What Is High Health High Performance?
High Health High Performance, you may have heard it, but what does it really mean and who does it apply to?
High Health High Performance, also referred to as HHP, is a risk-based approach to managing the international movement of competition horses. The strategy is endorsed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). It focuses on strict biosecurity, health monitoring, and disease control measures to prevent the introduction of infectious diseases during temporary import for competition or breeding.
In short, it’s a world class plan to protect horses in all countries from disease while allowing for the frequent globetrotting of elite competition horses.
The AHC has been hard at work over the decades to encourage the USDA to better frame the regulation of horses temporarily imported to the United States around HHP guidelines.
The benefits of adopting HHP standards are hard to ignore:
- Enhanced Biosecurity: Implementing HHP measures can reduce the risk of disease transmission by ensuring that horses are subject to rigorous health monitoring and biosecurity protocols.
- Streamlined Import Processes: By adopting internationally recognized standards, the U.S. can simplify the importation process for horses participating in international competitions, potentially reducing quarantine times and associated costs.
- International Recognition: Aligning with HHP standards can enhance the U.S.’s reputation as a leader in equine health management, fostering trust among international partners and stakeholders.
- Economic Advantages: Facilitating the movement of high-performance horses can benefit the U.S. equine industry, including breeding, training, and competition sectors.
The AHC will continue to advocate for better regulatory alignment to ensure that the U.S. import regulations are harmonized with HHP standards to avoid conflicts and ensure smooth travel. We hope to further collaborate with international equine organizations, veterinarians, and industry stakeholders to develop and adopt HHP compliant protocols.
We feel strongly that adopting HHP movement guidelines present a strategic opportunity for the U.S. to enhance equine health management, streamline the temporary import process, and strengthen international partnerships in the equine industry.