National Equine Health Plan

National Equine Health Plan: Introduction

The United States (U.S.) equine industry which includes any equids (horses, mules, donkeys, and hinnies) involves activities in all regions of the country and the world. Horses are unique within the livestock sector because of their broad diversity. The equine industry involves businesses, working animals, competition , recreation, entertainment, gaming, and environmental support, all built on sharing our lives with equines of all kinds.

Horses (the term used through out the NEHP) are transported with more frequency and over greater distances than other livestock. Every year there are tens of thousands of races, shows, competitions, and recreational events in the U.S. involving horses and other equids. Hundreds of thousands of horses are routinely transported locally and between cities, counties, states, and countries to these events. Horses travel from farm-to-farm for breeding and training, to sales, to veterinary clinics, to national and state parks for trail riding and locally for pleasure riding. During these movements horses commonly commingle with other non-resident horses of unknown health status. This increases the risk of spread of a contagious equine disease, which could have a devastating effect on the industry due to resulting movement restrictions and potentially decimate the national herd.

The National Equine Health Plan (NEHP) was completed in 2014 and updated in 2025 to protect and enhance the health and economic viability of the U.S. horse industry.

The overall goals of the NEHP are as follows:

1. Protect the health and welfare of horses, donkeys, mules, and hinnies in the US and North America;
2. Facilitate the continued interstate and international movement of horses and associated products with science-based requirements and standards;
3. Protect the business continuity and economic viability of the equine industry;
4. Establish the role and coordination of the industry, federal and state authorities, and tribal governments in equine disease prevention and control and during a disaster response.
5. Ensuring the availability of current diagnostic testing, inspection, and certification services; create and maintain a communication system which provides timely and rapid dispersal of accurate information about disease outbreaks;
6. Provide guidelines for control, identification, and containment of equine diseases;
7. Support and make available educational programs for horse owners and industry representatives on disease identification and prevention.

The NEHP is intended to function as a roadmap for coordinating owners and industry organizations with veterinarians and state and federal animal health officials to prevent, control, recognize and respond to diseases and disasters. Preparedness of all stakeholders, effective rapid communication, and education make up the foundation for preventing diseases and disease spread. Everyone needs to be aware of their roles and responsibilities when there is a risk of infectious disease spread or disasters, which can affect the health and welfare of equines as well as the economy of the equine industry.

The Animal Health Protection Act grants the Secretary of Agriculture, and in turn the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the authority to carry out operations and measures to detect, control, or eradicate any pest or disease of livestock. In regards to equine disease prevention and control, the Act authorizes APHIS to restrict the importation, entry, or further movement in the U.S., or order the destruction or removal equines to prevent disease spread. Historically, APHIS relies on states to promulgate rules and regulations to address domestic equine diseases or to regulate the interstate/intrastate movement of horses. As such, APHIS focuses primarily on regulating equine and equine products (semen & embryos) moving in international commerce the approval of Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), testing laboratories, the interstate movement of horses infected with certain contagious/communicable diseases, and supporting and coordinating state and federal responses to detections of foreign animal diseases (FAD) or impactful outbreaks of endemic diseases. Federal and state animal health officials have specific guidelines and regulations which define the role of these agencies for equine regulatory disease prevention and mitigation. By integrating the roles of the regulatory agencies with industry stakeholders, we can decrease the impact of infectious diseases on the industry.

Continual updating of the NEHP is required in order to respond to emerging diseases and changing conditions both in the United States and internationally. This document will be reviewed and updated regularly to keep it current with changes in regulations or diseases.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1: Prevention, Control & Response to Disease or other Threats

1. Foreign Animal Disease
2. Import Quarantine Facilities and Procedures
3. Emerging Diseases
4. Reportable Diseases
5. Zoonotic Disease
6. Disaster/Emergencies
7. Toxicity/Bioterrorism Emergency
8. Business Continuity

Chapter 2: Disease and Health Monitoring and Surveillance

1. Census
2. Baseline Health & Husbandry Practices
3. Health Surveillance
4. Re-emerging Threats
5. Endemic Disease

Chapter 3: Communication, Education & Outreach

1. Communication
2. Education & Outreach

Chapter 4: Research

1. Identify Research Priorities
2. Research Funding Sources
3. Research reporting

Chapter 5: Diagnostics

1. Methods of Diagnosis
2. Laboratory Diagnosis
3. Laboratory Reporting

Chapter 6: Biosecurity

1. Biosecurity for Prevention
2. Quarantine and Isolation
3. Event Planning

Chapter 7: Drugs/Vaccines/Biologics

1. FDA-CVM (drugs)
2. USDA-CVB (vaccines, bacterins, antisera, diagnostic kits, other)
3. Vaccination

Chapter 1: Prevention, Control & Response to Disease or other Threat

Objective: To outline safeguards in place to prevent the introduction of equine disease into the U.S., how disease or disasters would be managed if they occurred, and to clearly explain the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved.

The primary goal of the National Equine Health Plan (NEHP) is to coordinate horse owners and industry organizations with veterinarians and state and federal animal health officials to prevent, control and respond to diseases and environmental disasters. Organization preparedness, effective rapid communication, and owner education make up the foundation for preventing diseases and disease spread. All stakeholders need to be aware of the roles and responsibilities for each segment of the horse industry when there is a risk of infectious disease spread, which can affect the health and welfare of horses and the industry’s economy.    

1. Foreign Animal Diseases: Foreign animal diseases (FADs) pose a constant threat to the U.S. equine population. Prevention of the introduction of disease relies on restrictions on the import of live equines and products as well as ongoing surveillance of the U.S. equine population by equine practitioners trained to recognize FADs s and the vigilance of equine owners.
   1. Import Regulations: APHIS has specific guidelines and regulations that govern how horses and horse-related products can be brought into the U.S. The goal of import regulation is to ensure safe international movement of horses for trade and industry activities like competitions. APHIS regulations cover import permitting requirements, specific sites for entry, immediate quarantine and monitoring of imported horses, maintenance of quarantine facilities, oversight of transport during importation, quarantine procedures and release, requirements for health attestations on accompanying documentation, and monitoring and testing for specific FADs. The requirement for import quarantine, length of quarantine, and specific equine health certification statements vary depending on the FADs present in the country of origin. APHIS may issue temporary rules and restrictions on equine imports in response to disease outbreaks in origin countries.
2. Import Quarantine Facilities and Procedures: Upon arrival, horses requiring quarantine are held in USDA-APHIS import quarantine facilities or APHIS-approved private animal quarantine facilities. During the quarantine period, APHIS examines, monitors, and tests the horses to confirm that they are free of regulated FADs and do not spread a foreign disease to the U.S. horse population after release. Specific quarantine procedures include daily monitoring for signs of disease, such as taking body temperatures, as well as testing for specific FADs and husbandry during the quarantine period. Diagnostic testing for FADs must be completed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL).
   1. Regulatory response to a Suspected Foreign Animal Disease: USDA-APHIS-VS oversees national disease surveillance and investigations and provides specialized foreign animal disease training courses for state and federal veterinarians to become foreign animal disease diagnosticians (FADD). These FADDs are located throughout the country and available 24 hours a day. If a foreign animal disease is identified in the United States, the state and federal regulatory health officials will quarantine affected animals; restrict movement; identify exposed animals and potentially exposed animals; and implement appropriate control and eradication measures. Communications will be managed and coordinated by USDA-APHIS as dictated in the FAD PreP Manual, State Animal Health Officials (SAHO offices, the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP).
   2. Veterinarian and Horse Owner Response to a Suspected Foreign Disease: Accredited Veterinarians suspecting a FAD in the U.S. must contact their State Veterinarian and Area Veterinarian in Charge. Furthermore, licensed veterinarians must contact their state animal health official if they suspect or confirm any diseases on the list of reportable veterinary diseases in their state, most of which include foreign animal diseases. Horses should be isolated until evaluation and diagnosis of the disease can be determined. Horse owners and others involved need to tell their veterinarian about any possible infectious diseases so they can do the right tests to find out if it's a FAD. Horse owners and other stakeholders have the responsibility to inform their veterinarian about any potentially infectious disease in order to have appropriate testing to identify a FAD. Failure to report a potential FAD not only places the entire United States equine industry at risk but can result in significant financial penalties. Communications will be managed and coordinated by USDAAPHIS as dictated in the FAD PreP Manual, State Animal Health Officials (SAHO offices, the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP).
3. Emerging diseases: An emergent disease is new in a country or region and is one which demonstrates an increased prevalence, an expansion in geographic range or a change in clinical manifestation. These diseases require surveillance and recognition by equine owners and veterinarians. Requirements for reporting by veterinarians of unusual observations and vigilance among horse owners and industry stakeholders will support detection of emerging diseases among the equine population. Prompt reporting of an emergent disease to the SAHOS, USDA-APHIS and the EDCC will ensure monitoring, testing, and control measures (such as limiting movement or quarantine) are quickly put in place if necessary. Educational resources are published on the EDCC website and alerts released as needed.
4. Reportable Diseases: Reportable diseases are those deemed by the state or nation as having the potential to cause significant impact to the animal industry; some of these are foreign animal diseases but some are endemic to the U.S. The national list of equine reportable diseases can be found at National List of Reportable Animal Diseases (usda.gov) and each state also has its own list of reportable diseases. Owners and veterinarians should be familiar with both the national list and the list in their state. If a reportable disease is suspected, veterinarians are obligated to report the suspicion to the local animal health official. Non-reportable infectious diseases are reported to the EDCC by veterinarians based on a confirmed diagnosis or positive laboratory tests.
5. Zoonotic Diseases: Zoonotic diseases (those that affect both humans and equines) include, among others, Rabies, WEE, EEE, VEE Leptospirosis, WNV encephalitis, Salmonellosis, Anthrax, Clostridiosis (Clostridial Enteritis), and Ringworm. The risk of contracting diseases from horses is relatively low and is described on the EDCC disease information page. Disease transmission from humans to horses is also rare. The reporting of diseases in horses such as West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis can alert medical officials of the increased risk to humans in the area. Information on local zoonotic disease issues is available from the county or state public health officials. The CDC is alerted when there is an increased risk of human infection.
6. Disasters/Emergencies: Horse owners should work with their veterinarian to develop disaster emergency plans for their animals. Consideration should be given to temporary stabling such as fairgrounds or vacant farms. Emergencies are predominantly managed by town, county and state officials depending on severity.
7. Toxicity/Bioterrorism Emergency: A national emergency due to exposure to toxins or bioterrorism is managed by Homeland Security. The most common cause of toxicity in horses is accidental contamination of feed. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates livestock feed to ensure feed does not contain contaminants. Veterinarians will be the first to recognize a disease due to exposure to toxins and will contact their state animal health official (SAHO), who will be able to assist in coordinating the investigation and in communications.
8. Business Continuity: During an animal disease outbreak, the goal is to keep businesses running while preventing the spread of disease. This is done by following biosecurity measures and allowing equines that haven’t been exposed to the disease to move under controlled conditions. Occurrence of non-reportable diseases typically doesn’t result in action by SAHOs such as quarantines or movement restrictions, but veterinarians are encouraged to report diseases to the EDCC, which allows local communities to implement biosecurity measures. For reportable diseases Communication is key to maintaining horse activity where there is no disease risk. Early communication of the outbreak status is completed by the EDCC, and by state and federal veterinary offices. Knowing about current disease outbreaks helps horse owners and veterinarians make educated decisions about whether it's safe to move horses or take part in events. Event organizers use information from the EDCC about disease outbreaks to figure out the risk and put safety measures in place to prevent canceling the event. For more severe disease outbreaks, USDA-APHIS helps coordinate emergency management in collaboration with states through the National Preparedness and Incident Coordination Center (NPIC).

Chapter 2: Disease and Health Surveillance and Monitoring

Objective: To describe surveillance, monitoring, and reporting of equine infectious diseases and general horse health in the U.S.

Surveillance and monitoring of diseases in horses in the U.S. supports quick identification of infectious disease outbreaks and tracking of their spread, as well as important information about the overall health of the population. Surveillance helps rapidly detect foreign diseases and emerging issues and provides actionable information for endemic diseases. APHIS uses surveillance information to inform the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) and trading partners of the status of reportable equine diseases. Surveillance data also supports science-based regulations for importation and exportation of horses and equine products, facilitates planning of national control and/or eradication programs and strategies for particular diseases, and provides epidemiological data for research and management purposes. The goals of an equine infectious disease surveillance and monitoring system are to minimize the impact of disease on the health and welfare of equines as well as mitigate disruptions in commerce. A comprehensive program, including systems to capture baseline information about the equine population and its husbandry and health information, allows stakeholders to quickly identify diseases and increases in disease cases as well as gaps in awareness and education.

1. Census: An accurate census of the national equine population is essential for locating potentially exposed horses and assessing the risk of disease spread. A United States equine census is conducted every 5-10 years on USDA registered farms through the National Animal Statistics Service (NASS). Further, the American Horse Council (AHC) publishes an estimate of the national equine population every 5 years via the Economic Impact Study (EIS). The AHC EIS includes an estimate of the total population as well as the numbers of horses in each breed, the cost of horse ownership, the economic impact of transportation, agriculture, jobs and veterinary care as well as horse population in each state.
2. Baseline Health and Husbandry Practices: The National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) survey occurs approximately 10 years and provides important information about management practices used on U.S. equine operations and the industry’s most pressing health issues. The survey assesses husbandry and veterinary care practices and associated costs, as well as owner reported equine disease prevalence. The survey results identify areas for improved horse husbandry, highlight the economic impact of equine diseases and identify knowledge gaps for further research.
3. Health Surveillance: The collection of equine health surveillance data in the U.S. most commonly occurs through passive methods. Some of these data originates from animals evaluated diagnostically because they are ill or suspected of harboring a specific infection. In these cases, attending veterinarians submit samples to diagnostic laboratories to establish a diagnosis to guide treatment or in some cases to rule out a reportable disease. Alternatively, attending veterinarians may submit samples for testing because results are required by a breed association, a competitive event or sale, or for interstate or international movement. In contrast to passive surveillance, active surveillance denotes a process of evaluating animals for evidence of past or present exposure to a particular infectious agent based on a formal sampling protocol, which requires outreach activities by animal health regulators to stimulate reporting. Operationally, active surveillance targets specific diseases and is most useful in estimating prevalence, documenting suspected outbreaks, or validating passive reporting. This type of surveillance is usually only done in the case of an outbreak when evaluating exposed animals or demonstrating freedom from disease after an outbreak. An array of State, university, federal, and private commercial laboratories perform diagnostic testing for equine diseases. Availability of data varies according to the level of reportability of disease and the laboratories performing testing. APHIS monitors diseases reportable to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) through the National Animal Health Reporting System (NAHRS). The NAHRS reportable list includes all WOAH-reportable diseases and other diseases of interest. Under NAHRS, participating SAHOs report monthly on the occurrence of confirmed NAHRS-reportable diseases and other diseases of interest occurring in U.S. livestock, including equines. NAHRS is an important component of comprehensive and integrated surveillance in the U.S. Not all diseases are uniformly reported. For example, the availability of data for equine infectious anemia cases is relatively comprehensive because of uniform state requirements for testing, its inclusion on the NAHRS list as a notifiable disease, and the requirement that EIA testing is only performed in APHIS approved laboratories with strict reporting requirements. In contrast, reporting of strangles in equines is not as comprehensive because testing is performed in diverse laboratories and it is not a WOAH reportable disease and is not included on many state reportable lists.
   1. WOAH’s list of /Foreign Animal Diseases (FADs) are a constant threat to equines in the U.S. FADs must be recognized in the population as quickly as possible so it can be contained and eliminated, or at the very least, mitigated. Rapid recognition of an FAD is supported by reporting of unusual disease signs by veterinarians and education and outreach to horse owners to promote vigilance. After identification of an FAD, SAHOs will initiate quarantines with isolation and testing with the support and cooperation of federal animal health officials. Nationally, industry stakeholders will be informed of the quarantine by communications from state and federal animal health officials and the EDCC. Frameworks for management of various FADs are available at the USDA website.
4. Re-emerging Threats: The same reporting requirements for FADs can also potentially reveal unexpected disease manifestations from diseases already present in the U.S. This could be caused by increasing ability of the infectious agent to cause disease (increasing pathogenicity), changes in climate or location, or increasing susceptibility to disease in the population for various reasons (decreased vaccination rates, changes in age patterns or exposures). SAHOs notify the National Animal Health Reporting System (NAHRS) of reportable diseases, making this information available for monitoring. Veterinarians and SAHOs also inform the EDCC of these diseases, increasing awareness.
5. Endemic Disease: Diseases commonly found in the US are called “endemic” diseases. SAHOS designate some of these endemic diseases as reportable, while some are not reportable and therefore their prevalence is not as well monitored. SAHOs notify the National Animal Health Reporting System (NAHRS) of these types of reportable diseases, providing some information about their prevalence in the U.S. Other stakeholders such as attending veterinarians can report these diseases to the EDCC. The EDCC reports increases in endemic reportable and non-reportable disease locally and regionally so veterinarians and owners are aware and can initiate methods for prevention.

Chapter 3: Communication, Education & Outreach

Objective: To provide real-time, reliable information about disease outbreaks; decrease misinformation during disease outbreaks; be a source of accurate information about diseases, vaccination, and biosecurity; and provide contact information and available responses for state and federal animal health officials.

Coordination of responses to disease threats and outbreaks between USDA-APHIS-VS, SAHOs, practicing veterinarians, and horse organizations requires reliable and accurate sharing of information to enact the roles and responsibilities of each group. Readily available and updated educational material and disease management procedures are essential to keep everyone informed.

1. Communication: The EDCC serves as the communication hub getting information regarding disease outbreaks to all segments of the horse industry. At the same time, it serves as an educational resource with up-to-date medical information and essential contact information needed during a disease outbreak. The EDCC is an alert system which collects, corroborates, and distributes disease outbreak information in real time in order to accurately describe a situation and to help avoid rumors that can create unnecessary canceling of events and activities. Information shared includes date, disease, location by county and state, number of horses affected, breed affected, the status of the outbreak, and the source of the information. The status of outbreaks includes confirming quarantines, quarantine release dates, and ongoing investigations. Outbreak information for reportable diseases in each state is confirmed by USDA-APHIS-VS or a SAHO or an attending veterinarian for non-reportable diseases. Alerts are posted on the EDCC Website and the link is sent to owners and horse organizations by email and Facebook. Information about specific diseases and biosecurity as well as contact information for state and federal health officials is available on the EDCC website. A mobile phone app is available with the same information available on the website.
2. Education & Outreach: Education for everyone in the equine industry is necessary for the NEHP to be successful. Each segment of the industry must understand the roles and responsibilities of each group in order to respond to a disease outbreak. Educational material on the EDCC website includes disease information, biosecurity materials and methods, vaccinations, and a glossary of terms. Each equine stakeholder organization, including USDA-APHIS-VS, state veterinary and extension offices, also provide educational materials on respective websites. Horse and breed or discipline organizations and horse councils provide health or biosecurity related educational materials on respective websites, social media accounts or via presentations at meetings. All are encouraged to view or link to information on the EDCC to ensure consistent messaging is reaching the various entities of the equine industry.

Chapter 4: Research

Objective: To illustrate the need for research; identify research priorities; coordinate research resources; identify possible sources of funding; promote regulatory recognition and adoption of new research results and diagnostic tests.

The NEHP’s ultimate mission is to coordinate, facilitate, and support surveillance and research activities in an effort to prevent the outbreak of equine diseases. Furthermore, the NEHP’s goal is to minimize the economic impact of a disease outbreak on the U.S. equine population and owners. Research into equine infectious diseases, vaccination, advanced diagnostic testing, and treatment is needed to meet these goals.

1. Identify Research Priorities: Holding industry level meetings and forums to identify and prioritize infectious diseases and disease-related problems ensures needs of the industry are met through prioritized research activities. Surveys by AAEP, and NAHMS seek input on priority for equine health issues including infectious diseases. Survey results are shared with USDA-APHIS-VS, USAHA-Equine Committee, the AAEP’s Infectious Disease Committee, industry-related research entities and research foundations.
2. Research Funding Sources: Research funding for horses is predominantly provided by private foundations, allied medical stakeholders, universities, a state’s equine specific funds or the USDA.  
   1. The following are potential sources for research funding: 
      • Universities
      • Private Research Foundations
      • Breed and Disciplines
      • U.S. Department of Agriculture
      • National Institute of Health
      • Industry Organizations and corporations
      • National Science Foundation
   2. Although the entities within the USDA have funding sources for horses, this is not specific for infectious disease. Owners and the allied industry are encouraged to make contributions to research foundations and universities to increase available funding designated for equine health research. Stakeholder meetings are sponsored by the AAEP, allied medical stakeholders and horse organizations to help organize collaboration between researchers and for efficient use of resources.
3. Research Reporting: Research findings are reported in scientific journals and subsequently published in the public newspapers, websites, and magazines. Results are also presented at scientific veterinary and animal science meetings as well as to horse owner organizations. Reports from new research are distributed by the EDCC, the AAEP, and the American Horse Council (AHC).

Chapter 5: Diagnostics

Objective: To have a consistent and systematic approach to disease diagnosis and reporting. Accurate and rapid diagnostic tests are sought through research.

Due to the nature of infectious diseases, rapid diagnosis of a disease is essential to limiting disease spread and providing time to initiate treatment. Some diseases require diagnosis by approved laboratories to ensure that testing meets specific standards. Some reportable diseases require confirmation of a diagnosis at (NVSL) The following factors and procedures are essential to diagnose an infectious disease:

1. Methods of Diagnosis: Veterinarians use clinical signs to make a presumptive or tentative diagnosis. Because diseases, specifically infectious diseases, can have similar clinical signs, laboratory tests are necessary to confirm a diagnosis. Although some diagnostic tests can be completed when examining the horse, most diagnostic testing requires submission of a sample to a laboratory for confirmation.
   1. An array of state, university, federal, and private commercial laboratories perform diagnostic testing for equine diseases. The National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) is part of APHIS-VS and serves as the national veterinary reference laboratory, providing other diagnostic laboratories with animal disease information, technical guidance, and support. NVSL provides a wide range of information and services centered on the diagnosis of domestic and foreign animal diseases, support of disease control and eradication programs, reagents for diagnostic testing, training, and laboratory certification and proficiency testing. NVSL also works closely with the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) to provide consultation, reagents, and training and serves as a reference laboratory for several diseases. The National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) is part of a nationwide strategy that enhances early national detection of, response to, and recovery from animal health emergencies. It is a partnership of over 60 federal, state, and university-associated animal health laboratories distributed throughout the U.S. capable of testing large numbers of samples for specific disease agents. Testing for foreign animal diseases and some other high impact endemic diseases is limited to NVSL or specific APHIS-approved laboratories. Other testing, for example for endemic diseases such as influenza or strangles, can be performed at any laboratory selected by the attending veterinarian.
2. Laboratory Diagnosis: Laboratory diagnosis utilizes specimens such as blood, different secretions or excretions, and tissue samples to complete a variety of tests which indicate exposure to or the identity of an infectious disease. Various technologies are utilized for infectious diseases, such as bacterial or viral culture, serologic antibody tests or polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The sample must be collected and handled appropriately to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Laboratory tests can take a variable amount of time depending on the procedure and technology involved, states may require certain reportable disease tests be conducted at a designated state-approved laboratory which has implemented a quality control program that ensures accuracy and reliability of diagnostic testing. Laboratory testing for specific diseases that are reportable to USDAAPHIS must be performed or confirmed at NVSL.
3. Laboratory Reporting: Laboratory results are sent to veterinarians or, in the case of reportable diseases, to SAHOs. Reportable disease information is released to owners by SAHOs (reportable diseases vary between states). The accuracy of laboratory tests is variable for some diseases and results are interpreted by the attending veterinarian or SAHO.

Chapter 6: Biosecurity

Objective: To prevent disease or disease spread by using biosecurity as a part of normal husbandry; when planning for a disease outbreak during horse activities; for transport; and during disease outbreaks.

Biosecurity, or protocols aimed at preventing the introduction and/or spread of disease, is crucial in limiting an outbreak and is critical to prevent exposure healthy animals and people to diseased horses. Specific guidelines must be followed for sanitation, quarantine, and isolation.

1. Biosecurity for Prevention: When evaluating disease risk, it's important to think about how the disease can spread, such as through direct contact with others, through the air, or by touching contaminated surfaces in the environment. Biosecurity measures target these methods of potential disease spread. Ideally, to limit the potential spread of disease, all horses should be maintained in a clean environment with limited horse-to-horse contact or limited horse-to-human contact. Basic biosecurity practices are available on the EDCC biosecurity webpage.
2. Quarantine and Isolation: Immediate isolation of sick horses is critical to limiting the spread of infectious diseases. At equine events where horses from different places come into contact it's important to have an isolation plan in place for dealing with any sick horses. Guidelines for how to set up an isolation area on a farm or at an event are available on the EDCC Website. Creating a quarantine/isolated area for affected and exposed animals is critical to preventing disease spread. SAHOs and attending veterinarians provide instruction in setting up quarantine and isolation and will enact quarantine and isolation for reportable diseases.
3. Event Planning: Equine events and activities, including horseshows, racing, rodeos, sales, etc., when horses are transported to new environments or have contact with new horses, should have a biosecurity plan in place. This includes ensuring only healthy horses enter the event grounds, appropriate cleaning and disinfection protocols are being followed, and quarantine and isolation measures are outlined in advance of the event. Plans for each type of activity are available on the EDCC website.

Chapter 7: Drugs/Vaccines/Biologics

Objective: To give all stakeholders the tools they need to better use medications and vaccines to treat and prevent infectious diseases.

Use of drugs and biologics such as vaccines are critical to treatment and prevention of disease. Vaccination is a critical component of a disease prevention plan and may or may not be indicated in the face of a disease outbreak. Development of drugs and vaccines and their recommended use is regulated by FDA and USDA respectively.

1. FDA-CVM (drugs): The Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine (FDA-CVM) oversees the use and development of drugs used for all animal species, including horses. Drug approval, recommended use, and investigating adverse drug reactions are the responsibility of FDA-CVM. Prescribing non-approved drugs for horses is termed “off-label use” and is the responsibility of the attending veterinarian.
2. USDA-CVB (vaccines, bacterins, antisera, diagnostic kits, other): The USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics (USDA-CVB) is responsible for issuing licenses or permits for veterinary biolotics to ensure the products are pure, safe, potent, and effective for use in treatment of animals. Product summaries for such licensed or permitted products are accessible for review on productdata.aphis.usda.gov.
3. Vaccination: Vaccination for diseases is a critical component for disease prevention. Owners and veterinarians should follow the label of USDA-CVB licensed or permitted biologic products. Specific information and guidelines for vaccination are available on the AAEP webpage.