Services > Bloodstock Sales & Exports > Dubai: New vaccination requirements

Dubai: New vaccination requirements

We have been informed by the UAE Ministry of Environment and Water that with effect from 1 October 2008, the vaccination requirements for horses travelling to Dubai have been changed. The changes apply to both temporary and permanent imports.

If you are considering sending horses to the UAE, it is important to check the animal’s passport as soon as possible to ensure that its vaccination history conforms to the new requirements, set out below. Many horses will have had the second vaccine outside the 42 day limit or may have had two different vaccines.

From 1st October 2008

1. Horses must be examined within 24 hours of export and be certified for freedom from external parasites as well as infectious or contagious disease.

2. The certifying vet should certify that the horses are fit to travel on the day of inspection.

3. New flu vaccination requirement:
During the 60 days immediately prior to export, but not within 14 days of export, the horse will have received; either

at least two primary vaccinations against equine influenza, given between 21 and 42 days apart
OR it will have received a booster vaccination against influenza which was given within 12 months of a certified primary course, or within 12 months of a certified booster vaccination where it and any other previous booster vaccinations had been administered annually within a regular 12 month period since the primary course.

The footnote on the explanatory notes which accompany export papers will read:

For UAE purposes a primary course of vaccinations will be considered to consist of at least two doses of the same vaccine 21 to 42 days apart. Consideration will be given to primary courses given outside these limits BUT ONLY if it can be shown that they are in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations .

If you have any questions, please contact your own veterinary surgeon, or our Newmarket office on +44 (0)1638 663150