Report ofMeeting of Equine Liaison Committee held in Backweston on 30 January 2014.

Attendance: Dept: Martin Blake, CVO; Billy McAteer, SSVI, June Fanning SVI and Kathleen OConnor.

Industry: D. Leadon IEC; M Hatch DARDNI; N Hannon, Irish Harness Racing Club; J OConnor ITBA; E Hatton ITM, V.Duggan Vety Ireland and A. Munnelly BBA Ireland Ltd

Update on Review of Tripartite Agreement (TPA)

Mr Blake updated the group on progress on the TPA since the last meeting in September. A new Agreement was signed between the three Member States in November and will come into effect on 18 May 2014. This means that only certain categories of horses are eligible to move between Ireland/UK and France without official veterinary certification, but with an EU TRACES generated document - a ‘DOCOM’. ‘Non-TPA’ horses possibly including horses being moved on a personal basis will have to be accompanied by official veterinary certification similar to the current arrangements for movements of horses between Member States.

TPA eligibility is being limited to defined groups of equidae that are managed or governed by sporting associations, industry federations or similar bodies (approved bodies) that can provide assurances on health status and the traceability of the horses under their jurisdiction.

All three signatory MS have identified ‘approved’ bodies for the purposes of the new TPA , (In Ireland three bodies are potentially eligible for approval at present – ITBA for TBs for breeding, sales; Turf Club for racehorses for racing or training and HSI for FEI competition horses- Other eligible bodies may come on board in the future) The Irish bodies have signalled their intention to designate transport companies as their agents who will issue DOCOMs in respect of the TPA movement of horses. A meeting with the ‘bodies’ and the transport companies is scheduled for next week.

Dr. June Fanning gave a comprehensive explanation of the DOCOM, a sample of which was circulated together with an explanatory document and a sample owner/keeper declaration which links the owner/keeper with membership of the approved body for traceability purposes etc. In response to a question from Mr Leadon about whether traceability is possible in the event of a disease occurrence , it was noted that data retrieval from TRACES is scheduled for later this year and in any event, each separate destination requires a separate DOCOM. A travel log is also maintained by transporters.

Communication of new TPA

Mr Blake said that it is the Department’s intention to convey the message regarding the changes to as wide an audience as possible, including website information, poster campaign at the ports and overt enforcement as soon as the new arrangements come into play etc. Mr Leadon also suggested that the Shipping companies be informed so that they can advise people who may be booking on line etc. Veterinary Ireland will inform its members and will post information on its website. ITBA will also post on- line information.

Movements from NI

A meeting between the two Depts is scheduled for end of February at which this matter will be discussed. It is likely that movement of horses from members of approved bodies resident in NI will have to be recorded on TRACES via a DARD portal. Transport agents moving horses from NI on DOCOM will also have to access TRACES via a DARD (UK) portal.

AOB

Piroplasmosis

Mr. Leadon advised the Group that IEC had been approached by the University of Glasgow about the possibility of undertaking a research project on piroplasmosis. This is something that IEC and UCD are likely to give consideration to particularly in light of new TPA and with the possibility of 3 way funding including the 3 tripartite members . IEC is awaiting written details.

IATA – new rules on flying mares in foal

Mr Leadon advised the group of a serious trade implication (for sales etc) following a recent announcement by Luftansa airlines that it will no longer carry mares that are more than 2/3rd through gestation. This apparently comes on foot of new rules by IATA which it allegesare OIE based. He will contact IATA as soon as possible to try and resolve the issue and will also circulate any correspondence to the Department. Ms Munnelly said the source of the ban should also be investigated as it could relate to stall capacity. The Department advised that any issues regarding OIE should be advised to Mr Blake who is Ireland’s delegate to OIE.

Availability of Equine Herpes Virus vaccine,

Mr OConnor drew attention to the possibility of a scarcity of vaccine against equine Herpes virus. Mr Blake acknowledged that this can occur, but said the possibility exists within the veterinary medicines framework for special import licences where other vaccines are approved in another Member State. Mr OConnor acknowledged the Department’s assistance with this in the past.