Uruguay barred from horse exports to EU after missing disease surveillance program

An official communication from the European Commission dated 8 May states that Uruguay cannot sign the model certificates required to certify equine animals for entry into the Union because it has not submitted the mandatory national surveillance programme for equine surra. Under EU Delegated Regulation 2020/692, a third‑country can export horses if the origin establishment has been disease‑free for six months and a recognised surveillance programme is in place. Uruguay reported three surra outbreaks in 2025 and notified the World Organisation for Animal Health, but the required programme was never presented.

As a result, more than seventy horses that have already been sold are unable to leave Uruguay for European buyers. Minister of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries Alfredo Fratti was questioned in the Chamber of Representatives, while Deputy Carlos Rydström (Colorado Party) accused the ministry of failing to file the paperwork and of concealing the issue. Rydström posted on social media, “Es grave que nos suspendan, pero más grave es que lo escondan,” and filed a request for information with the MGAP and the Foreign Ministry.

The suspension blocks a key market for Uruguayan equine exporters and raises concerns about the country’s sanitary credibility.