30256451, 5CER25-5 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 30256451

Notice of Emergency Rule

Department:

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

Division:

Division of Animal Industry

Overview

RULE:

5CER25-5

Importation of Equines

SPECIFIC REASONS FOR FINDING AN IMMEDIATE DANGER TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY OR WELFARE:

Multiple horses attending the World Pro Rodeo Association event held November 5-9, in Waco, Texas and the Barrel Futurities of America event held November 17-18, in Guthrie, Oklahoma have shown signs of illness and have tested positive for Equine Herpes Virus – Type 1 (EHV-1). EHV-1 is a highly contagious virus with potentially devastating consequences in horses. In addition to causing upper respiratory disease, abortion, and neonatal death, it can also be fatal to infected horses when in its neurological form. Immediate action, including the implementation of stringent biosecurity practices, is necessary to limit its spread and impacts.

REASON FOR CONCLUDING THAT THE PROCEDURE IS FAIR UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES:

This rule is fair and justified because it takes only the actions necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare by preventing the introduction and spread of this dangerous virus. Temporarily imposing more stringent inspection requirements for all equines imported into Florida is the only viable means of ensuring the protection of Florida animals susceptible to this potentially deadly disease.

SUMMARY:

The rule modifies requirements related to the importation of equines.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE EMERGENCY RULE IS:

Dr. Michael A. Short, State Veterinarian, Director, Division of Animal Industry, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 407 S. Calhoun St., Rm. 330, Mayo Bldg., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0800; (850)410-0900.

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

11/25/2025 Vol. 51/229

OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE:

Joint Administrative Procedures Committee
Florida Administrative Law Central Online Network (F.A.L.C.O.N.)

RELATED COURT CASES:

Division of Administrative Hearings

FEDERAL eRULEMAKING
WEB PORTAL:

Regulations.gov

HOW TO LINK TO
THIS NOTICE:

http://flrules.org/gateway/ruleno.asp?id=5CER25-5&PDate=11/25/2025&Section=4

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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