Maryland Department of Agriculture

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Animal Health Program

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Horses  
Swine  
Swine​
Small Ruminants  
Other Animals  

The MDA Animal Health Program prevents and controls infectious and contagious diseases in Maryland livestock and poultry with particular emphasis on those diseases that threaten public health, endanger food supplies or threaten the economic security of the animal industries. For specific information please click on the links above.  ​

***UPDATE (4/28/2026)*** 
Effective immediately, lactating dairy cattle moving interstate from states with National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS) Stage 4, Unaffected Status are no longer required to be tested for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 prior to movement. If you are unsure whether your lactating dairy cattle require HPAI testing before entering Maryland, contact the Animal Health Program at 410-841-5810 to discuss your specific situation.

Maryland Lifts Intrastate Equine CVI Requirements due to EHV-1 Outbreak
The Maryland State Veterinarian’s Office has lifted the requirement for intrastate equine Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (CVIs), effective February 1, 2026.
Equine Travel Requirements
  • Maryland equids traveling within the state must have a valid Coggins test to participate in equine events.
  • While not required, it is recommended that horses traveling intrastate do so with a valid CVI or EECVI.
  • The use of EECVIs has been reinstated.
  • The EHV statement is no longer required on CVIs.
  • Interstate Certificates of Veterinary Inspection are required for equids originating outside of Maryland.
Please note that entry requirements for equids may change. It is the responsibility of the owner or shipper to contact the destination state to confirm current requirements prior to travel.

We sincerely appreciate the collaboration of the equine community during the recent EHV-1 outbreak. The proactive efforts of horse owners to implement biosecurity measures and comply with travel documentation played a critical role in preventing disease spread and protecting the health of Maryland’s equine industry.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture State Veterinarian’s Office can be reached at any time at 410-841-5810.​​

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***UPDATE (11/24/2025)*** 

Due to the current Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) multi-state outbreak, Maryland is instituting the following actions. Effective immediately:

1. The use of EECVI's is suspended until further notice.

2. Interstate certificates of veterinary inspection (ICVIs) for equids originating from all states are required. 

3. In addition, an intrastate certificate of veterinary inspection is required for all equine events within Maryland. 

4.  Equids originating from states (other than Maryland) with confirmed positive EHV-1 cases will need a CVI to be issued within 5 days of travel.

5. The following statement must be included on all equid CVI's: “The equine(s) listed on this CVI have, during the 21 days prior to the shipment date, not originated from a premises under EHV-1 quarantine, not been exposed to an EHV-1 positive equine, and not attended any event where an EHV-1 positive equine has been confirmed or suspected.”  

These actions supersede the current animal import regulations on the website. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in regulatory or legal action.

Please be aware that many states are changing their entry requirements for equids. You will need to contact the state of destination for the most current requirements.​


Animal Health News:​​

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S​tate Veterinarian   

Dr Jennifer Trout​​

50 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis MD 21401
410-841-5810 office
800-492-5590 toll free
410-841-5971 after hours

[email protected]


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Maryland Department of Agriculture
50 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-841-5700 or Dial 7-1-1 for Maryland Relay