Hong Kong Eyes World-First Equine Health Hub For Asia-Pacific Racing

News from Hong Kong is plans for a first World Organisation for Animal Health Collaborating Centre for Equine Health and Movement for horses competing in the Asia-Pacific region.

Bringing together 80 veterinary, equestrian and racing personal from 17 regions, it’s strengthening the public–private cooperation on safety, efficiency, and coordination of horse movement.

“The WOAH-IHSC collaboration has resulted in the development of tailored practical and science-based tools,” said Dr Hirofumi Kugita, former WOAH Representative for Asia-Pacific.

“Such tools as The High Health, High Performance Framework, and the Equine Disease-Free Zones have been implemented in many places throughout the Asia-Pacific”

Initiated by WOAH and International Horse Sports Confederation, it was AFCD Principal Veterinary Officer Dr. Michelle Yeung saying “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 a vision to establish a WOAH Collaborating Centre for Equine Health and Movement, as contributing Hong Kong’s expertise in health certification, equine disease testing, and research.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Vice-President of the IHSC, IFHA Chair and HKJC Chief Executive highlighted the AFCD’s ‘regulatory expertise and world-class oversight’ to establish Hong Kong as ‘a global leader in biosecurity’ and the development of the equine industry in Mainland China.

“This is more than a logistical goal,” he said “it’s a commitment to ensuring international competition remains the pinnacle of our sport, underpinned by the highest standards of equine health.”

Workshop discussions focused on strengthening cooperation for safe international movement of horses, harmonised health certification, horse traceability, laboratory capacity, equine disease surveillance, and preparations for upcoming major equestrian events.

“This workshop offers a platform to share knowledge and experience in equine disease risk, particularly in the safe movement of sport horses across borders,” said Mr Mickey Lai.

As a Director of the HKSAR Government, he stated “We remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing the equine industry in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and Mainland China.”

Dr Jack Huang, FEI Vice President, underscored the importance of regional collaboration, “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.

Today the International Horse Sports Confederation is a non-profit organisation the Fédération Equestre Internationale joined with International Federation of Horseracing Authorities in 2013.

In joining 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.

The World Organisation for Animal Health is the global authority on animal health and welfare and to improve animal health worldwide by working across borders and promoting One Health.