Risk and Scope of the Disease Spread
- EIA poses a risk of spreading through transporting infected horses across provinces and islands.
- Activities involving shipping, driving, or otherwise moving horses are identified as potential vectors for transmission.
Legal Prohibition and Mandatory Certification
- It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to transport horses from any location without an appropriate certificate.
- The certificate must be issued by the Director of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).
- The certificate must specify:
- Number of horses
- Kind of horses
- Brand and distinguishing marks of the horses
- Confirmation that the horses have been treated for EIA
- Certification by veterinary personnel of BAI that the horses are free from other dangerous communicable animal diseases.
Role of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI)
- Responsible authority for inspection and certification of horses.
- BAI veterinary personnel are tasked with examining horses to ensure they are free from EIA and other communicable diseases before issuing certificates.
Implementation and Enforcement
- The Administrative Order takes immediate effect upon issuance.
- Violations of the order, such as transporting horses without the required certificate, are prohibited and subject to enforcement.
Legal Basis
- Authority is grounded on Section 1764 of the Revised Administrative Code.
- Secretary of Agriculture empowered to issue such orders to control animal disease spread.