News Release from the Maryland Department of Agriculture
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:Sue duPont, 410-841-5889
Maryland Department of Agriculture Equine Fair and Show Policies
Announced
ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 12, 2009) - Exhibitors and organizers of horse
shows and other equine competitions in Maryland need to comply with
certain state animal health regulations (COMAR 15.11.12.01 forward) in
order to hold and attend equine events. The requirements are in place
to help ensure the health of animals at competitions and to prevent the
outbreak or spread of disease. This information clarifies details
posted on the Maryland Department of Agriculture's website at an earlier
date.
Requirements for Equine Show Exhibitors
*Coggins - Each exhibitor must have and present to show organizers a
current (within 12 months) and valid negative Coggins (equine infectious
anemia) certificate for each equine.
*Interstate CVI - Exhibitors originating from states bordering Maryland
(PA, DE, VA, WV, and to include New Jersey and the District of Columbia)
do not need an Interstate Health Certificate (CVI). All those coming
from other states must have an Interstate CVI signed by a veterinarian
prior to entering the state.
*Self-Certification of Equine Health Form - For 2009, a
Self-Certification of Equine Health Form is required for each equine
entering a fair/show-type event where multiple livestock species are
present. The form must be available for inspection if requested. Those
participating in equine-only shows and events are exempt from this
requirement; however, it is good practice to thoroughly double check the
health and skin condition of the animal before departing for the event.
The form provides an easy checklist to do this. It is available at
Animal Health Requirements for Admission to Maryland Fairs & Shows
Exhibitors may not bring an animal having apparent or known signs of a
contagious or infectious disease to a show.
Requirements for Equine Show Organizers
*Notice of Show - Horse show and event organizers must provide the
Maryland Department of Agriculture Animal Health Office with written
notice of the date, time and location of any exhibition at least 60 days
in advance of the event (50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401
or
animalhealth@mda.state.md.us). Exceptions are provided for events
sponsored, sanctioned or otherwise approved by an association or other
umbrella organization that holds multiple exhibitions in a calendar year
or for events funded by the Maryland Fair and Show Board and for
exhibitions (COMAR 15.11.14.05). If unsure of whether this applies to a
particular event, contact MDA at 410-841-5810 for clarification.
*Rejection of Animals - Show organizers must exclude from the exhibition
premises any animal having apparent or known signs of a contagious or
infectious disease.
*Coggins - Show organizers must ascertain and be able to show upon
request that all equine at the show have a current (within 12 months)
and valid negative Coggins test. Collecting a copy of the official
report is good practice.
*Interstate CVI - It is not necessary for show officials to collect
Interstate Health Certificates (CVI).
*Self-Certification of Equine Health Form - While it is not required for
show organizers to collect these forms, exhibitors at fair/show type
events where multiple species of livestock are present must complete
them and have them available for inspection. It may be good practice to
start collecting a copy along with the Coggins report.
All forms and requirements for participation in Maryland fairs and shows
for equine and livestock species are available on line at
Animal Health Requirements for Admission to Maryland Fairs & Shows.
