Import Horse Spain USA

To import a horse from Spain to the USA involves export procedures and paperwork in Spain, followed by import procedures and paperwork in America. When these are correctly handled, the process runs smoothly.

Phases of Importing a Spanish Horse from Spain

PRE PURCHASE VETERINARY CHECK.

When purchasing a PRE, a Pre Purchase Veterinary examination is advised for peace of mind, and is usually required for insurance purposes. What is a 5 point vet check

NB: This vet check is separate from the State Veterinary requirements. A horse travelling out of Spain has a State regulated export check up just before he leaves.

In this, the Green Health Card and passport are checked, as is the microchip, to ascertain that it is the horse in question. However, this is not a veterinary check up for health or soundness.

HEALTH

All horses imported from Europe to the USA must meet certain US Health Dept requirements on entry. Some of these tests require a time in quarantine, both before leaving and on landing.

The transport companies that operate internationally are set up to undertake the complete process of door to door transport, including the times in quarantine and the required tests.

A full list of requirements can be obtained from a transport company or from the USDA

Tests prior to leaving include

• Piroplasmosis - all horses. What is piroplasmosis
• CEM - contagious equine metritis - all horses over 730 days of age except geldings. Tests performed regardless of whether the horse is intended for breeding or not.
  USDA Importation of Horses from CEM-Affected Countries

It is also required that Equine flu vaccinations be up to date.

TRANSPORT

• By road to one of the appointed export ports of Europe - e.g. Amsterdam, Luxembourg.
• by accompanied flight to an appointed import port in the USA - LA, New York or Miami.

PRE REGISTRATION PAPERS

In addition, it is advisable to check that horses have their PRE Carta de Titularidad, Passport, Stud Book Inscription, and Revision fully in order.

NB: The above is provided as a general guideline, and must not take the place of advice obtained from professionals and authorities in the relevant fields.

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