AN important notice regarding Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine rules pertaining to the export of equines was circulated this week, with the rules already in effect.

“We were notified by DAFM in early October of a mandatory requirement that all horses for export must be on AIM’s – DAFM’s centralised Equine Database and the Equine Chip Checker,” a notice from Weatherby’s Ireland states.

“It is now a requirement as part of the export application process to DAFM that a screenshot of the equine chip checker results are included.

“In advance of exporting a horse, you must ensure the animal exists on the equine chip checker; that the food chain status reflects the passport.”

If the horse is not on the equine chip checker, you must complete and submit the following to the relevant passport issuing organisation (PIO).

1. The passport

2. Completed change of ownership application (online or paper)

3. Valid Equine Premises number and keeper details

4. Fee of €22

To update the food chain status, the equine’s passport or a copy of the passport with the relevant pages (the pedigree page, medicinal/administration of medical products page) must be sent to the relevant PIO.

The new rules are further explained in a ‘trader notice’ issued by DAFM on September 26th, which states the aim is to ‘ensure all equines being certified for export by the Department are subject to an identification check by exporters prior to application for a health certificate’.

The notice also refers to requirements regarding an equine’s fitness to travel.

Identity checks

“The DAFM, in moving towards implementing a new and improved Equine Traceability System, requires that all equines being exported undergo identity checks to ensure they are properly identified and registered on the Animal Identification and Movement Database (AIM),” the trader notice states.

A further report can be found on page 4 of this issue and any queries relating to the notice can be directed to horseid@agriculture.gov.ie or 01 5058881.