As the saying goes, "no great horse can confidently trot the globe alone." Well, perhaps that's not a real saying, but one thing's for sure – facilitating the international movement of horses is no walk in the park. But fret not, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the International Horse Sports Confederation (IHSC) are working together to simplify the process.
A Subregional Workshop by WOAH and IHSC in Abu Dhabi
WOAH and IHSC recently hosted a subregional workshop in Abu Dhabi titled 'Facilitation of Temporary International Horse Movements.' The workshop convened a mix of experts, including those from the equine industry, government agencies, and international organizations who gathered to discuss the latest developments and best practices to streamline international horse transit. The event was graciously hosted by the Emirates Equestrian Federation and the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company.
EDFZ, HHP, and their role in equine health
The workshop primarily addressed measures to safeguard horses' health during global transport and prevent disease spread. One such measure is implementing Equine Disease-Free Zones (EDFZ) and High-Health, High-Performance (HHP) health certificates and sanitary protocols. These initiatives aim to raise health standards for the international movement of horses.
Technological advancements in facilitating horse movements
Furthermore, the workshop highlighted the potential of new technologies in accelerating horse transit. These include digital passports which provide a secure, efficient method for tracking horses' health records and movements. However, the use of such technologies brings with it both benefits and challenges, a hot topic at the workshop.
Challenges and Opportunities in Global Horse Movements
Equine movements across borders pose both challenges and opportunities for the global horse industry. It's a delicate balancing act - maintaining high health standards, facilitating free flow for international competitions, trade, and breeding, all while ensuring the welfare of horses during transport. Cooperation and open communication between all stakeholders is essential to address common challenges and make the process as smooth as a horse's canter.
What's next on the WOAH-IHSC roadmap?
The workshop served as a platform to assess the WOAH-IHSC roadmap’s progress and efficacy for temporary import and export of horses in the Middle East - a crucial roadmap given the vibrant horse culture in the region. As with any roadmap, there are always areas for enhancement, which were discussed during the forum.
In conclusion, this joint workshop served as a beneficial brainstorming and shared learning platform for all attendees. The event underscored the need for close collaboration and clear communication between all stakeholders. Prioritizing horse health and welfare during transport, while ensuring a free flow of horses for international competitions, trade, and breeding, is the ultimate goal.
While considerable progress has been made, further research is crucial. Continued examination of the WOAH-IHSC roadmap, implications of EDFZ and HHP health certificates and sanitary protocols, potential use-cases for technology, and the myriad of challenges and opportunities are all on the docket. So, while our four-legged friends continue their global trot, we’ll continue to facilitate their journey. Why? Because no great horse should have to trot the globe alone.
