The USDA re-published a new and updated proposal on December 13, 2006 that would permit the establishment and operation of permanent, privately-owned quarantine facilities under certain conditions.

 

The horse industry is an international industry and increasingly more foreign horses are being brought into the U.S. for racing, showing, sale and breeding and often there are not enough quarantine spaces to accommodate them all.

 

There are presently three facilities through which horses may be brought into the U.S. permanently. The need for additional quarantine space has increased dramatically and more facilities are needed to handle the additional commerce. Once rules are adopted, private industry can step in under USDA requirements and fill that gap.

 

The American Horse Council and other equine groups have been calling for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to re-publish the rule proposal that was originally proposed over four years ago to respond to the need for more import facilities through privately-operated stations.

 

USDA has asked for public comment on the specifics of the proposed rule. To get a copy of the proposed rules, please contact Kerry Thompson at the American Horse Council.

 

Comments are due on or before February 12, 2007. The AHC will be submitting comments. Anyone may submit comments directly to USDA. There are several avenues you can use, including an online Federal eRulemaking Portal (http://www.regulations.gov), all of which can be found within the published proposal.