TEMPORARY IMPORTATION OF HORSES FOR 2008 The importation schedule and quarantine protocols have been finalized. A 7-day pre-export quarantine (PEQ) at centers approved by HKG and a 10-day post-arrival isolation (PAI) have been regulated. During the PAI, training can continue at specified times and the competition can commence. At this moment, it seems that the venue stables will be opened two weeks prior to the competition. For an optimal flight recovery and acclimatization of the horses, it is strongly recommended to arrive as early as possible. This has the additional advantage that any horses suffering from travel sickness or respiratory problems after the flight, can receive the treatment required and achieve a full recovery prior to the competition. With late arrivals, there is little time for treatment and administration of certain medications can cause problems when the FEI Veterinary Regulations commence (normally 3 days prior to the 1st Horse Inspection for each discipline)*. It is strongly recommended that all horses be given a booster vaccination against equine influenza between 1 and 2 months prior to entry of the PEQ facilities (regulatory period 90-14 days), to ensure an optimal immune level and minimise the risk of influenza issues causing an importation problem. Horses suffering from influenza in the PEQ period will compromise not only their own travel to HKG, but possibly also for all horses which are in that PEQ-facility at the same time. Another disease for which vaccination should take place is Japanese encephalitis. The vaccine against this disease is being manufactured in Tokyo; the EU is currently being contacted to obtain a temporary approval of the vaccine; further information can be collected from the FEI. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS The climatic conditions in HKG at the time of the test event, as well as during the 2008 Olympic Games s will be very hot and humid. Studies carried out thus far have indicated that the climate may be a bit worse than Atlanta, with an additional risk for rain, thunderstorms and typhoons. To this effect the FEI has three reserve days in the competition schedule, in case the competition runs into weather delays. The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index may well reach levels of around 30 and preparations to manage the heat load in the participating horses are fully underway. The competition format for all disciplines has been adapted to take in the evening and thereby profit from more agreeable climatic conditions; the Eventing cross-country will take place in early morning. Cooling facilities such as ice, shade, water and misting fans will be available; it is recommended that all teams make sure that aggressive cooling protocols have been rehearsed prior to arrival in HKG. At the same time, it is very useful if the normal weight of the horse is known, so horses shortlisted to travel to HKG should be part of regular weighing protocols as soon as possible. The Welfare Sub-Committee of the FEI is attempting to set up a mini-symposium on heat and humidity between the test event and the 2008 Olympic Games. In addition, all federations sending horses to the test event will be asked to share research done on their horses with others, to make sure that the data collected benefit all involved. TEST EVENT For the Test Event in August 2007, it is expected that the stables will also be open as from July 28, to have conditions parallel to the Games. The temporary importation requirements for the horses will be less strict and comparable to importation of racehorses, since this concerns a small number of foreign horses that can be much easier controlled than the numbers expected in 2008 (i.e. no PEQ, separation of horses from local horses during stay in HKG, proximity only during competition). Again, it is recommended that the horses arrive as early as possible and are fully vaccinated against equine influenza and Japanese encephalitis. The FEI would ask federations that send horses to the test event to share, if possible, test results with other teams, in order to get the most benefit out of the test event. The HKG Jockey Club and FEI will be asked to support any research done during the test event (e.g. cost of blood work in the lab) thereby helping in making the test event successful. * In previous FEI events, the percentage of horses suffering from travel sickness was rather low. Some figures: 2000 Sydney Olympics: no clinical travel sickness, 4 horses with fever, all recovered within 48 hrs post arrival. FEI World Cup TM Jumping Final in Kuala Lumpur (MAS): no cases of travel sickness.