The United Arab Emirates has announced that all horses exported to the UAE from the US must be accompanied by a supplementary health certificate. The certificate guarantees that the horse has not been resident on premises in New York State within the 14 days immediately prior to export. Upon written declaration from the owner or agent of the horse, an official affixes his signature on the document.

An outbreak of West Nile Virus within New York has generated concern for Hong Kong and the UAE–both wish to protect against any exposure to the virus that could pose a threat to the human and livestock population.