The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services has informed the industry’s Horse Industry Organizations that it will host a virtual training this year due to ongoing conditions surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic. The training will be held in late February or early March and will focus on HIO and Designated Qualified Persons requirements under the HPA and regulations.

The USDA anticipates the training to count for 1-2 hours of the required training for DQPs. HIOs will have to ensure the remaining hours, including instruction and training on the inspection process for returning DQPs are met.  All new DQPs will need to be trained by the HIOs this year.

The USDA will provide a definitive date and agenda in the coming weeks.