As of January 2026
Vaccination requirements are based on the animal health protocols agreed upon between the Japanese Government and the respective government authorities of each country. Export quarantine requirements prior to departure must be ascertained in advance from the relevant government departments of the exporting country. Connections must follow all official instructions regarding necessary vaccinations, as certain countries require specific procedures for re-entry.
While the JRA is available to address inquiries regarding these topics, Connections are strongly advised to consult their own government authorities for the latest information.
Equine Viral Arteritis
The Japanese government does not require this vaccination. Connections must NOT vaccinate Horses against EVA if they intend for the Horse to remain in Japan for breeding purposes. In the case whereby a Horse test positive for antibodies of EVA after the race, the Horse will not be allowed to remain in Japan for breeding.
West Nile Virus (WNV)
This is especially important for North American Horses, and European Horses planning to come to Japan after running in North America. The conditions for each of these Horses are different based on the areas which they have visited or transited, the length of these visits and other factors.
Please refer to the following requirements for international Horses:
No cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) infection were confirmed for 60 days immediately prior to shipment to Japan within 50 kilometers radius of the premises where the exported Horses were stabled for at least 14 days immediately prior to shipment to Japan (or for the entire duration of their stay if less than 14 days). OR
The exported Horses have been vaccinated against WNV using a vaccine approved by the government of a Listed Country in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations (typically involving two doses at a 3-to-6 week interval or a single booster shot).
Japanese Encephalitis Virus
Although the government does not require this vaccination, the JRA strongly recommends that the overseas trained Horses which participate in the races held in our jurisdiction from July to October to be vaccinated against Japanese Encephalitis (JE) virus with an acceptable vaccine before coming to Japan. The JRA accepts no liability for any Horses arriving during this period. Although it is also possible for the JRA to provide the vaccine required for inoculation prior to the Horse coming to Japan, owners should ask the respective authorities in their own country about import procedures and permission for use of the vaccine overseas.
Equine Rhinopneumonitis (Equine Herpes Virus infection)
The JRA requires vaccination against Equine Rhinopneumonitis (EHV-1) within 14 and 180 days prior to shipment to Japan either with a primary course or a booster and as per manufacturer's instructions.
Equine Influenza
As mentioned above, the animal health requirement agreed upon between the government authorities of each country and the Japanese Government should also be ascertained in advance, reference examples of requirements are provided below. (As of February 2025)
~France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kingdom of Bahrain, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Republic of Korea~
The exported Horses must be vaccinated against Equine influenza in accordance with the recommendations of a manufacturer with a vaccine approved by the government of the Listed Countries within 21 and 90 days prior to shipment to Japan either with a primary course or a booster.
~Australia~
The International Horses shall be vaccinated against Equine influenza on two occasions at an interval of 3 to 6 weeks (or once in the case of booster), and as per manufacturer’s instructions, within 6 months immediately prior to shipment to Japan. However, Horses must not be vaccinated with a live vaccine within 2 weeks immediately prior to shipment to Japan.
It is important that all vaccinations Horses have been administered must be recorded in its passport. The JRA’s veterinarian judges whether Horses are vaccinated or not only through the description in the passport. Therefore, please ensure that all the records are completely written in the passport especially immediately after vaccination.
Equine Influenza Test
Within 5 days prior to shipment to Japan, a nasopharyngeal swab must be taken from the International Horse and test negative for Equine influenza using a RT-PCR or antigen ELISA.
Horses Remaining in Japan After the Race
Connections wishing for their Horses to remain in Japan for breeding purposes must consult with the JRA and their shipping agent as soon as possible. In such instances, Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) and other required examinations will be conducted immediately following the race. Please note that customs duties (security deposits) will NOT be refunded in these cases.
