West Virginia has joined a group of southern states in a formal agreement to mutually accept six-month equine health certificates, according to Commissioner of Agriculture Walt Helmick.

West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) State Veterinarian Jewell Plumley, DVM, said that the state has issued and accepted such permits in the past, but this is the first time that a formal program has been developed among southern states, including neighboring Virginia, which recently began issuing six-month permits. 

“This will eliminate the need for horse owners to obtain 30-day permits to bring their animals into West Virginia,” said Plumley. “That way, they can participate in a season of equine events without having to renew their paperwork every month.”

To receive a permit, horse owners must send the receiving state proof of a negative Coggins test, a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI), and an application filled out in full and signed by a licensed veterinarian