A major step forward for the safe international movement of competition horses in the Asia-Pacific region was announced in Hong Kong in April, with a plan to establish the first World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Collaborating Centre for Equine Health and Movement.
The proposal was unveiled during a high-level regional workshop on public–private partnerships for equine health and horse movement, bringing together around 80 representatives from veterinary authorities, equestrian federations, and racing bodies from 17 countries and regions.
Initiated by WOAH and the International Horse Sports Confederation (IHSC), with support from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of the Hong Kong SAR Government (AFCD), the workshop which was hosted by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), focused on strengthening public–private cooperation to improve the safety, efficiency, and coordination of cross-border horse movement.
Principal Veterinary Officer of the AFCD, Dr. Michelle Yeung, said Hong Kong’s long-standing role in international horse movement had positioned the city to take a leading role in equine health cooperation. She described it as a vision to establish a WOAH Collaborating Centre for Equine Health and Movement, contributing Hong Kong’s expertise in harmonised health certification, equine disease testing, and research.
“The WOAH-IHSC collaboration has resulted in the development of tailored practical and science-based tools such as The High Health, High Performance (HHP) Framework, and the Equine Disease-Free Zones (EDFZs), which have been implemented in many places,” said Dr Hirofumi Kugita, former WOAH Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, in his opening remarks.
Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Vice-President of the IHSC, Chair of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), and Chief Executive Officer of the HKJC, highlighted the AFCD’s “regulatory expertise and world-class oversight”, which he said had helped establish Hong Kong as “a global leader in biosecurity”. He added that collaboration between WOAH, the AFCD, and the HKJC would play an important role in supporting the development of the equine industry in Mainland China.
Describing the broader mission behind the initiative Engelbrecht-Bresges said, “This is more than a logistical goal; it is a commitment to ensuring that international competition remains the pinnacle of our sport, underpinned by the highest standards of equine health.”
Discussions throughout the workshop focused on strengthening regional cooperation to support the safe international movement of horses, with participants examining priorities including harmonised health certification, horse traceability, laboratory capacity, equine disease surveillance, and preparations for upcoming major equestrian events. Representatives from 12 countries and regions also shared updates on recent developments in horse movement and equine disease management across their regions.
Participants reviewed progress achieved through key public-private partnership initiatives, including the HHP Framework and EDFZs, while discussions also identified future priorities for further harmonising international horse movement systems.
A key highlight of the workshop was an update from FEI Director of Veterinary & Equine Welfare Dr Göran Åkerström on the FEI Equipass system, an innovative digital solution designed to improve horse identification, traceability, and the efficiency of international horse movement.
“This workshop offers a vital platform to share knowledge and experience in equine disease risk management, particularly in the safe movement of sport horses across borders,” said Mr Mickey Lai, Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation of the HKSAR Government. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing the equine industry in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and across the Mainland China.”
Dr Jack Huang, FEI Vice President, underscored the importance of continuity in regional collaboration, building on progress achieved through earlier engagements across the region. “Today, we consolidate progress, review outcomes and chart next steps amid evolving challenges.”
The workshop concluded with focused group discussions to refine a regional roadmap for future cooperation, with participants reaffirming their shared priorities and next steps. The next regional meeting will be held in Thailand in 2027, hosted by the Thailand Equestrian Federation.
About the International Horse Sports Confederation (IHSC)
The International Horse Sports Confederation (IHSC) is a non-profit organisation established in 2013, when the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) joined forces to create a formal platform for cooperation between the world’s leading horse sports bodies.
The IHSC’s core mission is to promote cooperation and the exchange of information on matters of mutual interest between the IFHA and FEI. It also represents the collective interests of the global horse industry in engagements with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and other international organisations.
About the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)
The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, founded as OIE) is the global authority on animal health and welfare. Its mission is to improve animal health worldwide by working across borders and promoting a One Health approach, which recognises the interdependence of animal, human, and environmental health.
Since 1924, WOAH has collected, analysed, and disseminated veterinary scientific information, while promoting international cooperation in controlling animal health risks. In 1998, it was recognised by the World Trade Organization (WTO) as the international standard-setting organisation for animal health.
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