INDIA LIFTS ITS TRADE RESTRICTIONS ON IMPORTATION OF THOROUGHBRED BREEDING STOCK FROM GREAT BRITAIN

Following extensive lobbing led by the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, the restrictions on the importation of Thoroughbred breeding stock to India from Great Britain have been lifted. An official announcement regarding the new import protocol was published in the latest edition of the Indian Government Gazette.

Chairman Kirsten Rausing said “The TBA has been working to secure the movement of horses since the restriction was imposed in 1995. This has been a long campaign, but one which stepped up a gear last year. Whilst it was unfortunate that we were unable to welcome Indian buyers to the 2009 Tattersalls December Sales, we now look forward to their return to British sales later this year.

This campaign would not have succeeded without support from our opposite numbers, the National Horse Breeding Society of India, the excellent advice and support of the veterinary profession and DEFRA, who through Dr. Mauricio Lopez, Veterinary Head Global Animal Health, represented the Industry at high level meetings in Delhi, supported by the British Trade Office in India. We would also like to recognise the contribution made by a number of supporters, whose close contacts with India provided the necessary guidance and advice, local MP’s and MEP’s who also supported our intensive lobbying.”

The implications for British breeders and sales consignors are significant. In 2009 Indian purchasers accounted for 79 mares at a value of Euros 1.7 million at Goffs November Sales in Ireland. We are advised that at least 150 TB mares were purchased for India last year. This is a strong indication of the growing importance of the Indian Thoroughbred Industry. The TBA’s success comes at a time when there is an interest in our high quality British bloodstock, and the Industry needs to maximise the opportunities for international trade.

Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony commented “This is wonderful news for the British thoroughbred industry and a tribute to years of collective lobbying and hard work. Particular thanks should go to TBA Chairman Kirsten Rausing who has worked tirelessly to achieve this breakthrough. Historically the December Sales have been a very happy hunting ground for Indian breeders and on behalf of all our vendors we look forward to welcoming them back to Tattersalls in the very near future.”

TBA Chief Executive Louise Kemble said “In securing this fantastic result the TBA is able to demonstrate to its members, and the wider bloodstock community, the importance of a well funded and active Association, that is focussed on securing benefits for the Industry at every level. The TBA is fully motivated to act on these issues and, supported by the Industry and Government, it has secured a significant financial benefit for breeders operating at all levels within the Industry.”

The trade restriction was invoked in 1995 as a result of a CEM outbreak in the United Kingdom. Whilst the disease has been eradicated in the UK, isolated cases have been detected in non-Thoroughbred horses, usually entering the UK from mainland Europe, most of which are detected whilst in quarantine for onward shipment.

The important role played by the veterinary profession in clarifying the distinction between Thoroughbred and non-TB trade, the value of the HBLB Codes of Practice for CEM, whose compliance is of the highest standards within the British Thoroughbred Industry, was pivotal in persuading the Indian authorities to lift the import restriction.

Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) is caused by the organism Taylorella equigenitalis. It occurs widely in the non-Thoroughbred population and to a limited extent in Thoroughbreds in mainland Europe. In the UK isolation of the CEM organism is notifiable by law. This is a statutory requirement under the Infectious Diseases of Horses Order 1987. Full details on the disease, clinical signs, prevention, diagnosis and control are contained in the Horserace Betting Levy Board Codes of Practice 2010 available on their website www.hblb.org.uk ?

The Indian Government has amended their import conditions to allow the import of breeding horses from countries where CEM has been detected within 3 years prior to export. They now require at least 3 years absence in the premises of origin and testing pre-export by culture. DEFRA will amend their current corresponding certificate to include the new clause for breeding horses so it can be formally agreed with India and released for use in the near future.

For further information:
Veterinary: Professor Sidney W. Ricketts – 01638 663150
TBA: Louise Kemble – 01638 661321
Tattersalls: Jimmy George – 01638 665931