An interstate health certificate signed by a veterinarian is one of the documents required for any livestock animal leaving the state. The health certificate is a document which states that a veterinarian has examined the animal(s) listed on the certificate and found them to be “free of infectious and contagious diseases.” The health certificate also includes additional examination, testing and regulatory information required by the destination state. Copies of this certificate are sent to the animal health officials in the states of origin and destination and must accompany the animals during travel.
Health certificates are important to track animal movement, especially in the case of an outbreak of infectious disease, such as 2011's Equine Herpes Virus outbreak at a Utah national horse show.
Health certificates are generally valid for 30 days from the date of examination and issue. This may change with little notice due to disease outbreak.
See below for a list of the information needed to issue a health certificate.
Visit Global Vet Link for links to state health certificate requirements. (http://public.globalvetlink.com/regulations/)
