Quarantine
There is a lot of confusion concerning what Quarantine is and isn’t — what precisely constitutes proper quarantine facilities and what does not — and what, specifically, the laws are concerning quarantine.
There are rules and regulations that can vary from state to state — but many of the problems concerning quarantine are readily identifiable as they’re being exploited by fraudulent rescues and would-be quarantine facilities to defraud the public. It’s a common ploy, in fact, to defraud rescues by telling them Quarantine is required by law — then charging them for an ‘extended stay’ at a facility that is not, in all actuality, a Quarantine facility at all.
The most tragic cases involve well meaning rescuers leaving already compromised horses in the hands of these so-called ‘Quarantines’ only to have them die there.
For this reason, people who have had specific issues with ‘Quarantines’ need to document their experiences and file reports with the proper authorities — but until the law catches up to what is happening in the field, the following recommendations can be invaluable in protecting the lives of America’s Equidae.
1. Contract only with those Quarantine facilities with proper licensing, proper certification and pristine reputations: all others are suspect. Make certain the agreement is in writing and pay via a method that provides proof of payment, obtaining a receipt for the funds. Find out what documentation will be provided upon completion of Quarantine. Obtain copies of whatever documentation they have received pertinent to your horse, including pictures.
2. Use a ‘Third Party’ to check out the facility and make certain things are being done according to the laws of that state.
3. Have your animal reviewed — in photographs and in writing — at the beginning of the Quarantine period and obtain a weekly update.
4. Know what illnesses are present at the Quarantine facility and ensure that there is proper separation between ill animals and those coming in for ‘routine’ Quarantines.
5. If you can’t visit your Quarantined pet — make sure someone else can do so even if you must hire an individual for this purpose. Contact us — we have staff to assist with this process.
6. Maintain close [every two days is common] contact with the Quarantine facility — make certain they know you’re keeping tabs on your pet.
7. Do not leave your pet at a Quarantine facility longer than thirty [30] days.
8. Have shipping arrangements made in advance and remove the animal from Quarantine as soon as possible.
9. Make sure all documentation is in order from the first day to the last. Your horse’s documentation is their ‘ticket’ to travel freely. Leave nothing to chance.
10. Arrange [logistically] for transport of your horse and their documentation. Make certain to have the contact information for the driver and ensure that your horse’s documentation has been picked up and is in a safe place.
READ MORE:
State by State Animal Transport Law
Quarantine Nightmare: Understanding the Issues
http://www.equinediseasecc.org/biosecurity/isolation-quarantine