PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT
ENVIRONMENT DIVISION
Tripartite Agreement (TPA)
(Public)
Purpose of the Report
To update clarify and improve movement controls on horses between France, Republic of Ireland and Jersey
Background
The Tri-partite Agreement (TPA) is a long standing arrangement through which the UK, Ireland and France apply a derogation from the harmonised animal health rules governing the movement of horses within the EU. The TPA is based on Article 6 of Council Directive 2009/156 and grants derogations from
(a) the inspection and certification within 48 hours before embarkation or loading prior to movement of equidae between the signatory countries and
(b) equidae needing to be accompanied by a health attestation or a health certificate complying with Annex II and Annex III of the above Directive.
For many years, the terms of the agreement have been practically applied in Jersey for movements from France and the Republic of Ireland, although because the definition of UK in the agreement did not include the Channel Islands, exporters have been advised to ensure horses exported to all EU Member States are accompanied by the appropriate official export health certificate.
Movement of horses between UK and Jersey is unrestricted.
Discussion
- Over the past year, Defra with devolved governments and administrations, has worked with representatives of the UK equine sector and has published a quantitative risk assessment into the possibility that equine disease could enter the UK from the continent through movements under the TPA. It concluded that there is currently a low but unacceptable risk to equine health in the UK. Defra therefore indicated to France and Ireland that they wished to review the TPA on this basis.
- Defra were assisted by the development of a proposal from the British Equine sector for possible changes to the TPA. This proposal formed the basis of discussions with Ireland and France and seeks to limit the TPA to horses with the highest health status. All horse movements that would fall outside the scope of a new TPA would need to comply with normal EU trade rules and be accompanied by an EU health certificate.
3 The Jersey equine sector operates in close collaboration with the UK and all Jersey equine associations are linked to parent bodies in UK which have been invited by Defra to comment on proposed changes to the TPA.
4 Renegotiation of the TPA has provided an opportunity for Jersey to be included as part of the UK Member State.
5 It is proposed TPA eligibility shall be limited to defined groups of equidae that are managed or governed by sporting associations, industry federations or similar bodies that can provide assurances on health status and the traceability of the horses under their jurisdiction.
6 The health status of equidae moving under the TPA should be demonstrably higher than the standards required for general movement of equidae travelling with a health certificate within the EU, as contained in Council Directive 2009/156 EC. The assurances provided should be grounded on and supported by recognised codes of practice or accepted best practice within the sector concerned.
Conclusion
By inclusion of Jersey as part of the UK for the Tripartite Agreement, control of horse movements to the island and protection for the island’s equine population will be improved by controls based on the health status of the animals. Owner’s with demonstrably high health status animals will be able to move to France and Republic of Ireland without intra-community trade health certification.
Recommendation
The Minister is recommended to agree inclusion of Jersey as a signatory to the Tripartite Agreement, under the aegis of the Chief Veterinary Officer UK, supported by the States Veterinary Officer.
Written by: States Veterinary Officer
Approved by: Deputy Chief Officer, Department of the Environment
Endorsed by: [If other department involved -Director’s name and Directorate]
Attachments:
[To be listed]
[File Ref]
Ministerial Decision ref: MD-PE-2008-XXXX
[Date]
gov.je