Mounted search and rescue

[Una Smith <una.smith@att.net>]

Horses in the southeastern US now can be issued an interstate
transport permit that is valid for up to six months.  This new
permit removes a significant logistics barrier for MSAR teams
that respond across state lines.

Below is a press release from the North Carolina Department of
Agriculture and Consumer Services
(http://www.ncagr.com/paffairs/release/2004/12-04equineevent.htm):

        Una


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 15, 2004 

Contact:
Dr. Fred Kirkland, director
Animal Health Programs - Livestock 
(919) 733-7601

Horse owners can apply for interstate health permit

RALEIGH - Horse owners who frequently travel out of state with
their animals for horse shows and festivals can take advantage
of a new agreement between Southern states that will eliminate
the need to obtain monthly animal health certificates.

The agreement between Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia,
Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina,
Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia will allow horse owners
to apply for an Equine Event Permit that will be good for up to
six months in any of the listed states. Some states had
reciprocal agreements in the past, but this is the first
agreement of its kind in South.

"I think equine owners will appreciate the savings this permit
will offer in both time and money," State Veterinarian Dr. David
Marshall said. "I don't think the extended length of the health
certificate will affect the health of our horses. Event managers
will still have the right to turn away any animal that is
visibly sick, and Veterinary Division personnel will continue to
make random health checks at events. The equine community is
very conscious of illnesses and takes the necessary precautions
to prevent the spread of diseases among animals."

To receive a permit, North Carolina horse owners must send proof
of a negative Coggins test and Certificate of Veterinary
Inspection along with an application and a $5 processing fee for
each animal to the N.C. State Veterinarian. Owners must also
submit proof of permanent identification, which includes tattoos,
brands, microchips or digital photos showing the left and right
sides, as well as a frontal view, of the horse. Digital photos
will not be accepted as a form of identification in Louisiana.

The issued permit will be good for six months, unless the Coggins
test expires beforehand. Owners will still be required to carry
the Coggins information and original health certificate with them
when they travel. Owners will also be required to travel with a
microchip reader if the equine is identified by microchip.

The application and more information about the permit can be
downloaded at the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Services' Veterinary Division Web site, www.ncagr.com/vet/ , or
by calling (919) 733-7601.