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| -Signs, Portents, and the Weather- |
| Vet believes horses are given more protection from infectious diseases than humans |
| 2014-10-29 |
| To The Editor: If I wish to import a horse into the United States from Liberia or any African country other than Morocco, the horse needs to undergo a 60 day quarantine period at a USDA approved quarantine facility prior to mingling with the general population of horses in this country. Africa has a disease called African Horse Sickness that does not exist in the US; this is the way we have kept it out of this country. African Horse Sickness does not cause disease in people, only horses; our government has determined that it would be devastating to the US horse industry if it were to come here. The United States (and virtually all other countries) require a myriad of tests and often quarantine prior to bringing in a foreign animal. I can’t legally cross state lines in the United States with a horse or cow without a health certificate signed by a USDA accredited veterinarian stating that the animal has been inspected and found free of infectious disease. In most cases blood tests are also required. In fact I can’t legally cross the Snake River and ride my horse in Washington without a health certificate and a negative blood test for Equine Infectious Anemia. I’m not complaining; the United States of America, the States of Idaho and Washington, as well as the other 48 states take the health of our livestock very seriously, and we have a very good record at keeping foreign animal diseases out of our country. I am happy to do my part to maintain biosecurity in our animal population. If I am a resident of Liberia incubating Ebola, to enter the United States all I need to do is present a valid visa, and lie when asked if I have been exposed to Ebola. Within hours (no quarantine required) I can be walking the streets of any city in the United States. I feel very fortunate to live in a country that values our animals so highly. David A. Rustebakke, DVM |
| Posted by:Besoeker |
| #6 My dogs get better medical care than my wife, daughter, and I. Our daughter signed up for ObabbleCare and she is wondering whether she is tossing her hard-earned money done a hole. She doesn't know whether she is actually getting anything. She is having a hell of a time finding a doctor who will accept ObamaScare. |
| Posted by: JohnQC 2014-10-29 16:04 |
| #5 Heck if you bring a Cockatiel from Mexico to the U.S. the bird will have a 30-day quarantine. Shows you how much the Government values human life. |
| Posted by: CrazyFool 2014-10-29 12:44 |
| #4 I did' stop all humans without a negative coggins test right at Suwannee, St. Mary's |
| Posted by: Shipman 2014-10-29 10:43 |
| #3 Because horses are more valuable. |
| Posted by: g(r)omgoru 2014-10-29 04:38 |
| #2 I remember moving schools as a wee child, and the all important birth certificate and immunization records. Now neither are required I guess...I have a pair of good horses. I'm glad they are protected. |
| Posted by: Skidmark 2014-10-29 02:23 |
| #1 Humans, not so much. |
| Posted by: Raj 2014-10-29 01:08 |