (CVI, OHC, or test results are old).

• Improper identification of animal.

• Improper test performed (such as the ELISA test for EIA when the AGID test was 

required, or the ELISA test was conducted for bluetongue).

• Illegible or incomplete writing.

• AV did not complete and submit EU forms with OHC when required.

• Owner or accredited veterinarian did not enclose appropriate user fee with OHC if 

required.

Additional information on user fees can be found at:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/mrpbs/fmd/vs_import_export_fees.shtml

or contact your APHIS –VS Area Office at: 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/area_offices/
Animal Identification - Page 1 of 20

Animal Identification

To control and eradicate animal diseases, epidemiologists must be able to trace the

movement of animals. This goal can be realized only if the animals are properly

identified and the individual and the herd, flock, or group identification are recorded. 

Requirements for official identification of livestock are defined in title 9 of the Code of 

Federal Regulations (9 CFR). As of this writing, USDA is developing a proposed rule for the 

traceability of livestock moving interstate. This proposed rule is targeted for publication 

the spring of 2011 with the final rule published 12 to 18 months later. This rule will 

provide specific requirements for the official identification of livestock moved interstate. 

Information on this proposed rule can be found at:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/traceability/

As an accredited veterinarian, you are legally responsible for properly identifying

animals and recording the identification on certain official documents, such as CVIs, test 

charts, and vaccination charts. It is essential that another individual be able to positively 

identify animals that you have listed on official documents. When documents require 

animal identification, record all forms of identification associated with the animal.

Acceptable means of identifying different species of animals are defined below. Official 

eartags are used for several species. The design, size, shape, color, and other 

characteristics of the official eartag will depend on the needs of the users, subject to the 

approval of the Administrator. The official eartag must be tamper-resistant and have a high 

retention rate in the animal. Official eartags must adhere to one of the following numbering 

systems:

 (1) National Uniform Eartagging System (NUES). A numbering system for the official 

identification of individual animals in the United States that provides a nationally unique 

identification number for each animal. The first two numbers on a tag are the numbers 

assigned to a specific State. See tables 4 and 5 for assigned State numbers.

 (2) Animal identification number (AIN). A numbering system for the official identification 

of individual animals in the United States providing a nationally unique identification 

number for each animal. The AIN contains 15 digits, with the first 3 being the country code 

(840 for the United States), the alpha characters USA, or the numeric code assigned to the 

manufacturer of the identification device by the International Committee on Animal 

Recording. The AIN beginning with the 840 prefix may be used only on animals born in the 

United States. An official eartag which contains or displays an AIN with an 840 prefix must 

bear the U.S. shield. 

 (3) Premises-based number system. The premises-based number system 
Animal Identification - Page 2 of 20

combines an official premises identification number (PIN), as defined in this section, with a 

producer's livestock production numbering system to provide a unique identification 

number. The PIN and the production number must both appear on the official tag.

 (4) Any other numbering system approved by the Administrator for the 

identification of animals in commerce.

The complete listing of Official Eartags is at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/traceability/

USDA-approved backtags cannot be used as the only identification for onfarm testing or for 

movement other than in slaughter channels. For the purposes of identifying animals, a 

Premises Identification Number (PIN) is a unique number assigned by a Federal or State 

animal health official to a livestock production unit that is, in the judgment of the SAHO or 

AVIC, epidemiologically distinct from other livestock production units.

Cattle Identification

Record all forms of identification if more than one form is present. (See figure 2 for an 

example of a calfhood vaccination identification, figure 3 for a depiction of cattle dentition 

to assess age, and table 3 for a list of bovine breeds and abbreviation codes.) In addition to 

listing the approximate age, gender, and breed of the animal, use one or more of the 

following identification methods:

• Official eartag. See definition above.

• Individual animal’s registration tattoo accompanied by the official registration

certificate issued by a recognized breed association.

• Official registration brand accompanied by official brand inspection certificates

issued by a recognized brand inspection agency.

• Registration number of a breed association recognized by APHIS –VS in conjunction with 

an official eartag, tattoo, or brand.

• USDA-approved backtag. Backtags are used mostly in stockyards or

slaughterhouses. These cannot be used as the only identification for onfarm testing.

Figure 2— Example of a Brucellosis calfhood vaccination identification.
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Swine Identification

Current APHIS-approved means of swine identification devices (ID) are identified below. 

Approved swine ID and methods may change depending on technological advances or 

changes in the code of federal regulations. If you have questions / concerns regarding 

current animal identification devices that would be considered as official ID for your state; 

please contact your State Animal Health official or the AVIC overseeing your state for more 

information.

The current list of approved APHIS swine identification devices / methods includes:

• Official eartags.

• USDA backtags only when used on swine moving in slaughter channels.

• Official swine tattoos (issued and authorized by State or Federal Animal Health Officials) 

on swine moving in slaughter channels.

• Ear notching if the ear notching has been recorded in the book of record of a purebred 

registry association.

• Tattoos on the ear or inner flank of any swine if the tattoos have been recorded in the 

book of record of a swine registry association.

• For slaughter swine and feeder swine, an eartag or tattoo bearing the Premises 

Identification Number assigned by the State Animal Health Official to the premises on 

which the swine originated.

• Other official identification methods may be used if approved by the Administrator of 

APHIS or anyone authorized to act for the Administrator. 

Equine Identification

With the current high level of interest within the horse industry regarding equine census 

estimates and potential disease movement, new methods for equine identification are 

rapidly being researched and developed. Many breed registries are either contemplating 

change or are in the process of changing the methods by which they identify horses. For 

that reason, specific breed requirements for identification are not listed here. Instead, this 

manual describes equine identification technologies currently available, in production in 

the United States, or in the late stages of development.

You should consider multiple technologies when you are either establishing or determining 

the unique identification of a horse. When shipping a horse interstate, APHIS recommends 

that the accredited veterinarian contact the State animal health officials of the State of 

destination to verify the specific identification requirements of the receiving State.
Animal Identification - Page 7 of 20

When shipping a horse internationally, the accredited veterinarian should contact the 

APHIS –VS Area Office to determine the identification requirements of the receiving 

country.

Types of identification and background, technology, and usage

Hot Iron or Fire Brand— 

Background: Introduced by Spanish settlers (early 1800s).

Technology: Heated brand (by fire or electricity) applied to dermis at variable sites.

Usage: Individualized ranch or farm brands.

Lip Tattoo— 

Background: Introduced by U.S. Army (late 1800s).

Technology: Ink and perforating plates applied to upper lip (buccal) mucosa.

Usage: Racing thoroughbreds (all thoroughbreds registered by genetic typing).

Freeze Mark or Cold Brand— 

Background: New popularity for humanitarian reasons (recent decades).

Technology: Cryogenically cooled brand applied to dermis of the neck.

Usage: All Standardbreds (right neck) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) wild 

horses/burros (left neck); Arabians have discontinued; many nonregistered “backyard” 

and farm horses to deter theft.

Electronic Identification (RFID)— 

Background: Currently the most popular and computer compatible (this decade).

Technology: Implantable transponder activated when interrogated by radio frequency

readers; thus, such units are known as Radio Frequency Implantable Devices (RFIDs).

RFID readers are used to identify and display transponders, alphanumeric characters.

Microchips are implanted in the left nuchal ligament (the USDA- and FDA-approved

anatomical implant site for all equids in the United States). The International Standards 

Organization (ISO) now brings all major electronic identification and RFID manufacturers 

to unified standards. Universal readers are available.

Usage: Many foreign breed registries in North America, all horses tested for EIA in the State 

of Louisiana, and many nonregistered equids.

Integrated Circuitry (IC) Cards (“Smart Cards”)— 

Background: Future technology incorporated currently in several pilot studies. Technology: 

Electronic tool links any desired information to the equid’s unique identification and stores

these data on an IC chip built into a device resembling credit card. The card, retained by the 
Animal Identification - Page 8 of 20

owner or other custodian, can be accessed only by persons using a second authorization 

card. These cards may be used in local management of the horse or herd by the owner, 

custodian, trainer, veterinarian, or other authorized person or may be connected via the 

Internet to regulatory agencies, breed associations, show offices, or other professional 

affiliates.

Usage: None currently in equids.

Iris Biometrics— 

Background: Future technology based on 1994 patented technique in people.

Technology: Iris “code” by “demodulation” of iris pattern (geometric structure) is done 

through complex mathematics. Benefits in equine applications are that the use of the 

portable digital camera for imaging is fast and noninvasive.

Usage: None currently in equids.

Retinal Biometrics— 

Background: New bovine–porcine technology attempts application to equine retina.

Technology: Vascular pattern of retina is recorded uniquely by algorithm. Benefits in 

equine applications are that the use of the portable digital camera for imaging is fast and 

noninvasive; additionally, it is designed to include a global positioning satellite (GPS) 

receiver to allow automatic encryption of date, time, and location of image capture.

Usage: None currently in equids.

Equine Colors and Markings

Determination of equine coat colors can be a challenge even to experienced equine

identifiers. The names of most colors used to describe equids are unique to the species and 

can be counterintuitive; even experts often disagree. Some breed registries recognize only 

a limited number of colors; others are by definition limited to a single group of colors (e.g., 

Cleveland Bay). The best approach for equine identification is to use the basic terminology 

common among most breeds of horses, mules, or donkeys with a notation if the technical 

name of the color does not match the actual color observed. For example it may be 

appropriate to describe an older grey horse as “grey (appears almost white)” where 

possible.

Markings include patterns of white on the head and legs, hair whorls (cowlicks), scars, 

blemishes, and patterns of other colors superimposed on a base color. As determined by 

the purpose, white markings may be named, drawn in a picture, described in detail, or 

photographed.
Animal Identification - Page 9 of 20

When all possible modifications and variations are considered, there are dozens of named 

colors for equids. There is no single, standardized nomenclature for describing equine 

color and markings, and the inheritance of horse color is a science unto itself.

A summary at this level of detail will not be attempted here. Registry rules (which can be 

different between breeds), historical and cultural influences, and even regional differences 

within the United States all contribute to the difficulty in describing a single color-naming 

system. The objective of this section on equine identification is to explain the prevailing 

basic terminology that is useful for the identification of equids for animal health or 

regulatory purposes.

For identification, mules are usually described using the same terms as horses or using the 

ordinary names of colors. The traditional terms for describing the color of donkeys 

(includes burros and all asses) will be briefly described here, but they are also often 

described using the ordinary names of colors. There are a few good references on equine 

colors, and the reader is encouraged to review those works for a more detailed discussion 

of the subject.

Colors

The base color of horses occurs independently of any white superimposed on the 

underlying coat color. In addition to the white markings that may appear on the head or 

legs, white may appear on the body. When describing a horse’s color, it is important to 

recognize the “points” of a horse as black or not black whether or not white markings are 

present. The points are the mane, tail, lower legs, and ear rims and are as important to 

recognize as the base color to name a color properly. Foals are often born a different color 

than they will be as adults. The adult color often shows up around the eyes and on the face 

first. Usually foals shed out to their adult color around 2 months of age.

There are three primary base coat colors in horses: bay, chestnut, and black. These colors 

are modified by various factors (genes), including dilution factors, to produce a huge 

variety of shades and specific color patterns. Brown (which some consider synonymous 

with dark bay) and sorrel (usually considered synonymous with, or a variation of, 

chestnut) are also basic colors that can help to identify most horses. Common modifications 

of the base colors include the colors grey/gray and roan as well as the pinto and 

Appaloosa color patterns. Finally, there are a host of colors created by modification or 

dilution factors that are given distinct names. Those considered here include buckskin, 

dun, palomino, cremello, and white. APHIS –VS gratefully acknowledges the cooperation 

of The Jockey Club in allowing us to reproduce common head and leg marking figures.

Basic Horse Colors— 

• Bay: The coat color varies from yellow-tan to dark blood-red to brown and almost
Animal Identification - Page 10 of 20

black. The points (mane, tail, lower legs, ear rims) are always black unless white

markings are present. Some registries use dark bay/brown as one color.

-Dark bay: The coat is brown with areas of tan on the head, shoulders, flanks, inside of the 

thighs, and the upper portions of the legs. The points are always black unless white 

markings are present. This color is also sometimes called brown.

• Chestnut: This color includes any shade of red from very light (blonde, sorrel) to dark red 

(liver chestnut). A chestnut can be so light in color as to give the appearance of a palomino 

or so dark that it looks brown or shows numerous black hairs throughout its coat. A 

chestnut always has points the same color or lighter compared with the body; the points 

are never black. In some breeds and much of the Western United States, sorrel is used 

synonymously with chestnut.

-Sorrel: A red to reddish yellow base coat with lighter shades of similar color (may be 

flaxen or blonde) in the mane and tail. This color is sometimes used synonymously with 

chestnut.

• Black: The entire coat is black excluding any white markings that might be present.

The mane, tail, muzzle, flanks, and legs, must be all black with no areas of brown or tan 

coloration.

• Brown: Usually synonymous with dark bay and sometimes appearing almost black but 

with lighter tan coloration on the muzzle, flanks, or both. The points are always black 

unless white markings are present.

Modifications of Basic Coat Colors— 

• Grey/Gray: Grey is a color modification superimposed over any base color on the

body, head, and legs. The coat is a mixture of dark (usually black) and white hairs that 

become predominantly white with age. The grey horse always has dark/black skin. 

Markings on light grey horses can best be seen by noting the underlying pink skin in the 

area of the marking. In the young horse, black hair predominates, but as the horse ages, the 

white hair increases and the markings tend to fade. A grey horse may have distinct white 

markings or faded markings and always a grey or black mane, tail, and legs.

-Flea-bitten Grey: Flecks of the base coat (usually red but may be black) show through a 

mostly white body color.

• Roan: Most of the coat is a mixture of colored (usually red) and white hairs with the head 

and legs darker than the body. The colored hair predominates. As the horse ages, the 

proportion of white hair may increase but usually not to the extent this occurs in grey 

horses. If the red hair comes from the chestnut pattern, the mane, tail, and legs will be red. 

If the red hair comes from the bay pattern, the mane, tail, and legs will be black. Roan 

horses may have distinct or indistinct white markings. 

-Strawberry roan: The coat color is a mixture of red and white hairs. The base color is 

chestnut/sorrel, and the points are not black.
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– Blue roan: Similar to roan except there is a mixture of black and white hairs; the base 

color is black.

– Red roan: Also called bay roan. The coat color is a mixture of red and white hairs, but the 

base color is bay and the points are black.

Patterns Superimposed on Base Colors— 

• Appaloosa: No single color is associated with Appaloosas. The term describes the 

appearance of an indefinite number of different white or dark spot patterns on a base color 

or solid white area. The spotted areas classically appear on the hip but may also occur on 

the loin, back, or over the entire body. The colors are named as the base color followed by 

“Appaloosa” (e.g., bay Appaloosa, blue roan Appaloosa, etc.). As a breed, the color is also 

associated with mottled or particolored skin typically found around the eyes and on the 

nose, lips, vulva or sheath; white sclera, and vertically striped hooves. Any combination of 

white markings is possible.

– Leopard Appaloosa: Has the appearance of a white horse covered with dark spots that 

are usually reddish.

• Pinto: Any of several breeds of horses that have large, irregular, asymmetric areas of 

white (with underlying pink skin) and a base color on any area of the body. Any base color 

is possible. This color is either named by the base color (e.g., chestnut pinto) or by 

describing the colors seen using common terms (e.g., red and white pinto). Although a 

specific breed and color registry, the term “paint” is often used interchangeably with 

“pinto” (e.g., black and white paint).

– Overo: Pinto pattern characterized by white that usually does not cross the back. At least 

one leg and often all four are dark colored, the body is often predominantly the base color, 

and the tail is usually one color.

– Tobiano: Pinto pattern with white across the back. Flanks are usually dark colored, 

generally all four legs are white, and the tail is often two color.

– Tricolor: Nontechnical term for a pinto with black (usually in the mane or tail) and white 

areas on top of a base color.

Dilution Modifications of Base Colors— 

• Buckskin: A cremello dilution modification of any base color. Typically a gold or

yellowish body color with a black mane and tail. Buckskins are usually black on

their lower legs. Usually buckskin is used to describe horses without a dorsal stripe.

• Dun: Usually used as a general term for any of several light or dilution colors with

a dark dorsal stripe (linebacked dun). Body color can be yellowish or gold as if

a buckskin or more red as if a chestnut. Mane and tail may be black, brown, red,

yellow, white, or mixed. Other primitive markings such as zebra stripes on the legs

or a transverse stripe across the withers may be present.
Animal Identification - Page 12 of 20

– Red dun: A chestnut/sorrel dun with the body yellowish red; mane, tail, and dorsal stripe 

are darker red.

• Palomino: Body color is usually a golden yellow; mane and tail are blonde or almost 

white. Palominos do not have dorsal stripes.

• Grullo: Usually characterized by slate- (blue-grey) or mouse- colored hair (not a mixture 

of black and white hairs, but each hair is mouse colored) on the body with black mane and 

tail. Body color may be darker shades of beige. Grullos are usually black on their lower legs.

• Cremello: The palest horses that are not white. Usually very light beige or cream colored. 

Cremellos have pink skin and blue eyes.

• White: A rare coat color of pure white with pink skin and dark-colored eyes. White 

horses are not true albinos; albinos have pink eyes. Horses that appear to be white but have 

dark skin are actually grey.

Donkey Colors— 

Some donkey colors are the same as those of horses; others are unique to the donkey. The 

points of a donkey are different from those of a horse. When describing the color of 

donkeys, “points” refer to the muzzle, eye rings, belly, and inside of the upper leg, which are 

almost always cream-colored. Cream-colored points may be called “white points” or “light 

points.” The color of a donkey’s points does not affect the name of the body color, but 

points are usually described separately as light as opposed to dark, blue, or black points. 

The areas described as points in horses (mane, tail, ear rims) are called trim when 

describing donkey colors but have the same significance when naming colors.

• Grey (Dun): This is the most common coat color of donkeys and is ash grey or bluish 

slate color with a dark dorsal stripe. This is not a true grey as in horses, because it does not 

become lighter with age. Cream-colored points are typical.

• Blue Burro: Another name for the grey dun.

• Black, Brown, Dark Brown, Black-Brown: Each refers to that body color with light 

points unless otherwise noted.

• Red, Chestnut, Sorrel: Refers to a chestnut, sorrel, or reddish body color.

• Pink: Very light strawberry red color. May have pink skin.

• Spotted: White spots on body of any base color; it can also appear like dark spots on 

white.

• Roan: White hairs mixed with colored hairs on body and head.

Markings

Natural markings include patterns of white on the head and legs, hair whorls (cowlicks), 

scars, and blemishes. Many white markings on the head and legs have common terms in the 

horse world. As determined by the purpose, white markings may be simply named, drawn 

in a picture, described in detail, or photographed. White markings always have underlying 

pink skin, which is sometimes used to describe the exact margin of the marking (e.g., “ snip 
Animal Identification - Page 13 of 20 

extending into left nostril”). Most markings are solid white, but they can be mixed with the 

base coat color. Leg markings are always named by the most proximal extent of the 

marking on a given limb (fig 5). Leg markings may be described by naming the anatomic 

location of the most proximal extent of the marking (e.g., cannon) or using traditional terms 

(e.g., sock). The anatomic terms are preferred for identification purposes because not all 

breed registries agree on the lay terms.

Markings that have been produced after birth are considered acquired markings. Tattoos, 

brands, freeze marks, scars, and pin-firing marks are the most common examples. The 

location and shape of these marks are sometimes also described as markings. On plaincolored horses without natural white markings, these features can be very useful along 

with hair whorls to identify a horse. Other variations seen on the coat are not generally 

considered markings. Dapples are a repeating pattern of slightly darker and lighter hair in 

small circles. Dappling is most common on grey horses but may occur with any color. 

Dappling is not permanent but may vary in any particular individual with season, 

nutritional status, or physical condition. For this reason, dapples re not generally recorded 

for identification. Ticking is small spots of flocks of white hair often only consisting of 

several adjacent white hairs that can occur in the base coat. Ticking tends to increase with 

age. Ticking can generally be noted when identifying a horse, by the exact location and 

amount of ticking may change over time. 

Common White Head Markings (fig. 4)— 

• Star: A white spot or any shape found on the forehead above the rostral corner of the eye. 

The location, size, and shape can be described or drawn in relation to other structures of 

the face where appropriate.

– Bordered star: Having the coat color mixed with the white hair along the outer edge.

• Strip: A white marking on top of the nasal bones starting at the eye level or below and 

ending on or above the proximal edge of the nostrils. May be connected or disconnected to 

a star. The width, length, and type (connected, disconnected, broken) can be drawn or 

described as needed. Also sometimes erroneously called a stripe.

– Bordered strip: The coat color is mixed with the white hair along the outer edge.

– Broken strip: The strip is disconnected from itself at one or more points.

• Snip: A separate white or flesh-colored marking usually found between the nostrils. May 

extend into the nostril or to the upper or lower lip according to some breed registries.

• Upper/Lower lip, chin: White or flesh-colored markings in these areas named 

separately by some registries. Also sometimes called a chin spot or patch.

• Star/Strip/Snip/Upper/Lower Lip Connected: Any of the adjacent combinations of 

these markings may be described as connected when they touch. For example, “star and 

strip connected, lower lip disconnected” or “star, strip, and snip connected.”

• Stripe: Usually used to describe a long, narrow star, strip, and snip connected.

• Blaze: A wide, connected star, strip, and usually snip extending laterally below the top of 

the nasal bones but not including the eyes or nostrils.
Animal Identification - Page 14 of 20

• Bald: A very wide blaze including at least one eye and usually both nostrils.

Figure 4—White markings on the head of equids are

named according to their location. Many combinations

of connected or disconnected markings are

possible (e.g., “strip, snip” or “star, strip snip connected”).

White Leg Markings (fig. 5)— 

• Partial heel: The medial (inside) or lateral (outside) heel may be white; called a partial 

heel on the white side.

• Heel: Both heels (the entire heel) of the hoof may be white.

• Coronet/Coronary band: White begins at the hoof and extends proximally about an inch 

or less than halfway up the pastern.

• Half-pastern: The leg is white from the hoof up to and including the lower half of the 

pastern.

• Pastern: The leg is white to the top of the pastern below the fetlock.

• Fetlock/Ankle: White extends up to the top of the fetlock.

• Half-Cannon/Half-Stocking/Sock: White extends from the hoof up to and including the 

lower half of the cannon bone.

• Cannon/Three-quarter Stocking: White extends to the proximal end of the cannon 

bone below the carpus (knee).

• Knee/Hock/Stocking: White extends up to or just to the top of the carpus (knee) or 

tarsus (hock).

• Above Knee/Hock, High White: White extends above the carpus (knee) or tarsus (hock).

• Ermine spots: Refer to small, dark spots in white leg markings that are usually found just 

above the hoof.
Animal Identification - Page 15 of 20

Figure 5—Leg markings are described by naming the most

proximal extent of the white area on each limb.

Other Natural Markings

• Hair Whorl/Rosette/Cowlick: Hair whorls are patterns, usually circular, in which

the direction of hair growth changes. Hair whorls are permanent and cannot be brushed 

away or clipped out. There is usually one whorl in the center of the forehead, often between 

the eyes. These single whorls are not typically described as unique markings; however, the 

distance above or below the eye level could be noted. Less frequently, two or more whorls 

are found on the forehead. When present, the number and locations of multiple whorls 

should be described if appropriate. The presence (and location if present) or absence of 

any whorls or cowlicks on the side of the neck near the mane can also be a useful aid in 

identification, particularly when a horse has few white markings and no tattoo, brand, or 

similar feature.

• Dimples/Prophet’s thumbprints: Permanent, easily seen indentations in muscles

just under the skin. Dimples are usually found at the point of one or both shoulders and in 

the neck muscles.

• Curly coat: A rare variation of hair growth resulting in exceedingly curly body, mane, and 

tail hair. The curly trait is inherited and is not related to hirsutism. The curly appearance 

occurs to varying degrees but usually affects the mane and tail (as opposed to hirsutism), 
Animal Identification - Page 16 of 20

and curly horses may shed out their mane and tail in addition to their body coat in the 

spring.

• Chestnuts (on the legs)/Night eyes: Chestnuts are hard, horny growths or patches of 

cornified skin found inside the horse’s legs. Chestnuts may grow long but when fl at have a 

distinct shape. The presence, location, and shape of the chestnuts can help uniquely identify 

a horse.

Acquired Equine Markings

• Tattoos: The tattoo is a group of numbers with or without a letter applied to the 

underside of the upper lip. In Thoroughbred horses, the letter indicates the birth year of 

the horse (A=1997, B=1998, etc.), and the numbers correspond to the numbers found on 

the registration certificate. Imported Thoroughbreds have an asterisk rather than a letter 

in their tattoo.

• Scars: Many scars produced by accident are permanent and can be seen throughout the 

life of the horse; they should therefore be noted.

• Pin firing marks: Although not common today, the procedure of pin firing the legs of a 

horse leaves permanent scars. This information can be useful for identification.

• Brands: A hot or cold (freeze mark) brand may be found on various areas but is most 

commonly found on the hip or neck. Some brands are for breed or farm identification; 

others use numbers or symbols unique to each horse. For example, the Bureau of Land 

Management uses an angle-numeric system for recording unique numbers on the left side 

of the neck under the mane (fig. 6).

Figure 6—The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) applies a unique angle-numeric freeze mark to the 

left side of the neck, under the mane, on each wild horse or burro it removes from the range.

Information on aging a horse by teeth using color photos is 

contained in Appendix G at the end of this Reference Guide.

Sheep and Goat Identification
Animal Identification - Page 17 of 20

In addition to listing an animal’s age, gender, and breed, use one of the following 

identification methods. (See fig. 10 for a depiction of sheep dentition, table 7 for

information on tooth eruption in sheep, and tables 8a and 8b for lists of goat breeds

and sheep breeds.)

• Official sheep and goat eartags 

– Serial number tags are issued to accredited veterinarians for use in completing CVIs 

or test charts when the animal is not already officially identified and the owner does 

not have official eartags to use. 

– Call 1-866-USDA-TAG to request free official sheep and goat serial eartags. 

Accredited veterinarians may alternatively elect to purchase official RFID “840” 

sheep and goat tags for these purposes directly from an approved tag manufacturer. 

– Flock owners likewise may request free official flock ID tags by calling the same 

number or may purchase official flock ID or “840” sheep and goat tags from an 

approved tag manufacturer. Flock ID tags are imprinted with the flock ID number 

and an individual animal number. 

• Legible registration tattoo when the animal is accompanied by the registration certificate 

or a CVI listing the required information. 

• Legible Flock ID tattoos composed of the Flock Identification Number assigned by APHIS 

and an individual animal number unique within the flock. (To get a Flock ID assigned flock 

owners can call 1-866-USDA-TAG)

• See 9 CFR parts 79.2 and 79.3 for exemptions or other options.

NOTE: Anyone who applies official identification must maintain records. For detailed 

information refer to the Scrapie Eradication Uniform Methods and Rules, Part III.B.2 at 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_diseases/scrapie/downloads/umr_scra

pie.pdf> (For additional information, call1-866-USDA-T AG or contact your local APHIS –VS 

Area Office.)

Table 7 – Eruption and replacement of teeth in sheep

Teeth Teeth Time of eruption1 Teeth time of replacement1

Di /1 Before birth—up to 8 days I /1 12–18 months

Di /2 Before birth I /2 21–24 months

Di /3 Before birth I /3 27–36 months

Di /4 Birth—up to 8 days I /4 36 – 48 months

Dp 2/2 Before birth—up to 4 weeks P 2/2 21–24 months

Dp 3/3 Before birth—up to 4 weeks P 3/3 21–24 months

Dp 4/4 Before birth—up to 4 weeks P 4/4 21–24 months

M 1/1 3 months

M 2/2 9 months

M 3/3 18 months

1 The lower figures are for early-maturing breeds; the higher figures are for late-maturing breeds.

Adapted from: Schummer, August; Nickel, Richard; Sack, Wolfgang Otto. 1979. The viscera of the domestic 

mammals, second ed. New York: Springer–Verlag. 
Animal Identification - Page 18 of 20
Animal Identification - Page 19 of 20

Table 8a Sheep Breed Code 

CODE DESCRIPTION,SPECIES CODE DESCRIPTION,SPECIES

AB American Blackbelly Sheep,OVI LI Lincoln,OVI

BD Babydoll Sheep,OVI ME Merino,OVI

BB Barbados Blackbelly,OVI SM Miniature Southdown,OVI

BW Black Welsh Mountain,OVI MT Montadale,OVI

BF Black-faced,OVI MF Mottle-faced,OVI

HL Bluefaced Leicester,OVI ML Mule Sheep,OVI

BM Booroola Merino,OVI MU Multiple Breeds Present,OVI

BC Border Cheviot,OVI NC N. Country Cheviot,OVI

BL Border Leicester, OVI NT Natural Colored, OVI

CD California Red,OVI NA Navajo-Churro,OVI

CM California Variegated Mutant,OVI NS Not Specified,OVI

CA Canadian Arcott,OVI OX Oxford,OVI

CH Charolais,OVI PA Panama,OVI

CV Cheviot,OVI PE Perendale,OVI

CF Clun Forest,OVI DP Polled Dorset,OVI

CO Columbia ,OVI PO Polypay,OVI

CP Coopworth,OVI RA Rambouillet,OVI

CS Cormo,OVI RN Romanov,OVI

CR Corriedale,OVI RM Romnelet,OVI

CT Cotswold,OVI RO Romney,OVI

DE Debouillet,OVI RL Royal White,OVI

DM Delaine-Merino,OVI SB Scottish Blackface,OVI

DR Dorper,OVI SH Shetland,OVI

DO Dorset,OVI SR Shropshire,OVI

EF Eastern Friesian,OVI SO Soay/British Soay,OVI

FN Finnish Landrace (Finn),OVI OS

"Solid face color, not 

black",OVI

GL Gotland,OVI ST Southdown,OVI

GC Gulf Coast (FL or LA Native),OVI SC St Croix,OVI

HR "Hairsheep, crossbred",OVI SU Suffolk ,OVI

HA Hampshire,OVI TA Targhee,OVI

HE Herdwick,OVI TS Teeswater,OVI

DH Horned Dorset,OVI TE Texel,OVI

IC Icelandic,OVI TU Tunis,OVI

IF Ile De France,OVI UK Unknown,OVI

JE Jacob,OVI WE Wensleydale,OVI

KA Karakul,OVI WD White Dorper,OVI

KT Katahdin,OVI WF White-faced ,OVI

LE Leicester,OVI WH Wiltshire Horn,OVI
Animal Identification - Page 20 of 20

Table 8b Goat Breed Code Table

BREED Goat Breed Code Table BREED

CODE DESCRIPTION,SPECIES CODE DESCRIPTION,SPECIES

AG Angora,CAP ND Nigerian Dwarf,CAP

AL Alpine,CAP NS Not Specified,CAP

BO Boer,CAP NU Nubian,CAP

CS Cashmere,CAP OB Oberhasli,CAP

DR Dairy-type crossbred,CAP PG Pygora,CAP

FI Fiber-type crossbred,CAP PY Pygmy,CAP

FI Fiber-type crossbred,CAP PY Pygmy,CAP

GG Golden Guernsey,CAP SA Saanen,CAP

KI Kiko,CAP SB Sable,CAP

LN La Mancha,CAP SP Spanish,CAP

MT Meat-type crossbred,CAP SV Savannah,CAP

MU Multiple Breeds Present,CAP TO Toggenburg,CAP

MY Myotonic,CAP UK Unknown,CAP

Fowl Identification

List the correct species name, including scientific name if known, along with either a leg 

band or a wing tattoo. For individual pet birds, age and color markings should be listed as 

well. Leg bands are available from the Official State Representatives for the NPIP. Contact 

information for these representatives can be found at: 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_dis_spec/poultry/

Dog and Cat Identification

List the animal’s age, gender, breed, and name along with a collar number, tattoo, or

electronic identification if available. Color, markings, and weight should be listed as well.
Compliance and Regulations - Page 1 of 3

Compliance and Regulations

Compliance

The forms you submit to APHIS as an accredited veterinarian are scrutinized by VS 

personnel for accuracy and completeness. When errors or irregularities are found, APHIS 

management may request help from investigators in the agency’s Investigative and 

Enforcement Services (IES) unit. But in many cases, the APHIS–VS Area Office first works 

with the accredited veterinarian to resolve the issue.

IES’ role is to gather all the pertinent facts regarding the issue and present them to 

appropriate VS officials in an investigative case report. VS officials are responsible for 

determining the appropriate disposition of the investigative case file.

Many of the inquiries that accredited veterinarians receive from IES investigators involve 

situations in which the interstate movement of livestock failed to meet State or Federal 

requirements. IES investigators look into allegations that an accredited veterinarian did not 

abide by the Standards for accredited veterinarian duties identified in 9 CFR part 161.4. A 

copy of 9 CFR part 161 is included in appendix A of this Guide and may also be found at: 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/vet_accreditation/downloads/CFR_Parts

_160-161-162.pdf

If you are the subject of an IES investigation, the IES investigator will explain the alleged

violation to you during the interview process. It is important that you present the facts as 

well as your reasons for handling a situation in a particular way. In accreditation cases 

especially, VS officials are interested in all the background information regarding the 

alleged violation. All pertinent case information is compiled and evaluated by VS officials. A 

decision is then made as to how to proceed with disposition of each case.

The investigator may ask you to sign an affidavit containing your statement about the 

alleged violation. IES investigators are authorized to take affidavits and can explain what an 

affidavit is and what it means. 

Dispositions can include letters of information or warning, informal conferences, formal 

hearings, suspension or revocation of accreditation, and civil and criminal penalties. APHIS 

strongly supports these quality-control mechanisms in the interest of furthering the 

agency’s mission of protecting American agriculture.
Compliance and Regulations - Page 2 of 3

The Role of IES

IES’ primary responsibility is to investigate violations of APHIS regulations. IES 

investigators nationwide provide assistance to VS with the following activities:

• Interviewing and collecting information from accredited veterinarians, witnesses, alleged 

violator(s), and others involved in the alleged violation(s); 

• Identifying applicable sections of the CFR, acts, and laws;

• Collecting evidence associated with alleged violations;

• Preparing investigative case files; and

• Working with the VS program officials to assess appropriate penalties and sanctions.

Your Responsibility for Compliance

The Animal Health Protection Act (AHPA) governs the accreditation of veterinarians as 

codified in 9 CFR parts 160 and 161. As an accredited veterinarian, you should familiarize 

yourself with these regulations because you are obliged to comply with these standards. 

Noncompliance can result in violations and possible administrative, civil, or criminal 

sanctions.

The following are a few examples of violations of the veterinary accreditation standards 

identified in 9 CFR 161.3 that IES investigators may cite:

• 161.4(b)—Failing to complete an official form accurately and fully. Submitting incomplete 

forms or leaving sections blank is a violation.

• 161.4(d)—Failing to perform an official test and to submit specimens. Submitting 

fraudulent blood samples for official testing is a violation.

• 161.4(h)—Failing to keep oneself currently informed on regulations pertaining to 

procedures applicable to disease control and eradication programs.

• 161.4(j)—Failing to ensure the security and proper use of official certificates, reports, 

tags, and similar items or documents issued to you. Allowing an unauthorized person such 

as an owner or a broker to issue official certificates is a violation.

Actions and Penalties

All pertinent case-file information is compiled by IES and evaluated by VS officials. The 

APHIS –VS AVIC determines the appropriate enforcement action for cases involving 

violations of Veterinary Accreditation Program regulations. USDA may carry out one or 

more of the following actions:
Compliance and Regulations - Page 3 of 3

• Provide written notification when the accredited veterinarian has not complied with the 

Standards for Accredited Veterinarian Duties;

• Hold an informal conference; and/or

• Proceed with an administrative hearing before an administrative law judge. USDA will 

then determine the final disposition and penalties, if applicable, and may take one or more 

of the following actions:

• Issue a written notice of information or warning;

• Suspend or revoke veterinary accreditation; and/or

• Pursue civil or criminal penalties through the Office of the General Counsel 

 and/or Department of Justice. 

AHPA does not allow for monetary penalties for violations of the Veterinary Accreditation 

Program. However, if your actions involve interstate violations of livestock movement 

regulations or if your actions contribute to any violations of AHPA other than veterinary

accreditation, your case may be referred to the Department of Justice and you may be 

assessed civil or criminal monetary penalties. 

IES Contact Information

IES contributes to the overall APHIS mission to protect American agriculture by providing 

regulatory enforcement support. IES has investigators nationwide. 

IES’ headquarters office is located at: 

USDA, APHIS, MRPBS, IES

4700 River Road, Unit 85

Riverdale, MD 20737–1234 

If you have any questions about IES, please contact the staff by telephone at

(301) 734–8684 or visit the IES Web site at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ies/
Appendix A - Page 1 of 12

Appendix A – 9 CFR PARTS 160, 161, and 162

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

9 CFR Parts 160, 161, and 162

[Docket No. APHIS-2006-0093]

RIN 0579-AC04

National Veterinary Accreditation Program

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Final rule.

PART 160—DEFINITION OF TERMS

§ 160.1 Definitions.

For the purposes of this subchapter the following words, phrases, names and terms shall be

construed, respectively, to mean:

Accredited veterinarian. A veterinarian approved by the Administrator in accordance with the

provisions of part 161 of this subchapter to perform functions specified in subchapters B, C, and

D of this chapter.

Administrator. The Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service or any

individual authorized to act for the Administrator.

Animal, animals. All animals except humans, including but not limited to cattle, sheep, goats,

other ruminants, swine, horses, asses, mules, zebras, birds, and poultry.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,

United States Department of Agriculture.

APHIS. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Approved digital signature. Digital signatures approved by the Administrator for electronic

transmission, for example, via a computer. To be approved, a digital signature must be able to

verify the identity of the accredited veterinarian signing the document and indicate if the

integrity of the data in the signed document was compromised.

Category I animals . Any animals other than Category II animals, e.g., cats and dogs.

Category II animals . Food and fiber animal species; horses; birds; farm-raised aquatic animals;

all other livestock species; and zoo animals that can transmit exotic animal diseases to livestock.

Examine, examination. Physical study of an individual animal that enables an accredited

veterinarian to determine if any abnormality in physical condition or bodily function is

suggestive of clinical signs of communicable disease. 

Herd or flock health plan . A written herd or flock health management plan, which may include

an agreement signed by the owner of a herd or flock, the accredited veterinarian, and a State or

APHIS representative, in which each participant agrees to undertake actions specified in the

agreement to maintain the health of the animals and detect signs of communicable disease.

Inspect, inspection. Visual study of the physical appearance, physical condition, and behavior of

animals (singly or in groups) that enables an accredited veterinarian to determine whether any

abnormality in physical condition or bodily function is evident.

Issue. The distribution, including electronic transmission, of an official animal health document

that has been signed.

Official certificate, form, record, report, tag, band, or other identification. Means any certificate,

form, record, report, tag, band, or other identification, prescribed by statute or by regulations

issued by the Administrator, for use by an accredited veterinarian performing official functions
Appendix A - Page 2 of 12

under this subchapter.

Qualified accredited veterinarian (QAV). An accredited veterinarian who has been granted a

program certification by the Administrator pursuant to §161.5 of this subchapter based on

completion of an APHIS-approved orientation or training program.

Regular health maintenance program. An arrangement between an accredited veterinarian and a

livestock producer whereby the veterinarian inspects every animal on the premises of the

producer at least once every 30 days.

Sign, (Signed). For an accredited veterinarian to put his or her signature in his or her own hand,

or by means of an approved digital signature, on a certificate, form, record, or report. No

certificate, form, record, or report is signed if:

(1) Someone other than the accredited veterinarian has signed it on behalf of or in the name of

the accredited veterinarian, regardless of the authority granted them by the accredited

veterinarian; or

(2) If any mechanical device, other than an approved digital signature, has been used to affix the

signature.

State. Any State, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the

Virgin Islands of the United States, and any other territory or possession of the United States.

State Animal Health Official. The State animal health official who is responsible for the livestock

and poultry disease control and eradication programs of a State.

Veterinarian-in-Charge. The veterinary official of APHIS who is assigned by the Administrator

to supervise and perform the official work of APHIS in a State or group of States.

PART 161—REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS FOR ACCREDITED

VETERINARIANS AND SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF SUCH

ACCREDITATION

§ 161.1 Statement of purpose; requirements and application procedures for accreditation.

(a) This subchapter concerns a program administered by APHIS to accredit veterinarians and

thereby authorize them to perform, on behalf of APHIS, certain activities specified in this

chapter. This program is intended to ensure that an adequate number of qualified veterinarians

are available in the United States to perform such activities.

(b) Categories of accreditation . A veterinarian may be accredited as a Category I veterinarian or

a Category II veterinarian. A veterinarian who is accredited under Category I is only authorized

to perform accredited duties on Category I animals, as defined in §160.1. A veterinarian who is

accredited under Category II is authorized to perform accredited duties on both Category I

animals and Category II animals.

(c) Application for initial accreditation . A veterinarian may apply for accreditation by

completing an application for accreditation and submitting it to APHIS. In completing the

application, the veterinarian will choose one of the accreditation activity categories, either

Category I or Category II, as discussed in paragraph (b) of this section. Applications for

Category I accreditation must include certification that the applicant is able to perform the tasks

listed in paragraph (g)(1) of this section. Applications for Category II accreditation must include

certification that the applicant is able to perform the tasks listed in paragraph (g)(2) of this

section. An accredited veterinarian must not perform duties requiring a program certification

unless he or she is accredited under Category II and qualified to perform such duties in

accordance with §161.5 of this part.

(d) Review of application . Applications for accreditation received by APHIS shall be forwarded

to the State Animal Health Official for the State in which the veterinarian wishes to perform
Appendix A - Page 3 of 12

accredited duties for approval. Within 14 days after receiving an application, a State Animal

Health Official shall either endorse the application or send a written statement to the

Administrator explaining why it was not endorsed; but if the State Animal Health Official fails to

take one of these actions within 14 days, APHIS shall proceed to review the application. The

Administrator will review the application and the written statement, if any, and determine

whether the applicant meets the requirements for accreditation contained in this part.

(e) Accreditation requirements . The Administrator is hereby authorized to accredit a

veterinarian when he or she determines that:

(1) The veterinarian is a graduate with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine or an equivalent

degree (any degree that qualifies the holder to be licensed by a State to practice veterinary

medicine) from a college of veterinary medicine;

(2) The veterinarian is licensed or legally able to practice veterinary medicine in the State in

which the veterinarian wishes to perform accredited duties. APHIS will confirm the licensing

status of the applicant by contacting the State board of veterinary medical examiners or any

similar State organization that maintains records of veterinarians licensed in a State;

(3) The veterinarian has completed initial accreditation training, using content provided by

APHIS; and

(4) The veterinarian has completed an orientation program approved by the Veterinarian-inCharge for the State in which the veterinarian wishes to perform accredited duties, and upon

completion of the orientation, has signed a written statement listing the date and place of

orientation, the subjects covered in the orientation, and any written materials provided to the

veterinarian at the orientation. The Veterinarian-in-Charge shall also give the State Animal

Health Official an opportunity to review the contents of the orientation, and invite him or her to

participate in developing orientation materials and conducting the orientation. The veterinarian

applying for accreditation must have completed the orientation program within 3 years prior to

submitting the application for accreditation. The core orientation program shall include the

following topics:

(i) Federal animal health laws, regulations, and rules;

(ii) Interstate movement requirements for animals;

(iii) Import and export requirements for animals;

(iv) USDA animal disease eradication and control programs;

(v) Laboratory support in confirming disease diagnoses;

(vi) Ethical and professional responsibilities of an accredited veterinarian;

(vii) Foreign animal disease awareness;

(viii) Animal health emergency management; and

(ix) Animal health procedures, issues, and information resources relevant to the State in which

the veterinarian wishes to perform accredited duties.

(f) Change in accreditation category . (1) Category I to Category II . A veterinarian who is

accredited under Category I may become accredited under Category II if the veterinarian applies

for accreditation under Category II by completing an application for accreditation, including

certification that the applicant is able to perform the tasks listed in paragraph (g)(2) of this

section, and submitting it to APHIS. The veterinarian must also have fulfilled the training

requirements in §161.3(b) that are associated with renewal of accreditation under Category II.

(2) Category II to Category I . A veterinarian who is accredited under Category II may become

accredited under Category I if the veterinarian applies for accreditation under Category I by

completing an application for accreditation, including certification that the applicant is able to
Appendix A - Page 4 of 12

perform the tasks listed in paragraph (g)(1) of this section, and submitting it to APHIS. The

veterinarian must also have fulfilled the training requirements in §161.3(b) that are associated

with renewal of accreditation under Category I.

(g) Tasks that applicants for accredited status must be able to perform . Applicants for

accredited status must be able to:

(1) Category I . (i) Perform physical examination of individual Category I animals to determine

whether they are free from any clinical signs suggestive of communicable disease.

(ii) Recognize the common breeds of Category I animals and accurately record breed

information on official documents.

(iii) Apply common animal identification for Category I animals.

(iv) Properly complete certificates for domestic and international movement of Category I

animals.

(v) Perform necropsies on Category I animals.

(vi) Recognize and report clinical signs and lesions of exotic animal diseases that occur in

Category I animals.

(vii) Vaccinate Category I animals and accurately complete the vaccination certificates.

(viii) Properly collect and ship specimen samples to the appropriate laboratory for testing with

complete and accurate paperwork.

(ix) Develop appropriate biosecurity protocols, as well as cleaning and disinfection protocols, to

control communicable disease spread in Category I animals.

(2) Category II . (i) Perform physical examination of individual animals and visually inspect

herds or flocks to determine whether the animals are free from any clinical signs suggestive of

communicable disease.

(ii) Recognize the common breeds of Category I and Category II animals, including the types of

poultry as defined by the National Poultry Improvement Plan in subchapter G of this chapter and

the common breeds of livestock, and be able to accurately record breed information on official

documents.

(iii) Recognize all USDA animal identification systems.

(iv) Estimate the age of livestock using a dental formula.

(v) Apply USDA-recognized identification (e.g., eartag, microchip, tattoo) for the USDA animal

identification system.

(vi) Certify the health status of an avian flock regarding diseases of domestic or international

regulatory concern, and evaluate records pertaining to poultry flock testing and participation in

Federal and State poultry health programs and classifications.

(vii) Properly complete certificates for domestic and international movement of animals.

(viii) Apply and remove official seals.

(ix) Perform necropsies on animals.

(x) Recognize and report clinical signs and lesions of exotic animal diseases.

(xi) Develop a herd or flock health plan consistent with requirements in subchapters B, C, and D

of this chapter.

(xii) Vaccinate for USDA program diseases and accurately complete the vaccination certificate.

(xiii) Properly collect and ship sample specimens to an appropriate laboratory for testing with

complete and accurate paperwork.

(xiv) Properly perform testing for tuberculosis (e.g., caudal fold test).

(xv) Develop appropriate biosecurity protocols, as well as cleaning and disinfection protocols, to

control communicable disease spread.
Appendix A - Page 5 of 12

(xvi) Explain basic principles for control of diseases for which APHIS or APHIS-State

cooperative programs presently exist.

(h) Authorization to perform duties . An accredited veterinarian may not perform accredited

duties in a State until after receiving written authorization from APHIS. If a Category I

accredited veterinarian completes the necessary training requirements and becomes a Category II

accredited veterinarian, the veterinarian may not perform Category II accredited duties in a State

until after receiving written authorization from APHIS.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 0579–0297)

§ 161.2 Performance of accredited duties in different States.

(a) If an accredited veterinarian wishes to perform accredited duties in a State other than the

State in which the veterinarian was initially accredited in accordance with §161.1(e), the

accredited veterinarian must complete an application to request authorization to perform

accredited duties in the new State from the Veterinarian-in-Charge of that State. The

Veterinarian-in-Charge of the new State may require the accredited veterinarian to complete,

prior to performing any accredited duties in the new State, an orientation in animal health

procedures and issues relevant to the new State. The Veterinarian-in-Charge shall review the

content of each such orientation and shall approve its use after determining that it includes

adequate information about animal health agencies, regulatory requirements, administrative

procedures, and animal disease issues in the new State, to prepare an accredited veterinarian

from another State to perform accredited duties in the new State. The Veterinarian-in-Charge 

shall also give the State Animal Health Official of the new State an opportunity to review the

contents of the orientation, and invite him or her to participate in developing orientation

materials and conducting the orientation.

(b) An accredited veterinarian may not perform accredited duties in a State in which the

accredited veterinarian is not licensed or legally able to practice veterinary medicine.

(c) An accredited veterinarian may not perform accredited duties in a State other than the one in

which the veterinarian was initially accredited until the veterinarian receives written

authorization from APHIS to perform accredited duties in the new State.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control numbers 0579–0032 and

0579–0297)

§ 161.3 Renewal of accreditation.

(a) Accredited veterinarians who wish to continue participating in the National Veterinary

Accreditation Program must renew their accreditation every 3 years by completing an application

for accreditation renewal and submitting it to APHIS. Newly accredited veterinarians must

renew their accreditation within 3 years of completing the orientation program described in

§161.1(e)(4) of this part, regardless of when their accreditation was granted. Other veterinarians

must renew their accreditation within 3 years of the previous renewal.

(b) Accredited veterinarians who wish to renew their accreditation under Category I must

complete 3 supplemental training units approved by APHIS by the end of their 3-year tenure as

an accredited veterinarian. Accredited veterinarians who wish to renew their accreditation under

Category II must complete 6 supplemental training units approved by APHIS by the end of their

3-year tenure as an accredited veterinarian. Accredited veterinarians who wish to change the

category in which they are accredited, rather than renew accreditation in their current

accreditation category, should follow the procedure in §161.1(f) of this part.

(c) Accredited veterinarians who do not complete the required training within 3 years as

specified in paragraph (a) of this section will have their accredited status expire. Veterinarians
Appendix A - Page 6 of 12

whose accreditation has expired will not be allowed to perform accredited duties until they

receive notification of their reinstatement from APHIS. Veterinarians who perform duties that

only accredited veterinarians are authorized to perform while their accredited status has expired

will be subject to such criminal and civil penalties as are provided by the Animal Health

Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq.) or other applicable Federal statutes or regulations. To be 

reinstated, the veterinarian must complete the necessary supplemental training units for the

appropriate category and submit an application for renewal of veterinary accreditation to APHIS.

A veterinarian who allows his or her accredited status to expire must have completed the

required number of supplemental training units within 3 years of his or her application for

renewal in order to be approved for renewal. Supplemental training units completed since the

veterinarian's last renewal but more than 3 years before the veterinarian's application for renewal

will not count towards fulfilling his or her training requirement.

(d) Veterinarians who are accredited as of February 1, 2010, may continue to perform accredited

duties between February 1, 2010, and the date of their first renewal. APHIS will provide notice

for 3 months to accredited veterinarians who are accredited as of February 1, 2010, to notify

them that they must elect to participate in the NVAP as a Category I or Category II veterinarian.

Veterinarians must elect to continue to participate within 3 months of the end of the notification

period, or their accredited status will expire. When APHIS receives notice from an accredited

veterinarian that he or she elects to participate, APHIS will notify the accredited veterinarian of

his or her date for first renewal. The accredited veterinarian must then complete all the training

requirements for renewal, as described in this section, by his or her first renewal date.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 0579–0297)

§ 161.4 Standards for accredited veterinarian duties.

An accredited veterinarian shall perform the functions of an accredited veterinarian only in a

State in which the accredited veterinarian is licensed or legally able to practice veterinary

medicine. An accredited veterinarian shall perform the functions of an accredited veterinarian

and carry out all responsibilities under applicable Federal programs and cooperative programs

subject to direction provided by the Veterinarian-in-Charge and in accordance with any

regulations and instructions issued to the accredited veterinarian by the Veterinarian-in-Charge,

and shall observe the following specific standards:

(a) An accredited veterinarian shall not issue a certificate, form, record or report which reflects

the results of any inspection, test, vaccination or treatment performed by him or her with respect

to any animal, other than those in regular health maintenance programs, unless he or she has

personally inspected that animal within 10 days prior to issuance. Inspections under this

paragraph must be conducted in a location that allows the accredited veterinarian sufficient space

to observe the animal in such a manner as to detect abnormalities related to areas such as, but not

limited to, locomotion, body excretion, respiration, and skin conditions. An accredited

veterinarian shall examine such an animal showing abnormalities, in order to determine whether

or not there is clinical evidence compatible with the presence or absence of a communicable

disease.

(1) Following the first two inspections of a herd or flock as part of a regular health maintenance

program, an accredited veterinarian shall not issue a certificate, form, record or report which

reflects the results of any inspection, test, vaccination or treatment performed by him or her with

respect to any animal in that program, unless he or she has personally inspected that animal

within 10 days prior to issuance.

(2) Following the third and subsequent inspections of a herd or flock in a regular health
Appendix A - Page 7 of 12

maintenance program, an accredited veterinarian shall not issue a certificate, form, record or

report which reflects the results of any inspection, test, vaccination or treatment performed by

him or her with respect to any animal in that program, unless he or she has personally inspected

that animal within 30 days prior to issuance.

(b) An accredited veterinarian shall not issue, or allow to be used, any certificate, form, record or

report, until, and unless, it has been accurately and fully completed, clearly identifying the

animals to which it applies, and showing the dates and results of any inspection, test,

vaccination, or treatment the accredited veterinarian has conducted, except as provided in

paragraph (c) of this section, and the dates of issuance and expiration of the document.

Certificates, forms, records, and reports shall be valid for 30 days following the date of

inspection of the animal identified on the document, except that origin health certificates may be

valid for a longer period of time as provided in §91.3(a) of this chapter. The accredited

veterinarian must distribute copies of certificates, forms, records, and reports according to

instructions issued to him or her by the Veterinarian-in-Charge.

(c) An accredited veterinarian shall not issue any certificate, form, record, or report which

reflects the results of any inspection, test, vaccination, or treatment performed by another

accredited veterinarian, unless:

(1) The signing accredited veterinarian has exercised reasonable care, that is, a standard of care

that a reasonably prudent person would use under the circumstances in the course of performing

professional duties, to determine that the certificate, form, or report is accurate;

(2) The certificate, form, or report indicates that the inspection, test, vaccination, or treatment

was performed by the other accredited veterinarian; identifies the other accredited veterinarian

by name; and includes the date and the place where such inspection, test, or vaccination was

performed; and,

(3) For a certificate, form, or report indicating results of a laboratory test, the signing accredited

veterinarian shall keep a copy of the certificate, form, or report and shall attach to it either a copy

of the test results issued by the laboratory, or a written record (including date and participants'

names) of a conversation between the signing accredited veterinarian and the laboratory

confirming the test results.

(d) An accredited veterinarian shall perform official tests, inspections, treatments, and

vaccinations and shall submit specimens to designated laboratories in accordance with Federal

and State regulations and instructions issued to the accredited veterinarian by the VeterinarianinCharge.

(e) An accredited veterinarian shall identify or be physically present to supervise the

identification of reactor animals by tagging or such other method as may be prescribed in

instructions issued to him or her by the Veterinarian-in-Charge or by a State Animal Health

Official through the Veterinarian-in-Charge.

(f) An accredited veterinarian shall immediately report to the Veterinarian-in-Charge and the

State Animal Health Official all diagnosed or suspected cases of a communicable animal disease

for which a APHIS has a control or eradication program in 9 CFR chapter I, and all diagnosed or

suspected cases of any animal disease not known to exist in the United States as provided by

§71.3(b) of this chapter.

(g) While performing accredited work, an accredited veterinarian shall take such measures of

sanitation as are necessary to prevent the spread of communicable diseases of animals by the

accredited veterinarian.

(h) An accredited veterinarian shall keep himself or herself currently informed on Federal and
Appendix A - Page 8 of 12

State regulations that are provided to him or her by the Veterinarian-in-Charge, or by a State

official through the Veterinarian-in-Charge, governing the movement of animals, and on

procedures applicable to disease control and eradication programs, including emergency

programs.

(i) An accredited veterinarian shall not use or dispense in any manner, any pharmaceutical,

chemical, vaccine or serum, or other biological product authorized for use under any Federal

regulation or cooperative disease eradication program, in contravention of applicable Federal or

State statutes, regulations, and policies.

(j) An accredited veterinarian shall be responsible for the security and proper use of all official

certificates, forms, records, and reports; tags, bands, or other identification devices; and

approved digital signature capabilities used in his or her work as an accredited veterinarian and

shall take reasonable care to prevent the misuse thereof. An accredited veterinarian shall

immediately report to the Veterinarian-in-Charge the loss, theft, or deliberate or accidental

misuse of any such certificate, form, record, or report; tag, band, or other identification device; or

approved digital signature capability.

(k) An accredited veterinarian may issue an origin health certificate for export use pursuant to

part 91 of this chapter without including test results from a laboratory, if the Veterinarian-inCharge has determined that such action is necessary to save time in order to meet an exportation

schedule and agrees to add the test results to the certificate at a later time. In such cases, the

accredited veterinarian shall state on a removable attachment to the certificate that such test

results are to be added by the Veterinarian-in-Charge.

§ 161.5 Program certifications.

A program certification recognized by the Administrator may be granted to an accredited

veterinarian in Category II upon completion of an additional orientation or training program

approved by APHIS that focuses on the specific area for which the veterinarian is seeking

program certification. Veterinarians accredited under Category I are not eligible to earn program

certifications. Accredited veterinarians may elect to participate in a program certification on a

voluntary basis. Participants in these program certifications will be qualified in a particular area

or specialty. In addition to Category II training, qualification for a program certification will

include additional specialized training, which may include periodic training updates. For certain

program certifications, the cost of orientation or training may be borne by the accredited

veterinarian. An accredited veterinarian granted a program certification will be referred to as a

qualified accredited veterinarian or QAV. A QAV will be authorized to perform those accredited

duties related to the program certification he or she has earned; accredited veterinarians not

granted program certifications will not be permitted to perform accredited duties related to that

particular program certification. If a QAV allows his or her Category II accreditation to expire,

the QAV's program certification expires as well, and the QAV must be qualified for the program

certification again in accordance with this section.

§ 161.6 Suspension or revocation of veterinary accreditation and reaccreditation; criminal

and civil penalties.

(a) The Administrator is authorized to suspend for a given period of time, or to revoke, the

accreditation of a veterinarian when he or she determines that the accredited veterinarian has not

complied with the “Standards for Accredited Veterinarian Duties” as set forth in §161.4 of this

part or with any of the other regulations in this subchapter, or is otherwise found to be unfit to be

accredited. Veterinarians who perform duties that only accredited veterinarians are authorized to

perform while their accredited status is suspended or revoked will be subject to such criminal
Appendix A - Page 9 of 12

and civil penalties as are provided by the Animal Health Protection Act (7U.S.C.8301 et seq .) or

other applicable Federal statutes or regulations. Performing accredited duties while accreditation

status is suspended or revoked will be considered grounds for the Administrator to suspend

accreditation, revoke accreditation, or deny application for reaccreditation, as circumstances

warrant. A veterinarian whose accreditation has been suspended or revoked or whose application

for reaccreditation has been denied may request a hearing under §162.13 to challenge the

Administrator's decision.

(b) Reinstatement after suspension . A veterinarian whose accreditation has been suspended for

less than 6 months (other than a summary suspension that is changed to a revocation as a result

of an adjudicatory proceeding) will be automatically reinstated as an accredited veterinarian

upon completion of the suspension. A veterinarian whose accreditation has been suspended for 6

months or more must complete a reaccreditation orientation program in accordance with

paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of this section before accreditation will be reinstated.

(c) Reaccreditation after revocation . A veterinarian whose accreditation has been revoked may

apply for reaccreditation by completing an application for reaccreditation and submitting it to the

Veterinarian-in-Charge of the State or area where he or she wishes to perform accredited work.

The application may be submitted when the revocation has been in effect for not less than 2

years, unless the revocation order specifies that the veterinarian whose accreditation has been

revoked may not submit an application for reaccreditation until the revocation has been in effect

for a period of time longer than 2 years.

(1) Completed applications for reaccreditation received by a Veterinarian-in-Charge shall be

reviewed by the State Animal Health Official for the State in which the veterinarian wishes to

perform accredited duties. Within 14 days after receiving an application, the State Animal Health

Official shall either endorse the application or send a written statement to the Administrator

explaining why it was not endorsed; but if the State Animal Health Official fails to take one of

these actions within 14 days, the Veterinarian-in-Charge shall proceed to review the application.

The Administrator will review the application and the written statement, if any, and determine

whether the applicant meets the requirements for reaccreditation contained in this part.

(2) Once a veterinarian whose accreditation has been revoked has correctly applied for

reaccreditation in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section, the

Administrator will determine whether to reaccredit or to deny reaccreditation. This determination

will be based on whether the veterinarian has fulfilled the following conditions:

(i) The veterinarian is licensed or legally able to practice veterinary medicine in the State in

which the veterinarian wishes to perform accredited duties;

(ii) The veterinarian has completed a reaccreditation orientation program approved by the

Veterinarian-in-Charge for the State in which the veterinarian wishes to perform accredited

work, and upon completion of the orientation, has signed a written statement listing the date and

place of orientation, the subjects covered in the orientation, and any written materials provided to

the veterinarian at the orientation. The Veterinarian-in-Charge shall also give the State Animal

Health Official an opportunity to review the contents of the reaccreditation orientation, and invite

him or her to participate in developing orientation materials and conducting the orientation. The

orientation program shall include topics addressing the subject areas which led to loss of

accreditation for the applicant, and subject areas which have changed since the applicant lost

accreditation; and

(iii) The professional integrity and reputation of the applicant support a conclusion that the

applicant will faithfully fulfill the duties of an accredited veterinarian in the future. In making
Appendix A - Page 10 of 12

this conclusion, the Administrator shall review all available information about the applicant,

including recommendations of the State Animal Health Official, and shall consider:

(A) Any criminal conviction records indicating that the applicant may lack the honesty, integrity,

and reliability to appropriately and effectively perform accredited duties and to uphold the

integrity of the National Veterinary Accreditation Program;

(B) Official records of the applicant's actions participating in Federal, State, or local veterinary

programs;

(C) Judicial determinations in civil litigation adversely reflecting on the honesty, integrity, and

reliability of the applicant; and

(D) Any other evidence reflecting on the honesty, professional integrity, reliability and

reputation of the applicant.

(3)(i) If a veterinarian is reaccredited under paragraph (c)(2) of this section, the veterinarian may

begin performing accredited duties again upon receipt of notification from the Administrator that

he or she is eligible to do so.

(ii) If an application for reaccreditation is denied under paragraph (c)(2) of this section, the

veterinarian may apply for reaccreditation in accordance with this paragraph (c) not less than 2

years after the application was last denied, unless the decision specifies that the veterinarian may

not reapply for reaccreditation until a period of time longer than 2 years has passed.

(d) Accreditation shall be automatically terminated when an accredited veterinarian is not

licensed or legally able to practice veterinary medicine in at least one State.

(e) Accreditation shall be automatically revoked when an accredited veterinarian is convicted of

a crime in either State or Federal court, if such conviction is based on the performance or

nonperformance of any act required of the veterinarian in his or her capacity as an accredited

veterinarian.

(f) Any accredited veterinarian who knowingly issues or signs a false, incorrect, or mislabeled

animal health or inspection certificate, blood sample, official brucellosis vaccination certificate,

or official tuberculin test certificate in accordance with this chapter, shall be subject to such civil

penalties and such criminal liabilities as are provided by 7 U.S.C. 8313, 18 U.S.C. 1001, or other

applicable Federal statutes. Such action may be in addition to, or in lieu of, suspension or

revocation of accredited veterinarian status in accordance with this section.

(g) Notice of warning . In lieu of suspension or revocation, the Administrator is authorized to

issue a written notice of warning to an accredited veterinarian when the Administrator

determines a notice of warning will be adequate to attain compliance with the Standards for

Accredited Veterinarian Duties in §161.4 of this part.

§ 161.7 Activities performed by non-accredited veterinarians.

(a) Full-time Federal (including military) and State employed veterinarians are authorized to

perform functions specified in subchapters B, C, and D of this chapter, pursuant to delegation of

authority by the Administrator or cooperative agreements, without specific accreditation under

the provisions of this subchapter.

(b) Except as provided by paragraph (a) of this section, anyone who performs accredited

veterinarian duties that he or she is not authorized to perform will be subject to such criminal and

civil penalties as are provided by the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq .) or

other applicable Federal statutes or regulations. Performing accredited duties without having

been accredited will be considered grounds for the Administrator to deny an application for

accreditation.

PART 162—RULES OF PRACTICE GOVERNING REVOCATION OR SUSPENSION
Appendix A - Page 11 of 12

OF VETERINARIANS' ACCREDITATION

Subpart A—General

§ 162.1 Scope and applicability of rules of practice.

The Uniform Rules of Practice for the Department of Agriculture promulgated in subpart H of

part 1, subtitle A, title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, are the Rules of Practice applicable to

adjudicatory, administrative proceedings for the revocation or suspension of accreditation of

veterinarians (9 CFR parts 160 and 161). In addition, the Supplemental Rules of Practice set

forth in subpart B of this part shall be applicable to such proceedings.

Subpart B—Supplemental Rules of Practice

§ 162.10 Summary suspension or revocation of accreditation of veterinarians.

In any situation where the Administrator has reason to believe that any veterinarian accredited

under the provisions of parts 160 and 161 of this subchapter has knowingly violated the Animal

Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq .), the Administrator may summarily suspend the

accreditation of such veterinarian pending final determination in either a suspension or

revocation proceeding, effective upon oral or written notification, whichever is earlier. In the

event of oral notification, a written confirmation thereof shall be given to such veterinarian as

promptly as circumstances permit.

§ 162.11 Notification.

The Veterinarian-in-Charge shall notify an accredited veterinarian when there is reason to

believe that the accredited veterinarian has not complied with the “Standards for Accredited

Veterinarian Duties” as contained in §161.4 of this subchapter. The notification shall be in

writing, with a copy to the State Animal Health Official, and shall include a statement of the

basis for the belief that the accredited veterinarian has failed to comply with the Standards and

shall notify the accredited veterinarian if the Veterinarian-in-Charge has arranged to hold an

informal conference to discuss the matter.

§ 162.12 Informal conference.

(a) The Veterinarian-in-Charge, in consultation with the State Animal Health Official and the

accredited veterinarian, shall designate the time and place for the holding of an informal

conference to review the matter, unless the Veterinarian-in-Charge determines that an informal

conference is inappropriate. An informal conference is inappropriate only if the Veterinarian-inCharge decides to dismiss the case based on available facts, or if civil or criminal charges based

on the actions or inactions believed to be in violation of the “Standards for Accredited

Veterinarian Duties” contained in §161.4 of this subchapter are pending against the accredited

veterinarian. An informal conference shall include the Veterinarian-in-Charge or his or her

representative, the accredited veterinarian, and any other persons the Veterinarian-in-Charge 

requests to attend due to their involvement in or knowledge of the possible violation. The State

Animal Health Official will be invited to attend each informal conference held regarding

activities in his or her State.

(b) If prior to, during, or after the informal conference, but prior to the issuance of a formal

complaint, the accredited veterinarian is found not to have violated the regulations, the

Veterinarian-in-Charge will issue a letter dismissing the case, and provide a copy of the letter to

the accredited veterinarian and to the State Animal Health Official. Prior to, during, or after the

informal conference, the Veterinarian-in-Charge may issue a letter identifying actions of the

accredited veterinarian that were minor violations of the Standards, instructing the accredited

veterinarian in proper procedures, and admonishing the accredited veterinarian to use greater

care in performing these procedures in the future.
Appendix A - Page 12 of 12

(c) Prior to, during, or at the conclusion of the informal conference, the Veterinarian-in-Charge 

may issue a written warning to the accredited veterinarian without further procedure after

determining that a warning with appropriate instructions will be adequate to attain compliance

with the Standards.

(d) If prior to, during, or at the conclusion of, the informal conference, the accredited

veterinarian consents, in writing, to the issuance of an order revoking or suspending his or her

accreditation for a specified period of time, in lieu of further procedure, the Veterinarian-inCharge may issue such a consent order without further procedure.

§ 162.13 Formal complaint.

If a consent order has not been issued, or if, after an informal conference, the Veterinarian-inCharge has not issued a letter of dismissal or letter of warning to the accredited veterinarian, a

formal complaint may be issued by the Administrator in accordance with §1.135 of the Uniform

Rules of Practice (7 CFR 1.135).
Appendix B - Page 1 of 2

Appendix B – APHIS – VS Area Offices

To provide you with the most recent information on the Area Veterinarians in Charge (AVIC) of a 

given state, this appendix has been revised to link you to the APHIS-VS web site where the most 

current information is available. To find an APHIS-VS Area Office AVIC click on this hot link:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/area_offices/

Step 1) Clicking on the above hot link will take you to this web page

Step 2) Click on either the state itself or the state name below the map to have the AVIC information 

displayed. In this example, Texas was clicked on. 

Area Office

Texas

Area Veterinarian-in-Charge

USDA, APHIS, VS

903 San Jacinto Blvd., Room 220

Austin, Texas 78701-2450

Phone: (512) 383-2400

Fax: (512) 916-5197

 

Click here for more information.

Step 3) By clicking on the ‘here’ icon the following web page with additional information about the 

Texas Area Office will be displayed.
Appendix B - Page 2 of 2

Texas Area Office

Veterinary Services

Dr. Kevin Varner

APHIS Area Veterinarian-In-Charge

903 San Jacinto Blvd., Room 220

Austin, Texas 78701-2450

Phone: (512) 383-2400

FAX: (512) 916-5197

Email: VSTX@aphis.usda.gov

Get Directions to our office on the Internet

Core Orientation Held in Texas

Date: April 11, 2011

Location: Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 

Contact: Lynette Victor

Phone: 512-383-2413

Step 4) If you click on the Email icon, your e-mail should open up with the Texas Area Office e-mail 

address in the ‘to’ box. Or you could call or fax the office or get map directions by clicking on the 

‘Get Directions” hot link. Please note there is some variances in what information is displayed on 

the area office web page from state to state.
Appendix – C Page 1 of 1

Appendix C – State Animal Health Officials

To provide you with the most recent information on the State Animal Health Officials (SAHO), most 

commonly State Veterinarians, in a given state, this appendix has been revised to link you to the 

United States Animal Health Association (USAHA) web site where the most current SAHO 

information is available. To find a State Animal Health Official, click on this hot link:

http://www.usaha.org/ 

When you click on the above hot link, it will take you to the USAHA home web site

Step 1) Click on the above hot link which will take you to the USAHA home page: 

Step 2) Click on the REFERENCE tab, the 5th tab from the left, which will take you to this web page.

Step 3) Hover over the Reference tab and a drop down menu will appear. Click on the Federal and 

State Animal Health option and the below web page will appear.

Step 4) Click on the Download a listing of the fifty state animal health officials hot link 

and the following PDF will appear. Scroll down the alphabetical listing until you find the 

state you are looking for.

STATE ANIMAL HEALTH OFFICIALS

2010 ALABAMA 

Name: Dr. Anthony G. Frazier 

Title: State Veterinarian 

Agency: Animal Industry Division 

Department: Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries 

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3336, Montgomery, AL 36109-0336
16-1 

Appendix D – Forms and Instructions for 

Completing Them

VS Form 1–27, Permit for Movement of Animals, 16-3 

VS Form 1–27A, Permit for Movement of Animals, Continuation Sheet, 16-4 

VS Form 4–24, Brucellosis [Calfhood] Vaccination Record, Short Form, 16-7 

VS Form 4–26, Brucellosis [Calfhood] Vaccination Record, Short Form, 16-9 

VS Form 4–33, Brucellosis Test Record, 16-12

VS Form 4–33A, Brucellosis Test Record, Continuation Sheet, 16-13 

VS Form 4–54, Brucellosis Test Record, Market Cattle Testing Program, 16-15

VS Form 6–22, Tuberculosis Test Record, 16-17

VS Form 6-22A, Tuberculosis Infected Herd, 16-18

VS Form 6-22B, Tuberculosis Test Record, Continuation Sheet, 16-19

VS Form 10–4, Specimen Submission, 16-24

VS Form 10-4A, Specimen Submission, Continuation Sheet, 16-26

VS Form 10–11, Equine Infectious Anemia Laboratory Test, 16-27

VS Form 10–12, Equine Infectious Anemia Supplemental Investigation, 16-29

VS Form 10–13, Owner Shipper Certificate, 16-33

VS Form 10–13A, Owner Shipper Certificate, Continuation Sheet, 16-35

VS Form 17–6, Certificate for Poultry or Hatching Eggs for Export, 16-37

VS Form 17–140, United States Origin Health Certificate, 16-39

VS Form 17–140A, United States Origin Health Certificate, Continuation Sheet, 16-41

APHIS Form 7001, United States Interstate and International Certificate of

Health Examination for Small Animals, August 1994, 16-43 

APHIS Form 7001, United States Interstate and International Certificate of

Health Examination for Small Animals, November 2010, 16-44

APHIS Form 7001A, United States Interstate and International Certificate of

Health Examination for Small Animals, Continuation Sheet, September 1993, 16-45

VS Form 17-145, United States Origin Health Certificate for the Export of Horses 

From the United States to Canada, 16-48
16–2

VS Form 1–27: Permit for Movement of Animals

1. Complete name and mailing address. If animals 

are being reconsigned from a market has purchased 

the animals and is, in fact, the owner/shipper.

2. Complete name and address of the owner at 

the time the physical condition was diagnosed. 

May be the same as item 1.

3. Self-explanatory.

4. This should be the complete name and address 

of a slaughter establishment or a quarantined feedlot. If the permit is for eggs, this will be the address 

of the break ing establishment.

5. Self-explanatory.

6. Self-explanatory.

7. Write in “other” if for eggs.

8. State disease suspected or diagnosed.

9. Exposed, suspect, infected.

10. Infected, exposed, suspect, etc. Use “N/A” if animals 

are a combined lot being reconsigned from 

a market.

 11. Status of the geographic area as it applies to the 

disease involved (e.g., quaran tine, free, etc.).

 12. If poultry products, write in the number of cases, 

boxes, crates, etc.

 13. Self-explanatory.

14. Self-explanatory.

15. Record the seal number used. Seals are not used on 

poultry trucks but are used on eggs whose movement is restricted because of Salmonella enteritidis.

16. Mark appropriate box. Check with your State Veterinarian or Area Veterinarian-in -Charge if in doubt.

17. a. Record all permanent identifi cation present.

b. Use breed codes.

c. M = male, F = female, N = neutered.

If the animal has a current permit number, list the 

identification number from the original permit 

that authorized movement to the current location. 

List any nonpermanent identifi cation (e.g., sale 

tags, backtags, bangle tags, etc.). Identify poultry by 

strain. Identify poultry products by type, (e.g., eggs, 

manure, etc.).

18. This is a legal document; do not forget to sign it.

19. Self-explanatory.

20. Self-explanatory.

21. Allow a reasonable amount of time for the 

movement to take place.

22. Allow a reasonable amount of time for the 

movement to take place.

23. If the owner or shipper is not available, the trucker 

may sign. Never allow a mem ber of the market 

organization to sign unless the market is the buyer 

or shipper.

24. Mark appropriate box. If the trucker signed, write 

in “trucker.”

25. Self-explanatory.

26–29. Self-explanatory. For slaughter animals and 

poultry, if the inspector cannot certify as to receipt 

and slaughter from his or her personal knowledge, 

and if plant management satisfies the inspector that 

the animals or poultry have, in fact, been handled 

properly, the inspector can insert above item 28 the 

phrase “Plant Records” or “Plant Management” and 

then sign item 33 and date item 34.

For animals shipped to a quarantined feedlot, 

whenever the inspector cannot verify arrival 

through direct inspection and count, he or she can 

insert above item 28 the phrase “animals on hand,” 

or “quarantined feedlot records,” etc., and then sign 

item 33 and date item 34.

For swine shipped from slaughter market to slaughter market, the inspector must verify arrival of all 

permitted swine by direct inspection and count.

30. Must be completed if the “yes” box in item 16 

is marked.

 31. Must be completed if the “yes” box in item 16 

is marked.

After completion of the form, items 1–25, the white 

copy accompanies the shipment. If the shipment 

is for slaughter, the green copy is addressed to the 

USDA–Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) 

or State inspector at the designated slaughtering 

establishment. The FSIS or the State inspector will 

then complete the form and return it to the State 

of origin. If the shipment is poultry products, the 

green copy goes to the USDA–Agricultural Marketing Service inspector located at the destination. The 

pink copy goes to the APHIS Veterinary Services 

area office in the State of destination. The yellow 

copy goes to the APHIS Veterinary Ser vices area 

office in the State of origin. The issuing offi cial 

keeps the goldenrod copy.
16–3

SAMPLE
16–4

SAMPLE
16-5 

General Information on Appendix D

All pre-numbered APHIS and VS forms are accountable documents and failure to provide security 

for the forms is a violation of your accredited status. These forms may be ordered from your APHISVS Area Office. 

If you have any questions about completing these forms, you can contact your APHIS-VS Area Office 

at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/area_offices/

The new VS Form 10-4 Specimen Submission form for NVSL is not pre-numbered and my be 

completed on line, printed out, and included with your specimens sent to NVSL The electronic form 

is available at: 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/lab_info_services/forms_publications.shtml

Veterinary Services is developing an electronic system where many of these forms as well as some 

of the international Official Health Certificates (OHC) of foreign destination countries will be 

available on line. The VS form 10-11, Equine Infectious Anemia Laboratory Test, is already available 

in the VSPS. The form can be completed on line in VSPS and transmitted electronically to the 

laboratories that have linked up with VSPS. The electronic EIA test record has the capability to 

upload digital photos of the horse.
16-6 

VS Form 4 – 24: Brucellosis Vaccination Record____________________________

STATE, COUNTY, AND CODE

Enter the complete State and county name. If appropriate, use the county code assigned by your SAHO or 

AVIC.

HERD NUMBER, OWNER NUMBER

Herd and owner numbers are assigned by the State. You may or may not have them when you complete 

the form.

KIND OF HERD

Mark the appropriate box. 

REMARKS, WBBS

[Leave blank.]

HERD OWNER

Enter the complete name and mailing address of the owner. 

CV, AV

Mark whether this is a calfhood vaccination or adult vaccination. 

LOCATION

Use the appropriate codes for these items. Check with your SAHO or AVIC. 

VACCINE USED

Enter the name of the biological supply company producing the vaccine used.

EXPIRATION DATE

Enter the expiration date of the vaccine.

SERIAL NUMBER

Enter the serial number of the vaccine.

DOSAGE

Mark the appropriate box. 

VACC. TATTOO

Enter the vaccination tattoo used. See “Brucellosis Eradication: Uniform Methods and Rules” to 

determine the proper tattoo. 

CERTIFICATION FOR PAYMENT

Mark the appropriate box. 

SIGNATURE

This is a legal document; be sure to sign it.

DATE OF VACCINATION

Enter the date that the vaccination was performed. 

AGREE. CODE

Enter your agreement code provided by the State. 

CERTIFICATION OF OWNER OR WITNESS

Have the owner or a witness sign and date the form. 

CERTIFICATION FOR RE-ESTABLISHING

VACCINATION STATUS

Mark this block if calfhood vaccinates are being retagged. Sign and date. Retagging is always done at the 

owner’s expense. 

IDENTIFICATION NUMBER 

Enter the calfhood vaccination tag number from the eartag that you are applying. Note any other 

permanent identification numbers, if present. 

AGE (MO.) List the age in months.

BREED Use the breed codes listed in table 3. 

SEX Enter F.

P/B-GRADE Mark this block if the animals are purebred (registered) or grade calves.

TATTOO List the present tattoo if retagging.
16–7

SAMPLE
16-8 

VS Form 4 – 26: Brucellosis Vaccination Record____________________________

STATE, COUNTY, AND CODE

Enter the complete State and county name. If appropriate, use the county code assigned by your SAHO or 

AVIC.

HERD NUMBER, OWNER NUMBER

Herd and owner numbers are assigned by the State. You may or may not have them when you complete 

the form.

KIND OF HERD

Mark the appropriate box. 

REMARKS, WBBS

[Leave blank.]

HERD OWNER

Enter the complete name and mailing address of the owner. 

CV, AV

Mark whether this is a calfhood vaccination or adult vaccination. 

LOCATION

Use the appropriate codes for these items. Check with your SAHO or AVIC. 

VACCINE USED

Enter the name of the biological supply company producing the vaccine used.

EXPIRATION DATE

Enter the expiration date of the vaccine.

SERIAL NUMBER

Enter the serial number of the vaccine.

DOSAGE

Mark the appropriate box. 

VACC. TATTOO

Enter the vaccination tattoo used. See “Brucellosis Eradication: Uniform Methods and Rules” to 

determine the proper tattoo. 

CERTIFICATION FOR PAYMENT

Mark the appropriate box. 

SIGNATURE

This is a legal document; be sure to sign it.

DATE OF VACCINATION

Enter the date that the vaccination was performed. 

AGREE. CODE

Enter your agreement code provided by the State. 

CERTIFICATION OF OWNER OR WITNESS

Have the owner or a witness sign and date the form. 

CERTIFICATION FOR RE-ESTABLISHING

VACCINATION STATUS

Mark this block if calfhood vaccinates are being retagged. Sign and date. Retagging is always done at the 

owner’s expense. 

IDENTIFICATION NUMBER 

Enter the calfhood vaccination tag number from the eartag that you are applying. Note any other 

permanent identification numbers, if present. 

AGE (MO.) List the age in months.

BREED Use the breed codes listed in table 3. 

SEX Enter F.

P/B-GRADE Mark this block if the animals are purebred (registered) or grade calves.

TATTOO List the present tattoo if retagging.
16–9

SAMPLE
16-10

VS Form 4 – 33: Brucellosis Test Record___________________________________ 

STATE, COUNTY

Enter the location of the herd; it may not be the same as the owner’s residence.

CODE

Enter the correct county code if instructed by your SAHO or AVIC. If you do not know the correct code, 

leave the block blank.

HERD OWNER

Enter last name, first name, middle initial, and complete mailing address. Be consistent among tests for 

the same owner — for example, James Jones v. J. Jones v. Jones Bros. 

LOCATION CODES

Enter the location codes if appropriate and/or known. Check with the SAHO or AVIC for specific 

information.

REASON FOR TEST

Indicate whether this is the initial test or a retest. If you check the retest block, enter that test date in the

PREVIOUS TEST DATE block. The vet code is assigned by your State. This information may be preprinted 

on the form. Indicate the reason for the test (e.g., export). If none of the first 9 reasons apply, check item 

10, Other, and briefly explain in the REMARKS block. 

COMPLETE HERD TEST OF ALL ELIGIBLE ANIMALS

Check either Yes or No to indicate whether this test is a complete herd test (all eligible animals are being 

tested). Enter the number of eligible animals in the herd. 

KIND OF HERD

Enter the type of herd-dairy, beef, or mixed, or swine, or other (e.g., caprine). 

AGREE. CODE

Certification for payment may be fee-basis or private, depending on the State. Your agreement code is 

assigned by your SAHO or AVIC. 

SIGNATURE

Sign the form and provide your address. Remember, this is a legal document; be sure to sign it. Provide 

the complete address, including ZIP Code. (The date should be the date the animal was bled.) 

TUBE NO.

Follow instructions from the laboratory you use on how to number the tubes. 

SIGNATURE

This is a legal document; be sure to sign it.

DATE OF VACCINATION

Enter the date that the vaccination was performed. 

AGREE. CODE

Enter your agreement code provided by the State. 

CERTIFICATION OF OWNER OR WITNESS

Have the owner or a witness sign and date the form. 

CERTIFICATION FOR RE-ESTABLISHING VACCINATION STATUS

Mark this block if calfhood vaccinates are being retagged. Sign and date. Retagging is always done at the 

owner’s expense. 

IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

Enter the vaccination tag number from the eartag that you are applying. Note any other permanent 

identification numbers, if present. 

AGE (MO.) List the age in months. 

BREED Use the breed codes listed in table 3. 

SEX Enter F.

P/B-GRADE Mark this block if the animals are purebred (registered) or grade calves.

TATTOO List the present tattoo if retagging.
16–11

Using VS Form 4 – 33 for Swine with Pseudorabies

Check first with the State office in the State where the 

swine are located to be sure that the State does not have 

its own offi cial pseudorabies test form. If there is an 

offi cial State form, use it. Otherwise, alter VS Form 4–33 

as follows: 

1. At the top of the form, delete BRUCELLOSIS 

and print PSEUDORABIES. Also print 

PSEUDORABIES in the REMARKS block. 

2. When testing for the Cooperative State–

Federal– Industry Pseudorabies Eradication Program, 

if you check block 6, 8, or 9, you must 

also do the following: 

• If block 6 is checked, enter one of the following 

in the REMARKS block:

Feeder-pig monitoring

Qualifi ed-negative (QN) herd test

QN-vaccinated herd test

Retest of infected herds

Retest of imported swine

Gene-altered vaccinated herd test

Other 

• If block 8 is checked, enter one of the following 

in the REMARKS block:

Breeding herd

Grower/finisher herd

Farrow to fi nish 

• If block 9 is checked, enter one of the following 

in the REMARKS block: 

Tracing movements of infected herds

Tracing source of additions to infected herds

Circle-testing around infected herds

[Explanation for any other 

epidemiologic reason] 

3. Permanent identification includes offi cial 

eartag, tattoo, and ear notching. 

4. If the herd that you are testing is vaccinated, 

use the REMARKS block to list the type and brand 

name of vaccine used.
16–12

SAMPLE
16–13

SAMPLE
16–14

VS Form 4 – 54: Brucellosis Test Record: Market Cattle Testing Program

STATE

Enter the name of the State. 

SAMPLES DRAWN AT

Mark the appropriate box. 

ESTAB. NUMBER

Enter the unique number assigned to each establishment (slaughterhouse or livestock market). You may 

obtain these numbers from the Veterinary Services area 

office in your State. 

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PLACE WHERE SAMPLES 

WERE DRAWN

Enter the complete name and mailing address. 

CERTIFICATION

Sign the form and enter the date that the samples 

were drawn. 

TESTING LABORATORY

If the blood samples are being sent to a laboratory, leave 

this block blank; the laboratory will fill it in. If you are 

collecting the samples at a market and conducting the 

tests yourself, fi ll in the information. Enter the name of 

the laboratory and the address where you are actually 

conducting the tests. 

TEST RESULTS

If the samples are sent to a laboratory, leave this area 

blank. If you are conducting the tests, enter the results. 

TUBE NO.

Self-explanatory. 

SALES TAG OR BRAND

Self-explanatory. 

BACK TAG NUMBER

Self-explanatory. 

EARTAG NUMBER

Self-explanatory. 

VACC. TATTOO

List the vaccination tattoo, if present. 

AGE

Enter the age in years or months. Indicate which you 

are using by placing an M or Y after the number. 

BREED

Enter the proper breed code. 

SEX

Enter M or F. 

COUNTY

List the county of origin of the cattle. If unknown, 

leave blank. 

HERD OWNER’S NAME

Self-explanatory. 

ADDRESS

Enter the address of the herd owner.
16–15

SAMPLE
16–16

VS Form 6 – 22: Tuberculosis Test Record

STATE Enter the State name.

COUNTY

Use Federal Information Processing Standards county 

code. A list for your State can be obtained from the 

Veterinary Services area office. If you cannot obtain the 

county code, leave the box blank. Enter the township or 

section code if applicable.

HERD OWNER

Enter the complete name and mailing address of the 

herd owner.

HERD NUMBER

The herd number is assigned by your State. If this is a 

retest, you should know the number. If this is an initial 

test, you may not know the number.

LESION, TEST, D-B, and U blocks [Leave blank.]

TOWNSHIP OR DISTRICT

Fill in names of county, township, or district, section, 

and farm number, as applicable. (Some States have offi cial farm numbers. If this is true in your State, the 

numbers can be obtained from the Veterinary Services 

area office in your State.)

REASON FOR TEST

Mark the appropriate box. If you mark OTHER, state 

the reason.

PREVIOUS TEST DATE

Complete this block only if this is a retest. The Vet Code 

is assigned by your State.

COMPLETE HERD TEST OF ALL ELIGIBLE ANIMALS

Mark yes or no. Provide the total number of animals in 

the herd.

KIND OF HERD Mark the appropriate box.

METHOD OF TEST Mark the appropriate box.

SUMMARY

Complete this block after testing. Fill in the number of 

animals in each category.

CERTIFICATION FOR PAYMENT

Mark the appropriate box.

SIGNATURE, AGREE. CODE

This is a legal document; be sure to sign it. Your agreement code is assigned by your State.

INJECTION, OBSERVATION

List the date and time that the injection was made and 

the date and time that the test was read (OBSERVATION).

REACTORS TAGGED AND BRANDED, AGREE. CODE

Enter the signature and agreement code of the veterinarian tagging and branding any reactors. This person 

may be different from the one filling out the rest of the 

form. Include the date of tagging and branding.

ANIMAL CODE

Enter one of the codes listed at the bottom of the column for all appropri≠ate animals.

IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

Record permanent identification, e.g., metal eartags 

and tattoos. If more than one is present, record them 

all. If none is present, apply metal eartag and record 

that number.

AGE Record the age in years.

BREED

Use the two-digit breed codes listed in table 3.

SEX Enter M (male), F (female), or N (neuter).

RESULTS

Record the diameter of the indurated area in millimeters in the fi rst col≠umn. Record the result of the test in 

the second column: N (negative) or S (suspect).

REACTOR TAG NUMBER

If reactors are present, record the reactor tag 

number applied.

DATE, OWNER’S SIGNATURE

Have the owner sign and date the form. Leave part 3 

(third sheet of the form) with the owner.

THIS AUTHORIZATION TO TEST EXPIRES

Enter the date. It is determined by each State and may 

vary depending on the circumstances. Check with your 

State Veterinarian’s office.

After completing the form, send parts 1, 2, and 5 to the 

State or Veterinary Services area office (check with your 

State), give part 3 to the owner, and keep part 4 for 

your records.
16–17

SAMPLE
16–18

SAMPLE
16–19

SAMPLE
16-20

VS FORM 10-4 INSTRUCTIONS

ALL information must be printed legibly or typed. Use a separate form for each species and owner. 

At the minimum, complete all fields designated in these instructions as required. Contact the 

Receiving Department of the laboratory to which you are sending specimens with specific 

documentation or shipping questions. If including more than one page, include the page number of 

total pages submitted (e.g., 1 of 3).

1. SUBMITTER CONTACT INFORMATION “REQUIRED”

Enter the submitter’s business name/affiliation; the name of the individual submitter is optional if 

test results are returned to a general business fax, email, or mailing address. Enter a fax number or 

email address to which we can return test results. Multiple email addresses are permissible. Specify 

if there is a preferred method of report delivery; email will be used if no preference is stated. 

Provide a complete mailing address. If fax or email is not available, test reports can be mailed, but 

this will delay delivery of your results. Repeat submitters are encouraged to be consistent with the 

submitter contact information that they provide, as the NVSL keeps a master record. If the test 

report for an individual submission needs to be routed to a non-standard destination, include 

special instructions in Block 22, Additional Data.

2. NVSL SUBMITTER ID

For more efficient service, repeat submitters are encouraged to include their NVSL Submitter ID. If 

you do not know your ID, contact the NVSL at (515) 337-7514.

3. OWNER INFORMATION “REQUIRED”

Enter the complete name of the animal owner, the city and the two-letter abbreviation of the State 

in which the owner resides. Ensure the animal owner is identified here and not the property 

manager or veterinarian. For wildlife, check the box to indicate there is no owner.

4. LOCATION OF THE ANIMALS “REQUIRED”

Include National Animal Identification System (NAIS) premises ID if available. Also, specify the 

county, parish or other designated location of the animals and the two-letter State abbreviation.

5. PAYMENT METHOD “REQUIRED FOR BILLABLE CASES”

Check the appropriate payment method. If payment is by user account or credit card, enter the 

account number. Enter the expiration month and year when using a credit card. Refer to the User 

Fees/Payment Options and the Catalog of Services/Fees, both located at

www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/lab_info_services/diagnos_tests.shtml, for

specific test fees and a list of accepted credit cards. DO NOT SEND CASH.

6. HERD/FLOCK SIZE

Enter the total number of animals in the herd/flock.

7. NO. IN HERD/FLOCK AFFECTED

Enter the total number of animals in direct contact with suspect animal or showing clinical signs.
16-21

8. NO. IN HERD/FLOCK DEAD

Enter the total number of animals from this herd/flock that are dead.

9. EXAMINATIONS REQUESTED “REQUIRED”

For disease programs, it is necessary only to enter the program name (e.g., CWD, Scrapie, or BSE). If 

the test is not for a disease program, specify the

disease and the desired test.

10. COLLECTED BY

Enter the complete name of the person collecting the specimen(s).

11. DATE COLLECTED

Enter the date on which specimens were collected. Use the format DD/MM/YYYY.

12. AUTHORIZED BY

Enter the name of the person authorizing the submission of this sample. Normally, this is the Area 

Veterinarian in Charge (AVIC) in your State. Authorization is assumed for regulatory veterinarians 

making routine program specimen submissions. See

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/area_offices/ to locate the AVIC in your local area.

If an exotic (foreign) disease is suspected, contact the AVIC and the Emergency Programs staff to 

obtain authorization to submit samples for FAD testing and an investigation control number that 

must be included with the submission. DO NOT ship any such specimens until approval is received 

and a control number is assigned. The receipt of an unauthorized shipment of specimens containing

exotic disease agents can cause substantial disruption of work at the laboratory and result in 

possible fines for the submitter.

13. PURPOSE OF SUBMISSION “REQUIRED”

Definitions of Diagnostic Case Categories are as follows:

• Interstate Movement – Tests conducted for the purpose of qualifying live animals or poultry 

for interstate movement.

• Export – Tests conducted for the purpose of qualifying animals or poultry, including wild 

animals and birds, or animal or poultry products for export from the U.S. to a foreign 

country.

• Pre-Import – Tests conducted for the purpose of qualifying animals or poultry, including 

wild animals and birds, or animal or poultry products for import into the U.S. Select this 

purpose when the animals or products have not yet been moved into the U.S.

• Import – Tests conducted for the same purpose as pre-import except that the animals or 

products are currently located at a U.S. import center.

• FAD/EP Diagnostic – Tests conducted for the purpose of diagnosing or confirming a foreign 

disease, or for the eradication of a foreign disease that has gained entrance into the U.S. If a 

foreign animal disease is suspected, follow instructions in Block 12 for authorization to 

submit a FAD specimen.
16-22

• Surveillance – Tests conducted for monitoring for a specific disease, for a specific insect or 

insect vector, or for analyzing specific products that are used in treating animals or poultry 

or for decontamination of animal poultry facilities.

• TB – Tests conducted for diagnosing Tuberculosis.

• General Diagnostic Case – Tests conducted for the purpose of diagnosing or confirming a 

domestic disease, and/or the analysis of environmental products that may be contributing 

to an existing disease condition. Use this purpose when the purposes listed above do not 

apply.

• Developmental/Research – Tests conducted for the purpose of supporting a developmental 

or research project conducted by staff or field personnel of VS or by other laboratories, 

institutions, or agencies.

• Reagent Evaluation – Tests conducted for the purpose of evaluating a reagent produced by 

other laboratories, institutions, or agencies.

• NVSL Intralab – Tests conducted for another laboratory of the NVSL.

14. COUNTRY OF ORIGIN/DESTINATION

For import or pre-import cases, enter the country in which the animals last resided. For export 

cases, enter the country to which the animals will be shipped.

15. REFERRAL NUMBER

This number is typically assigned by the submitter and is used for the submitter’s own reference. In 

FAD cases, enter the investigation control number described in the instructions for Block 12.

16. PRESERVATION

Check all blocks that apply.

17. SPECIMENS SUBMITTED “REQUIRED”

Check all blocks that apply.

18. TOTAL NUMBER OF SPECIMENS SUBMITTED

Enter the total number of specimens submitted. Specimens in one container are counted as one 

sample. Please limit to <250 samples per submission.

19. SPECIES OR SOURCE “REQUIRED”

Check only one block. If specimens are from different species or sources, use a separate VS Form 

10-4 for each source. Reminder: Enter the animal BREED in Block 21.

20. NUMBER OF ANIMALS SAMPLED

Enter the total number of animals sampled.
16-23

21. IDENTIFICATION “REQUIRED”

• Sample ID – Identify samples with consecutive numbers. Ensure the sample identification 

number on this form matches the sample identification number placed on the 

specimen container.

• Animal ID – Record the animal’s national identification tag number adjacent to the 

appropriate sample number. If there is no national animal ID, record the most appropriate 

identification number (or name). NOTE: Laboratory results will be reported by animal 

identification number.

• Breed – Enter the animal breed (e.g., Holstein, Angus).

• Age – Indicate the approximate age in years (y), months (m), weeks (w), or days (d).

• Sex – Indicate the sex, male (M), or female (F), for each animal.

22. ADDITIONAL DATA

Enter all pertinent information about the animals and premises that can assist the lab in making a 

diagnosis.

• Provide detail on tissue specimens you are including (e.g., lymph nodes, obex, brain) 

• Specify clinical signs (e.g., weight loss, hair missing) 

• If meat is being retained pending specimen results, enter RETAINED

• Add related case submission numbers to assist in trace activities

• Include any information that did not fit into its designated space elsewhere on the form

• Include any special (non-standard) instructions for test report delivery

23. SIGNATURE OF SUBMITTER AND DATE

The individual submitting the specimen(s) must sign and date the form.
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays 

a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0579-0090, 0101, and 0212. The time required to complete this information collection 

is estimated to average .5 hours per response for 0579-0090, 1 hour per response for 0579-0101, and .333 hours per response for 0579-0212, including the time for reviewing 

instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. 

OMB Approved 

0579-0090, 0579-0101, 

and 0579-0212 

INSTRUCTIONS: Use a separate form for each species and each owner/broker. See “Instructions for Completing VS Form 10-4” for definitions. 

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE 

NATIONAL VETERINARY SERVICES LABORATORIES 

P.O. BOX 844, 1920 DAYTON AVENUE, AMES, IA 50010 

(515) 337-7514 

SPECIMEN SUBMISSION 

PAGE 

 OF 

1. SUBMITTER NAME (including Business Name) 2. NVSL SUBMITTER ID 3. NAME OF OWNER Check if wildlife (no owner) 

EMAIL ADDRESS OWNER CITY STATE/COUNTRY 

PHONE NO. FAX NO. 4. LOCATION OF ANIMALS 

MAILING ADDRESS (Street, City, State, ZIP Code) PREMISES ID 

COUNTY STATE/COUNTRY 

5. PAYMENT METHOD 

 USER FEE ACCOUNT NO. CHECK/MONEY ORDER 

 (Enclosed, payable to USDA in US dollars) 

 Number: 

CREDIT 

CARD Exp. Date: 

6. HERD/FLOCK SIZE 10. COLLECTED BY 

7. NO. IN HERD/FLOCK 

AFFECTED 

11. DATE COLLECTED 

8. NO. IN HERD/FLOCK 

DEAD 

9. EXAMINATIONS REQUESTED 

12. AUTHORIZED BY 

13. PURPOSE OF SUBMISSION (See instructions for definitions) 14. COUNTRY OF ORIGIN/DESTINATION 

 Interstate Movement Import TB Reagent Evaluation 

 Export FAD/EP Diagnostic General Diagnostic NVSL Intralab 

 Pre-Import Surveillance Developmental Research 

15. REFERRAL NUMBER 

 16. PRESERVATION 

 None Ice Pack Dry Ice Formalin Borax Alcohol Other (Specify) 

17. SPECIMENS SUBMITTED (“X” applicable item(s)) 

 Blood Feces Parasite Serum Tissue (specify) Whole Animal Other (specify) 

 Culture Feed Plant Soil Urine Fetus 

 Extract Milk Semen Swab (specify) Water DNA/RNA 

18. TOTAL NUMBER OF 

SPECIMENS SUBMITTED 

19. SPECIES OR SOURCE (“X” ONLY one) 

 Cattle Goat Chicken Bison Fish 

 Swine Horse Turkey Deer (specify) Environment 

 Sheep Donkey Other bird (specify) Elk Reagent 

 Other (specify) 

20. NUMBER OF ANIMALS 

SAMPLED 

21. IDENTIFICATION (See instructions <250 samples per form) IDENTIFICATION 

Sample ID Animal ID Breed Age Sex Sample ID Animal ID Breed Age Sex 

 

 

 

 

 

22. ADDITIONAL DATA (History, clinical signs, post mortem findings, remarks, tentative diagnosis, special instructions. Use additional sheets if necessary). 

23. SIGNATURE OF SUBMITTER AND DATE 

X 

NVSL USE ONLY 

CONDITION PRIORITY DISTRIBUTION RECEIVED BY 

NVSL USE ONLY 

VS FORM 10-4 

AUG 2009 

16-24 SAMPLE
16-25

VS Form 10-4 and 10-4A - Item 21 - Identification

Identify Samples with Consecutive Numbers - Record animal identification (number or name) 

adjacent to appropriate sample number. Laboratory results will be reported by sample 

identification number. You should therefore keep a copy of your submission so you will know the 

results for the appropriate animal.

Indicate approximate age in years (Y), months (M), weeks (W), or days (D), and indicate sex of each 

animal (M/F). When more than 10 samples are submitted, use VS Form 10-4A for samples # 11 on. 

See example sample below. 

Sample Animal Age Sex Sample Animal Age Sex

1 12ABC0001 5Y F 6 12ABC0006 10D F

2 12ABC0002 2Y M 7 12ABC0007 12M F

3 12ABC0003 1Y F 8 12ABC0008 8M M

4 12ABC0004 6M F 9 12ABC0009 2Y F

5 12ABC0005 5W M 10 12ABC0010 15M M
21. IDENTIFICATION (See instructions) IDENTIFICATION 

Sample ID Animal ID Breed Age Sex Sample ID Animal ID Breed Age Sex 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VS FORM 10-4A 

AUG 2009 

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of 

information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0579-0090, 0101, and 

0212. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average .5 hours per response for 0579-0090 1 hour per response for 

0579-0101, and .333 hours per response for 0579-0212, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and 

maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. 

OMB Approved 

0579-0090, 0579-0101, 

and 0579-0212

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE 

VETERINARY SERVICES 

CONTINUATION SHEET FOR SPECIMEN SUBMISSION 

INSTRUCTIONS: Use this form only as a 

continuation of information on VS Form 

10-4 see “Instructions for completing VS 

Form 10-4”.

PAGE: 

 OF 

3. NAME OF OWNER/BROKER Check if wildlife (no owner) 

OWNER CITY OWNER STATE/COUNTRY 

15. REFERRAL NUMBER 

16-26 SAMPLE
16–27

SAMPLE
16-28

VS Form 10 – 11: Equine Infectious Anemia Laboratory Test

ACCESSION NUMBER: The accession number is assigned by the laboratory. Leave blank.

DATE BLOOD DRAWN: Self-explanatory. If there are any time constraints on the test (as with 

exports), they are from the date that the sample is drawn rather than from the date the sample is 

submitted or the date the test result is reported.

REASON FOR TESTING: Mark the appropriate box.

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS): Enter longitude and latitude if applicable.

VETERINARY LICENSE OR ACCREDITATION NO.: Self-explanatory.

TEST TYPE Mark the appropriate box.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF STABLE/MARKET: Enter the name, address, and telephone number of

where the horse is stabled or the auction market is located.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OWNER: Enter the name, complete mailing address, and telephone 

number of the owner.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF VETERINARIAN: Enter your name, complete mailing address, and

telephone number.

CERTIFICATION OF FEDERALLY ACCREDITED VETERINARIAN [blocks 10–12]: Selfexplanatory.

CERTIFICATION OF OWNER OR OWNER’S AGENT [blocks 13–15]: Self-explanatory. This section 

provides the veterinarian legal protection when misrepresentation of a horse is suspected; this is 

optional and is not required to complete the form.

DATA IDENTIFYING THE ANIMAL BEING TESTED [blocks 16–24]: Fill out as completely as 

possible. This area can cause the greatest number of problems, especially during interstate or 

international movement. The description MUST match the horse exactly; therefore, be precise when 

indicating the markings.

TUBE NUMBER Enter tube number if applicable.

OFFICIAL TAG NUMBER Enter tag number if applicable.

TATTOO/BRAND Enter tattoo or brand if applicable.

NAME OF HORSE Enter the horse’s complete name.

COLOR Enter the color of the horse.

BREED Enter the breed of the horse.

ELECTRONIC I.D. NUMBER Enter the animal’s electronic I.D. number if applicable.

AGE OR DOB Enter the horse’s age in years or exact date of birth if available.

SEX To indicate the sex, use the codes listed on the form.

SHOW ALL SIGNIFICANT MARKINGS, WHORLS, BRANDS, AND SCARS: Fill in the silhouettes as 

needed to accurately describe the individual animal.

Narrative Description and Remarks [blocks 25–30]: Fill out as completely and precisely as 

possible. On the reverse side of the top [white] sheet in the carbon pack, you will find narrative 

descriptions and suggested language for these blocks.

FOR LABORATORY USE ONLY [blocks 31–35] Leave blank.
16–29

SAMPLE
16–30

SAMPLE
16-31

VS Form 10 – 12: Equine Infectious Anemia Supplemental 

Investigation

CASE ID: Self-explanatory.

LAB ACCESSION NO.: Self-explanatory.

INVESTIGATOR’S NAME: Investigator’s name and telephone number.

INVESTIGATOR’S AFFILIATION: Self-explanatory.

INVESTIGATION DATE: Self-explanatory.

OWNER’S LOCATION: Enter complete name, address, and telephone number of the owner’s 

location.

NAME OF CONTACT PERSON: Enter the complete name, address, and telephone number of the 

local contact person (e.g., the stable manager).

All remaining blocks on this form are self-explanatory. 
16–32

VS Form 10 – 13: Owner/Shipper Certifi cate: Fitness to Travel to a 

Slaughter Facility

TIME HORSES LOADED ON CONVEYANCE

Enter the exact time horse(s) was/were loaded onto a 

truck, tractor, trailer, or semitrailers or any combination 

of these, propelled or drawn by mechanical power. Indicate time as AM, PM, or Military time.

DATE

The date you are completing this form 

(day, month, year).

VEHICLE LICENSE NO. AND DRIVER’S NAME

The vehicle license number is the tag number of the 

conveyance. Enter the name of the person who is 

actually driving the conveyance.

CONSIGNOR (OWNER/SHIPPER) NAME

Enter the name of any individual, partnership, 

corporation, or cooperative association that engages in 

commercial transportation of more than 20 equines per 

year to slaughtering facilities.

The three blocks immediately below refer to the street 

address, city/State/ZIP code, and phone number of the 

owner/shipper.

CITY AND STATE WHERE HORSES WERE LOADED 

ON CONVEYANCE

Enter the complete city and State where the horse(s) 

were loaded onto a truck, tractor, trailer, or semitrailer 

or any combination of these, propelled or drawn by 

mechanical power.

NAME OF AUCTION/MARKET

If the owner/shipper purchased any horse(s) from 

an auction or livestock market, provide the name of 

the facility.

CONSIGNOR (RECEIVER/DESTINATION) NAME

Enter the name of the person and/or slaughter plant 

that is taking receipt of the Horse(s) at its/their fi nal 

destination. 

The three blocks immediately below refer to the street 

address, city/State/ZIP code, and phone number of the 

person and/or slaughter plant receiving the animal(s).

CHECK THE BOX THAT INDICATES . . .

Check all the boxes beside statements that are true for 

all the horses traveling on this certificate.

Identifi cation Section

Fill out as completely as possible. The description 

MUST match each horse exactly; therefore, be precise 

when recording information.

TAG PREFIX

This information is located on the top of the green 

equine backtag. The alpha prefi x is USAA through ZZ. 

This prefix MUST be recorded as it is part of the backtag number.

Tag NO.

This information is located on the green equine backtag 

and is a 3- or 4-digit number. This number MUST be 

recorded.

COLOR DESCRIPTION

Of the six possible boxes, check the one that best describes each individual horse.

BREED/TYPE

Check the appropriate box. TB = thoroughbred; 

QT = quarter horse.

SEX

Check the appropriate box.

BRANDS Tattoos, etc.

Indicate any brands, tattoos, markings, or stars that 

would aid in identifying the individual horse(s).

REMARKS Include existing conditions

Fill in this section as completely as possible for 

each animal.

SIGNATURE

The driver of the conveyance signs here, certifying 

that the horses have been offered food and water and 

been allowed to rest as required under all applicable 

Federal laws.

SIGNATURE OF OWNER/SHIPPER

The owner/shipper signs here, certifying that all information on the form is true and correct.

CANADIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY (CFIA)

Leave blank.
16–33

SAMPLE
16–34

VS Form 10 – 13A: Owner/Shipper Certifi cate: Fitness to Travel to a 

Slaughter Facility (Continuation Sheet)

This form furnishes additional lines to be filled in only 

when the number of animals being shipped exceeds 15. 

Note that the owner/shipper must also sign and date 

this sheet at the bottom and indicate that it is page 2 

of 2. If there are more than 45 horses in this shipment, 

additional Forms 10–13A may be used, but be sure to 

renumber the left-hand column, beginning with 46 to 

account for every animal individually.
16–35

SAMPLE
16–36

VS Form 17 – 6: Certifi cate for Poultry or Hatching Eggs for Export

Note: This form must be typed. 

DATE OF SHIPMENT

Self-explanatory. 

NAME AND ADDRESS OF EXPORTER

Use the complete name and mailing address of the 

exporter. The Federal Information Processing Standards 

(FIPS) State codes may be found on the reverse side of 

the bottom sheet of the carbon-pack form. 

NAME AND ADDRESS OF IMPORTER

Use the complete name and mailing address of the 

importer. Contact your Veterinary Services area offi ce 

for information regarding the FIPS country codes. 

QUANTITY/UNIT

List eggs by the dozen or hatched poultry by the 

individual bird. 

VARIETY, STRAIN OR TRADE NAME

This information may be obtained from the exporter. 

PRODUCT

Use a checkmark or “X” in the block that describes the 

item or animal. 

SEX

Use a checkmark or “X” in the block that describes 

the animals in each of the Variety/Strain/Trade name 

groups. “Straight run” means that the sex is unknown 

(the birds have not been sexed). 

TYPE (Intended use)

Determine whether the group of birds on a particular 

line are commercial production stock, multiplier breeding stock, or primary breeding stock. Then use a checkmark or “X” under the appropriate header to label the 

group as egg-type, meat-type, or “other.” 

NPIP APPROVAL

Fill in the appropriate number. 

NPIP CLASSIFICATION – U.S.

Use a checkmark or “X” to describe the entire group of 

birds on a particular line. 

TOTAL NUMBER OF UNITS CERTIFIED FOR EXPORT

Add either in dozens for eggs or individual numbers for 

hatched poultry. 

CHECK APPROPRIATE CERTIFICATION BELOW

Check A or B. 

REMARKS OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Make additional remarks here if necessary. 

TYPED NAME OF ISSUING VETERINARIAN

Self-explanatory. 

SIGNATURE OF ISSUING VETERINARIAN

Sign the form only after it is completed. 

STATUS

Check the block that best describes your status. This 

certificate is official only if it is signed by an accredited, 

State, or Fed≠eral veterinarian. 

DATE ISSUED

Self-explanatory. 

SIGNATURE OF ENDORSING FEDERAL 

VETERINARIAN

Check with the Federal Area Veterinarian-in-Charge to 

fulfi ll this requirement. 

DATE ENDORSED

This block is completed only if the Federal Area 

Veterinarian-in-Charge signed in the preceding block.
16–37

SAMPLE
16-38

VS Form 17 – 140: United States Origin Health Certificate General Information and 

Navigation Hints

Begin by filling out the Consignor [shipper] and Consignee [receiver] information in blocks 1, 7, 8, 12, 13, 

14, and 16 (including DESTINATION COUNTRY and ENTER CODE blocks, which are not numbered 

themselves). Block-specific instructions follow where appropriate. Block 2 is not filled in by you; the 

form comes with a preprinted unique number on it, and we have erased that on purpose here. Block 3 

cannot be filled in until you know if you will need to use Form 17–140A, the continuation sheet for Form 

17–140. 

Next, fill in general information about this health certificate: insert the date on which you are issuing the 

certificate (block 4), the location where the shipment is leaving the United States (blocks 5 and 6), and the 

shipping method being employed (block 11). Indicate whether or not this shipment is of semen

(block 9) and if so, how many doses are being shipped (block 10).

Determine which non poultry SPECIES is being shipped (block 15). Check only ONE species and describe 

all such animals on this Form 17–140. If the shipment includes animals of other species, fill out a separate 

Form 17–140 for each species and check the appropriate species in block 15 on each form. [If the 

shipment includes poultry, do not use Form 17–140 for the poultry, use Form 17–6 instead.] 

Fill in the FARM ORIGIN information (block 17) as specified on the form itself. Then determine which 

types of tests you are certifying and complete the blocks on the central and right-hand parts of the form 

accordingly.

In the CERTIFICATION BY ISSUING VETERINARIAN section at the bottom of Form 17–140, you will give 

information about yourself in blocks 20 and 21, fill in the total number of animals on all sheets describing 

this shipment in block 22, and sign your name in block 25. Leave blocks 23 and 24 blank. The endorsing 

Federal veterinarian will complete blocks 23 and 24. 

Block-by-Block Instructions

PAGE NO. [block 3]

If all animals in this shipment can be described in the space on this form, enter “1 of 1” in block 3. If not, 

use Form 17–140A (Continuation Sheet for the United States Origin Health Certificate) to account for all 

animals being shipped and enter “1 of X” with “X” standing for the total number of forms involved.

DATE ISSUED [block 4]

Enter the date the veterinary inspection is completed. 

U.S. PORT OF EMBARKATION [block 5]

For an export by land to Canada or Mexico, enter the city and state of the US POE across from the 

Canadian or Mexican POE. For an export by air or sea, enter the city and state of the loading point for 

transportation to the airport or seaport, which would usually be the location where the animals were 

prepared for export. 

STATE CODE [block 6]

The two letter USPS code of the State for the port of embarkation listed in block 5. 

STATE CODE [block 13]

The two letter USPS code of the consignor’s State listed in block 12. 
16–39

SAMPLE
16–40

VS Form 17 – 140A: Continuation Sheet for United States Origin Health Certifi cate

Use this form only when the number of individually 

identified animals in a shipment exceeds 18, thus overfl owing the space available in blocks 17 and 18 of VS 

Form 17–140. 

The name in block 1 of this form is the same as the 

Consignor’s Name in block 1 of the corresponding 

Form 17–140. Likewise, the Consignee’s Name in block 

16 of this form is the same as that name in block 16 on 

the corresponding Form 17–140. 

In block 2, insert the preprinted certifi cate number 

from block 2 of the corresponding Form 17–140. Fill 

in the fi nal page count in block 3 (“2 of X” or “3 of X” 

with X standing for the total number of forms including all continuation sheets). 

The directions for blocks 17 and 18 are the same as for 

those blocks on the Form 17–140. No signatures are required on these continuation sheets.
16–41

SAMPLE
16-42

APHIS Form 7001: United States Interstate and International Certificate of Health

Examination for Small Animals

DATE OF THE FORM (Bottom left corner)

This form was revised in November 2010, so there are two versions in circulation, the August 1994 

version and the November 2010 version. The two major changes to the November 2010 version are that 

there is no owner certification/signature block and the veterinarian certification block has been modified. 

There are other changes to the information required. You may use either version of this form until the 

supply of the August 1994 version is used up or withdrawn. The 7001A continuation form is dated 

September 1983 and it should be used when needed with either the August 1994 or November 2010, 7001 

certificates.

TYPE OF ANIMAL SHIPPED

On this form, you may mix animals of different species. Check all species that apply to the current 

shipment.

CERTIFICATE NUMBER

Again, this number is preprinted on the official APHIS Form 7001. We have erased the form number in 

this example for security reasons.

TOTAL NUMBER OF ANIMALS

Self-explanatory. The PAGE block directly to the right of the total number of animals block refers to 

“Page 1 of X” where X indicates the continuation sheets (APHIS Form 7001A) that are attached with this 

Form 7001. If there are no continuation sheets just write ‘Page 1’. 

NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF OWNER/CONSIGNOR

Self-explanatory. If the consignor is licensed or registered under the Animal Welfare Act, include his or 

her official USDA number. Insert his or her telephone number regardless of registration status. 

NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF CONSIGNEE

Insert the shipper’s information here, including USDA license or registration number (if applicable) and 

phone number.

ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION

The owner or consignor (shipper) fills in this information. The owner or consignor also checks with an X 

both certification in the unnumbered block below line 10 of block 5 and signs and dates the form below 

those check-marked blocks.

VACCINATION HISTORY

You fill in this section. If rabies certificates are involved, attach them (showing your original signature, 

not a photocopy) at the black arrow on the right-hand side of the form.

VETERINARY CERTIFICATION

Check the block(s) that apply. Print your name, address and telephone number in the block provided and 

insert your license number and the name of the State where you received it (or your NAN if appropriate). 

Finally, sign at the bottom right and insert the date you examined the animals on this certificate.

ENDORSEMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL EXPORT [unnumbered block at the lower left corner of the 

form] 

If the animals on this shipment are being sent out of the United States, a USDA veterinarian must apply 

the USDA seal or stamp and sign and date this form 7001. 
16–43

SAMPLE
SAMPLE 16-44
16–45

SAMPLE
16-46

APHIS Form 7001A: United States Interstate and International Certificate of Health

Examination for Small Animals (Continuation Sheet)

Please note, the APHIS Form 7001 was revised in November 2010, so there are two versions in 

circulation, the August 1994 version and the November 2010 version. You may use either version of the 

APHIS FORM 7001 until the supply of the August 1994 version is used up or withdrawn. The 7001A 

continuation form is dated September 1983 and it should be used when needed with either the August 

1994 or November 2010, 7001 certificates.

CERTIFICATE NUMBER [block 1]

Insert by hand the preprinted certificate number from block 1 of the Form 7001 for which this 7001A is a 

continuation sheet.

PAGE [block 2]

Insert page 2 (or 3, etc.) of X, with X standing for the total number of sheets of Form 7001 and all 7001A 

forms for this entire shipment. 

NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF OWNER/CONSIGNOR [block 3]

Transfer this information from block 3 of the Form 7001. You do not need to repeat the USDA license or

registration number. Do repeat the shipper’s telephone number, however.

NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF CONSIGNEE [block 4]

Transfer this information from block 4 of the Form 7001. You do not need to repeat the USDA license or 

registration number. Do repeat the recipient’s telephone number, however. 

ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION [block 5, lines 11–31 as needed]

The owner or consignor (shipper) fills in this information. 

VACCINATION HISTORY [block 6]

You fill in this section. If rabies certificates are involved for the animals on this continuation sheet, attach 

them (showing your original signature, not a photocopy) at the black
16-47

VS Form 17-145: U. S. Origin Health Certificate for the Export of 

Horses from the United States to Canada

General Information and Navigation Hints

This Origin Health Certificate may be used for the permanent or temporary export of horses from 

the United States to Canada except for horses for immediate slaughter. VS Form 17-140 must be 

used for the export of immediate slaughter horses from the United States to Canada.

The markings on the legs are as viewed from the rear of the horse. Therefore the two legs on the left 

side of the form (marked Fore) are for marking the front legs as viewed from the rear of the horse. 

The two legs on the right side of the form (Marked Hind) are for marking the back legs as viewed 

from the rear of the horse.

The age of the horse may be listed in days, weeks, months, or years and the letters “d, w, m, y” 

should be added to the age number to clarify.

The endorsing Federal Veterinarian will add the Health Certificate Number when endorsed.
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB number. The valid OMB control

number for this information collection is 0579-0032. The time required to complete this collection of information is estimated to average .266 hours per response, including the time

for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the form.

16-48 SAMPLE
Appendix E - Page 1 of 5

Appendix E – Other Organizational Information

with Contact Points

Through its National Center for Import and Export (NCIE), VS facilitates the domestic and 

international marketability of U.S. animals and animal products. The growing interest in 

agricultural trade in the global market has expanded VS’ role to include ensuring that new 

trade opportunities are created while the Nation’s animal health continues to be 

safeguarded.

Under the World Trade Organization (WTO), Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement, 

countries are required to formulate their sanitary import measures on science-based 

principles and guidelines. The WTO recognizes the World Organization for Animal Health 

(formerly known as the Office of International Epizooties) (OIE) as the international forum 

for setting animal health standards, reporting global animal events and disease status, and 

presenting guidelines and recommendations on sanitary measures relating to animal 

health.

OIE and International Standards

The OIE was established in Paris, France, in 1924 with the signing of an international 

agreement by 28 countries. As of March 2011, the organization had 178 Members, each of 

which is represented by a delegate who, in most cases, is the chief veterinary officer of the 

country. The mission of the OIE is to prevent the spread of animal diseases. To achieve this 

mission, OIE has three primary functions: (1) to collect and disseminate information on the 

distribution and occurrence of animal diseases, (2) to coordinate research on contagious 

animal diseases, and (3) to develop international standards for the safe movement of 

animals and animal products in international trade.

In recent years, the mandate of the OIE has expanded to include animal welfare, food 

production and food safety, and strengthening of the veterinary services. Within VS, four

major program areas interact directly with the OIE: (1) NCIE’s International Animal Health 

Standards Team (IAHST), (2) the National Veterinary Services Laboratories, (3) the Centers 

of Veterinary Biologics, and (4) the Centers for Epidemiology and Animal Health (CEAH).

NCIE’s International Animal Health Standards Team

• Guides the development of sound international health standards for safe trading in 

animals and animal products by coordinating consensus-based comments on proposed 

modifications to chapters of the OIE Terrestrial and Aquatic Animal Health Codes. 
Appendix E - Page 2 of 5

• Maintains a database of disease and subject matter experts to review specific code 

chapters.

• Monitors and evaluates reports and scientific data produced by the OIE.

• Compiles the Annual Tabular and Narrative Disease Reports on World Animal Health 

Status of Member Countries and submits monthly disease reports.

• Coordinates import and export efforts to address the international movement of 

livestock, biological products, and animal products and provides recommendations on 

health conditions related to the movement of animals and animal products.

• Prepares agendas, briefs, and trade-issue analyses for the delegates attending the 

Quadrilateral Animal Health Committee Meeting (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the 

United States), the North American Animal Health Committee Meeting (Canada, Mexico, 

and the United States), and the OIE annual General Session. 

• Recommends changes to address trade issues effectively and to align USDA standards and 

policies with international standards.

• Represents the Deputy Administrator and the Department of Agriculture at meetings with 

international officials as well as with livestock and poultry industry representatives.

Contact Point for the International Animal Health Standards Team

National Center for Import and Export

International Animal Health Standards Team

USDA–APHIS–VS

4700 River Rd., Unit 33

Riverdale, MD 20737–1231

Tel: (301) 734–5324

Fax: (301) 734–8818

e-mail: usa.oie@aphis.usda.gov

CEAH: An OIE Collaborating Center

As an OIE collaborating center, CEAH share their risk analysis and disease surveillance 

expertise with member countries. It provides them with technical assistance and expert 

advice on disease surveillance and control and risk analysis. As a collaborating center, 

CEAH fulfills the following objectives:

• Reviews, evaluates, and adapts methodologies and approaches to enhance animal disease 

surveillance systems and the risk analysis process.

• Promotes a harmonized approach to disease surveillance and risk analysis.

• Provides technical assistance to OIE member countries as needed.

• Improves the quality of animal disease surveillance and risk analysis by establishing a 

critical mass of trained individuals in OIE member countries.

• Networks with other OIE collaborating centers to coordinate activities.
Appendix E - Page 3 of 5

Contact Point for CEAH

Centers for Epidemiology and Animal Health

USDA–APHIS–VS

2150 Centre Ave., Bldg. B

Fort Collins, CO 80526

Tel: (970) 494–7200

Fax: (970) 472–2668

e-mail: ceah@aphis.usda.gov

Center for the Diagnosis of Animal Diseases and Vaccine 

Evaluation for the Americas: An OIE Collaborating Center

The Center for the Diagnosis of Animal Diseases and Vaccine Evaluation for the Americas 

consists of three components:

The National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL)

The Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB)

 The Institute for International Cooperation in Animal Biologics (IICAB).

NVSL

NVSL are full-service laboratories that have expertise in all of the diagnostic tests for 

significant animal diseases found in the Americas. These laboratories are committed to 

sharing and harmonizing these procedures with other countries in the Americas. The NVSL 

support the OIE by

• Providing diagnostic assistance such as agent isolation and characterization;

• Supplying reference reagents to other laboratories, which can be used to standardize 

testing or for routine diagnosis;

• Evaluating diagnostic reagents used by other countries and exchanging sera to 

standardize and harmonize testing; 

• Providing training in the diagnostic tests that they perform

• Consulting on a wide range of techniques; and

• Conducting developmental projects to improve diagnostic techniques for diseases of 

significance in the Americas.
Appendix E - Page 4 of 5

Contact point for NVSL

National Veterinary Services Laboratories

USDA–APHIS–VS

1920 Dayton Ave

P.O. Box 844

Ames, IA 50010

Tel: (515) 337–7266

Fax: (515) 337–7397

e-mail: NVSL_Concerns@aphis.usda.gov

CVB

CVB is the sole confirmatory and investigatory testing laboratory involved in regulation of 

commercial veterinary biologics (vaccines and diagnostic kits) in the United States. CVB 

supports OIE by

• Developing, distributing, and using worldwide standard protocols for biologics evaluation 

and training scientists from throughout the world in these protocols;

• Validating and providing standard reagents to biologics manufacturers and regulatory 

laboratories worldwide;

• Conducting developmental projects to improve biological techniques for diseases of 

significance in the Americas;

• Reviewing, developing, comparing, and harmonizing testing protocols in collaboration 

with industry and other Government laboratories; and

• Hosting scientific meetings in the area of veterinary biologics.

Contact point for CVB

Center for Veterinary Biologics

USDA–APHIS–VS

1920 Dayton Ave

PO Box 844

Ames, IA 50010

Tel: (515) 337–7331

Fax: (515) 337–7397

e-mail: cvb@aphis.usda.gov
Appendix E - Page 5 of 5

IICAB

IICAB is based at Iowa State University and concentrates its efforts on education and 

implementation of international communication and harmonization activities related to the 

availability, safety, and efficacy of veterinary biologics. IICAB supports OIE by

• Offering training on scientific principles behind vaccine safety and efficacy;

• Working with other international organizations to harmonize regulations for veterinary 

biologics in the Americas;

• Assisting developing countries to obtain veterinary biologics for specific unmet needs and 

in their efforts to manufacture, import, and regulate veterinary biologics and diagnostics; 

and

• Organizing scientific meetings and serving as an international resource for information 

on the use of veterinary biologics.

Contact point for IICAB

Institute for International Cooperation in Animal Biologics

College of Veterinary Medicine

Iowa State University

Ames, IA 50010

Tel: (515) 294–7189

Fax: (515) 294–8259

e-mail: iicab@iastate.edu
Appendix F - Page 1 of 1

Appendix F – Web Sites

The following Web sites may assist you in fulfilling your duties as an accredited veterinarian:

http://www.usda.gov — The U.S. Department of Agriculture

http://www.aphis.usda.gov — The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/index.shtml — Veterinary Services

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/vet_accreditation/ — The National Veterinary 

Accreditation Program. Addresses and phone numbers of the Area Veterinarians-in-Charge and the 

State animal health officials can be accessed through this site as well as information about the 

program, including an online form to update your address information for the APHIS accredited 

veterinarian database.

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/about_aphis/programs_offices/veterinary_services/ncahp.shtm

l — The National Center for Animal Health Programs 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/ — The National Center for Import and Export The 

site includes, but is not limited to, information about animal import and export ports, animal 

products that do not require an import permit, country disease status, international animal export 

regulations, international animal product export regulations, and State animal import regulations.

http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_04/9cfrv1_04.html — Code of Federal Regulations

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/hot_issues/bse/index.shtml — BSE information

http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/ — U.S. Department of Homeland Security

http://www.cdc.gov/animalimportation/TravelingPets.html — Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention (importation of pets)

http://laws.fws.gov — U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

http://www.cbp.gov — U.S. Customs and Border Patrol

http://www.avma.org — The American Veterinary Medical Association

http://www.oie.int/eng/en_index.htm — Office International des Epizooties 

http://www.usaha.org — The United States Animal Health Association

http://www.nasda.org/cms/7195/8617.aspx — The National Association of State Departments 

of Agriculture
Equine Teeth and Aging

The age of horses, donkeys, and mules can be estimated by examining the eruption

and wear patterns of the teeth. Figures 7 through 9 provide a usable reference to

help the accredited veterinarian approximate a given horse’s age. These figures are

reprinted with the permission of the American Association of Equine Practitioners

from the “Official Guide for Determining the Age of the Horse.”


 

Figure 9 - Equine incisors at various ages on the following pages. (Scanned from the 

Official Guide for Determining the Age of the Horse, Published by the American Association 

of Equine Practitioners.)
American Association of Equine Practitioners 

GlIlDr roll. DEHH.MII\IING TilE AGE OP TII~ HORS( 

American Association of Equine Practitioners 

GU I DE rGR. DlIER.MINING rilE AGE or- TilE HORSE 

Eruption Length vs. Width of Upper 

Corner Incisor 

Emergence of tooth (either deciduous or permanent) at gum. 

Considered to be the most accurate of all indicators and is the only indicator used in horses under five years of age. Permanent teeth generally 

corne into wear three to six months after eruption. In this photograph, 

the left upper central deciduous incisor ("cap") is being pushed off by the 

underlying permanent. The Eruption Table is shown on page iv. A recent 

publication suggests that shedding of the incisors may have a wider range 

tha n conventionally taught and generally incisors may be shed later than 

reported in the literature. 

2 

The shape of the permanent upper corner incisor has been used recently 

to categorize a horse's age into one of three groups from five to twenty 

years of age. Between five and nine years of age this tooth is generally wider 

than tall. At ages nine to ten the upper corner incisor appears square in 

most horses and then progresses to taller than wide as age increases. 

3 
American Association of Equine Practitioner 

GUIDI: FOR D[TlRMINING TilL AGE or Till HOR<;r 

American Association of Equine Practitioners 

Gumf lOR D[HRMlNING Till AGE OI'IIIE HORSE 

Shape Changes of the LoW'er 

Incisor Table Surfaces 

Disappearance of the Infundibular 

"Cups" 

The sha pe of the table surfaces of the central incisors has traditi onally 

been described as changing from oval to triangular to biangular. Although 

these shape changes are gradual and somewhat subjective in their assessment they are considered fairly relia ble. The oval to round shape is consistent with the age of five to nine. Round to triangula r shape is indicative of 

the age range of 10-15 and tria ngula r to bi angu lar (l ong in the labiolingual 

direction) in the J6-20 age range. 

The infundibulum is an enamel infolding in the occlusal surface of the 

equine incisor. The "cup" is the hollow upper segment of this infolding and 

has a dark brown appearance, especially in horses eating grass. Older references show the disappearance of the cup to occur in II' ~ & 13 at six, seven 

and eigh t years. Recent studies have found more variability with the II cup 

disappearing as ea rly as five years. I3 cups can linger as remnants and not 

disappea r in some individuals until 12-15 years of age . Generally, however, 

cups are a useful indicator in the five to ni ne year age range. 

4 5
AmerJcan Association of Equine Practitioners 

GUJDl rOR D 1:HRMIN I NG T l lr 1\(,1 or T I I[ H ORSF 

American Association of Equine Practitioners 

GUIDr lOR DnERMINING TilE AGE 0 1 TilE H ORSE 

Appearance of the Dental Star Disappearance of the Enamel 

Ring (Mark) 

The dental star is secondary dentine that occludes the pulp cavity and 

appears as a yellow brown linear structure on the occlusal surface between 

the labial edge of the incisor and the "cup." Recent studies on aging suggests the dental star can appear in II at five years, 12 at six years and I at J 

seven to eight years. With age the dental star becomes oval and then round 

and moves toward the center of the tooth. The dental star becomes the only 

structure in the table surface of the centrals at 15-18 years of age . 

The lower half of the infundibulum that is filled with cement is called 

the enamel ring or "mark." When the "cup" disappears the remaining 

enamel ring goes through shape changes similar to the changes in the occlusal surface of the incisors. These shapes change from oval (side to side) to 

triangular to round and vary a great deal between breeds. In the central 

incisor the shape of the "mark" changes from oval to round in the five to 

twelve year age range in most breeds. The disappearance of the "mark" is 

also highly variable, ranging from 12-18 years from the central incisor followed one to three years later in 12 and 13 • 

6 7 
American Association of Equine Practitioners 

GUIOL FOrt DLrLRMINING T IH AG[ or TilE II OltsE 

American Association of Equine Practitioners 

GUIDi: I'OR DLTEltMIN I NG Till' AGr or lH[ IloitSL 

Appearance and Position of 

Galvayne's Groove 

Changes in Direction of Upper and 

Lower Incisor Arcades 

Galvayne's groove is descri bed as a " longitudinal depression on the 

labial su rface of the upper corner inc isor. " Cementum may rema in in part 

or all of the groove and mayor may not have a dark stain. The groove is 

said to first appear at dle gumline at nine to ten years of age and extends 

the full length of the tooth at eighteen to twenty years of age. The presence 

of Galvayne's groove is varia ble and even when present the length in relation to the age of rhe horse may be inexact. 

B 

This indicator may only be useful in comparing a young horse to a very 

old horse. In profile the upper and lower arcades of a young horse are very 

close to a straight line (1 80°) from gum of the upper arcade to the occlusal 

surfaces and down to d1e gumline of the lower arcade. As aging occurs this 

angle becomes more acute (near 120° or less) and usually is significantly 

noticea ble around twenty years of age. The lower arcade generally takes up 

the most o bJjque position first. 

9 
American Association of Equine Practitioners 

GUIDE FOR DETERM INING THl AGE OF THI: I I ORSE 

Upper Corner Incisor Hook 

H istorically the "hook " that is sometimes visible on the caudal border 

of the upper corner incisor was thought to occur at the age of seven years 

and aga in at 11-13 years. This hook represents a lack of wear on the caudal 

aspect of the upper tooth by the opposing lower incisor. The most reasonable explanation of the wide age range and high ly inconsistent presence of 

this indicator is the changing obliquity of the incisors (see direction changes 

of incisors indicator). The inconsistent presence of this indicator dictate 

that it be considered too wlreliable to be useful in aging. 

'10 

American Association of Equine Practitioners 

GUlDl rolt DLTLRMI NING TIlE AGL 01" rill: HOR)E 

Section II 


Ages One Week 


to Twenty Years 


11 
American Association of Equine Practitioners Alnerlcan Association of Equine Practitioner 

GUIDE mR DfHllMINING H II AGE 0 1: Ti l t: l·l oR.)t GUID I: FOR Dr l fRMIN ING T l lr AGE Of II IE H ORSE 

Birth to Two Weeks Four to Six Weeks 

The deciduous central incisors (II) have erupted; the gum (gingiva) 

covers the other incisors. Viewed from in front, the labial border of the 

centrals is visible in both jaws. The dental table (masticatory or occlusal 

surface) shows the labial (anterior border) of the central incisors. 

Viewed from in front, the deciduous centra ls (II) are in contact, the 

lower with the upper (superior with the inferior). The labial surface of 

the crown presents deljcate vertical ridges and grooves. The intermediates 

(1 ) have emerged through the gums. T he dental tables of the centrals are 2

in wear and show a defi nite cup in this individual. The in termediates are 

emerging through the gum witb the labial edge showing th e most exposure. 

12 13 
American Association of Equine Practitioners American Association of Equine Practitioners 

GU I DE FOR DETERMINING TIIf AGE OF TllE l·IORSF GUIDE FO I"\ DETrRMIN ING Tllf AGf o r THf HOllSE 

Six to Ten Months OneVear 

Viewed from in frOnt, the central (It) and intermediate deciduous incisors (12 ) are in contact and the crown of each is full y exposed. In profile, the 

corner incisors (I) have emerged from the gums but are not in contact. Tbe 

dental ta bles of the centrals and intermediates show wear; tbe cup is shallowe r in the centrals than in the intermediates in this individ ual. 

14 

Viewed from in front, all deciduous incisors are visi ble, the crown of 

the centrals and intermediates is fully exposed. In profile, the upper and 

lower corner incisors are partiall y or completely in contact (depending on 

the time of year). The dental tables of the centrals show considerable wear. 

The dental star is seen usuall y in the centra ls and intermedia tes as a dark 

or yellowish-brown transverse line in the dentin on the labial side of the 

infundibulum. 

15 
American Association of Equine Practitioner American Association of Equine Practitioners 

GUID[ fOR DlTEI~I\'ININ(j Tllr AGr OF TII[ HORSl; GUIDI: lOR DETERMIN ING T i lE A('E OF T i ll IJ O ltSE 

Tw'oYears Three Years 

Viewed from in front, the central incisors a re fr ee from the gum and the 

neck ma y be visible (depending on time of year). In profile, the co rners are 

in full wear. The dental tables of the lower incisors are smooth, the intermediates show decided wear and the corners are in full wear. T he dental 

star is clearly visible in the lower centrals and intermediates. 

Viewed from in front, the four permanent central incisors are seen in 

fu ll wear. They appear more solid, have vertica l. ri dges and grooves and are 

larger than adj acent decid uous teeth. In profile, the deciduous intermediate ma y be inactive or show signs of being shed (depending on the time of 

year). The dental table of each centra l incisor has a deep cup and the borders of these teeth are sharp. The lower intermedia tes a re deciduous in this 

individual and are smooth . The lower corners (deciduolls) have little central 

enamel. 

16 17 
American Association of Equine Practitioners American Association of Equine Practitioners

GUIDI: fOR DETERMIN ING THE AG[ or T i lE HORSE GUIDE FOR DETERMINING TI l E Ali[ Or- Ti l E HORSE 

Four Years Five Years

Viewed from in front, the permanent upper central and intermediate incisors a re in contact with corresponding lower teeth. The jaws have 

acquired so much width for the centrals and intermediates that the deciduous corners can scarcely be seen. In profil e, the corners (deciduous) appear 

small and may show signs of shedding (dependi ng on the time of year). The 

dental ta bles of the centrals (permanent) show wear but their cups are deep. 

The intermediates are permanent and a re in wear. 

is 

Permanent dentition is complete; all teeth are in wear. In profile the 

upper corner incisor is rectangular in shape (long side horizonta l). The 

dental ta bles of the centrals and intermediates are wide transversely and 

show wear. Their cups are readily visible and completely encircled by the 

central enamel. The dental star is present labia l to the cup on the centrals. 

The corners ar e beginning to wear at their labial border. 

19 
American Association of Equine Practitioners 

GUID~ I-OR DETEIU"IINING 1HI: AGE O~ TII I- IloRSf 

Six Years 

Viewed from in front, the jaws present the same features as at 5 yea rs. 

The upper centrals are either larger or of a similar size to the intermediates. 

In profile, the upper corner is still wider than tall and may show a small 

hook, especially if no overbite is present. The incisive angle is at its least 

acute angle (approaches 180°). T he dental tables of the lower centrals are 

usually smooth and not as wide transversely as at 5 years (tend to be oval). 

The surface of the intermediates may still show a cup (or remnant thereof) 

w hile the corners should have well defi ned cups that arc in full wear. 

Denta l stars are present in both centrals and intermediates in this individual. T he enamel rings in the centrals are oval in shape. 

20 

American Association of Equine Practitioners 

GUJrJr POR [)nrIU..tINING TilE ACt 01 n lr HORsr 

Seven Years 

from in front no significant change is evident from the six-year-old 

mouth. The corner incisor on profile should still be wider than tall but may 

be approaching square. The dental tables of the centrals appear oval, while 

the enamel ring is somewhat triangular in this individual. The "white spot" 

in the dental star is visible. T he intermediates show some cup present (usually worn down to enamel ring at this age). The surface of the corner shows 

a well defined cup that ma y take several years to completely disappear. The 

disappearance of the cups in the six- and seven-year-old examples demonstrate the normal viability between horses. 

21 
American Association of Equine Practitioner 

GUIDL rOR DLHRM1NING TH[ AGL or H I [ (-jOR.S~ 

Eight Years 

There is still no significant change in the front view from the previous 

two years. In profile, the upper corner may now begin to appear somewhat square. The lower dental tables are smooth and all cups will be gone 

(although remnants may remain, especially on the corners). Due to natural 

variation no differences in the dental stars or enamel rings may occur from 

the previous age. 

22 

Amerjcan Association of Equine Practitioners 

GUIDE lOR DL HRMIN ING I Hr. AG[ OF Tlle IIOlt$[ 

Nine Years 

Viewed from in front the upper centrals will still be similar in size to 

larger than the adjacent intermediates. In profile, the upper corners will 

us ually be somewhat square. The gum line (area where tooth emerges from 

gum) will start to lose its straight appearance and begin to drop down 

where Galvayne's groove will appear. The dental tables of the centrals are 

now round with the enamel rings triangular. All lowers in this individual 

show a dental star, with the centrals and intermediates having a "white 

spot " in the middle of the star. The corners show remnants of a cup in this 

individual. 

23 
American Association of Equine Practitioners American Association of Equine Practitioners 

GUIDE rOR DETeRMINING TilE AGE or T I I[ HOR.SE G\Trnr Wit DnrRMININC TH[ AGf OF THI I loRSr 

Ten Years Eleven Years 

No change has occurred in the front view of the incisors. The upper 

corner on profile will be square and likely will show evidence of the beginning of Galvayne's groove. The dental tables of the centrals remain round 

while the dental star is shorter in length and a ppea rs to be moving more 

central in the tooth. This individual shows remnants of cups in all lower 

incisors at this age (could be attributed to a naturally occurring deeper 

cup). 

24 

No obvious changes from the front view should occur at this age. In 

profile, the upper corne r is still somewhat square or slightly tall er than 

wide. The gW11 !tootb margin should show a v-effect where Galvayne's 

groove has started (see section on indicators). This individual has a distinct 

hook on the posterior ventral aspect of this tooth (also see indicators). The 

den ta l tables of the lower centrals are round. The central enamel of each 

[ower incisor forms a small ring close to the lingual border; the dental stars 

arc narrower transversely and near the center of the denta l table. 

25 

American Association of Equine Practitioners American Association of Equine Practitioners 

GUJOF rOR DrnRMININli 1111 Mil-' OF THt: HOR~E GU I D[ roR DEHRMINING THE AGr or Tl I [ H ORSt 

Twelve Vears Thirteen Years 

This individual's centrals appear slightly shorter than the adjacent intermediates when viewed from in front. In profile, the upper corner should 

be slightly taller than wide and have evidence of a Galvayne's groove at its 

apex. The dental tables of the centrals should be round to triangular. The 

central enamel may be disappearing and the dental star is seen as a darker 

stained area of secondary dentine near the center of the tooth. 

Viewed from in front, the appearance is similar to that of 12 years. 

M any individuals at this age begin to exhibit a shrinking of the size of 

the upper centrals as compared to the intermediates. In profile, the upper 

corner is definitely taller than wide with a Galvayne's groove extending 

approximately 1/3 down from the apex (see indicators for accuracy). The 

dental tables of the lower centrals resemble a triangle in shape. The central 

enamel should be disappearing from the centrals. The dental star is similar 

to age 12. Remnants of cups are still evident in the corners of this 

individual. 

26 27 
American Association of Equine Practitioners American Association of Equine Practitioners 

GUIDI' FOR DETERMIN ING H I[ AGE or Ti ll HORse GUIDf I-OR D r TERM IN I NG T 11[ AGF OF lI ~ H ORSE 

Fourteen Years Fifteen Years

Changes in all views become gradual and more variable as horses age 

through [he next fi ve to seven years which affects accuracy negati vely. 

From in front the upper centrals LlsuaIly are now sho rter. In profil e, the 

upper corner may resemble age 13 but should be slightly tall er and may 

have a Ga lvaync's groove that is near halfway down the labial surface. The 

denta l tables may be unchanged from age 13. This individua l appea rs to 

have remnants of cups in all six lower incisors. 

Viewed from in front all the lower incisors may appear shorter than 

the uppers. The upper centrals will usua lly be smaller but not yet half the 

height of the intermediates. In profile, the upper corner is taller-than-wide 

with a Galvayne's groove that is somewhere near halfway do.vn the tooth 

(variable). The shape of the dental tables of the lower central incisors 

should have a rriangular appearance. The intermediates are rOllnd to triangular and the dental star is taking a central position in the lower central 

InClSOr. 

28 29 
American Association of Equine Practitioner American Association of Equine Practitioners 

GUIDE FOR DETER.MIN ING filE AGE OF THE H ORSE GUID[ rOR DETERMINING I'I"IE AGF or TH E" II ClR~[ 

Sixteen Years Seventeen Years 

From in front, this individual's lower incisors are smaller than the 

uppers and have a significant space between each tooth (aging change). 

In profile the incisive angle should begin to drift toward a less than 180" 

angle. As the upper corner becomes taller it may appear narrower (front to 

back) with increasing age. Galvayne's groove is highly variable but should 

extend past the mid-point of the corner. The surface of all lower dental 

tables will generally lack color except for the centrally located dental star. 

The dental star gradually replaces the enamel ring from central to corner 

InCISOr. 

Viewed from in front, the upper centrals are definitely shorter than 

the intermediates. In profile, the upper corner is taller than wide and 

Galvayne's groove (if evident) should extend about 3/4 of the way down 

rhe tooth. The dental tables of the lower centrals and intermediates should 

appear triangular to biangular (see Indicators section). Each dental star is 

round and near the center of the tooth. Teeth may begin to appear more 

widely spaced (not evident on this individual). 

30 31 
American Association of Equine Practitioners American Association of Equine Practitioners

GUIDI: rOR O[HltMINING THf- AGE or TilE IloRsr GUll")!' Inlt [)nflU."IININCl 1'1-11'. Atil Of HIE HORS[

Eighteen Years Nineteen Years

Changes in all indicators in the ages 15 to 20 will be gradual causing 

age estimation to be less accurate than in ages under ten. Viewed from in 

front, the LIpper centrals are smaller tha n th e adjacent intermediates. In 

profile, the upper corner is tall with a Galvayne's groove that is past halfway and approaching th e ta ble surface. T he dental tables are similar to 

the 17-year-old (usually exhibit min imal color) an d show a single centrally 

located den tal star. 

The front and profile views will be simiJar to the I8-year-old. The most 

useful changes in the indicators may be in Galva yne's groove and the shape 

of the dental ta bles. T he groove should extend nearly the full length of the 

corner tooth (mayor may not have color). T he dental tables of the centrals 

will no longer appea r tria ngular but will have a more biangular (long lingual to labia l) shape. 

32 33 
American Associat.ion of Equine Practitioners 

GUID[ lOR D[TERMIN ING TilL Acl.: Of ll-IF HORSI 

Twenty Years 

Viewed from in front, the upper centrals should be obviously smaller 

than the intermediates. In profile, the upper corner tooth is tall with a 

Galvayne's groove extending the full length of the tooth. The incisive angle 

will be much less than 1800 (see Indicators section). The dental tables of 

the lower incisors will have little or no co]or and the centrals will be oval to 

biangular in shape (labial to lingual). A single round shaped dental star w.ill 

occupy the center of the tooth. 

American Association of Equine Practitioners 

GUID[ rOR DETeRMINING TilE Alj[ cJ[ rHE HURSL 

Glossary of Terms 

Cup - The da r k or dark-brown to black cavity in the infundibulum surrounded by 

enamel ring. 

)cdduous Teeth - Temporary, fetal, milk or baby teeth. They are characterized 

primarily by their small er si ze, constricted neck, and shallow cup. 

)cnt~J Star - The darker dclltin that fills the pulp cavity as the tooth wears. It is 

&Jrk yell ow to yellowish-brown. 

Iknta] T ahh .. - T he tahle, lll~l ticato y or occlusal surface. 

~ rupliun - l'l'rLli n, to th e period when a tooth breaks through the gum. 

Galvnync'\ Gronve - T he longitud inal depression on the labial surface of the upper 

co rner (l ;) in ()r. The cementu lll remains in the groove as a dark line; the rest of 

the surface is worn to expose the white enamel. 

Inci~or rccrh - Starting at the midline incisors are designated as centrals (1 ), inter­ 1

mediates (Ie) and corners (I). 

Infundibulum - The deep invagination of enamel which is filled with a variable 


um ount of cement. Commonly referred to as the "cup." 


l.;lbi~l Surface - Surface toward the lips. 


Ungual Surface - Surface toward the tongue. 


I'.:rmanenl Teelh - Second dentition or adult teeth. 


34 35