WHEREAS, based on Article 2.5.5.6 and Article 2.5.5.6 and Article 2.5.5.7 of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code 2007 of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), horses can be imported from an Equine Influenza (EI) free country, zone or compartment;

WHEREAS, USA and EU member countries except France continue to accept Japanese horses even after EI occurrence in Japan with previous agreed animal health requirements; France also allows importation of Japanese horses with a special permit which requires pre-export quarantine, vaccination and test for EI with negative result.

WHEREAS, Singapore and Hongkong only allow importation of horses from Japan temporarily participating in horse racing;

WHEREAS, El is present in our country and horses in competition are required to be vaccinated every year;

WHEREAS, strict protocols will be required on the importation of horses from Japan;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARTHUR C. YAP, Secretary of Agriculture, by the powers vested in me by law, do hereby lift the temporary ban on the importation of horses originating from Japan.

All import transactions on the importation of horses shall be in accordance with the existing rules and regulations of the Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Industry.

All orders, rules and regulations or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this order are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

This Order shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 21 July 2008

(SGD.) ARTHUR C. YAP
Secretary