R58-23. Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA)  


R58-23-1. Authority
Latest version.

Promulgated under authority of Title 4, Subsection 4-2-2(1)(i). It is the intent of this rule to eliminate or reduce the spread of Equine Viral Arteritis among equids by providing for a protocol for handling of equids and semen infected and/or exposed to Equine Arteritis Virus.


R58-23-2. Definitions
Latest version.

(A) Accredited Veterinarian - means a veterinarian approved by the Deputy Administrator of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS) in accordance with provisions of 9 CFR Part 161.

(B) Approved Facility - means a facility that has current written approval from the State Veterinarian to house and/or breed a carrier stallion in the state of Utah.

(C) Approved Laboratory - means a laboratory that has been approved by the State Veterinarian.

(D) Carrier Stallion - means any stallion that tests positive for EAV, but has no proof of a negative semen test.

(E) Equine or Equid - means any animal in the family Equidae, including, but not limited to horses, asses, mules, ponies, and zebras.

(F) Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) - means an infectious disease of equids caused by Equine Arteritis Virus (EAV). The disease is characterized by abortion in pregnant mares, illness and death in young foals, inflammation of blood vessels resulting in edema and the potential of establishing a carrier state in stallions.

(G) Equine Arteritis Virus (EAV) - means the viral organism that causes Equine Viral Arteritis.

(H) EVA Positive - means an equid who has been identified as having tested positive to EAV.


R58-23-3. Importation of Stallions
Latest version.

(A) All stallions used for breeding entering Utah shall be tested for Equine Viral Arteritis by an accredited veterinarian within 30 days prior to entry.

(B) Exceptions to the above (R58-23-3(A)) are stallions that have proof of negative EVA status prior to vaccination and proof of subsequent yearly vaccination.


R58-23-4. Importation of EVA Positive Equids and Semen
Latest version.

(A) All equids imported into Utah shall be in compliance with R58-1-6.

(B) No EVA carrier stallion used for breeding purposes shall be permitted to enter into Utah without a prior permit from the State Veterinarian.

(C) No semen from a carrier stallion shall be permitted to enter into Utah without a prior permit from the State Veterinarian.

(D) All EVA Carrier Stallions, used for breeding purposes, imported into Utah shall be taken directly to an approved facility and shall remain on said facility until permission from the State Veterinarian is obtained to move the animal to another approved facility.

(E) All semen from an EVA Carrier Stallion imported into Utah shall be shipped directly to an approved facility and shall remain on said facility until inseminated, transported to another approved facility and/or disposed of.


R58-23-5. Handling of EVA Positive Equids and Semen
Latest version.

(A) All stallions used for breeding purposes identified as EVA positive shall have their semen tested by an accredited veterinarian at an approved laboratory prior to breeding of said stallion.

(B) All carrier stallions used for breeding purposes shall be housed and maintained at an approved facility until permission from the State Veterinarian is given to move the stallion to another approved facility.

(C) All EVA infected semen shall only be collected, handled, evaluated, received, packaged and/or administered on an approved facility.


R58-23-6. Requirements for an Approved Facility
Latest version.

(A) All equids, including but not limited to stallions, mares and geldings, on approved facilities shall be vaccinated for EVA no less than 21 days before the start of breeding season or no less than 21 days before arriving at an approved facility.

(B) Mares being bred to a carrier stallion, or inseminated with semen from a carrier stallion, shall remain on the approved facility for a minimum of 21 days after the initial breeding date.

(C) Adequate biosecurity precautions shall be in place during the breeding season. The adequacy of biosecurity may be monitored periodically by the Utah Department of Agriculture.


R58-23-7. Equine Viral Arteritis is a Reportable Disease
Latest version.

(A) All EVA positive equids shall be reported to the State Veterinarian by the private veterinary practitioner immediately upon receiving a positive laboratory report on EVA.

(B) All EVA positive test results processed at a state owned laboratory shall be immediately reported to the State Veterinarian.

(C) The State Veterinarian may require testing of any stallion suspected of being exposed to EAV.