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Equine (Horses, Mules, Zebra & Donkeys) Entry Requirements

For equine movements into the state, California requires a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) and evidence of a negative Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) test within 12 months prior to entry. Entry permits are not required. These requirements apply to all horses, ponies, mules, donkeys, burros and zebras.

Certificate of Veterinarian Inspection (CVI)

• Must be issued within 30 days of entry by a licensed and accredited veterinarian
• Must include official identification for each equine
• Must include complete EIA testing information for each equine

CVI Exemption: Movement Permits associated with a current 6-month Extended Equine Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (EECVI) can be utilized in lieu of a CVI when the equine is not changing ownership. To learn more about the GlobalVetLink EECVI program, visit their website.

The accredited veterinarian inspecting the equine and issuing the CVI is responsible for accurately entering the required information and for completing and signing the veterinary certification on the CVI. Accredited veterinarians must retain a copy of a CVI for five (5) years.

Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) Test

• Sample must be collected and resulted negative within 12 months of entry
• Test must be performed at a USDA-approved laboratory
• Pending results do not meet entry requirements

EIA Exemption: Nursing foals less than 6 months of age being moved with an EIA test negative dam.

Vesicular Stomatitis

Based on the international delisting of Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) and recent scientific evidence, California is revising the VS entry requirement statement on Certificates of Veterinary Inspection from VS affected states.

California import requirements specify that all horses, cattle, sheep, goats and swine originating from any state where vesicular stomatitis (VS) has been diagnosed, (except cattle and swine transported directly to slaughter), must be accompanied by a health certificate (certificate of veterinary inspection) and signed by an accredited veterinarian that includes the following statement:

“I have examined all the animals identified on this certificate within seven (7) days of shipment date and found them to be free from signs of Vesicular Stomatitis (VS). During the last fourteen (14) days, these animals have not been exposed to VS nor located on a VS confirmed or a VS suspected premises.”

Note The Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) for California horses returning to California from a VS Affected State must include the VS statement written by an Accredited Veterinarian in the VS Affected State.