Understanding Certificates of Veterinarian Inspection (Health Certificates)

have been in states where vesicular stomatitis andor piroplasmosis is prevalent. These requirements include additional testing examinations and restrictions based on proximity to the outbreak area. As of December 2020 horses traveling from Colorado Kansas Nebraska New Mexico Oklahoma Texas Utah and Wyoming may be subject to these additional requirements. Consult your veterinarian and the listed requirements from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to determine what you will need to reenter Pennsylvania if you leave the state.
Intrastate Travel
Some intrastate travel may also require that a CVI be obtained. Many shows sale barns and other equine facilities require a CVI for horses to enter the premises. Be sure to identify health paper requirements before you depart for the event. Some shows may not require CVIs however it is recommended that all equine events require proof of a negative EIA test. The American Association of Equine Practitioners AAEP encourages horse owners not to participate in events that do not require a negative EIA test.
Anytime you plan to travel with your horse make sure you explore documentation requirements for your destination state facility andor event before departing. Global Vet Link has created a website to help you identify current state travel requirements. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian as well in case the site is not uptodate.
The Importance of CVIs in Reducing Disease Spread
Certificates of Veterinarian Inspection help to reduce travel of sick horses. Horses should not travel while ill for multiple reasons. Travel increases stress on the horse and can exacerbate illness. Additionally traveling with sick horses can spread the disease to other locations and horses. Depending on the disease spread of infection between horses can occur through both direct and indirect contact. This includes nosetonose contact with other horses use of contaminated equipment or facilities aerosol spread and insect vectors.

Therefore to limit the chances of transmission it is best to keep sick horses at home. While obtaining a CVI does not ensure your horse cannot get a disease it can limit movement of sick animals to reduce likelihood of spread.
Biosecurity and Other Considerations
It is always recommended that biosecurity measures be implemented both at home and while traveling even if you have obtained a CVI.  Similarly you may want to consider giving your horse certain riskbased vaccines if your horse has increased chance of exposure to a specific disease. Talk with your veterinarian to see if this is something you
should consider based on your horse where you live where you plan to travel and the exposure risk your horse may have.
You should regularly evaluate your horse for signs of illness while traveling. This includes but is not limited to regular temperature checks evaluation of your horses nostrils for discharge and awareness of any digestive upset such as diarrhea. Recognizing what behavior and vital signs are normal for your horse can help you better identify when your horse is exhibiting signs of illness.
If you suspect your horse has contracted a disease contact a veterinarian immediately.