Export female horses to the USA: certificate 1261

Apply online to export female horses (mares and fillies) to the USA.

Exporting from England, Scotland and Wales

If you’re in England, Scotland or Wales, you must apply for this export health certificate (EHC) using the online service.

If you’re in Northern Ireland, you must apply to DAERA.

1. Check what you need for your export

Find out about the requirements for export in the guidance notes for certificate 1261 and guidance notes for Screwworm and FMD SUP certificate.

Download a specimen certificate Export female horses (mares) to the USA: EHC 1261, version 6, Support document: SCREWWORM FMD SUP, version 1 and an application for APHA Veterinarian countersignature: ET145.

2. Apply online

You’ll need:

  • a Government Gateway account
  • a Defra account

If you don’t already have them you’ll need to register for these accounts, and so will your official vet or inspector.

Start now

Registration takes around 5 minutes. Official vets and inspectors will also need to have their registration checked by APHA.

Register and sign in as an official vet or inspector.

Read the accessibility statement for this service.

Applying online means you can:

  • see the status of your applications
  • always use the latest version of the EHC
  • copy existing applications
  • apply for multiple certificates

Exporting from Northern Ireland

If you’re in Northern Ireland you’ll need to upload your application for DAERA.

  1. Find out about the requirements for export in the guidance notes for certificate 1261 and guidance notes for Screwworm and FMD SUP certificate.

  2. Download and fill in Export female horses (mares) to the USA: EHC 1261, version 6 and Support document: SCREWWORM FMD SUP, version 1.

  3. Upload your application.

Make sure you use the latest version of the EHC as they are sometimes updated. The latest version is on this page.

If you do not use the latest version, DAERA will not accept your application.

Help with your application

In England, Scotland and Wales, call APHA on 03000 200 301.

In Northern Ireland, call DAERA on 02877442060.

Find out about call charges.

Published 30 November 2018
Last updated 21 November 2023 + show all updates
  1. Guidance notes updated.

  2. Piroplasmosis Addendum removed

  3. Screwworm and FMD SUP and Screwworm and FMD SUP NFG added

  4. Piroplasmosis Health Certificate Addendum document has been added to the certificate.

  5. Guidance notes updated.

  6. Updated specimen certificate released.

  7. Specimen certificate and guidance notes updated.

  8. A new version of the EHC has been released.

  9. Guidance notes updated and application for APHA Veterinarian countersignature document added

  10. Added a link to EHC online - a new digital service that allows exporters to apply for and manage their export health certificates online.

  11. EHC now version 3

  12. First published.