The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) have circulated additional and updated documentation on the safe use and importation of equine germinal products, including semen, oocytes and embryos.
The documents outline the key requirements that must be followed by breeders, veterinarians and germinal product importers to protect Ireland’s equine health status. Ireland remains free from serious diseases such as Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA), Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) and Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM), which can be introduced or transmitted through infected germinal products if the appropriate procedures are not followed.
All germinal products imported into Ireland must be accompanied by the appropriate official health certification and must originate from approved collection and storage facilities. Importers are required to be registered on TRACES, and all documentation must be retained for a minimum of three years. In addition, all paperwork should be checked by a veterinary practitioner prior to use, and any uncertified or questionable products should not be used.
Horse Sport Ireland is encouraging all stakeholders to familiarise themselves with these requirements and to ensure full compliance, non-compliant imports pose a significant risk to equine health, welfare and trade.
NOTICE REGARDING USE OF ARTIFICAL INSEMINATION OF EQUINES IN IRELAND
INFORMATION NOTE: IMPORTATION OF EQUINE GERMINAL PRODUCTS INTO THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Further practical guidance for breeders is available on the Horse Sport Ireland “Preparing to Breed” webpage.