As of September 1st 2010, the USDA implemented changes to the regulations qualifying frozen semen for export to the European Union. These changes affect the specific timing of when the required testing must occur. It is important for stallion owners to be aware that in the case of the non-resident stallion, more responsibility may be placed on the owner for scheduling testing dates with their local veterinarian. A brief summary of testing schedule options are presented below. For further information, please contact your local SBS Affiliate Lab.
If the stallion will not be resident at the collection center for 30 days prior to collection then he must undergo testing before starting the semen freezing session, followed by a second set of testing after the freezing session is completed. The testing prior to freezing must include 2 sets of CEM cultures exactly 7 days apart, plus an EIA (Coggins test), negative serum (or semen, for vaccinated stallions) isolation for EVA and a negative VS (dilution 1:12). The VS must be performed within 14 days prior to entry into the collection center. Within 14 - 90 days after the freezing session is completed the stallion must undergo 2 sets of CEM cultures exactly 7 days apart, plus an EIA and EVA.
If the stallion is resident at the collection center for 30 days prior to the semen freezing session then he must undergo the following testing no less than 14 days after entry into the center but before he is collected for freezing; 2 sets of CEM cultures exactly 7 days apart, an EIA and EVA. But he must also have had a negative VS (dilution 1:12) within 14 days prior to his entry into the collection center. There is no post-freezing testing required with this testing option.
CEM - Contagious Equine Metritis, EIA - Equine Infectious Anemia, EVA - Equine Viral Arteritis, VS- Vesicular Stomatitis
For further information on the export requirements from the USDA, please click here:
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