Phase II Mailing A NAHMS Equine Event Study

Equine 2026 Study

Phase II Mailing A

Equine 2026 Study - Business

OMB: 0579-0269

Document [pdf]

Download: pdf | pdf

OMB No. 0579-0269 Exp. Date xx/xx/xxxx

CLICK HERE OR SCAN QR CODE TO COMPLETE SURVEY
Your Survey Code is xxxxxx
Please fill out the survey for this event: xxxxxx

NAHMS Equine Event Study
Contact: NAHMS@usda.gov
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Animal Health Monitoring
System (NAHMS) is conducting an Equine Event study. This study is an opportunity for
event managers to provide their input on current equine health issues. This study will
provide valuable data that will benefit the equine industry by:
•
•
•

Guiding future research and education to benefit equine health,
Helping to advance equine health to ensure continuation of safe and healthy
equine events, and
Describing biosecurity measures at events to reduce incidence of infectious
diseases.

An Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

Name
Page 2

Your voluntary participation is essential to this important study. We are required by law
to keep your answers confidential, and your responses on the surveys will be used only
in combination with other responses. For more information about the study, please see
(link to flyer). For more information about NAHMS, please see (link to Equine page).
You may complete the survey online by clicking on the link above and entering the 6digit survey code listed above. If you are unable to complete the web-based survey and
would prefer either a paper questionnaire or to complete the questionnaire over the
phone, please contact me by phone or email. If you have any questions or comments
about this study, we would be happy to talk with you. Our NAHMS toll-free number is
(866) 907-8190.
Your participation ensures that we obtain reliable results that accurately describe the
equine industry. Thank you very much for helping with this important equine study.
Sincerely,
[Data collector name]
[Data collector contact information]

An Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) 2026

EQUINE EVENTS STUDY
Do you manage or participate in equine events?
The NAHMS Equine 2026 study is an opportunity for event managers and participants to provide their input on
current equine health issues. The study will examine biosecurity and health management strategies at 850
randomly selected events featuring varied disciplines, breeds, and venue sizes. The study will take place in 30
States for events occurring during 2026. Participation is voluntary and information provided is confidential. All
results will be reported in an aggregated format. Results will not be used for regulatory purposes, and
none of the reported information will be traceable to a particular event or State.

What happens if I agree to participate in the study?
NAHMS representatives will randomly select events and send managers an invitation to participate in the
study. Event managers who agree to participate will receive a link to an online questionnaire to answer
questions about their event. A NAHMS representative will then visit the venue during the event to answer any
questions, conduct an on-site questionnaire, and obtain samples from the environment and participating
equines to determine presence of certain pathogens.1 Samples for respiratory pathogens will be held for at
least 2 months before they are tested. All test results will be kept confidential and will not be traceable to a
venue or event.

Why should I participate in the study if selected?
The study is expected to provide valuable statistics about equine events and information about ways to reduce
the impacts of infectious diseases at events. The results will help advance equine health to ensure continuation
of safe and healthy equine events. High response rates will ensure high-quality data that best represents the
U.S. equine industry, so we encourage everyone who is selected to participate!

For more information:

USDA–APHIS–VS–CEAH
NRRC Building B, M.S. 2E7
2150 Centre Avenue
Fort Collins, CO 80526-8117
Phone: 866-907-8190
Email: NAHMS@usda.gov
www.aphis.usda.gov/nahms

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Equine herpesvirus, equine influenza, strangles, equine rhinitis virus, Salmonella and equine coronavirus
Photos courtesy of Pixabay and Unsplash

States from which events will
be randomly selected for
participation

Show Smarter

Keeping Your Horse Healthy & Safe at Events

Avoid nose-tonose contact with
other horses.

EVENT STALL?
Strip & disinfect
before use.

DON’T
SHARE or
BORROW !
Bring your own
tack, feed, water
buckets, & tools.

Tie to your trailer
or a clean nonporous surface.

Avoid using
common water
troughs & feeders.

NO TOUCHING!
Ask visitors not
to pet your horse.

RESOURCES TO GUIDE BIOSECURITY PLANNING
FOR HORSES ON THE MOVE

iStock.com/Hennadii

Created by: Brandy A. Burgess, DVM, MSc, PhD, DACVIM (LA), DACVPM
College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens GA

©BABurgess

From Entry To Exit

Keeping Horses Safe at Your Event
Criteria to enter venue?
•

Proof of vaccination?

•

Health certification?

Set up an isolation
area for sick horses

Have a cleaning &
disinfection plan
for shared facilities
Actively monitor
equine athletes for
illness or fever

WORK WITH AREA VETERINARIANS TO DEVELOP A
BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR THE EVENT
Resources to Guide Biosecurity Planning for Your Equine Event

iStock.com/Hennadii

Created by: Brandy A. Burgess, DVM, MSc, PhD, DACVIM (LA), DACVPM
College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens GA

©BABurgess

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person
is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number.
The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0579-0269. The time required to complete
this information collection is estimated to average 30 minutes per response, including the time to review
instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the
information collected. Send comments regarding this burden statement or any other aspect of this
information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to APHIS.PRA@usda.gov.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE
VETERINARY SERVICES
NATIONAL ANIMAL HEALTH MONITORING SYSTEM
2150 CENTRE AVE, BLDG B
FORT COLLINS, CO 80526

OMB Approved
0579-0269
EXP: XX/20XX

EQUINE 2026
EVENT
QUESTIONNAIRE

Thank you for being willing to participate in the NAHMS Equine study! Your support will help make regional and national estimates as
accurate as possible. The information you provide will be used for statistical purposes only. In accordance with the Confidential
Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2018, Title III of Pub. L. No. 115-435, codified in 44 U.S.C. Ch. 35 and other
applicable Federal laws, your responses will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed in identifiable form to anyone other than
employees or agents. By law, every National Animal Health Monitoring System employee as well as every agent has taken an oath
and is subject to a jail term, a fine, or both, if he or she willfully discloses ANY identifiable information about you. Response is
voluntary. Click next to acknowledge that you received this information.

Instructions
In this questionnaire, equines include horses, miniature horses, ponies, donkeys, burros, mules and
hinnies.

Section A – Event Description
A. Enter ID to continue ______________ id {This question will only appear in the online version}
B. Enter event start date: _____ (mm/dd/yyyy) sdate C. Enter event end date: ______ (mm/dd/yyyy) edate
{B and C will read ‘Select’ event start/end date in the online version}
1. Of the following types, which describes the activities at this event? [Check all that apply. For
example, if this is a fair that has a rodeo as part of the event, check both fair and rodeo.]
e0001 Show (including English & Western pleasure, equitation, halter, conformation, showmanship,
jumping, dressage, trail class, breed show, etc.)
e0002 Western performance events (including barrel racing, team penning, ranch sorting, roping,
cutting, etc.)
e0003 Polo
e0004 Fair or exhibition
e0005 Rodeo
e0006 Race
e0007 Trail ride (recreational) or endurance
e0008 Sale or auction
e0009 Breed or discipline inspection
e0010 Training clinic
e0011 Draft horse pull/show
e0012 Horse trials/Eventing/Hunter Paces
e0013 Other (please describe: _______________________________) e0013oth

2. Which best describes the major purpose of this event? [Check only one.] e0014
1 Show (including English & Western pleasure, equitation, halter, conformation, showmanship,
jumping, dressage, trail class, breed show, etc.)
2 Western performance events (including barrel racing, team penning, ranch sorting, roping, cutting,
etc.)
3 Polo
4 Fair or exhibition
5 Rodeo
6 Race
7 Trail ride (recreational) or endurance
8 Sale or auction
9 Breed or discipline inspection
10 Training clinic
11 Draft horse pull/show
12 Horse trials/Eventing/Hunter Paces
13 Other (please describe: _______________________________) e0014oth
3. Are the following types of equines present at this event?
a. Horse (light or draft) ................................................................ e0015 1 Yes 3 No 4 Don’t Know
b. Pony........................................................................................ e0016 1 Yes 3 No 4 Don’t Know
c. Miniature horse ....................................................................... e0017 1 Yes 3 No 4 Don’t Know
d. Donkey or burro ...................................................................... e0018 1 Yes 3 No 4 Don’t Know
e. Mule or hinny .......................................................................... e0019 1 Yes 3 No 4 Don’t Know
f. Other (what type? _________________________) e0020oth .... e0020 1 Yes 3 No 4 Don’t Know
4. Are the following types of other livestock present at this event?
a. Cattle ...................................................................................... e0021 1 Yes 3 No 4 Don’t Know
b. Sheep ..................................................................................... e0022 1 Yes 3 No 4 Don’t Know
c. Goats ...................................................................................... e0023 1 Yes 3 No 4 Don’t Know
d. Camelids (llamas, alpacas) .................................................... e0024 1 Yes 3 No 4 Don’t Know
e. Pigs ......................................................................................... e0025 1 Yes 3 No 4 Don’t Know
f. Poultry..................................................................................... e0026 1 Yes 3 No 4 Don’t Know
Enter whole numbers for the following questions.
5. How many days are any equines on the premises for this event? .................... e0027

__________ days

6. How many days does this particular event last? [For partial days, enter 1.] ..... e0028 ___________ days
7. Please estimate how many equines (including horses, ponies, miniature horses, donkeys, burros,
mules, hinnies) are on the event grounds on a typical day at this event ......... e0029 __________ head

8. Please estimate the total number of individual equines that will be at this event over the course of the
entire event (for example, if there are 200 horses at the event on a typical day, but over the course of
the event 1,000 different horses will be at the event, the answer to this question would be 1,000. Do
not double count individual equines.) ................................................................ e0030 ______________
9. Do all equines stay on the event site for the entire duration of the event? ....... e0031

1 Yes 3 No

10. Will any of the equines at this event come from outside the State
where the event is being held? ................................................... e0032 1 Yes 3 No 4 Don’t Know
If No or Don’t Know, skip to Section B.
11. Will equines come from States farther away than adjacent
States?........................................................................................ e0033 1 Yes 3 No 4 Don’t Know
12. How many different States will equines enter the event from?
(Do not count the State where the event is being held.) ......... e0034/e0034a ____ # States 4 Don’t Know
13. Will any of the equines at this event come from outside the United States?
.................................................................................................... e0035 1 Yes 3 No 4 Don’t Know

Section B – Equine Infectious Anemia (Coggins) Testing and Vaccinations
14. Is an equine infectious anemia (Coggins) test required for any equines attending this event?
[Check only one.] e0101
1 Yes, for all equines
2 Only for equines from out of State
3 Only if there is a specific risk
4 Not required
If Not required, skip to Item 19.
15. Some events have a required time frame for the EIA (Coggins) test, for example a requirement that
the test was done in the last 12 months before the event.
Does this event have a required time frame?.................................................... e0102

1 Yes 3 No

If No, skip to Item 17.
16. What is the required time frame for the EIA (Coggins) test? [Check only one.] e0103
1 Within 12 months before the event
2 Within 6 months before the event
3 Within the same calendar year as the event
4 Other (please describe: _______________________________) e0103oth

17. At what points during the event was proof of the EIA (Coggins) test required? (May be required more
than once during event.)
a. Prior to arrival at event .................................................................................. e0104

1 Yes 3 No

b. To enter facility .............................................................................................. e0105

1 Yes 3 No

c. After entering facility, but before competition/sale ......................................... e0106

1 Yes 3 No

d. Other (when? _________________________) e0107oth ................................. e0107

1 Yes 3 No

18. What happens if the participant does not have the required proof of EIA test? [Check only one.] e0108
1 Sent home
2 Allowed to stay under quarantine until made compliant
3 Allowed to stay without quarantine but required to make animal(s) compliant during event
4 Allowed to stay unrestricted
5 Other (please describe: _______________________________) e0108oth
19. Are any vaccinations required for equines to participate in this event as
part of the event requirement? .......................................................................... e0109

1 Yes 3 No

If No, skip to Section C.
20. Are the following vaccinations required for equines to participate in the event?
a. Herpesvirus (rhino) ........................................................................................ e0110

1 Yes 3 No

b. Influenza ....................................................................................................... e0111

1 Yes 3 No

c. Streptococcus equi (strangles) ...................................................................... e0112

1 Yes 3 No

d. Rabies

....................................................................................................... e0113

1 Yes 3 No

e. Other (what vaccine?_________________________________) e0114oth...... e0114

1 Yes 3 No

Section C – Other Health Documents
21. For equines that travel to this event, does this event require equine body temperature to be taken
before equines embark on travel to the event (for example, by the owner, trainer or a veterinarian)?
[Check only one.] e0201
1 Yes, for all equines
2 Yes, for some equines
3 No
If No, skip to Item 23.
22. Does this event require participants to submit these equine body temperature records to event
officials?
....................................................................................................... e0202 1 Yes 3 No

23. Is the following documentation (either paper or electronic) required for any equines attending this
event?
Required for which equines?
[Select one only for each
documentation type.]
a. Official veterinarian-issued
certificate of veterinary inspection
(also known as CVI or health
certificate)
b. Veterinarian’s statement of
equine health on veterinarian’s
letterhead (This is different from an
official certificate of veterinary
inspection.)
c. Equine health declaration
document (The owner, trainer or
agent declares certain health
statements, such as the equine has
not shown signs of infectious
disease and has not been exposed
to another equine with a known
infectious disease.)

1 For all equines
2 Only for equines from out of State
3 Only if there is a specific risk
4 Not required e0203

If required for any
equines, does this
event ever receive
this documentation
in electronic form?
1 Yes 3 No
e0206

1 For all equines
2 Only for equines from out of State
3 Only if there is a specific risk
4 Not required e0204

1 Yes 3 No

1 For all equines
2 Only for equines from out of State
3 Only if there is a specific risk
4 Not required e0205

1 Yes 3 No

e0207

e0208

If “Not required” is checked for Item 23a, skip to Section D.
24. You indicated that an official veterinarian-issued certificate of veterinary inspection (also known as
CVI or health certificate) is required for some or all equines attending this event. Does the health
certificate (CVI) have to be presented for visual inspection to an official at the event?
e0209 .................................................................................................................................................... 1 Yes 3 No
25. At what point(s) during the event is the health certificate (CVI) required? (May be required more than
once during event.)
a. Prior to arrival at event .................................................................................. e0210

1 Yes 3 No

b. To enter facility .............................................................................................. e0211

1 Yes 3 No

c. After entering facility, but before competition/sale ......................................... e0212

1 Yes 3 No

d. Other (when? _________________________) e0213oth ................................. e0213

1 Yes 3 No

26. Some events require a time frame for the health certificate, for example a requirement that it be
issued no more than 30 days before the event. Does this event have a required time frame for the
health certificate (CVI)? ..................................................................................... e0214 1 Yes 3 No
27. If Yes, please enter the number of days: This event requires the health certificate (CVI) be issued no
more than _____ days before the event. e0215
28. Is any information from the health certificate (CVI) recorded as part of the event records, such as
horse’s origin, health certificate number, issuing veterinarian, etc.?................. e0216 1 Yes 3 No

29. What happens if the participant does not have the required health certificate (CVI)? [Check only one.]
e0217

1 Sent home
2 Allowed to stay under quarantine until made compliant
3 Allowed to stay without quarantine but required to make animal(s) compliant during event
4 Allowed to stay unrestricted
5 Other (please describe: _______________________________) e0217oth

Section D – General Policies
30. Is it the policy of the event organizers to verify the individual animal identification (ID) at any point
during the event? ............................................................................................... e0301 1 Yes 3 No
If No, skip to Item 32.
31. Which of the following methods are used to verify equine ID? (More than one method may have been
used.)
a. Match to breed registration papers ................................................................ e0302

1 Yes 3 No

b. Match to health certificate and/or EIA test paper .......................................... e0303

1 Yes 3 No

c. Microchip scanned ......................................................................................... e0304

1 Yes 3 No

d. Tattoo

....................................................................................................... e0305

1 Yes 3 No

e. Freeze brand ................................................................................................. e0306

1 Yes 3 No

f. Brand inspection ............................................................................................. e0307

1 Yes 3 No

g. Bill of sale ...................................................................................................... e0308

1 Yes 3 No

h. Iris scanning................................................................................................... e0309

1 Yes 3 No

i. Passport (for international horses)..................................... e0310 1 Yes 3 No 4 Not Applicable
j. Other (please describe:_________________________________) e0311oth ... e0311

1 Yes 3 No

32. Were any insect controls used on the premises of this
e03121 Yes 3 No 4 Not Applicable (not insect season)
event?
If No or Not Applicable, skip to Item 34.
33. Were the following forms of insect control used on the premises of the event?
a. Spray or fog facility prior to event (environmental application) ..................... e0313

1 Yes 3 No

b. Spray or fog facility during event (environmental application)....................... e0314

1 Yes 3 No

c. Horse owner applies own insect control ........................................................ e0315

1 Yes 3 No

d. Bug zapper .................................................................................................... e0316

1 Yes 3 No

e. Other (please describe:_______________________________) e0317oth ...... e0317

1 Yes 3 No

34. At this event, are manure dumping areas clearly designated?

e03181

Yes 3 No 4 Not Applicable

The next questions ask about licensed veterinarians. Include veterinarians who are hired by this event
and veterinarians who are provided by a government agency or other organization.
35. During this event, are any of the following licensed veterinarians available to provide equine
veterinary services or health monitoring? [Check all that apply.]
e0319 On-site veterinarian
e0320 On-call veterinarian to come on-site if called
e0321 Neither of the above
36. If neither of the above in Item 35, what were the reasons for not working with a
veterinarian for this event? [Check all that apply.]
e0322 No veterinarian available in the local area, or veterinarian too far away
e0323 Too expensive
e0324 No veterinarian needed – don’t expect any health issues
e0325 No veterinarian needed – animal health managed by non-veterinary personnel
e0326 Other reason (please describe:________________________________) e0326oth
If ‘On-site veterinarian’ checked in Item 35 – answer Items 37–40.
If ‘On-call veterinarian’ only, or ‘Neither of the above’ in Item 36, skip to Section E.
37. How often is a veterinarian on site during the event? [Check only one.] e0327
1 Every day of the event
2 On some days, but not all days, of the event
38. How far does the on-site veterinarian need to travel to the event? [Check only one. If more than one
veterinarian is on-site during the event, answer for the veterinarian who travels farthest.] e0328
1 0–29 miles
2 30–99 miles
3 100–149 miles
4 150–299 miles
5 Over 300 miles
6 Don’t know
39. Who hires or provides the on-site veterinarian(s)? [Check all that apply.]
e0329 Provided by government agency
e0330 Provided by organizational institution overseeing this event (e.g., AQHA)
e0331 Hired by event organizer
e0332 Other (please describe:_______________________________________) e0332oth
If ‘Hired by event organizer’ selected in Item 39, continue. Otherwise, skip to Section E.

40. What is the approximate hourly rate of pay for veterinarians hired by the event organizer?
(If a daily rate is paid, divide this amount by the number of hours worked) e0333 $_________/hour
............................................................................................. e0333a 3 Prefer not to answer

Section E – Housing
41. Does this event provide housing (e.g., stalls, pens) for equines? .......................... e0401 1 Yes 3 No
If No, skip to Item 44.
42. Are the equine housing facilities (stalls, pens) usually cleaned and/or disinfected prior to the event:
a. By event organizers? .......................................................................................... e0402 1 Yes 3 No
b. By facility personnel?.......................................................................................... e0403 1 Yes 3 No
If No to both Items 42a and 42b, skip to Item 44.
43. What are the method(s) of cleaning and disinfecting the housing facilities?
Cleaning
a. Removed manure/bedding from previous occupant.................. e0404 1 Yes 3 No 4 Don’t Know
b. Stalls washed/scrubbed............................................................. e0405 1 Yes 3 No 4 Don’t Know
c. Other cleaning method (please describe: ______________________) e0406oth e0406 1 Yes 3 No
Disinfecting
d. Disinfectant (bleach or other disinfectant) applied to stalls ......

e0407

1 Yes 3 No 4 Don’t Know

If Yes,
(1) What disinfectant is used? ____________________________e0408/e0408a 4 Don’t Know
(2) How often is disinfectant applied to stalls? (Check only one.) e0409
1 After every event
2 Monthly
3 Quarterly
4 Annually
5 As needed
6 Other (please describe:________________________) e0409oth
44. Are there any boarding or resident equines at the facility where this event is held? e0410 1 Yes 3 No
If No, skip to Section F.
45. Immediately before this event begins, how many boarding or resident
equines are at this facility? ........................................................e0411/e0411a_____#head 4 Don’t Know
46. Do any of the boarding or resident equines compete at this event? ...................... e0412 1 Yes 3 No
If No, skip to Section F.

47. For the boarding or resident equines that compete at this event, are they physically separated from
stables for other event equines? ........................................................................... e0413 1 Yes 3 No

Section F – Health Monitoring
48. Does this event have a policy or requirement to check equine body temperatures at the following
times during the event? [Check all that apply.]
e0501 All equines upon arrival at the event facility
e0502 Daily on all equines during event
e0503 Twice daily on all equines during event
e0504 If an equine shows signs of illness
e0505 Other policy or requirement (please describe:____________________) e0505oth
e0506 None of the above (no requirement for checking temperatures)
If ‘None of the above’ checked for Item 48, skip to Item 50.
49. Are equine temperature logs (a record of the equine’s body temperature) mandatory during the
event? ............................................................................................................... e0507 1 Yes 3 No
50. Are participants at the event required to promptly report a fever or clinical signs of infectious disease
in an equine to a designated event official? ..................................................... e0508 1 Yes 3 No
51. For the next question, ‘isolation area’ refers to an area that is physically separated from the general
stabling or equine gathering area and can be used for isolating equines that have fever or other signs
of infectious disease. The isolation area could be at the site of the event, or off-site.
Does this event have the following types of isolation areas available?
a. On-site isolation area e0509............................................................................. 1 Yes 3 No
b. Off-site isolation area (for example, at a veterinary clinic) e0510 .................... 1 Yes 3 No
52. Which of the following best describes this event’s plans if an equine requires advanced veterinary
care, for example, down horses? [Check only one.] e0511
1 There is an overnight veterinary facility in the area, and this event has talked to them about a plan
2 There is an overnight veterinary facility in the area, but this event has not talked to them about a
plan
3 An overnight veterinary facility is not available in this area
4 Other (please describe:_______________________________________) e0511oth
53. Does this event have a written plan for:
a. Handling suspected cases of infectious diseases, such as equine herpesvirus,
influenza, etc.? .................................................................................................. e0512 1 Yes 3 No
b. Handling confirmed cases of infectious diseases, such as equine herpesvirus,
influenza, etc.? .................................................................................................. e0513 1 Yes 3 No
c. Conducting evacuation in the event of an emergency or natural disaster? ...... e0514 1 Yes 3 No

54. In the case of a sick or febrile equine, what would be the diagnostic course of action? [Check all that
apply.]
e0515 Event requires examination by a veterinarian
e0516 Examining veterinarian decides what laboratory tests to do
e0517 Event requires specific laboratory tests to be run
e0518 Other (please describe:_____________________________________________) e0518oth
e0519 None of the above
55. Are the following hand cleaning stations available for people in the event or exhibition areas?
a. Hand sanitizing station ................................................................................... e0520 1 Yes 3 No
b. Hand washing stations with soap and water (Include bathrooms if available in
event area.) ...................................................................................................... e0521 1 Yes 3 No

Section G – Record Keeping
56. Is the following information obtained as part of the event record-keeping process?

Is this information obtained?

If yes, how was the information stored
by the event organizer following the
event? [Check both if applicable]

Participant/owner name

1 Yes 3 No

e0611 Paper e0621 Electronic

Participant/owner address

1 Yes 3 No

e0612 Paper e0622 Electronic

Participant/owner phone number

1 Yes 3 No

e0613 Paper e0623 Electronic

Participant/owner e-mail

1 Yes 3 No

e0614 Paper e0624 Electronic

Horse registration/ID number

1 Yes 3 No

e0615 Paper e0625 Electronic

Equine microchip numbers