WOAH–IHSC Regional Follow-up Workshop on International Horse Movement and Equine Health

WOAH–IHSC Regional Follow-up Workshop on International Horse Movement and Equine Health in 2026

Background

WOAH and the International Horse Sports Confederation (IHSC) have collaborated since 2017 to facilitate safe international movement of competition horses. This Public–Private Partnership introduced tools such as High Health, High Performance (HHP) horses, Equine Disease-Free Zones (EDFZ), harmonized health certificates, and is currently working towards the implementation of digital tools like the FEI (Fédération équestre internationale) Horse App HHP module, and WOAH guidelines on electronic certification. Following successful workshops in Pattaya (January 2024) and Tokyo (September 2024), this follow-up workshop aims to consolidate progress, address new challenges, and strengthen regional coordination between Veterinary Authorities and the equine industry. Insights from recent missions highlight the need for harmonized certificates, improved laboratory capacity, and enhanced coordination mechanisms.

Objectives of the Workshop

The main objectives of this Regional Workshop are:

• Review outcomes of previous workshops and update regional roadmaps
• Discuss progress on harmonized health certificates and HHP framework implementation: Example from a harmonized certificate used for the SEA Games in Thailand in December 25 and the Harmonised Health Certificate and Sanitary Protocol in South America.
• Explore establishment of a WOAH Collaborating Centre in Hong Kong SAR and regional laboratory networks
• Share experiences from major events (Asian Championships, SEA Games) and EDFZ implementation
• Address emerging priorities: EDFZ plans for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, and 2027 South East Asian Games in Malaysia, the 2032 Brisbane Olympics Games, and equine industry development in China P.R., India and Indonesia.
• Foster Public–Private Partnerships and regional collaboration

Expected Outcomes

• Updated regional roadmap for international horse movement with clear activities and responsibilities for the Horse Industry and Veterinary Services
• Agreement on next steps for harmonized health certificates in the region
• Recommendations for laboratory capacity building and surveillance (i.e., progress toward the WOAH Collaborating Centre in Hong Kong SAR for Equine Diseases)
• Strengthened collaboration between WOAH, IHSC, Veterinary Authorities, and industry stakeholders

Details

Date: 16-17 April 2026

Location:  Hong Kong SAR

Participation: By invitation

Documents

To be uploaded