Source: NCDA&CS, 2/1/19

North Carolina’s Equine Event Passport Program is ending after this year and will be replaced with the Extended Equine Certificate of Veterinary Inspection Program. All North Carolina equine passports will expire on or before Dec. 31. Since an equine passport is valid for six months, no new passports will be issued after June 30.

State regulations require an interstate certificate of veterinary inspection and a negative test for Equine Infectious Anemia for horses, mules, donkeys, ponies, zebras, miniature horses or other equine crossing state lines. The EECVI extends the original time frame of an ICVI from 30 days to six months from the ICVI inspection date, or until the expiration of the EIA test, whichever comes first.

“The new EECVI Program will ultimately be a better fit for horse owners,” said Dr. Mike Neault, director of livestock health programs. “With 38 states signed on to participate, North Carolina equine owners will have expanded opportunities to travel to other states under the new program.”

The program will be offered through a vendor on a digital platform. Horse owners should sign up for the new program through their veterinarian. EECVI will offer all-hour access for owners and free unlimited movement during the six-month period in which the permit has been issued.

Owners interested in obtaining an EECVI should schedule an appointment with their veterinarian. For more information about the program visit https://www.ncagr.gov/vet/Livestock/eecvi.htm.