By: R.J. Layher Director of Health & Regulatory Affairs The American Horse Council

1. The National Equine Health Plan UpdatePrepared for the National Institute of Animal Agriculture Annual ConferenceOmaha, Nebraska: April 2014 By: R.J. Layher Director of Health & Regulatory Affairs The American Horse Council

2. QUESTIONS?

3. History • 2010 American Horse Council National Issues Forum • The need for a comprehensive health plan to protect the industry. • A coordinated effort between Federal and State Animal Health Officials, Veterinarians and Industry • Key points to the NEHP were developed • Protect the health and welfare of U.S. equine • Establish the role of the industry, federal and state authorities and tribal governments in dealing with a disease outbreak to minimize the impact on the horse community • Facilitate the continued interstate and international movement of equine and their products • Protect the continuity and economic viability of the equine industry

4. Goals • Education • Protecting the economic viability of the industry • Raising awareness of common diseases and ways to mitigate them • What to look for if a horse shows signs of a disease • Teaching proper habits and practices in raising and caring for a horse from an early age • Biosecurity • Disease Mitigation • Dr. Katie Flynn Biosecurity Tool-Kit • Business Continuity • Interstate and International Movement • Potential for an outbreak to cause stagnation in horse movement • Dissemination of Information • Equine Disease Communication Center

5. Status • Working on finalizing uniform guidelines and protocols with the industry • Uniform guide lines for shows, farms, tracks, etc. • Drafting tool kits and educational materials for industry use • Identifying funding needs