Effective Oct. 20, the U.S. Equestrian Federation will revise its current NWS inspection requirements. Instead of requiring inspection of all horses arriving from an infested state, inspections will be required for horses arriving from an infested zone with active cases.

Infested zones are the 20-kilometer areas surrounding infested premises, as designated by the state veterinarian and listed on the state veterinarian’s website. As of Oct. 14, NWS restrictions have been lifted from New Mexico, and the only active known cases are in Texas. The Texas Animal Health Commission provides a map showing infested zones here.

Whether a horse needs to be inspected on arrival to a show grounds depends on their address of origin. Competitors should review current state veterinarian information before travel and should contact competition management with any questions about arrival procedures for a specific event.

Individual competitions may choose to implement more restrictive protocols when deemed appropriate for their event. This may include continuing to inspect all horses arriving from an infested state, not just those coming from an infested zone. USEF will review and support requests made by competitions that submit a proposal for a more restrictive inspection protocol.

Members are responsible for reviewing event communications before arrival, including the prize list, event website, social media updates and email communications. These communications should explain the event’s NWS protocols and any inspection requirements that apply at the venue.

USEF will continue to monitor the NWS situation and coordinate with state and federal animal health officials. If the risk changes, USEF may make additional adjustments to its protocols accordingly.

Learn More:

-Read more about NWS on the USEF website.

-You can find contact information for your state veterinarian’s office here.

-Get the latest information on confirmed screwworm cases here.