Horse importers no longer need a vet check right before shipping

The US Department of Agriculture wants to remove a rule requiring horses to get a veterinary exam within 48 hours of leaving a foreign port. This means horse importers will have fewer logistical hurdles to clear when bringing animals into the country.

For years, horse importers have faced a tight deadline for pre-export vet checks, often in places with limited veterinary resources. This proposed change acknowledges that the existing rules are enough to prevent disease, even without that last-minute check. It makes the process of importing horses simpler and less prone to delays.