Stricter ID needed to protect horse sector
At the Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show, the minister said measures to protect the horse industry from diseases such as Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) are to be stepped up. Her department had previously relied on publicity campaigns to ensure compliance with regulations, but has now concluded that stricter enforcement measures are required.
She said department inspectors have been given enhanced powers to enforce EU regulations. Management at marts, sales yards and other premises where horses are assembled will also be required to ensure that horses entering their premises have valid passports. Department officials will carry out random inspections to ensure compliance.
There has been a huge increase in the movement of horses, and Ms Coughlan said compliance is essential to protect the industry, with the sport horse sector alone worth more than €400 million.
Minister Coughlan said there had been a lot of loss and heartache for people as a result of the EIA outbreak.
“Of the many lessons learned, we now appreciate the necessity of having an effective identification system for horses. The department will therefore be supporting new regulations being drafted by the EU Commission to provide for a national database for horses in each member state,” she said.
