Exporting Horses to Australia for onward temporary export, transhipment, re-entry to Hong Kong (Alternate)

29 April 2011

hortemec3.hk

Ref:  AE-HK-13L

1.  Statutory authority

Pursuant to section 60 of the Animal Products Act 1999:

(i)  I notify the following overseas market access requirements, entitled horses to Australia, for onward temporary export/transshipment/re-entry to Hong Kong (Alternate).

This notice takes effect from date of signing.

Dated at Wellington this 13th day of May 2011.

Signed: Matthew Stone BVSc MVS MACVSc
Group Manager
Animal Imports and Exports
Import Export Directorate
Standards Branch
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
(pursuant to delegated authority)

2.  Australia and Hong Kong requirements

Horses to Australia, for onward temporary export/transshipment/re-entry to Hong Kong must comply with the import requirements of Australia and Hong Kong listed in this notice as follows:

2.1  An AQIS Import Permit and a Hong Kong Import Permit are required to export horses to Australia, for onward temporary export/transhipment/re-entry to Hong Kong.

2.2  An Official Veterinarian authorised by the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, must certify, after due enquiry, the following (Veterinary Certificate A):
2.2.1  New Zealand is free of the following diseases, no cases have been recorded within the previous three (3) year period immediately prior to the scheduled date of export, and the diseases are notifiable:

African horse sickness	anthrax
Borna disease	contagious equine metritis
dourine	epizootic lymphangitis
equine encephalomyelitis (VEE, EEE, WEE)	equine infectious anaemia
equine influenza	equine piroplasmosis
glanders	hendra virus infection
horse pox	Japanese encephalitis
Lyme disease	rabies
St Louis encephalitis	screw worm
surra	vesicular stomatitis
West Nile virus

2.2.2  Each horse has been continuously resident in New Zealand and/or Australia and free of quarantine restriction for at least fourteen (14) days immediately preceding shipment, and has not had contact with, or been resident on the same property as, any horse imported from a third country in the fourteen (14) days immediately preceding shipment.

2.2.3  *In the case of a horse that has been resident in a country other than New Zealand or Australia during the sixty (60) days prior to the scheduled date of export, list the other countries that the horse has resided in:

*To be deleted if not applicable

2.2.4  At the time of shipment the horse(s) was not under quarantine restrictions or subject to movement control for animal health reasons.

2.2.5  After due enquiry, in the case of a mare, either the mare is not pregnant or is less than seven (7) months pregnant.

2.2.6  After due enquiry, the Official Veterinarian is satisfied that during the thirty (30) days immediately prior to the scheduled date of export, there has been no clinical evidence of the following diseases in horses on the premises of origin of the horse(s) to be exported, nor on any of the premises that the horse(s) to be exported has visited during this period:

equine viral arteritis (EVA)                                EHV-1(abortigenic and neurological strains)     

2.2.7  The horse(s) has had no contact during the three (3) months prior to the scheduled date of export with any known equine viral arteritis sero‑positive carrier stallion in New Zealand.

2.2.7.1*  In the case of mares, geldings, and male or female foals less than twelve (12) months of age the animals were isolated from horses not of equivalent EVA status for the twenty eight (28) days prior to export and during this period the animals showed no clinical sign of EVA

2.2.7.2*  In the case of uncastrated male horses over twelve (12) months of age:

2.2.7.2.1  Either*  Tested seronegative horse
The horse was isolated from horses not of equivalent EVA status for the twenty eight (28) days prior to export, and during this period showed no clinical sign of EVA. Within the twenty one (21) days prior to the scheduled date of export, a single blood sample from the horse was tested using a virus neutralisation test (VNT) as described in the OIE Manual for EVA, with a negative result (negative at less than 1:4)

2.2.7.2.2  Or*  Known seropositive horse because of complying pre-pubertal vaccination Blood samples were taken from the horse between six (6) and nine (9) months of age on two occasions at least fourteen (14) days apart, and were tested using a VNT as described in the OIE Manual for EVA, with a stable or decreasing antibody titre. The horse was immediately vaccinated against EVA and has been revaccinated regularly according  to the manufacturer’s recommendations

2.2.7.2.3  Or*  Known seropositive horse because of complying vaccination
The horse was isolated, and a single blood sample taken from the horse not less than seven (7) days after the commencement of isolation was tested using a VNT as described in the OIE Manual for EVA, with a negative result (negative at less than 1:4). The horse was then immediately vaccinated against EVA, remained isolated from other equids not of equivalent health status for twenty one (21) days immediately after vaccination, and has been revaccinated regularly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations

2.2.7.2.4  Or*  Non-complying vaccinated or non-vaccinated tested seropositive horse
A single blood sample taken from the horse was tested using a VNT  as described in the OIE Manual for EVA, with a positive result (positive is greater than or equal to 1:4); and
after due enquiry, the horse has not been treated with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists, or vaccinated against GnRH, for at least twelve (12) months before
test mating or collection of the first semen sample; and

2.2.7.2.4.1  Either*  (a) the horse has subsequently been test-mated to two (2) mares during the six (6) months prior to export. Blood samples have been taken from the mares on two (2) occasions, at the time of mating and again twenty eight (28) days after test mating, and tested using a VNT as described in the OIE Manual for EVA, with negative results in each case (negative at less than 1:4)

2.2.7.2.4.2  Or*  (b) one semen sample has been taken from the horse during the six (6) months prior to export, and tested using a VNT as described in the OIE Manual for EVA, with a negative result (negative at less than 1:4)

2.2.7.2.4.3  Or*  (c) one semen sample has been taken from the horse during the six (6) months after the blood sample was tested. The semen sample was tested using a VNT as described in the OIE Manual for EVA, with a negative result (negative at less than 1:4). The horse was then immediately vaccinated and revaccinated regularly.

*Deleted the above options that do not apply

2.2.8  After due enquiry each horse, including unweaned foals under six (6) months of age, has:

2.2.8.1  Either*  Resided since birth only in Australia and/or New Zealand

2.2.8.2  Or*  During the sixty (60) days before export blood samples have been taken
from the horse and tested using an indirect fluorescent antibody test for Babesia caballi and Theileria equi as described in the OIE Manual for equine piroplasmosis with negative results in each case; and

2.2.8.2.1  (a) after due enquiry, the horse has not been treated with imidocarb, or other anti-babesial agents active against B. caballi or T. equi, for at least sixty (60) days prior to export; and

2.2.8.2.2  (b) after due enquiry, the horse has not been tested for equine piroplasmosis (B. caballi or T. equi) with a positive result for at least sixty (60) days prior to export; and

2.2.8.2.3  (c) after due enquiry, during the sixty (60) days prior to export there has been no clinical evidence of equine piroplasmosis, whether iatrogenically transmitted or not, in the horses for export or any horses in contact with the horses for export.

*Deleted the above option that does not apply

2.2.9  All samples for testing have been taken by an Official Veterinarian, or a veterinarian authorised by an Official Veterinarian. All testing has been conducted in either a government approved laboratory in New Zealand, or in a laboratory in another country recognised by the New Zealand government.

2.2.10  The horse(s) to be exported has been examined by an Official Veterinarian within twenty (24) hours prior to the scheduled time of export, found to be free from clinical signs of infectious or contagious diseases, visibly free from external parasites, and healthy and fit to travel.

2.2.11  Prior to loading, the vehicle used to transport the horses to the port of export has been cleaned and disinfected.

2.2.12  After due enquiry, during transport to the port of export, the horse(s) has had no contact with equids not of equivalent health status.

2.2.13  Prior to the loading of the horse(s) at the port, all removable equipment for use with the horses, the container(s) used to transport the horse(s) to Australia, and the compartment(s) of the aircraft or vessel to be occupied by it, had been cleaned and disinfected.

2.2.14  *For air transport, the design of the containers, the recommended species requirements and the preparation for transport is in accordance with the recommendations of the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code and the IATA Live Animal Regulations.

2.2.15  *For sea transport, facilities and arrangements meet the requirements of the MAF Standard for the Export of Horses from New Zealand by Sea.

*Deleted if not applicable

2.2.16  After due enquiry, the Official Veterinarian is satisfied that the horse(s) will remain isolated from all animals not of equivalent health status during transport from New Zealand until arrival in Australia.

2.3  An Official Veterinarian authorised by the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, must certify, after due enquiry, the following (Veterinary Certificate B):

2.3.1  Country of permanent/usual residency (13) to be recorded on the export certificate.

2.3.2  Prior to arriving in Hong Kong, the horse for export has been/will be, temporarily imported into the country(s) listed below for racing purposes since leaving its country of permanent/usual residency according to the following sequence:

2.3.2.1  Country (4); Entry date and Exit date to be recorded on the table in the export certificate.

2.3.3  All countries listed in  clauses 2.3.1 and 2.3.2 are included in the list of scheduled countries (1).

2.3.4  The Official Veterinarian have read, certified as seen and attached to the export certificate, all certification (original certificates or certified copies (5)) provided for this horse since leaving its country of permanent/usual residency (6).

2.4  To the best of the Official Veterinarian’s knowledge and based on the certification/documentation provided, during the entire period of stay in the countries listed in Clause 2.3.2 above, the horse has been/will be held in officially-approved isolation premises other than during transport between the ports of import and export and the isolation premises, and during training and racing under official supervision (6).

2.4.1  Noted that following Clause 2.4.1.1; 2.4.1.2 and 2.4.1.3 only apply to the current country of temporary residency:

2.4.1.1  Address of the isolation premises in the country of temporary residency (6, 7) to be recorded

2.4.1.2  The premises were emptied and thoroughly cleansed and disinfected prior to the entry of the horse

2.4.1.3  The horse has not come into contact with local horses and other horses not of the same health status, other than at the time of the races (6).

2.4.2  New Zealand has been officially free of African horse sickness, equine piroplasmosis, surra, Eastern equine encephalomyelitis, venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis, epizootic lymphangitis, glanders, vesicular stomatitis, equine ehrlichiosis, hendra virus infection, Western equine encephalomyelitis, equine herpes virus (paralytic or CNS form), Japanese encephalitis, West Nile/Kunjin virus infection, equine infectious anaemia, nipah virus infection, St Louis encephalitis, and equine influenza for the two (2) years prior to the date on this certificate.

2.4.3  Within twenty four (24) hours prior to the scheduled date of export, the horse(s) has been examined and found to be free from clinical signs of infectious or contagious disease, free from external parasites, and fit to travel (8).

2.4.4  After due enquiry and to the best of the Official Veterinarian’s knowledge, during the sixty (60) days immediately preceding the scheduled date of export:

2.4.4.1  the horse has not been in any country, territory or part of a territory, other than an officially recognised African Horse Sickness (AHS) Free Zone, in which AHS has occurred in the last two (2) years, or in which vaccination against this disease has been practised in the last twelve (12) months (9)

2.4.4.2  the horse has not been in any country in which Venezulan equine encephalomyelitis has occurred during  the last two (2) years

2.4.4.3  the horse has not been in any country in which glanders has occurred during the last two (2) years

2.4.4.4  the horse has not been mated, either naturally or by artificial insemination, or been resident on horse breeding premises.

2.4.5  After due enquiry and to the best of the Official Veterinrian’s knowledge:

2.4.5.1  EITHER DURING THE THIRTY (30) DAYS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE SCHEDULED DATE OF EXPORT FROM THE COUNTRY/PLACE OF PERMANENT/USUAL RESIDENCY*

2.4.5.2  OR DURING THE ENTIRE PERIOD IN THE EXPORTING COUNTRY/PLACE OF TEMPORARY RESIDENCY*:

* To be deleted as appropriate

2.4.5.3  The horse was continuously resident on holdings under veterinary supervision in which none of the diseases listed below occurred during that time.

2.4.5.4  The horse did not suffer any clinical signs of the disease listed below:

African horse sickness**	equine piroplasmosis
Eastern equine encephalomyelitis**	equine viral arteritis	surra
epizootic lymphangitis	Glanders**	Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis**
equine ehrlichiosis	Hendra virus infection	vesicular stomatitis**
equine herpes virus 1(paralytic or CNS form) infection	Japanese encephalitis	western equine encephalomyelitis**
equine infectious anaemia**	Nipah virus infection	West Nile virus/Kunjin virus infection**
equine influenza	St Louis Encephalitis

The diseases with a double asterisk (**) listed in clause 2.4.5.4 are compulsorily notifiable in the country/place of export.

2.4.6  Based on the certification and laboratory results provided:

2.4.6.1  Blood samples have been taken from the horse within fourteen (14) days of export in either its country of permanent/usual residency in Clause 2.3.1 above, or in any of the countries listed in Clause 2.3.2

2.4.6.2  The tests as specified in Clause 2.4.8 were performed within fourteen (14) days of export, with negative results (unless otherwise stated) in each case (11). These test results are valid for 90 days so long as the horse remains in the scheduled countries (1, 14)

2.4.6.3  No vaccines have been administered to the horse within fourteen (14) days of export to Hong Kong.

2.4.7  The original or certified copies of all health certificates, laboratory tests and vaccination certificates (unless recorded in the horse’s passport) from all countries listed in Clauses 2.3.1  and 2.3.2 have been endorsed, and attached to the export certificate (5).

2.4.8  Checked box against applicable information as per table on the export certificate for following diseases:

2.4.8.1  African horse sickness

2.4.8.1.1  either: *the horse has not during the last 3 months been in any country in which African Horse Sickness has occurred in the last 2 years or in which vaccination again African horse sickness has been practiced in the last 12 months

2.4.8.1.1  or: *if the horse originates from an official African horse sickness free zone of a country, territory or part of a territory in which AHS has occurred in the last 2 years or in which vaccination against AHS has been practised for the last 12 months, an ELISA test carried out on two samples of blood taken with an interval of between 21 and 30 days, the second of which must be taken within 14 days of export either with negative reaction if it has not been vaccinated or with no increase in antibody titre if it has been vaccinated. Dates of first and second samples to be recorded

2.4.8.2  Equine infectious anaemia

2.4.8.2.2  The immunodiffusion (Coggins) test. Date sample taken to be recorded

2.4.8.3  Equine influenza

2.4.8.3.1  Within the 48 hours prior to the scheduled date of export, a sample was collected from the nasal passage of the horse and subjected to an antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test for influenza A, with negative result (12). Date sample taken to be recorded. And during the 90 days immediately prior to export from its country of permanent/usual residency, but not within 14 days of export, the horse was administered:

2.4.8.3.1.1  either:  *a certified primary course of approved vaccinations against equine influenza comprising of at least 2 doses with an interval of 4 to 6 weeks

2.4.8.3.1.2  or:  *a certified booster vaccination against equine influenza which was given within 12 months of a certified primary course, or within 12 months of a certified booster vaccination where it, and any other previous booster vaccination, had been administered annually within a regular 12-month period since the primary course

2.4.8.4  Equine piroplasmosis

2.4.8.4.1  either: *no case of equine piroplasmosis has occurred in the last 2 years in the country/place of export

2.4.8.4.2  or: *the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) for Theileria equi and Babesia caballi. Date sample taken to be recorded

2.4.8.4.3  or: *the horse is piroplasmosis positive to either T. equi and/or B. caballi and prior written approval for importation has been obtained for the Hong Kong SAR Government and their approval documentation is attached with the export certificate

2.4.8.5  West Nile/Kunjin virus infection

2.4.8.5.1  either: *during the 30 days prior to the scheduled date of export or whilst in the country/place of temporary residency** the horse has not been present on any premises either within a 100 kilometres of or within the country/place of temporary residency** where a clinical case of West Nile/Kunjin virus infection has been officially reported

2.4.8.5.2  or: *the horse has undergone a full vaccination programme within the 12 months preceding export with a registered, inactivated vaccine according to the manufacturer’s direction with the last dose administered not within 14 days of the scheduled date of export

2.4.8.6  Vesicular stomatitis

2.4.8.6.1  either: *no case of vesicular stomatitis has occurred in the country/place of export in the last 12 months

2.4.8.6.2  or: *during the 30 days prior to export or whilst in the country/place of temporary residency**, the horse has not been on any premises either within 50 kilometres of where a case of vesicular stomatitis has been officially confirmed

2.4.8.6.3  and: the horse was tested for vesicular stomatitis with negative result by the virus neutralization test (VNT). Date sample taken to be recorded

2.4.8.7  Japanese encephalitis

2.4.8.7  Either: given that Japanese encephalitis is endemic in Hong Kong, it is recommended but not compulsory that horses entering Hong Kong are vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis, but not within 14 days of shipment. *The horse for export has not been vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis

2.4.8.7.1  or: *the horse was vaccinated with a certified primary course of approved vaccinations against Japanese encephalitis comprising of at least 2 doses with an interval of 4 to 6 weeks within 12 months of shipment

2.4.8.7.2  or: *a certified booster vaccination against Japanese encephalitis which was given within 12 months of a certified primary course, or within 12 months of a certified booster vaccination where it, and any other booster vaccinations, had been administered annually within a regular 12 month period since the primary course.

** To be deleted as appropriate

2.4.9  The horse has been vaccinated against EHV-1, EHV-4 and tetanus in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions*. Name of vaccine, batch number and date to be recorded.

* To be deleted as appropriate

2.4.10  Additional testing and vaccination information after departure from the country of permanent/usual residency (10,11) to be completed and recorded if applicable:

2.4.10.1  Whilst in country of export, blood samples were taken from the horse, on the dates shown below and subjected to the following additional tests with negative results (unless otherwise stated) in each case. Test(s) taken and date(s) tested.

2.4.10.2  Whilst in country of export, the horse received the following additional vaccination(s) (10) . Vaccine(s) used, batch(s) numbers and date(s) vaccinated to be recorded.

2.4.11  Pregnancy: To the best of the Official veterinarian’s knowledge, in the case of a female horse, she is not pregnant.

2.4.12  External parasite examination and treatment: The horse was thoroughly examined by either an Official Veterinarian or veterinarian designated by the Official Veterinarian. A systematic approach was undertaken with close examination of ears, false nostrils, under body areas (axilla, inguinal, under mandible), perineum, mane and tail, and:

2.4.12.1  either: *no ticks were found

2.4.12.2  or  *ticks were found and all horses in the premises were immediately treated with a parasiticide effective against ticks. Subsequent re-inspection established that ticks were no longer present. The Hong Kong SAR Government has been advised and has accepted the horse for temporary importation and their approval documentation is attached with the export certificate.

To be deleted as appropriate

2.4.13  The horse was treated with a broad-spectrum parasiticide, licenced/registered for use on horses, capable of killing ticks and used according to the manufacturer’s recommendations within forty eight (48) hours prior to the scheduled date of export.

2.4.14  The certification of the export certificate used is valid for seven days.

2.5  Either the owner/agent (3) or same Official Veterinarian who has certified the foregoing section, declare in respect of the horse listed below that:

2.5.1  The vehicle for the transport of the horse to the port of exit was cleaned and disinfected with an officially-approved disinfectant and was treated with an officially approved insecticide to the Official Veterinarian’s satisfaction immediately prior to the loading of the animal.

2.5.2  During the transportation, the horse had no contact with animals not of the same certified health status.

2.5.3  The Official Veterinarian is satisfied that the preparation for transport, and the disinfection of the compartment of the aircraft or vessel to be occupied by the horse and removable equipment, penning and containers, have met the recommendations of the latest edition of the OIE Animal Health Code and that the containers meet the design and species requirements recommendations of the International Air Transport Association.

2.6  The consignor or his authorised agent (3) must hereby acknowledge the following:

2.6.1  In the event of the horse identified in this export certificate, arriving in Hong Kong without the correct certification or in any other way not having met these requirements, the horse and any in-contact horse or thing may be detained in isolation, exported at the importer’s expense or destroyed and disposed of at the importer’s expense.

2.6.2  The horse must remain in Government–approved animal isolation premises, except during approved transport, training and competition, until re-export.

2.6.3  The duration of stay in Hong Kong shall not exceed thirty (30) days unless approved by the Hong Kong SAR Government.

2.6.4  Whilst in isolation in Hong Kong the horse may be subjected to any testing or any treatment prescribed by Hong Kong SAR Government at the consignor’s expense.

2.6.5  If the horse fails a test or shows signs of disease that horse and any in-contact horses may, at the consignor’s expense, be detained in isolation for further testing and/or observation or exported or destroyed and disposed of without recompense.

FOOTNOTES:

(1)  Scheduled countries: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, the Republic of Ireland, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom (Great Britain & Northern Ireland) and the United States of America.

(2)  The language of the exporting/importing country(ies) may also be used providing that it appears below the English version on the same certification. In the event of any differences, the English version will prevail.

(3)  The consignor or his authorised agent must complete the declaration of acknowledgement attached to the export certificate.

(4)  Clause 2.2.9.2 - Country name to be inserted in paragraph V (b) of the export certificate prior to completion of the certification with entry and exit dates completed en route. Changes of itinerary will be certified as appropriate.

(5)  Certified copies may be photocopies of the original importation certification bearing the name, title, signature, date and official stamp of the Official Veterinarian issuing the onward certification. If copies of the health certificates and/or laboratory reports are not available to the export country that the test will deemed to have not taken place and must be performed in the exporting country.

(6)  Clause not applicable to initial certification issued in country of permanent/usual residency.

(7)  If the country of export cannot be certified as being free of surra, equine encephalomyelitis (all types) and screw worm, whilst the horse is temporarily resident there, then the horse must be held in insect vector protected stables and treated with an effective insect vector repellent/insecticide on each occasion that it leaves the insect vector protected stables.

(8)  The examination must be carried out within twenty four (24) hours of the horse leaving the country/place.

(9)  An official African horse sickness free zone of a country, territory or part of a territory as designated by the OIE.

(10)  All serological tests and vaccinations must be carried out in accordance with the latest version of the OIE Manual of Standards for Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines if OIE standards exist. The laboratory reports (or certified copies) for tests and proof of vaccinations (certified entries in the horse's passport are sufficient) carried out must be attached to this export certificate and officially endorsed by the certifying veterinarian. Proof of vaccinations must also be attached. No vaccines may be administered within fourteen (14) days of the scheduled date of export to Hong Kong.

(11)  Blood samples must be sent to a laboratory approved by the National Veterinary Service of the exporting country.

(12)  If a positive result is detected in the test for influenza A, the other horses in the same residence will be unable to comply with the requirements under Clauses 2.2.11 – 2.2.16 HKAFCD should be informed immediately for further advice:

HKAFCD
Tel: (852) 2150-7058
Fax: (852) 2375-3563
Room 502, 5/F
Import and Export Division
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
(13)  Permanent/usual residency: The horse has been continuously resident in the country of export for at least sixty (60) days (or since birth if the horse is less than 3 months old) prior to the date of export.

(14)  If the samples were collected in the country of permanent/usual residency, the results can be used by the country of temporary residency while they are still valid.

3.  Definitions

For the purposes of this document:

Any term or expression that is defined in the Animal Products Act 1999 and used, but not defined in this document, has the same meaning as in this Act.

Explanatory note

This OMAR is based on the export certificatefor horses to Australia, for onward temporary export/transshipment/re-entry to Hong Kong dated 29 April 2011.

Additional information on OMAR notification – HORTEMEC3.HK 29.04.11

1.  This is a new OMAR based on the new export certificate dated 29 April 2011 to enable horses that exceed the six (6) hour transit limit to be exported into Australia and, after a short controlled stay be exported from Australia to Hong Kong. It has been based on the Zoosanitary Certificate for horses to Australia dated 8 March 2011 and the Zoosanitary Certificate for horses to Australia, for onward temporary export/transshipment/re-entry to Hong Kong dated 30 March 2010. The certificate was approved by DAFF on 29 April 2011 and notified to the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.

2.  The new certificate is to be used for horses traveling by stop over in Australia that are being exported temporarily from New Zealand to Hong Kong for the purpose of racing or competition, are transhipping Hong Kong en route to another country, or are re-entering Hong Kong.

3.  An Import Permit is required from both the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service and the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. For Australia: the permit must be applied for prior to export. Permit applications must be sent to Live Animal Imports – AQIS, GPO Box 858, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia. Phone: + 61 2 6272 4454; Fax: + 61 2 6272 3110; E-mail: animalimp@aqis.gov.au

Veterinary Certificate B

4.  One copy of the official assurance must be stamped and signed by the Official Veterinarian with "Copy certified by ..............". This copy must travel with the horses to Hong Kong to certify that they meet Hong Kong’s requirements, which were completed in New Zealand. The original official assurance is required by AQIS.

5.  A separate certificate is required for each horse to be exported.

6.  Isolation may be required in Australia. This needs to be checked on a case-by-case basis with the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.

7.  The vaccinations required in Section IX Clause 4 of the export certificate for EHV and tetanus are a requirement of the Hong Kong Jockey Club for animals temporarily imported for racing, or for animals re-entering Hong Kong. In the case of animals transhipping Hong Kong, this clause may be deleted.

8.  The protocol for the equine herpes virus vaccination is follows:

EITHER

A primary course of 2 doses 4 to 6 weeks apart within 90 days but not 14 days of export to HK

OR

A booster dose within 12 months of a previously administered primary course or a previously administered booster dose(s) which was/were administered within 12 months of a primary course and within 90 days but not 14 days of export to HK

OR

The first dose of a primary course during pre-export isolation but not within 14 days of export to HK.

Dr Keith L Watkins, Head of the Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison group of the Hong Kong Jockey Club provided this information on 3 February 2005.

Veterinary Certificate A

9.  ‘Horses’ include asses, mules and donkeys.

10.  Where a horse has been resident in a country other than New Zealand or Australia during the 60 days prior to the scheduled date of export, AQIS must specifically authorise the import. The health status of the horse must be assessed, and the quarantine requirements for each country of residence must be addressed.

11.  The term ‘resident’ refers to the period defined in each clause, e.g. in clause 3.1 of the export certificate: the period of residence is 14 days.

12.  Where animals in a consignment have a different health status (different option in Clause 3.4 and 3.5 of the export certificate used), or contain a horse imported from a third country within the last 60 days as per clause 2.2, use a separate Zoosanitary Certificate, including foals over six months of age.

13.  The Official Veterinarian must:
(a)  attach certification applicable to unweaned foals under six (6) months of age to the Zoosanitary Certificate of the foal’s dam
(b)  attach the laboratory results for the tests in Clauses 3.4.2.1 and 3.5.2, where applicable
(c)  sign, date and stamp (with the stamp of the Veterinary Authority) each page of the Zoosanitary Certificate and attach all original documents e.g. laboratory reports, that form part of the extended veterinary certification
(d)  copies of supporting documents must be endorsed on every page with the original signature, date and stamp of the Official Veterinarian.

14.  Clause 3.4.1, 3.4.2.1 and 4.1 of the export certificate – Biosecurity Australia regards NZ to be ‘free’ of EVA based on the presence of one EVA shedder stallion managed under the EVA Control Scheme, the level of passive surveillance, and the disease being notifiable in NZ. The wording isolated from horses not of equivalent EVA status means the horse has had no contact with the EVA shedder stallion, or horses in contact with the EVA shedder stallion, for 28 days.

15.  For Clause 4 of the export certificate: CERTIFICATION AT THE PORT OF EXPORT supporting documents in the form of declarations provided by the exporter to the Official Veterinarian may be used to support the signing of the official assurance.

16.  Clause 4.1 of the export certificate - ‘Had no contact with equids not of equivalent health status’ relates to horses under quarantine restriction, and to EVA status and having no contact with the EVA shedder stallion, or horses in contact with the EVA shedder stallion during the last 28 days. When horses travel by multiple transport vehicles or stop off at a depot, this can be managed by using separation by distance to ensure that no contact occurs.

17.  Clause 4.2 - removable equipment means any equipment (e.g. hay nets, water containers) that is associated with the horse or the container it will travel in, and has been used previously by another horse not in the same consignment.  Equipment such as horse gear (e.g. bridle, cover etc) that has been used by the horse on the property of origin prior to departure from that property does not need to be cleaned and disinfected prior to departure from the port. Where equipment such as horse gear used by a horse is changed prior to the departure from the port, the equipment must be either new or cleaned and disinfected. 

18.  During transport from New Zealand until arrival in Australia the consignment may be accompanied by other horses of equivalent health status or animals of other species only with the prior approval of AQIS.

19.  The MAF Biosecurity Authority Standard: MAF Standard for the export of horses from New Zealand by sea (11 November 1999) can be downloaded from: http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/exports/animals/standards/horses-by-sea.htm

20.  The use of hay or straw as bedding during transport is not permitted. Treated wood shavings, sterilised peat and soft board can be used.

21.  An Australian government veterinarian may be required to accompany the shipment to Australia at the importer’s expense.

Section 61.A of the Animal Products Amendments Act 2005 states that 'The Crown is not liable, and nor is the Director-General or any employee of the Ministry liable, for any loss arising through the refusal or failure of the relevant authority of an overseas market to admit export animal material or animal product to that market.'