Importing Alpacas and llamas from Australia

8 May 2006

lamaniic.aus

Application form: PDF (55 KB) | Word (1121 KB)

• PART A. GENERAL INFORMATION
• PART B. IMPORTATION PROCEDURE
• PART C. CLEARANCE PROCEDURE
• PART D. ZOOSANITARY CERTIFICATION

Issued pursuant to Section 22 of the Biosecurity Act 1993
Dated: 8 May 2006

USER GUIDE

The information in MAF animal and animal product import health standards is presented in numerically ordered sections with descriptive titles. Sections are grouped into one of five parts, designated alphabetically.

Part A. GENERAL INFORMATION contains sections of general interest, including those relating to the legal basis for MAF import health standards and the general responsibilities of every importer of animals and animal products.

Part B. IMPORTATION PROCEDURE contains sections that outline the requirements to be met prior to and during importation. Whether a permit to import is required to be obtained prior to importation is noted, as are conditions of eligibility, transport and general conditions relating to documentation accompanying the consignment.

Part C. CLEARANCE PROCEDURE contains sections describing the requirements to be met at the New Zealand border and, if necessary, in a transitional facility in New Zealand prior to any consignment being given biosecurity clearance.

Part D. ZOOSANITARY CERTIFICATION contains model health certification that must be completed by the appropriate personnel as indicated in the certification and must accompany the consignment to New Zealand.

Part E. APPENDIX contains the Standard for pre-export isolation (PEI) premises for ruminants/lamoids from Australia.

PART A. GENERAL INFORMATION

1 IMPORT HEALTH STANDARD

1.1 Pursuant to section 22 of the Biosecurity Act 1993, this document is the Import Health Standard for the importation into New Zealand of alpacas and llamas from Australia.

1.2 Obtaining biosecurity clearance for each consignment of alpacas and llamas imported into New Zealand from Australia is dependent upon the consignment meeting the requirements of this Import Health Standard.

1.3 This Import Health Standard may be reviewed, amended or revoked if there are changes in New Zealand's import policy or the animal health status of Australia, or for any other lawful reason, at the discretion of the Biosecurity Standards Group Manager.

2 IMPORTER'S RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1 The costs of MAF in performing functions relating to the importation of alpacas and llamas shall be recovered in accordance with the Biosecurity Act and any regulations made under that Act.

2.2 All costs involved with documentation, transport and obtaining a biosecurity direction and/or biosecurity clearance shall be borne by the importer or importer’s agent.

2.3 The Biosecurity (Imported Animals, Embryo and Semen Information) Regulations 1999 place obligations on owners (including any subsequent owners) or persons in charge of imported sheep, goats, cattle and deer and imported genetic material (semen and embryos) of these species. For the purposes of this Import Health Standard this regulation will be assumed to apply to alpacas and llamas.

2.4 The Biosecurity (Imported Animals, Embryo and Semen Information) Regulations 1999 detail the owner’s reporting obligations. A copy of the Regulations can be obtained from the website: www.legislation.govt.nz

A document explaining the importer’s obligations can be obtained from Animal Imports, Pre-Clearance Directorate, Biosecurity New Zealand, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, PO Box 2526, Wellington, New Zealand.

2.5 Ear tag numbers are recorded on a register that is maintained by the Director Animal Products, NZFSA, PO Box 2835, Wellington. The register also includes details of the property of residence and the owner’s name.

2.6 Each animal is to be identified with two MAF approved ear tags (a plastic MAF ear tag and a metal ear tag), to be inserted in opposite ears as follows:

Either 2.6.1 Two MAF supplied ear tags (a MAF plastic ear tag and a MAF metal ear tag) will be issued at the time of issue of the permit to import. The ear tags are to be applied by the certifying veterinarian or under his/her supervision. The numbers of the ear tags must be recorded and verified on the certificates accompanying the animals. Any individual ear tags/brands/tattoos should also be recorded on the certificate, beside the MAF ear tag numbers.

Or 2.6.2 A MAF plastic ear tag will be issued at the time of issue of the permit to import. The plastic ear tag is to be applied by the certifying veterinarian or under his/her supervision. The International Alpaca Registry (IAR, administered by the Alpaca Association NZ Inc.) metal ear tag (if already present) is accepted as a MAF approved metal ear tag. The numbers of the ear tags (the MAF plastic tag and IAR metal tag) must be recorded and verified on the certificates accompanying the animals. Any individual ear tags/brands/tattoos should also be recorded on the certificate, beside the MAF ear tag numbers.

2.7 A biosecurity clearance will not be issued unless the MAF approved ear tags have been applied (according to 2.6.1 or 2.6.2) and verified.

2.8 The MAF approved ear tags are to remain in the animal’s ears for the rest of the animal’s life.

2.9 It is an offence under the Biosecurity Act 1993 to deface, amend or remove a MAF approved ear tag without a valid reason.

3 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Acaricide

An agent that kills ticks and mites

AQIS

Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service

Biosecurity clearance

A clearance under section 26 of the Biosecurity Act 1993 for the entry of goods into New Zealand

Biosecurity Standards Group Manager

The Biosecurity Standards Group Manager, Biosecurity New Zealand, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, or any person who for the time being may lawfully exercise and perform the power and functions of the Biosecurity Standards Group Manager.

Equivalence

Acceptance by the Biosecurity Standards Group Manager that the circumstances relating to the importation of a consignment are such that the health status of the consignment is equivalent to the health status of a consignment that complies with the requirements of the import health standard.

Ectoparasites

Parasites that live on the surface of the host’s body, eg lice, mites, ticks

Ectoparasiticide

A compound destructive to ectoparasites

Endoparasites

Parasites that live within the host’s body, including roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and flukes

Endoparasiticide

A compound destructive to endoparasites

MAF

The New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

New Zealand Inspector

A person who is appointed an inspector under section 103 of the Biosecurity Act 1993

Official Veterinarian

An official veterinarian means a veterinarian authorised by the Veterinary Administration of the country to perform certain designated official tasks associated with animal health and/or public health and inspections of commodities and, when appropriate, to certify in conformity with the provisions of Section 1.2 of the Terrestrial Code .

Terrestrial Code

The Office International des Epizooties Terrestrial Animal Health Code

PEI

Pre-export isolation

4 EQUIVALENCE

This Import Health Standard is in accordance with agreements between the Australia and New Zealand. Biosecurity clearance will not normally be given to a consignment that does not meet the requirements of this Import Health Standard in every respect.

Occasionally it is found that due to circumstances beyond the control of the importer or exporter a consignment does not comply with the requirements of this Import Health Standard. In such cases, an application for equivalence submitted prior to importation will be considered and may be given at the discretion of the Biosecurity Standards Group Manager if the following information is provided by the Australian Veterinary Authority:

4.1 the clause(s) of the Import Health Standard that cannot be met and how this has occurred

4.2 the reason(s) why the consignment may be considered of equivalent health status to a consignment complying with this Import Health Standard, and/or what proposal is made to achieve an equivalent health status

4.3 the reason(s) why the Veterinary Authority believes this proposal should be acceptable to MAF and their recommendation for its acceptance.

PART B. IMPORTATION PROCEDURE

5 PERMIT TO IMPORT

5.1 A permit to import must be obtained from Animal Imports, Pre-Clearance Directorate, Biosecurity New Zealand, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, PO Box 2526, Wellington, New Zealand.

5.2 The importer must supply the following information:

5.2.1 name and address of exporter

5.2.2 species, identification, age, sex, number of animals to be imported

5.2.3 address where animals will be held for the first 30 days post importation

5.2.4 name and address of importer

5.2.5 date of proposed importation.

5.3 The permit to import will be issued for a single consignment. Attached to, and an integral part of the permit to import, is the current import health standard which describes the conditions under which the animals may be imported into New Zealand.

6 ELIGIBILITY

6.1 The animals must spend at least 30 days, immediately prior to export in pre-export isolation (PEI) at an AQIS approved premises (see Appendix 1).

6.1 Female animals must not be in the last trimester of pregnancy at the scheduled date of export.

6.2 Animals must be at least 1 month of age at the scheduled date of export.

6.3 The assurance of property freedom from all evidence of Echinococcus granulosus infections during the 5 years prior to export should be based on information provided by the animal’s owner(s) and his/her veterinarian.

6.4 The assurance of property freedom from laboratory confirmation of Salmonella Dublin infections for the 3 years prior to export should be based on information provided by the animal’s owner(s) and his/her veterinarian.

6.5 Faecal material from the animal must be cultured for salmonellae on two occasions, 10 to 14 days apart. If a species of Salmonella is isolated that is not recorded as being present in New Zealand, the animal will not be eligible to be imported into New Zealand.

6.6 During the 14 days prior to entering the PEI premises the animals must be shorn, including the head and lower legs, to remove all weeds/weed seeds and vegetative material.

7 PRE-EXPORT ISOLATION (PEI)

7.1 The animals must be held for at least 30 days immediately prior to export to New Zealand in PEI premises. The PEI premises must be approved and supervised by an AQIS approved veterinarian or an official veterinarian and meet the specifications and management procedures listed in the New Zealand MAF Standard for pre-export isolation(PEI) premises for ruminants/lamoids from Australia (see Appendix 1).

7.2 While in PEI the animals must be provided with food that has no evidence of contamination with ticks, for example pellets.

7.3 During the last 3 days prior to export the animals must be provided with food such as pellets that has no evidence of contamination with weeds/weed seeds.

7.4 Bedding used in PEI must be clean and have no evidence of contamination with ticks, eg sterilised peat, soft board, wood shavings or other inert material. Straw and hay must not be used.

7.5 Ectoparasite and endoparasite treatments:

Prior to entering PEI:

7.5.1 Seven to 10 days prior to entering PEI the animals must be treated with an insecticide/acaricide (pour-on) and an endoparasiticide(s).

7.5.2 During the 48 hours immediately prior to entering PEI an insecticide/acaricide solution effective against ticks and other ectoparasites must be applied to the animals by thoroughly wetting the entire animal including under the tail, ears, the axillary region, between the hind legs and the interdigital spaces (eg using a back pack spray unit). A pour-on treatment must not be used. The animals may need to be sedated or anaesthetised to ensure a meticulous inspection can be conducted.

During PEI:

7.5.3 Within 48 hours of entering PEI each animal must be treated with an endoparasiticide(s). The efficacy of the endoparasiticide(s) must be checked during PEI by faecal examination resulting in a zero parasite egg count for round worms and liver flukes using a faecal floatation concentration test* and a sedimentation test** 7 to 14 days after treatment. (Treatments and testing must be repeated on animals that give a positive egg count until a zero parasite egg count is obtained.)

*TG Egwang, JOD Slocombe. Evaluation of the Cornwell-Wisconsin centrifugal flotation technique for recovering trichostrongylid eggs from bovine feces. Canadian Journal of Comparative Medicine 46, 133-137, 1982

** FA Happich, JC Boray. Quantitative diagnosis of chronic fascioliasis 1. Comparative studies on quantitative faecal examination for chronic Fasciola hepatica infection in sheep. Australian Veterinary Journal 45, 326-328, 1969

7.5.4 Ten days after entering PEI each animal must be meticulously inspected for ticks and other ectoparasites. Animals may need to be sedated or anaesthetised to ensure a meticulous inspection can be conducted. (If still infested the treatment must be repeated and animals inspected again 10 days later. Treatments must be repeated until the animals are found to be free from evidence of ticks and other ectoparasites.)

7.5.5 Within 3 days of export to New Zealand all animals must be treated with an ectoparasiticide(s) and an endoparasiticide(s).

7.5.6 The bedding must be changed on day 10 of PEI and whenever ticks are located and the animals are retreated.

8 GENERAL INFORMATION

8.1 Date, expected time of arrival and the flight number or ship’s name must be notified to the New Zealand Official Veterinarian at the airport/port of entry at least 72 hours in advance of importation.

8.2 Containers made of timber must meet the requirements of the New Zealand wood packaging Import Health Standard

(refer to www.biosecurity.govt.nz/ihs/search)

8.3 All equipment entering New Zealand with the animals must be visually clean and free of organic material

5 DOCUMENTATION ACCOMPANYING THE CONSIGNMENT

9.1 The consignment shall be accompanied by the permit to import and appropriately completed health certification that meets the requirements of PART D, THE ZOOSANITARY CERTIFICATION. The laboratory test results,or certified copies of results.for those tests specified in the Zoosanitary Certificate must be attached.

9.2 It is the importer’s responsibility to ensure that any documentation presented in accordance with the requirements of this Import Health Standard is original (unless otherwise specified) and clearly legible. Failure to do so may result in delays in obtaining biosecurity direction and/or clearance or rejection of the consignment.

PART C. CLEARANCE PROCEDURE

9 BIOSECURITY CLEARANCE

10.1 Upon arrival in New Zealand the documentation and the animals shall be inspected by an official veterinarian/inspector at the port of arrival.

10.2 Providing that the documentation meets all requirements noted under PART D: ZOOSANITARY CERTIFICATION and the consignment meets the conditions of ELIGIBILITY, the Inspector, having regard to sections 25, 26, 27 and 28 of the Biosecurity Act 1993, shall give a biosecurity clearance authorising the animals to be released to the importer.

PART D. ZOOSANITARY CERTIFICATION

10 NEGOTIATED EXPORT CERTIFICATION

The following Model Zoosanitary Certificate contains the information required by MAF to accompany imports of alpacas and llamas into New Zealand from Australia:

MODEL ZOOSANITARY CERTIFICATE

Species: ALPACAS AND LLAMAS

To: NEW ZEALAND

Import permit number:

Exporting Country: AUSTRALIA

Competent Authority:

I: IDENTIFICATION OF ANIMALS

Species:

Breed:

Identification
Plastic MAF ear tag No.	Approved metal MAF ear tag No.	Other ear tags/ tattoos / brands	Sex	Date of birth

Total number of animals in the consignment:

II: ORIGIN OF ANIMALS

Name and address of exporter:

Name and address of the owner:

Port or airport of departure:

Means of transport:

III: DESTINATION OF ANIMALS

Name and address of consignee:

Port or airport of arrival:

IV: SANITARY INFORMATION

VETERINARY CERTIFICATE

I, ......................................................................................, an official veterinarian authorised by the Australian Government certify, after due enquiry, in regard to the animals listed in the Zoosanitary Certificate, that:

1 Animals for export

1.1 The animals and the properties from which they originated in Australia were free from any quarantine restrictions immediately prior to export.

1.2 The properties in Australia on which the animals have been resident were free from all evidence of Echinococcus granulosus infections during the 5 years immediately prior to the date of export.

1.3 The properties in Australia on which the animals have been resident have had no laboratory confirmation of Salmonella Dublin infections for a period of at least 3 years immediately prior to the date of export.

1.4 No female animal in the consignment is in the last trimester of pregnancy.

1.5 No animal in the consignment is less than 1 month old.

1.6 The animals are visibly clean, free from mud, dirt and organic material, particularly plant material. All animals were shorn including the head and lower legs within the 14 days prior to entering PEI.

1.7 Within 48 hours of entering PEI the animals were examined by an official veterinarian and were found to be free from any signs of infectious disease. All animals remained healthy while in PEI.

1.8 Within 48 hours prior to export each animal was examined by an official veterinarian and were found to be free from any signs of infectious disease and ectoparasites and was considered fit to travel.

2 Pre-export isolation (PEI)

2.1 The animals were held for at least 30 days immediately prior to export in PEI premises. The PEI premises were approved and supervised by an AQIS approved veterinarian or an official veterinarian and met the specifications and management procedures listed in the New Zealand MAF Standard for pre-export isolation (PEI) premises for ruminants/lamoids from Australia (see Appendix 1).

2.2 The premises is located:

Either 2.2.1 in a bluetongue virus-free (or seasonally free) zone

Or 2.2.2 in a bluetongue infected zone and the premises is insect proof and maintained free of insects. (Delete as appropriate)

2.3 Bedding consisted of inert material free of evidence of contamination with ticks. Bedding was changed on day 10 of PEI and the premises cleaned and sprayed with an insecticide/acaricide.

Bedding consisted of:

Date(s) of removing bedding and cleaning premises:

Name of acaricide:

2.4 While in PEI the animals were provided with food that had no evidence of contamination with ticks.

2.5 During the last 3 days in PEI the animals were provided with food that had no evidence of contamination with weeds/weed seeds.

3 Tests and treatments

3.1 For bluetongue (BT) virus and epizootic haemorrhagic disease (EHD) virus:

Either 3.1.1 When importing from BT and EHD virus free zones (as defined by the Terrestrial Code):

Either 3.1.1.1 The animals were kept in a BT and EHD virus free zone since birth or for at least the 60 days prior to export

Or 3.1.1.2 The animals were kept in a BT and EHD virus free zone for at least 28 days then were subjected to serological tests to detect antibodies to the viruses of BT and EHD, such as the competition ELISA or the agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGID) with negative results. The animals then remained in the BT and EHD virus free zone until export

Or 3.1.1.3 The animals were kept in a BT and EHD free zone for at least 7 days then were subjected, with negative results, to tests for the viruses of BT and EHD using either a virus isolation test or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on a blood sample. The animals then remained in the BT and EHD virus free zone until export.

(Delete options not used)

Test used:

Date of sampling:

Or 3.1.2 When importing from BT and EHD virus seasonally free zones (as defined by the Terrestrial Code):

Either 3.1.2.1 The animals were kept during the seasonally free period in a BT and EHD virus seasonally free zone for at least the 60 days prior to export

Or 3.1.2.2 The animals were kept during the seasonally free period in a BT and EHD virus seasonally free zone for at least the 28 days prior to export, and were subjected during that period to serological tests to detect antibodies to the viruses of BT and EHD, such as the competition ELISA or the AGID test with negative results on two occasions, with an interval of not less than 7 days between each test. The first test being carried out at least 21 days after introduction into pre-export isolation premises

Or 3.1.2.3 The animals were kept during the seasonally free period in a BT and EHD virus seasonally free zone for at least14 days prior to export, and were subjected during that period to tests for the viruses of BT and EHD, such as a virus isolation test or a PCR test, with negative results, on blood samples taken on two occasions, with an interval of not less than 7 days between each test. The first test being carried out at least 7 days after introduction into pre-export isolation premises.

(Delete options not used)

Test used:

Date of sampling:

Or 3.1.3 When importing from BT and EHD virus infected zones (as defined by the Terrestrial Code):

Either 3.1.3.1 The animals were protected from Culicoides attack for at least the 60 days prior to export

Or 3.1.3.2 The animals were protected from Culicoides attack for at least 28 days prior to export and were subjected during that period to serological tests to detect antibodies to the viruses of BT and EHD, such as the competition ELISA or AGID test, with negative results on two occasions, with an interval of not less than 7 days between each test. The first test being carried out at least 21 days after introduction into pre-export isolation premises

Or 3.1.3.3 The animals were protected from Culicoides attack for at least 14 days prior to export, and were subjected during that period to virus isolation test or PCR tests, for the viruses of BT and EHD with negative results, on blood samples taken on two occasions, with an interval of not less than 7 days between each test. The first test was carried out at least 7 days after introduction into pre-export isolation premises.

(Delete options not used)

Test used:

Date of sampling:

3.2 Q fever: Within 14 days of the scheduled date of export the animals were tested with a negative result for Q fever using an ELISA.

Date sample collected:

3.3 Salmonella spp: During PEI faecal samples were collected per rectum on two occasions at an interval of 10 to 14 days and were cultured for Salmonella spp using enrichment broths and selective media:

Either 3.3.1 No Salmonella spp were isolated

Dates of sampling:

Or 3.3.2 Salmonella (give serotype and where appropriate phage type) was isolated and the New Zealand Biosecurity Standards Group Manager gave clearance for the importation to proceed. (Laboratory results and proof of clearance to import are attached).

Dates of sampling:

(Delete as applicable)

3.4 Treatment for ectoparasites:

3.4.1 Seven to 10 days prior to entering PEI each animal was treated with a pour-on insecticide/acaricide effective against ticks and other ectoparasites.

Name of insecticide/acaricide:

Active ingredients:

Dose rate:

Date of treatment:

3.4.2 During the 48 hours immediately prior to entering PEI an insecticide/acaricide solution effective against ticks and other ectoparasites was applied to the animals by thoroughly wetting the entire animal including under the tail, ears, the axillary region, between the hind legs and the interdigital spaces (eg using a back pack spray unit).

Name of insecticide/acaricide:

Active ingredients:

Dose rate:

Date(s) of treatment:

3.4.3 Ten days after entering PEI each animal was meticulously inspected and found to be free of evidence of ticks and other ectoparasites. (If still infested the treatment was repeated and the animal was inspected again 10 days later. Treatments were repeated until the animals were found to be free from evidence of ticks and other ectoparasites).

Name of insecticide/acaricide:

Active ingredients:

Dose rate:

Date(s) of inspection:

3.4.4 Within 3 days of export to New Zealand all animals were treated with an ectoparasiticide effective against ticks and other ectoparasites.

3.5 Treatment for endoparasites:

3.5.1 Seven to 10 days prior to entering PEI the animals were treated with an endoparasiticide(s) effective against endoparasites.

Name of anthelmintic(s):

Active ingredients:

Dose rate(s):

Date of treatment:

3.5.2 Within 48 hours of entering PEI the animals were treated with an endoparasiticide(s). The efficacy of the endoparasiticide(s) was checked by faecal examination and gave a zero parasite egg count for round worms and liver flukes. A faecal floatation concentration test* and a sedimentation test** were carried out 7 to 14 days after treatment. (Treatments and testing were repeated on animals that gave a positive egg count until a zero parasite egg count was obtained.)

*TG Egwang, JOD Slocombe. Evaluation of the Cornwell-Wisconsin centrifugal flotation technique for recovering trichostrongylid eggs from bovine feces. Canadian Journal of Comparative Medicine 46, 133-137, 1982

** FA Happich, JC Boray. Quantitative diagnosis of chronic fascioliasis 1. Comparative studies on quantitative faecal examination for chronic Fasciola hepatica infection in sheep. Australian Veterinary Journal 45, 326-328, 1969

Name of anthelmintic(s):

Active ingredients:

Dose rate(s):

Date(s) of treatment:

Date(s) of sampling:

3.5.3 Within 3 days of export to New Zealand all animals were treated with an endoparasiticide(s) effective against endoparasites.

3.6 The animals were treated for leptospirosis during PEI using an intramuscular injection of either oxytetracycline at a dose rate of 20 mg/kg or another antibiotic at a dose rate and treatment frequency known to eliminate the carrier state.

Date of treatment:

Dose rate:

Antibiotic used:

3.7 Babesiosis and anaplasmosis:

Either 3.7.1 the animals were born and lived continuously in a babesiosis and anaplasmosis free area and were not tested

Or 3.7.2 the animals were born or have spent a period of time in a babesiosis and anaplasmosis prone area (Boophilus microplus infested area), and were subjected during PEI to the following tests, with negative results:

3.7.2.1 for anaplasmosis, the rapid card agglutination test; AND

3.7.2.2 for Babesia bovis the indirect fluorescent antibody test or the ELISA and for Babesia bigemina the indirect fluorescent antibody test or the competitive inhibition ELISA.

Tests used:

Dates samples collected:

3.8 Animals that have spent time in areas officially defined as tick infested were treated with products known to eliminate the carrier state of babesiosis and anaplasmosis within 72 hours prior to leaving PEI.

Product(s) used:

Dose rates:

Date of treatment

3.9 All laboratory tests were conducted at a laboratory approved by AQIS to undertake testing for export purposes. (Laboratory result sheets are attached to this certificate).

4 Transport to New Zealand

4.1 Animals quarantined in Culicoides infested areas were protected from Culicoides attack while in transit between the PEI premises and the port of departure.

4.2 The vehicle in which the animals were transported to the port of departure was cleaned and disinfected prior to the loading of the animals.

4.3 During transport to the port of departure the animals were kept isolated from animals that were not of equivalent health status.

4.4 All stock food loaded for use during transport to the port of departure and during transit to New Zealand was free from evidence of contamination with ticks and weeds/weed seeds.

4.5 The containers to be used for transporting the animals to New Zealand are either new or if previously used were cleaned and disinfected with a virucidal disinfectant. The containers meet the specifications of the IATA Live Animal Regulations or sea transport facilities meet the requirements of the Australian Marine Orders Part 43, Issue 2.

4.6 Only sterile peat, soft board, treated wood shavings, shredded paper or other inert approved products was loaded for use as bedding during transportation.

4.7 No other animals are being transported in the aircraft or ship except animals officially certified by an official veterinarian for export to New Zealand.

4.8 For animals being transported by air, the cargo space of the aircraft in which the animals are to be transported was sprayed with an AQIS approved insecticidal spray prior to departure.

Official stamp:

Name and signature of Official Veterinarian

Date:

Name and address of office:

NB Official stamp must be applied to all pages

PART E. APPENDIX 1

NEW ZEALAND MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY (MAF) STANDARD FOR PRE-EXPORT ISOLATION (PEI) PREMISES FOR RUMINANTS/LAMOIDS FROM AUSTRALIA

The premises must be approved by AQIS as meeting the requirements of MAF for a pre-export isolation (PEI) premises before pre-export isolation can start. It must be routinely inspected by AQIS and records of inspections and management must be available for audit purposes.

1. The operator (person in charge) of the PEI premises must provide AQIS with an isolation plan that addresses the requirements of AQIS, this Standard and the relevant import health standard (IHS). The isolation plan must ensure effective isolation and contain animal management practices to manage, and to be seen to manage, the animal health risks of concern to MAF.
2. The operator of the PEI premises must keep records sufficient to satisfy AQIS and MAF that the requirements of the New Zealand IHS and this Standard are being complied with. Records must be available for audit purposes for at least 2 years.
3. PEI must only start when all the animals in the consignment are on the premises. The premises must be managed using all-in all-out principles. Animals in the premises must be isolated from animals not of a tested equivalent health status.
4. The premises must be surrounded by a livestock-proof perimeter fence and the animals for export must be separated from other animals by either a minimum distance of 10 metres, or a solid barrier.
5. The premises and all equipment must be cleaned and disinfected prior to the entry of the animals.
6. The animals must be held on a ‘hard standing area’ which is free of grass or other pasture. The standing area can be concrete or a compacted gravel surface or slat flooring. The area must be either surrounded by a fence or a solid barrier which may be a building or part of a building.
7. Regarding the premises:
   • 7.1 walls are optional, but if used must be smooth and impervious and constructed of permanent materials that can be effectively cleaned and sprayed with insecticide/acaricide
   • 7.2 must be constructed so that it can be readily cleaned and disinfected
   • 7.3 must have permanent watering facilities
   • 7.4 must be sited to prevent ingress of drainage or surface run-off of water.
8. If located in a bluetongue infected zone the animal accommodation must be insect proof and maintained free of insects.
9. Bedding used must be clean and free of evidence of contamination with ticks and weeds/weed seeds, eg sterilised peat, soft board, wood shavings or other inert material. Straw and hay must not be used.
10. The premises must have facilities for veterinary examination and the collection of samples, and facilities for isolation of sick animals.
11. Any health problems in the animals must be recorded and reported to AQIS for a ruling on their management.
12. The premises must be lockable to ensure that there is no contact with other livestock and no entry of unauthorised personnel.
13. While in PEI animals must be fed only feed free of evidence of ticks, eg processed pellets and heat treated hay.
14. For the final 3 days prior to export animals must be fed only feed free of evidence of weeds/weed seeds, eg processed pellets and heat treated hay.
15. All movements of people in and out of the premises must be recorded.
16. An AQIS approved veterinarian or official veterinarian must visit the premises at least weekly during the isolation period to audit the isolation plan and ensure that the requirements of the relevant New Zealand IHS are being met. During the visit, the veterinarian must inspect the animals, observe the operation and review the records.
17. Staff must be suitably trained in isolation procedures, animal husbandry and management practices of the species of animal in PEI. They must have a detailed knowledge of the isolation plan and the practices specified in this Standard.
18. To avoid the introduction of ticks and weeds/weed seeds, all personnel attending the animals must wear outer clothing and footwear used exclusively in the premises during PEI.
19. All equipment used in feeding, handling and treatment of the animals in PEI must be new or cleaned and disinfected before use and must be used only in the premises for the duration of the PEI.
20. Individual health records must be kept for animals on the premises during the PEI period and must be available to the supervising veterinarian.
21. Entry to the premises by visitors should be prevented unless specifically authorised by the supervising veterinarian. The name, address and date of entry must be recorded for each visitor.
22. Should the management of the PEI fail to fully comply with these requirements and the relevant IHS, AQIS must notify the New Zealand MAF Biosecurity Standards Group Manager who will decide whether the isolation can continue or must be voided.