U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 13424.1 

________________________________________________________________ 

 

Procedures for the Import of Equines into the United States and Approved 

Quarantine Facilities 

 

1. Purpose and Background.......................................................................................................2

2. Document Status ...................................................................................................................2

3. Reason for Reissuance ...........................................................................................................2

4. Authority and References......................................................................................................2

A. Authorities (Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)): ...............................................................2

B. References: ........................................................................................................................2

C. Definitions:.........................................................................................................................3

5. Audience................................................................................................................................4

6. Guidance................................................................................................................................4

A. General...............................................................................................................................4

B. Import Quarantine Procedures ..........................................................................................5

1) Arrival of horses in quarantine .......................................................................................5

2) Documentation review ...................................................................................................6

3) Import quarantine facility processing .............................................................................7

4) Daily quarantine procedures ..........................................................................................9

C. Non-Negative Test Results .................................................................................................9

D. Sick Horses in Quarantine ................................................................................................10

E. Feed, Hay, Pharmaceuticals, and Supplements/Nutraceuticals in Quarantine ................13

1) Feed..............................................................................................................................13

2) Hay................................................................................................................................14

3) Pharmaceuticals ...........................................................................................................14

4) Supplements/nutraceuticals ........................................................................................15

F. Fractious Horses in Quarantine........................................................................................15

G. Release of Horses from Quarantine .................................................................................16

H. Cleaning and Disinfection After Release from Import Quarantine ...................................18

I. Assessment of User Fees..................................................................................................18

7. Inquiries...............................................................................................................................19
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 13424.1 

 

2

1. Purpose and Background 

This document outlines procedures for horses imported into the United States and 

entering quarantine facilities approved by the United States Department of Agriculture 

(USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS). The 

document provides clarification to importers and ensures all quarantine facility operators 

and personnel follow the same procedures.

This guidance document represents the Agency’s position on this topic and is intended 

solely as guidance. It does not have the force and effect of law, does not create, or confer 

any rights for or on any person, and does not bind the USDA or the public. Language 

suggesting that this guidance is mandatory (e.g., “shall,” “must,” “required”, or 

“requirement”) should not be construed as binding unless the terms quote from a 

statutory or regulatory requirement. The information this document contains may be 

made available to the public. While this document provides guidance for users outside 

VS, VS employees may not deviate from the directions provided herein without 

appropriate justification and supervisory concurrence.

2. Document Status 

 

A. Review date: 5/28/2025.

B. This is a new document.

 

3. Reason for Reissuance 

N/A

4. Authority and References 

 

A. Authorities (Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)): 

• 7 CFR 371.4

• 9 CFR 93.300

• 9 CFR 97.1

• 9 CFR part 130

• 9 CFR part 71

• 9 CFR part 161

B. References: 

• VS Guidance 13407.2, Testing of Equidae During Import Quarantine

• VS Guidance 13405.2, Importation of Horses from Mexico Using APHIS- Approved 

Quarantine Facilities and Land Border Ports
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 13424.1 

 

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• VS Guidance 13412.2, Entry Procedures for Persons Accessing Permanent Animal 

Import Quarantine Facilities Overseen by Veterinary Services

• Notice Regarding Fractious Animals and Additional Accommodations

• Notice Regarding Disposal of Foreign Origin Waste Accompanying Live Horses

• Notice Regarding Equine Imports and Transits

• VS Guidance 7003.1, Treatment of Animals for Ticks with Coumaphos (Co-Ral®)

• VS Guidance 13803.1, Contaminated Aircraft Inspection, Cleaning, and 

Disinfecting

• Notice Regarding Equine Imports – Quarantine Length and Fees

C. Definitions: 

1) Accredited Veterinarian: A veterinarian approved by the Administrator in 

accordance with Title 9, Code of Federal Regulations (9 CFR) part 161 to perform 

functions specified in 9 CFR 93.300 et. seq., and to perform functions required by 

cooperative State-Federal disease control and eradication programs.

2) Antipyretic: Any medication used to prevent or reduce fever. 

3) Disinfection: Destruction of microorganisms or their toxins, or vectors, by direct 

exposure to chemical or physical agents.

4) Horses (Equines): Horses, asses, mules, and zebras. 

5) Importer of record: Company or individual responsible for an importation,

including a carrier’s agent, representative, broker, individual company, or 

consignee.

6) International Air Transport Association (IATA): Airline trade association for the 

world’s airlines that supports many areas of aviation activity and helps formulate 

industry policy on critical aviation issues.

7) Non-negative: Positive or suspect test results. VS bases interpretations on the 

appropriate World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) manual chapter. (OIE may 

describe suspect as “suspicious” or “doubtful.”)

8) Origin: The location(s) where each horse lives for the 60 days immediately 

preceding exportation to the United States. 

9) Port Veterinary Medical Officer (VMO): A VS veterinarian employed to perform 

required duties at a designated port of entry or port of embarkation. 

10) Quarantine area: An area in a VS-approved quarantine facility which includes all 

shipment receiving and holding areas, loading docks, examination and sample 

processing space, and any other areas accessible to horses of each shipment. 
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 13424.1 

 

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11) Seal: A USDA traceable, official device that can be authenticated which deters 

tampering with containers, buildings, and conveyances used for transporting, 

housing, or holding restricted animals or their germplasm. 

12) Shipment: All horses transported in the same conveyance arriving at a U.S. port of 

entry. 

13) State animal health official (SAHO): The State official responsible for livestock and 

poultry disease control and eradication programs.

14) Foreign Transit Country: A country that horses travel through from the country of 

origin to the United States for no more than 36 hours.

15) U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): Federal law enforcement agency of 

the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. 

16) Port Veterinarian-in-Charge (VIC): A VS veterinarian employed to supervise, 

manage, and perform required duties at a delegated port of entry or port of 

embarkation. 

5. Audience 

VS personnel, State and other Federal agencies, and members of the public.

6. Guidance 

A. General 

1) The regulations at 9 CFR 93.300 et. seq. govern the import of horses into the 

United States. All horses entering the United States must meet import 

requirements.

2) All horses must be accompanied by required documentation as outlined in 9 CFR 

93.300, an issued permit, published information on the APHIS Equine Import and 

Export website, and as otherwise noted in this guidance or as provided via notice 

by VS personnel. 

3) All horses imported into the United States must present healthy and fit to travel. 

VS requires each animal to be inspected on arrival and free of any evidence of 

communicable diseases.

4) All horses transported in the same conveyance arriving at a U.S. port of entry are 

considered one shipment for the purposes of quarantine, testing, and release.

5) Horses transported through a foreign transit country of lesser health status in

relation to the country of origin on the way to the United States assume the 
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 13424.1 

 

5

lesser health status and complete import requirements of the foreign transit 

country of lesser status on arrival to the United States, except:

Horses from countries of origin APHIS recognizes as not affected with contagious 

equine metritis (CEM) that are transported through a foreign transit country 

APHIS recognizes as affected with CEM may qualify for entry without completing 

the import requirements of the CEM-affected transit country upon arrival. Please 

contact VS as outlined in section 7 of this document for further information.

6) Import procedures for horses from Mexico entering the United States via a land 

border port can be found in VS Guidance 13405.2, Importation of Horses from 

Mexico Using APHIS-Approved Quarantine Facilities and Land Border Ports.

B. Import Quarantine Procedures 

1) Arrival of horses in quarantine

a. All horses arrive in the quarantine receiving area of the VS-approved import 

quarantine facility.

1. Horses destined for a quarantine facility on airport grounds are moved 

directly from the aircraft stall to the quarantine receiving area.

2. Horses destined for a quarantine facility off airport grounds are loaded on 

a conveyance for further transport. Once loaded, either all open entrances 

and exits of the conveyance are sealed by VS personnel and a VS Form 1-

27 (Permit for Movement of Restricted Animals) is issued, or VS personnel 

escort the conveyance to the quarantine facility.

If a VS Form 1-27 is issued, then it accompanies the shipment to the 

quarantine facility and is received by VS personnel at the quarantine 

facility. Receiving VS personnel verify the information and seal integrity on 

arrival and complete the form.

b. VS or authorized quarantine personnel wear personal protective equipment 

(PPE) clothing for each shipment such as coveralls, disinfectable footwear, 

and/or shoe covers when handling horses at arrival.

c. A VMO may perform a preliminary visual examination, for an overall health 

assessment, of each horse during arrival to the quarantine receiving area.

d. VS or authorized import quarantine personnel clean the horses’ hooves to 

ensure they are free of dirt, manure, and debris, and then disinfect with a 4

percent sodium carbonate solution or another APHIS-approved disinfectant 

before entry into a designated stall.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 13424.1 

 

6

e. After all horses walk through the quarantine receiving area, VS or authorized 

import quarantine personnel clean and disinfect the receiving area.

1. Handling and disposal requirements for organic material of foreign origin 

accompanying live horses can be found in the Notice Regarding Disposal 

of Foreign Origin Waste Accompanying Live Horses.

2. Once all organic waste material is removed, the entire stall is thoroughly 

disinfected in accordance with VS requirements using an approved 

disinfectant as per 9 CFR 71.10 and the APHIS Approved Disinfectant 

website.

f. Cleaning of the conveyance is done under VS supervision according to APHIS 

requirements in 9 CFR 71.7 and 9 CFR 93.302. Once the cleaning is complete, 

VS personnel disinfect or supervise the disinfection of the conveyance in 

accordance with VS requirements using an approved disinfectant as per 9 CFR 

71.10 and the APHIS Approved Disinfectant website.

2) Documentation review

a. A VMO reviews all documentation and informs the importer of record of any 

deficiencies within 24 hours of the shipment arrival. This timeframe may be 

extended for larger shipments.

b. Complete and original documentation issued by the official veterinary 

authority of the country of origin certifying the health status and attesting to 

the residency period for all 60 days prior to export must accompany each 

horse presenting for entry into the United States. Requirements may be found 

throughout 9 CFR 93.300 et. seq. and the APHIS Equine Import/Export 

Website.

1. If horses reside in multiple countries within the 60 days immediately 

preceding export to the United States, then importers must provide 

original health certificates from each country.

2. If horses reside in a foreign country for more than 36 hours while on the 

way to the United States, then importers must provide an original health 

certificate from the foreign country.

3. Documentation requirements for horses that have resided in multiple 

European Union (EU) Member States, or U.S. origin horses returning to 

the United States after residing in multiple EU Member States for no more 

than 60 days can be found on the VS Guidance and Other Documents 

Related to Importing Equines page of the APHIS Equine Import and Export 

website.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 13424.1 

 

7

c. When original, accompanying documentation contains minor deficiencies, 

such as grammatical or clerical errors, then VS accepts written 

clarifications addressing the deficiencies if received directly from the 

official veterinary authority of the issuing country using an official email 

address.

1. VS will not accept emails from importers of record, other unofficial 

external sources, or forwarded information.

2. The VMO must receive acceptable correspondence containing written 

clarifications prior to the release of each horse or shipment.

3. In the case of EU-origin or U.S.-origin return horses residing in multiple 

EU Member States during the 60 days prior to export, if an original, 

accompanying certificate is issued by an examining veterinarian, then 

the correspondence addressing minor deficiencies must be directly 

received from the same examining veterinarian using a valid email.

d. An amended, original health certificate is required for significant 

deficiencies (such as major errors or omissions, unsigned or missing health 

certificates, health certificates with numerous errors, etc.). Shipments 

arriving with accompanying health documentation containing significant 

deficiencies may be refused entry. The VMO must receive the amended, 

original health certificate prior to the release of each horse or shipment.

3) Import quarantine facility processing

a. Facility staff must fully process each horse within the first 24 hours of arrival.

b. A VMO completes a physical inspection and examines each horse for evidence 

of ectoparasites.

1. A VMO assesses each horse for its overall health. All abnormalities are 

noted on the stall chart, in the record, and are communicated to the 

importer of record.

2. A VMO physically examines the nostrils, integument, forelock, mane, neck, 

chest, back, legs, and tail (lift and physically examine), and inguinal/genital 

areas.

3. If the VMO finds ectoparasites, then he or she collects samples and 

submits them to APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in

Ames, IA for identification.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 13424.1 

 

8

4. For horses originating from or transiting countries APHIS recognizes as 

screwworm affected, all wounds are treated with 5 percent coumaphos 

(i.e., insecticide) powder on evaluation.

c. Each horse has a rectal temperature taken by VS personnel or under VS 

supervision.

1. The normal temperature range for weaned horses is 99.5-101.5 degrees 

Fahrenheit (F).

2. The normal temperature range for unweaned horses is 99.5-102.1 

degrees F.

d. A VMO, a VS animal health technician, or an accredited veterinarian under VS 

oversight collects a blood sample from each horse to test for diseases 

specified in 9 CFR 93.308. Guidelines for testing of horses during import 

quarantine may be found in VS Guidance 13407.2, Testing of Equidae During 

Import Quarantine.

1. VS personnel process and package the samples, fill out the appropriate 

laboratory paperwork, and send the samples to NVSL under seal.

2. Blood collection may be delayed for fractious horses, which may result in 

delayed release of the horse or the entire shipment.

3. A VMO disposes of all needles, syringes, and anything used in association 

with sample collection appropriately in the import quarantine facility.

e. VS or authorized import quarantine facility personnel under VS oversight treat 

all horses for ectoparasites using an APHIS-approved product.

1. Complete application of treatment is achieved when the coat is saturated, 

and treatment is applied to all areas of the skin.

2. A sponge or cloth may be used to apply ectoparasite treatment to the 

facial area.

f. Horses from or transiting countries APHIS recognizes as affected with footand-mouth disease (FMD) are treated with acetic acid. However, all horses 

may be treated with acetic acid. Treatment for ectoparasites and FMD will be 

conducted separately to ensure enough time elapses between each 

treatment. The first treatment applied must be completely dry prior to 

applying any additional treatments.

g. Horses from or transiting countries APHIS recognizes as screwworm-affected

must have two negative screwworm examinations before release. 
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 13424.1 

 

9

1. A VMO or an accredited veterinarian under VS oversight performs the 

initial screwworm examination within the first 24 hours of arrival and the 

second examination in the last 24 hours of the 7-day quarantine period.

2. Screwworm examinations include a full visual and physical inspection and 

treatment of any open wounds with a 5 percent coumaphos solution.

3. Horse genitalia is thoroughly inspected during the second required 

screwworm inspection prior to release. Sedation is required for stallions 

and geldings and may be necessary for mares.

h. Imported horses that are sick, injured on arrival, or require additional 

accommodations such as the removal of bandages or wraps, treatment of 

open wounds, or special medical treatments, may be assessed additional user 

fees as outlined in section 6.I. of this document due to the resources needed 

to support these animals while in quarantine.

4) Daily quarantine procedures

A VMO completes daily health checks on all horses in quarantine.

a. Health checks include visual inspections of the horse as well as an evaluation 

of feed, forage and water intake, and fecal production. VS personnel, or 

personnel under VS supervision, take a rectal temperature a minimum of 

twice daily at least 6 hours apart.

b. Shipments are inspected based on the length of time in quarantine and the 

health status of all horses in each shipment.

C. Shipments containing animals displaying clinical signs or with non-negative test 

results are examined, in that respective order, after examination of other 

shipments.Non-Negative Test Results 

1) VS personnel follow import testing and notification procedures provided in VS 

Guidance 13407.2.

2) Horses and cohorts that test non-negative for diseases of concern may undergo 

delayed release from the import quarantine facility. The definition of cohort may 

vary depending on the disease of concern.

3) If horses remain non-negative after all testing protocols are implemented, the 

horses will be refused entry into the United States. Horses refused entry must 

either be exported within 10 days of a refusal notification or humanely 

euthanized.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 13424.1 

 

10

D. Sick Horses in Quarantine 

1) All VS and authorized quarantine personnel directly or indirectly observe 

quarantined horses for abnormalities and signs of illness every time they handle 

the horse. Personnel record all findings on each horse’s stall chart, which 

becomes part of the horse’s permanent import record.

2) Horses with any noticed abnormalities, exhibiting any sign of illness, or with a 

temperature greater than 101.5 degrees F for weaned horses or 102.1 degrees F 

for unweaned horses, are reported to the VMO on duty immediately.

3) A VMO evaluates the animal as quickly as possible in the circumstances.

a. The VMO records physical examination findings.

b. If the VMO suspects a foreign animal disease (FAD), the VMO follows FAD 

investigation procedures.

c. The examining VMO contacts the importer of record to report initial 

inspection findings.

4) A VMO consults with the importer of record and recommends a course of action. 

Courses of action may include, but are not limited to:

a. Recommending continued VMO monitoring and reinspection. 

b. Requiring the importer of record to schedule an accredited veterinarian to 

evaluate, diagnose, and treat the horse.

1. The accredited veterinarian may recommend additional diagnostic testing 

per VS policy.

2. The importer of record is responsible for all associated fees charged by 

the accredited veterinarian.

c. Recommending referral of the horse to a VS-approved veterinary hospital as 

soon as possible.

5) A VMO records the course of action, a written summary of the conversation, and 

the importer of record’s decision in the horse’s import record.

6) Horses determined to have potentially contagious conditions are placed in 

immediate isolation from other horses in the shipment not exhibiting clinical signs 

of illness.

a. Designated cleaning equipment and personnel are assigned to tend to the 

horses in isolation.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 13424.1 

 

11

b. The stall chart is labeled with the horse’s condition and special instructions.

c. Designated personnel use a dedicated footbath and trash receptacle placed 

close to the isolation area.

d. Personnel working with isolated horses wear designated coveralls, shoe 

covers, and gloves over their quarantine clothing.

7) Following best practices, horses in the shipment not exhibiting clinical signs of 

illness are handled and cared for before any isolated horses. VS personnel or 

authorized quarantine personnel monitor isolated horses for signs of illness, and 

when identified, notify the VMO on duty immediately.

8) If the importer of record schedules an accredited veterinarian to evaluate, 

diagnose, or treat the horse:

a. The accredited veterinarian must coordinate with local VS personnel to 

arrange for access into and escort within the import quarantine facility.

b. The accredited veterinarian must follow all visitor entry and exit procedures 

outlined in VS Guidance 13412.2.

c. If necessary, the accredited veterinarian completes further diagnostic testing 

per VS policy.

d. The accredited veterinarian informs the importer of record of any findings and 

recommends a course of action. If the accredited veterinarian recommends 

referral to an approved hospital, the VMO follows referral guidance (see 

Section 6.D.9. of this document, immediately below).

e. If a referral is not recommended or approved, then the horse remains in 

isolation within the import quarantine facility and the accredited veterinarian 

provides any necessary treatment. In this case, a VMO only provides oral 

treatment purchased and provided by the importer of record to horses under 

the accredited veterinarian’s direction.

f. All treatments are recorded on the stall chart. The accredited veterinarian 

works with the VMO and importer of record to coordinate any follow up 

inspections, care, or treatments.

9) Referral to a VS-approved veterinary hospital

a. If the accredited veterinarian recommends referral to a VS-approved 

veterinary hospital and the importer of record approves referral, the VMO 

and accredited veterinarian consult with the approved veterinary hospital 
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 13424.1 

 

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personnel and relay the history and findings as well as review the quarantine 

procedures for the transfer and follow up treatment. 

b. VS notifies the SAHO in the State where the import quarantine facility is 

located of the movement.

c. At a pre-arranged time, the VMO meets the hauler and seals the horse into 

the conveyance. No entry or exit is allowed onto the conveyance while 

traveling to the approved veterinary hospital.

1. VS Form 1-27, a copy of the veterinary medical report, and a copy of the 

silhouette/outline and markings of the transported horse accompanies the 

transport and is provided to the authorized personnel receiving the horse. 

If authorized personnel are unavailable at the approved veterinary 

hospital, then the import quarantine facility must arrange for VS personnel 

to receive the horse.

2. The conveyance is cleaned under VS supervision according to APHIS 

requirements in 9 CFR 71.7 and 9 CFR 93.302. Once the cleaning is 

complete, VS personnel disinfect or supervise the disinfection of the 

conveyance in accordance with APHIS requirements using an approved 

disinfectant as per 9 CFR 71.10 and the APHIS Approved Disinfectant 

website.

d. VS personnel visit the hospital to confirm that appropriate biosecurity and 

isolation are practiced, verify there are no clinical signs of foreign animal 

disease, and obtain updates on the horse’s condition, including all treatments 

received and temperatures taken. Frequency of VS personnel visits are as 

follows:

1. Within 24 hours of the horse’s arrival.

2. Every other day for the first 7 days (at a minimum), or until the horse is 

eligible for release from import quarantine, whichever comes first.

3. If the horse remains under Federal restrictions after 7 days with a working 

diagnosis, the VMO and VIC of the port office servicing the quarantine 

facility assess the situation and may reduce VS oversight visits to one or 

two weekday visits per week while the horse remains ineligible for release 

from import quarantine.

4. User fees as outlined in section 6.I. of this document will be charged 

accordingly to the importer of record for all required visits.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 13424.1 

 

13

e. A VMO communicates with the hospital veterinarians daily for the first 7 days 

while the horse remains in the hospital. After the initial 7 days, the VMO 

communicates at least twice per week with the hospital veterinarians during 

the administrative work week while the horse remains in the hospital.

E. Feed, Hay, Pharmaceuticals, and Supplements/Nutraceuticals in Quarantine 

The importation of feed, pharmaceuticals, and supplements/nutraceuticals into the 

United States may be regulated by multiple Federal agencies, including APHIS and the 

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The importer must contact FDA at 

CVMimportrequests@fda.hhs.gov to learn about its import requirements.

Handling and disposal requirements for organic material of foreign origin 

accompanying live horses can be found on in the Notice Regarding Disposal of 

Foreign Origin Waste Accompanying Live Horses. 

1) Feed

a. Imported feed accompanying horses to quarantine may not contain 

ingredients of animal origin other than vitamins and/or minerals. Feed must 

arrive in sealed retail packaging and must comply with all applicable Federal, 

State, or local laws and regulations.

b. Feed in storage bags, in open bags or containers, or that contains medication, 

supplements, or powder will not be permitted for use in quarantine.

c. A written declaration from the importer of record for the imported feed 

accompanying the horse(s) must be provided before or on arrival, and must 

attest:

1. Feed name and origin.

2. The identification of the horse the feed is intended for and feeding 

instructions.

3. The feed was or will be shipped with the animals in sealed, retail 

packaging.

4. The feed does not contain ingredients of animal origin other than vitamins 

and minerals.

5. The importation of feed complies with all other applicable Federal, State, 

or local laws and regulations.

6. The feed cannot leave the import quarantine facility and will be disposed 

of as regulated waste.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 13424.1 

 

14

7. A copy of the feed label matching what will or has accompanied the 

horses is attached to the declaration.

d. Domestic or imported feed that has satisfied all import requirements of the 

responsible regulating agencies and does not accompany the horses may be 

directly transported, or mailed, to the import quarantine facility.

2) Hay

a. Unpelleted hay accompanying the horse(s) is not allowed in quarantine. Any 

unpelleted hay left in the conveyance or transport containers will be disposed 

of as regulated waste in an APHIS-approved manner.

b. Pelleted hay and straw that accompany horses are subject to the feed 

guidelines in Section E.1 above. Hay and straw must comply with all applicable 

Federal, State, or local laws and regulations.

Imported pelleted hay or straw without any animal origin materials (including 

vitamins and minerals), or unpelleted hay or straw from certain locations may 

be imported without a VS permit or certificate. Please see the VS Permitting 

Assistant for VS import requirements.

3) Pharmaceuticals (Drugs approved by the FDA or agencies of other countries)

a. Only pharmaceuticals deemed medically necessary which do not contain any 

substance that may prevent accurate assessment of the horse or horses 

during import quarantine, that arrive in sealed retail packaging, and that 

comply with all applicable Federal, State, or local laws and regulations are 

allowed for use in quarantine on approval from a VMO. Imported 

pharmaceuticals must meet VS import requirements. For more information 

about VS import requirements for pharmaceuticals, please contact VS Animal 

Product Imports at apie@usda.gov.

b. Prescription pharmaceuticals require a signed prescription, with an English 

translation if needed, from the prescribing veterinarian prior to 

administration. 

c. Non-prescription (over the counter, or OTC) pharmaceuticals must arrive with 

a written notification in English. The written notification must include the 

pharmaceutical’s name, medical need, and administration instructions.

d. Domestic or imported pharmaceuticals that satisfy all import requirements of 

the responsible regulating agencies and do not accompany the horse or 

horses may be directly transported, or mailed, to the quarantine facility.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 13424.1 

 

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4) Supplements/nutraceuticals (often labeled as food by the FDA, such as vitamins 

and minerals)

a. Only medically necessary supplements that arrive in sealed retail packaging 

and comply with all applicable Federal, State, or local laws and regulations are 

allowed for use in quarantine, on approval from a VMO. Please see the VS 

Permitting Assistant for VS import requirements.

b. Supplements accompanying the horses to the import quarantine facility may 

contain animal origin vitamins or minerals. All other animal origin materials 

are prohibited.

c. A written declaration from the importer of record for the supplements 

accompanying the horses must be provided either prior to or on arrival, and 

must attest:

1. The supplement name, type, and origin.

2. The identification of the horse the supplement is intended for, the medical 

need, and administration instructions.

3. The supplement does not contain any substance that may prevent 

accurate assessment of the horses during import quarantine.

4. The supplement was or will be shipped with the horses in sealed retail 

packaging.

5. The supplement does not contain ingredients of animal origin other than 

vitamins and minerals.

6. The importation complies with all other applicable Federal, State, or local 

laws and regulations.

7. The supplement cannot leave the import quarantine facility and will be 

disposed of as regulated waste.

8. A copy of the supplement label, matching the materials that will or has 

accompanied the horses is attached to the declaration.

d. Domestic or imported supplements that satisfy all import requirements of the 

responsible regulating agencies and do not accompany the horses may be 

directly transported, or mailed, to the import quarantine facility.

F. Fractious Horses in Quarantine 

1) VS personnel must be able to safely handle any horse presenting for entry into 

the United States to satisfy all import requirements.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 13424.1 

 

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2) VS personnel use humane handling techniques and equipment available to 

properly restrain horses and may use chemical restraints, provided by an 

accredited veterinarian, if necessary.

3) If VS personnel require sedation or other chemical restraint to handle the horse 

safely, the importer of record must contact and schedule the services of an

accredited veterinarian.

4) If horses are not able to be handled in a safe manner, any of the following may 

occur: Delayed release of the horse or entire shipment, additional user fees 

assessed as outlined in section 6.I. of this document, or refused entry.

G. Release of Horses from Quarantine 

1) To qualify for release, horses must have normal rectal temperatures; be 

accompanied by all required completed documentation; exhibit no clinical signs 

of foreign animal or communicable disease; satisfy required examinations, 

treatments, and length of quarantine; and test negative for all foreign animal 

diseases of concern.

Horses must have 3 normal rectal temperature readings during the 24 hours prior 

to release at least 6 hours apart. If an anti-pyretic is administered during import 

quarantine, a 24-hour washout period must occur after administration before the 

normal rectal temperatures are recorded and the horse qualifies for import 

quarantine release.

2) The port office servicing the quarantine facility must receive notification from 

NVSL with negative results for diseases specified in 9 CFR 93.308 prior to the 

release of a shipment.

3) Release from import quarantine may be delayed for any clinically ill horse with 

signs of communicable disease and may be delayed for any horses in contact with 

clinically ill horses while in import quarantine.

4) VS issues a VS Form 17-30, Report of Animals, Poultry, or Eggs Offered for 

Importation, for all horses released from import quarantine. Supplemental 

documentation may be attached as requested.

5) For horses required to undergo CEM quarantine after release from the import 

quarantine facility:

a. The conveyance is sealed by VS personnel after the hauler/owner loads the 

horses. 

1. Conveyances may be partially sealed if the hauler needs to transport other 

approved imported horses from the quarantine to final destinations in the 
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 13424.1 

 

17

same conveyance on the way to the CEM quarantine facility. The 

conveyance needs to contain the necessary equipment (disinfectable 

equipment, including chains and ropes), and provide sufficient separation 

between horses.

2. If partial sealing cannot be accomplished or the SAHO has informed the 

VMO that it is not allowed, the entire conveyance will be sealed.

b. Drivers are allowed one access door on the sealed conveyance. The door can 

remain unsealed if it is too small for horses to fit through. If it is not, and 

access is requested, a disinfectable chain may be used across the inside of the 

doorway so that a horse cannot exit (approximately chest height). Haulers 

must provide their own chains.

c. Horses are accompanied by VS Form 17-30 for release, VS Form 1-27, and the 

APHIS import permit which includes the State CEM quarantine facility 

approval information.

1. If sick horses were treated in quarantine with antibiotics, a VMO adds the 

type, route, and date of administration of all antibiotics given during 

import quarantine on the issued VS Form 17-30.

2. A VMO records the conveyance license plate information, or other 

permanently identifying information about the conveyance the horse will 

be physically sealed in, on VS Form 1-27. VS Form 1-27 is given to the 

hauler after all horses are loaded and the conveyance is sealed.

d. No more than 24 hours is allotted for transport from the import quarantine 

facility to the CEM quarantine facility.

6) Release from a referral (approved) veterinary hospital after import quarantine is 

complete

a. A VMO determines when the horse has met the requirements for import 

quarantine release set forth in section 6.G.

b. The VMO releasing the horses provides all documentation to the responsible 

party taking possession of the horse. This person may be the horse owner, the 

importer of record, or the approved referral hospital operator or employee (in 

the case of horses remaining in the hospital for treatment). equine-importnotice-quarantine-and-fees.pdf (usda.gov)

7) Procedures outlined in Section 6.G.5 above are followed for horses required to 

undergo CEM quarantine upon release from import quarantine.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 13424.1 

 

18

H. Cleaning and Disinfection After Release from Import Quarantine 

1) All quarantine areas are cleaned and disinfected according to APHIS requirements 

using an approved disinfectant as per 9 CFR 71.10 and the APHIS Approved 

Disinfectant website.

2) The responsibility for this cleaning and disinfection falls to VS personnel at Federal 

import quarantine facilities and authorized quarantine personnel at private 

import quarantine facilities. 

3) VS personnel may spot check private import quarantine facilities to verify the 

quarantine areas are appropriately cleaned and disinfected.

I. Assessment of User Fees 

1) The importer of record is responsible for all charges accrued during import 

quarantine and VS oversight.

• The importer of record is charged reimbursable overtime in addition to travel 

time accrued by VS personnel for work completed Monday through Friday outside 

business hours, or on Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays, pursuant to 9 CFR 97.1 and 

the VS Notice Regarding Equine Imports – Quarantine Length and Fees

2) Federal import quarantine facility

Reservation user fees are outlined in 9 CFR 130.2. Fees include the standard costs 

of housing, care, feed, and handling of horses while in import quarantine.

3) Private import quarantine facility

User fees for services at privately owned permanent and temporary import 

quarantine facilities are outlined in 9 CFR 130.5. Fees are calculated at the hourly 

user fee rate listed for each employee required to perform the service during 

working hours.

4) Southern border ports

Inspection user fees are outlined in 9 CFR 130.6.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 13424.1 

 

19

5) Additional services

Importers of record will be charged at the hourly user fee rate listed in 9 CFR 

130.30 for any horse requiring additional services or those requested of VS 

personnel in writing.

7. Inquiries 

Please contact VS Strategy and Policy, Live Animal Imports, at (301) 851-3300, option #2 

or send an email to VS.Live.Animal.Import.Export@usda.gov for any questions related to 

this document.

If necessary, contact the office for the relative port of entry as shown in the chart below.

New York Federal Quarantine, JFK Port: vspsnic@usda.gov and vspsjfk@usda.gov

Miami Port: notifymaic@usda.gov

Los Angeles Port: vspslax@usda.gov

Chicago Port: vsdesplaines@usda.gov

Southern Border Ports:

vs.santa.teresa.poe@usda.gov

vs.presidio.poe@usda.gov

vs.columbus.poe@usda.gov

vs.laredo.poe@usda.gov

vs.pharr.poe@usda.gov

vs.douglas.poe@usda.gov

vs.nogales.poe@usda.gov

vs.eagle.pass.poe@usda.gov

vs.del.rio.poe@usda.gov

Northern Border Ports:

vs.nbp@usda.gov

All other ports of entry:

collateral.port.offices@usda.gov