The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) is currently undertaking a consultation with its member countries on amendments to the OIE Code chapter 4.16 that relates to the High Health Status Horse Subpopulation and that was adopted in May this year.

The current web link for that chapter is: http://www.oie.int/en/international-standard-setting/terrestrial-code/access-online/?htmfile=chapitre_high_level.htm

Only one will be voted on at the OIE in May 2015, and that is Chapter 4.16. They are proposing some revisions to the already existing chapter and ask the Official Veterinary Services of their Member Countries to provide comments, no later than early January 2015.

This chapter addresses the larger concept only. The details are provided in the draft documents: Guide to the Management of the High Health Status Equine Sub-population and the High Health- High Performance Horse and Model Veterinary Certificate for the International Movement of not more than 90 Days of a High Health- High Performance Horse for Competition or Races.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is looking for comments from stakeholders of the equine sector, on the proposed amendments to Chapter 4.16, before December 5, 2014. All comments should be sent to inquiries@equinecanada.ca and will be sent to the CFIA.

Stakeholders should indicate in their comments whether they agree with the changes proposed by the OIE, or feel that the chapter is fine but a few modifications would be suitable, in which case suggested modifications should be provided along with a justification, or the chapter would need major revisions and in this case, justification should be provided as well.