Release No. 0416.96

                                        Dawn Kent     (301) 734-7255
                                                dkent@aphis.usda.gov
                                        Jerry Redding (202) 720-6959
                                                   jredding@usda.gov

USDA EXTENDS QUARANTINE FOR MEXICAN HORSES TO 7 DAYS

     WASHINGTON, July 31, 1996--The U.S. Department of Agriculture today
announced an increase in import requirements for Mexican horses in response
to a recent outbreak of Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) in
southern Mexico.

     The Mexican government recently informed USDA that in early July, 70
horses in southern Mexico tested positive for VEE.  Of these horses, 32 were
ill with the disease and 10 died.  In response to the outbreak, the Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service, a part of USDA's marketing and regulatory
programs mission area, will establish appropriate quarantine facilities along
the border and increase the current 3-day quarantine to 7 days.

     "This is a proactive and preventive measure by APHIS's veterinary
services to protect animal health in the United States," said Michael V.
Dunn, USDA's assistant secretary for marketing and regulatory programs.

     Mexican horses attending the Olympics are not affected as they came
from areas free of VEE.  All Olympic horses were subjected to standard
quarantine procedures upon arrival in the United States.  Mexican horses
satisfied all import requirements.

     VEE is a mosquito-borne viral disease.  It is capable of infecting all
equine species, such as horses, donkeys, and zebras.  After infection,
equine may suddenly die or show progressive central nervous system disorders.

     "In 1993, there was an outbreak of VEE in Chiapas, Mexico.  At that
time, we restricted horse imports temporarily and increased surveillance on
Mexican horses," said Joan M. Arnoldi, deputy administrator for veterinary
services with APHIS.  "These proactive measures were more than enough to
prevent the spread of VEE into the United States."

     Notice of this interim rule became effective July 26 and was published
in today's Federal Register for July 31.

     Consideration will be given to comments received on or before Sept. 30.
An original and three copies should be sent to Docket No. 96-052-1, Regulatory
Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, USDA, Suite 3C03, 4700 River Road,
Unit 118, Riverdale, Md. 20737-1238.

     Comments may be reviewed at USDA, Room 1141 South Building, 14th Street
and Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C., between 8 a.m. and
4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays.  Persons wishing to
access this room are requested to call in advance of visiting at
(202) 690-2817.

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