KINGSTON, Jamaica - The importation of horses to Jamaica from the United States, Canada and Europe has been suspended until further notice by the Veterinary Services Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries with immediate effect.
Below is the communication from the Ministry announcing the suspension.
"As a result of media reports of recent outbreaks of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) (Neurotrophic strain) in parts of the United States, Canada and Europe, ALL imports of horses have been suspended with immediate effect.
It is to be noted that while there are vaccines available for the protection of horses against both respiratory disease and abortion as a result of EHV-1 infection, there is currently no known licensed equine vaccine that has label use claim for protection against the "neurologic disease", equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM).
The Veterinary Services Division (VSD), Jamaica is in touch with the authorities in the United States of America to seek clarification on the ongoing outbreaks and to advise the process moving forward.
All current veterinary import permits and bookings for importation and quarantine of horses are therefore cancelled until further notification is given. This includes all bookings on March 22, 2021 and March 25, 2021."
