Are there any laws that relate to importing horses into the United States?

Yes, there are laws that relate to importing horses into the United States. In New York State, all horses imported into the country must be accompanied by a valid health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian and approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Additionally, horses must meet the requirements for age, soundness, breed, or any other criteria imposed by the state or local veterinarian. The health certificate should specify that the horse has been evaluated for signs of infectious disease, and if any are found, the horse must be treated prior to entry. Furthermore, all horses being imported into the U.S. must be accompanied by a copy of a current Coggins Test. The Coggins Test is a blood test designed to detect the presence of the infectious equine disease, Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). Horses that test positive for EIA are prohibited from entering the U.S. and must be returned to their country of origin. In order to import a horse of any other country, the individual or organization responsible for the horse must obtain an import permit from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The permit will indicate the requirements for admission, such as health certificate, quarantine periods, and entry testing. Any horses arriving in the U.S. without the required health certificates, permits, and/or testing may be denied entry.

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