Re-consultation on the IHS for Sheep Meat for Human Consumption from the USA
The following document is now available for public consultation and comment.
Initial consultation with industry has revealed concerns over emerging risks. The standard is based on the "Risk Analysis for Meat and Meat Products a Review of the Risks to Animal Health."
An additional extensive literature search has been undertaken on emerging risks since the Risk Analysis for Meat and Meat Products a Review of the Risks to Animal Health. The import health standard was also reviewed against the document "Persistence 
of Disease Agents in Carcasses and Animal Products (report for animal health Australia)" by Scott Williams Consulting.
Six pathogens of consequence were identified, Anthrax, Hydatids, Foot and mouth disease, rinderpest, Peste des petits (PPR) and scrapie. The nature of the product and the certification required mitigates the risk of importing infected product. The IHS specifically requires that the US certifies freedom of PPR, Rinderpest and Foot and Mouth disease while the ante and post mortem inspections and the fact that it's meat for human consumption mitigate the risk of anthrax, hydatids and scrapie.
Comments on this document should be forwarded to MAF by close of business on 7 April 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:
- Alice Ormond
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND - Fax: +64 4 498 0662
Email: PlantImports@maf.govt.nz
Page last updated: 25 February 2009