Draft IHS for Cervine Semen and Cervine Embryos from Great Britain

The New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) must consult with interested parties before issuing or amending (other than of minor nature) import health standards in accordance with Section 22 of the Biosecurity Act (1993) and Biosecurity New Zealand’s consultation policy. An import health standard specifies zoosanitary requirements that must be carried out, either in the country of origin or of export, during transit, or in quarantine, before biosecurity clearance can be given for the commodity to enter New Zealand. MAF must ensure that these requirements are technically justified and provide an appropriate level of biosecurity protection.

The following documents are now available for public consultation and comment.

Bluetongue virus was detected in Belgium in August 2006. Throughout 2006 and subsequent seasons, the virus spread into other European countries including Great Britain. Outbreaks of bluetongue have continued to occur in Europe and Great Britain during the 2008 season.

This amendment proposes changes to conditions for importation of cervine semen and cervine embryos based on Great Britain’s change in status from a bluetongue free country to a country in which bluetongue disease occurs.

The required methodology for Q fever testing has been changed to the complement fixation test (CFT) rather than an option for either CFT or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Requirements for measures to be taken during outbreaks of foot and mouth disease have been clarified.

Comments on these draft documents should be forwarded to MAF by close of business on 17 March 2009. MAF encourages respondents to forward comments electronically to the email address below. However, should you wish to forward submissions in writing, please send them to the address that follows:

  • Marguerite Hernandez
    Border Standards Directorate
    MAF Biosecurity New Zealand
    Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
    PO Box 2526
    Wellington
    New Zealand
  • Fax: +64 4 894 0733
    Email: marguerite.hernandez@maf.govt.nz

Page last updated: 4 March 2009