FAQ: CEM Import Regulations

All stallions and mares over 731 days of age or pregnant mares less than 731 days of age that have been in any of the following regions within the past 12 months immediately preceding their entry into the United States are subject to the CEM quarantine and test protocol: Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Guinea-Bissau, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Member States of the European Union, The Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, The United Kingdom, and the unrecognized areas of the former Yugoslavia (Montenegro and Serbia). There may be some exceptions to this rule, but that decision must be made by the USDA on an individual case by case basis.

Typically, an individual who wishes to import a horse from one of the above mentioned countries will be working through a shipping agent in the country of origin. The services of an import agent should also be secured here in the United States (US). CEM culturing and other very important tests may be required within 30 days prior to departure for the US. This should be handled by the agent in the country of origin. The importing agent in the US will handle the paper work and necessary shipping arrangements here. The animal(s) typically arrive at Kennedy Int'l Airport, New York City, when their destination is Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the US, and are held under import quarantine at the New York Animal Import Center, for a minimum of 48 hours for further testing. Upon release from the Animal Import Center, and provided the appropriate permits have been obtained allowing the animal to enter Virginia, the horse(s) will be transported via sealed transport to the CEM Quarantine Facility. The arrival of the horse(s) must be coordinated with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) Office (Harrisonburg, VA: 540-209-9120; Richmond VA: 804-786-2483), since the seals on the trailer (truck) must be broken by state or federal personnel only. The animal(s) will immediately be placed in quarantine on the pre-approved CEM Quarantine Facility where culturing will begin on the appropriate day.

Anyone interested in importing a mare or stallion over 731 days of age shall request a permit in advance from the USDA/APHIS/VS office at the New York Animal Import Center, 200 Drury Lane, Rock Tavern, NY 12575. Telephone 845-564-2950. This task is usually handled by the international transporting agent that you contract with to make all arrangements for you in advance of your horse's travel.

In addition, prior to entry into Virginia, a permit shall be obtained from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS; 804-786-2483) which will allow the horse to be imported into Virginia for quarantine and CEM testing. Once again, this is normally handled by your international transport agent or import agent.

If you are contemplating importing a stallion or mare over 731 days of age, it is essential that you arrange with a CEM quarantine facility as far in advance as possible to avoid delays. Dr. Ley is pre-approved as an official CEM Quarantine Facility by USDA and VDACS.