Statement from EquiJet Regarding COVID-19
As a domestic and international transportation provider for equines, EquiJet is closely monitoring the situation around the world with regards to COVID-19 and how it affects the global equestrian industry. At this time, EquiJet’s operations are running as normally as possible, with the understanding that shipping arrangements for many horse owners may need to be altered or made given the widespread postponements and cancellations of competitions in the United States and beyond. For any equestrian needing shipping services, EquiJet is available to communicate the options and orchestrate transportation, with the understanding that essential travel may be given priority over non-essential travel.
“We are taking this pandemic extremely seriously as it affects equine travel around the world. Given the current state of affairs, EquiJet is taking extra cautionary measures on its transports to limit the risk of any human transmission, while also working with clients to rearrange shipping schedules, as necessary,” commented Bastian Schroeder, Founder and President of EquiJet. “Although it is an extremely unfortunate situation, EquiJet is prepared to make every effort to help any affected individuals through this trying time and make sure their horses arrive safely and healthy in the appropriate destination.”
To prevent the spread of COVID-19 via domestic or international air freight, which includes horses and equipment, EquiJet is working closely with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the respective customs offices to ensure that all animals and items in transport are handled with the utmost cleanliness and precaution to limit any risk of transmission.
Horse owners can rest assured that, at this time, there is no evidence to indicate that horses could contract COVID-19 or that horses would be able to spread the disease to other animals or humans, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as multiple animal health organizations from around the world. Though equine enteric coronavirus, which is a gastrointestinal disease, bears a similar name to the current human coronavirus, they are not the same strain, and it is not believed that either are transmissible between species.
If any horse owners have questions regarding the current status of equine air travel, need to make immediate travel arrangements or need to alter original plans, please contact EquiJet as soon as possible at bastian@equijet.com or 1-833-EQUIJET (378-4538).