5C-22.004. Approval of Quarantine Facilities

(1) An owner who desires approval of a quarantine facility must submit a written request to the Department. The request must include a scale drawing of the site indicating all structures and spaces (for example: buildings, pastures, and fences) intended for use in the quarantine area. A representative of the Department will inspect the premises and will advise the owner of any corrective action which must be taken before an approval.

(a) Requests for such inspection must be made in writing and must be accompanied by a certified check for $150 made payable to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This payment is non-refundable and is used only to cover costs of the pre-approval inspections. If more than two pre-approval inspections are required, there will be a charge of $100 for each additional inspection. Payment for these must also be made in advance as stated above.

(b) Facility approvals will expire at any time the facility has not been used as a Contagious Equine Metritis quarantine facility for a period of eighteen months.

(2) The facilities to be used must be located so that a distance of not less than 30 feet will be maintained between horses under quarantine and any other animals which may be on the premises. Fencing adequate to maintain this separation must be present. Paddocks or pastures used by horses under quarantine must be fenced to preclude any across-fence contact with other horses.

(3) Walls, floors and ceilings must be constructed of impervious materials which can withstand continued cleaning and disinfection.

(4) All openings to the outside must be double-screened with material of not less than 14  16 mesh and must be kept adequately secured. Exterior gates must be kept padlocked to prevent unauthorized removal of the horses and entry of unauthorized individuals.

(5) All equipment needed to maintain the facility in a clean and sanitary condition, including that needed for insect and pest control, must be present.

(6) Equipment used in the quarantine area must remain in the quarantine area.

(7) The water supply must be adequate to meet all watering and cleaning needs.

(8) Surface runoff must be retained on site or must be adequately treated so as to prevent any disease agent from entering or leaving the facility.

(9) All feed and bedding used in the facility must be stored in a vermin-proof area in the quarantine facility.

(10) Ventilation must be sufficient to prevent the accumulation of noxious gases and odors.

(11) Sufficient labor must be available so that those individuals working with horses in the quarantine facility will not come into direct contact with horses outside the facility during the quarantine period.

(12) Protective clothing must be available at the entrance for personnel who care for the horses in the facility. The clothing must be used in the facility and must be used only in the facility. All individuals who enter the facility must wear boots or shoes which can be disinfected with a disinfectant approved by the Department. Such boots or shoes must be cleaned and disinfected immediately upon leaving the facility.

(13) Entrances must have signs posted advising that the area is a quarantined area and that no visitors are allowed to enter the area. The signs will be a minimum of 10 inches by 12 inches.

(14) All waste materials, including bedding and fecal matter, must be disposed of by incineration or by other means which have been specifically approved by a representative of the Department.

(15) A written approval will be issued by the Department after inspection by a Department representative has verified that all of the above requirements have been met.

Rulemaking Authority 585.002(3), (4), 585.08(2)(a) FS. Law Implemented 585.003, 585.08(1), 585.11(1), 585.145(1), 585.16, 585.23 FS. History–New 6-3-93, Amended 11-22-93.