Importing Zoo greater flamingos from the United Kingdom

11 January 2001

zooflaic.uk

Issued pursuant to Section 22 of the Biosecurity Act 1993

Dated: 11 January 2001

1. Import Health Standard

Pursuant to section 22 of the Biosecurity Act 1993, this is the import health standard for the importation of greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber roseus) from the The Wildfowl and Wetland Trust, Slimbridge, United Kingdom, into New Zealand for zoological gardens.

The flamingo fledglings must have been raised in an approved pre-export isolation facility (Appendix I) from hatching eggs sourced from the flamingo colony belonging to The Wildfowl and Wetland Trust Slimbridge.

2. Permit to Import

2.1 An permit to import is required for the importation of greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber roseus) into New Zealand.

This permit may be obtained from:

Director Animal Biosecurity
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND

2.2 The permit to import will be issued for a single consignment.

2.3 Attached to, and an integral part of, the permit to import is the current Import Health Standard that describes the conditions under which the flamingo may be imported into New Zealand.

3. Information to be supplied by importer

The importer shall supply the following information:

3.1 name and address of exporter

3.2 number of flamingos

3.3 date of the proposed importation

3.4 name and address of the post-arrival quarantine facility in New Zealand, approved under MAFRA Standard 154.02.05 Medium Security Avian Quarantine Facilities

3.5 letter from the New Zealand Veterinary Officer supervising post-arrival quarantine, according to MAFRA Standard 154.02.05.01 Supervision of Avian Quarantine, indicating the facility complies with MAFRA Standard 154.02.05 Medium Security Avian Quarantine Facilities and is available for this consignment

3.6 airport of entry into New Zealand and route of transport to the approved medium security avian quarantine facility.

4. Review of Import Health Standard

The Import Health Standard may be reviewed and amended if there are changes in New Zealand's import policy, or the animal health status of the exporting country, or for any other reason, at the discretion of the Director Animal Biosecurity.

5. Definitions of Terms

Donor flock:

The flamingos eligible under this standard to provide eggs that will be hatched in the pre-export isolation facility.

Director Animal Biosecurity:

The Director Animal 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 Director Animal Biosecurity.

Equivalence:

Acceptance by the Director Animal Biosecurity 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 .

ICPI:

Intracerebral pathogenicity index

Official veterinarian:

A veterinarian authorised by a country's Veterinary Administration to perform animal health and/or public health inspections of commodities and, when appropriate, perform certification in conformity with the provisions of Chapter 1.3.2 of the OIE International Animal Health Code.

Veterinary officer:

A registered veterinarian who is an inspector under the Biosecurity Act employed either by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, or by a supplier contracted to provide services to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

6. Documentation Accompanying the Consignment

The permit to import, the required information and the ORIGINAL certification must accompany the consignment to New Zealand.

The required documentation is completed copies of the following:

• Zoosanitary Certificate
• Veterinary Certificate A
• Veterinary Certificate B

[Note: Any requirement for the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) or other conservation related documentation must be met by the exporter/importer and is independent of this certification.]

7. Importer's Responsibilities

7.1 All costs associated with the importation, including pre-export isolation, laboratory testing, transport, quarantine, and veterinary supervision must be borne by the importer.

7.2 The importer must make all arrangements for transport and obtain necessary transit authorities from any third countries on the transport route. The Director Animal Biosecurity must approve the transport route.

7.3 The importer shall give the New Zealand Port Veterinary Officer at least 7 days notice of the arrival of the flamingos, indicating the flight number and expected time of arrival.

8. Equivalence

This Import Health Standard has been agreed as being suitable for trade between the exporting and the importing countries. It is expected that the flamingos will meet the conditions in every respect.

Occasionally it is found that, due to circumstances beyond the importer's control, the flamingos do not comply completely with the requirements in this import health standard. In such cases an application for equivalence will be considered and may be issued at the discretion of the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, but only if the following information is forwarded by the certifying government's veterinary authority:

8.1 The clause/s of the Import Health Standard that cannot be met and how this has occurred

8.2 The reason the flamingos are considered to be of an "equivalent health" status and/or what proposal is made to return them to an equivalent health status as set-out in this standard

8.3 The reasons why the veterinary authority believe this proposal should be acceptable to the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and their recommendation for its acceptance.

9. Eligibility for Importation

9.1 The flamingos producing the hatching eggs must have been hatched in the UK, or if imported, have been free from all quarantine restrictions for at least 6 months.

9.2 The zoological garden containing the donor flock must be officially registered or licensed.

9.3 The zoological garden containing the donor flock must have a programme of routine health checks that is supervised by a government-approved veterinarian. The donor flock must not be vaccinated against Newcastle disease with a live vaccine.

9.4 Once in the pre-export isolation facility the hatching eggs must be cleansed and fumigated in accordance with the OIE International Animal Health Code, 1998 (Chapter 4.2.4.1 p 341).

9.5 The flamingo chicks must remain in pre-export isolation for a minimum of 45 days after the last chick hatched.

9.6 The flamingo chicks must meet the health requirements detailed in the veterinary health certificate A.

9.7 The young flamingos must be capable of feeding themselves prior to leaving the exporting country.

10. Pre-Export Isolation and Hatching Facility

The pre-export isolation and hatching facility must meet the standard specified in Appendix I

11. Identification

Each bird in the export consignment must be individually identified using transponders.

12. Veterinary Health Certification

12.1 The animal health tests required are stated in Veterinary Certificate A.

12.2 All tests must be conducted at a government laboratory or government-approved laboratory. The laboratory samples from each bird must be tested individually.

12.3 Positive laboratory test results for any of the tests specified in Veterinary Certificate A must be reported immediately to the New Zealand Director Animal Biosecurity for a decision regarding the fate of the consignment.

12.4 All eggs that do not hatch must be submitted to the laboratory for culture for viruses, mycoplasmas and salmonellae.

12.5 All illness or deaths in the hatchlings must be fully investigated by an experienced veterinary pathologist. Where the cause of death can not be determined, virus isolation must be performed. Significant disease outbreaks must be reported to the New Zealand Director Animal Biosecurity.

13. Biosecurity Direction

On arrival in New Zealand and provided the documentation is in order, a Biosecurity direction will be issued by an Inspector under sections 25, 26, 27 and 28 of the Biosecurity Act 1993 allowing the flamingos to move to the quarantine facility named on the permit to import.

14. Post-Arrival Quarantine

14.1 The flamingos must be transported from the port of arrival to the medium security avian quarantine facility named on the permit to import, by a method and route approved by the Director Animal Biosecurity.

14.2 The vehicle must not transport any other birds or hatching eggs while being used to transport the flamingos to the quarantine facility. After delivery of the flamingos, the vehicle and containers must be thoroughly cleansed and disinfected with an approved virucidal disinfectant. All packing and organic material must be destroyed by incineration.

14.3 The post-arrival avian quarantine facility must be approved under MAFRA Standard 154.02.05 Medium Security Avian Quarantine Facilities, and supervised according to MAFRA Standard 154.02.05.01 Supervision of Avian Quarantine.

14.4 The birds must be held at the quarantine facility for a period of not less than 30 days, or for such longer period as may be required by the Director Animal Biosecurity.

14.5 During the post-arrival quarantine period, the imported birds must be subjected to such tests and treatments as described in section 14.7 and post mortem examinations as required by the Director Animal Biosecurity.

14.6 Removal of dead birds or avian tissues from the quarantine facility for laboratory examination must be under the supervision of the veterinary officer, so that the principles of disease containment are maintained. All fresh tissue samples must be sent to the New Zealand Animal Health Laboratory for testing.

14.7 The following tests must be performed:

14.7.1 Culture of cloacal and choanal swabs from each bird for isolation of influenza A viruses and paramyxoviruses. Samples must be put into viral transport media and cultured using methods specified in the OIE Manual of Standards for Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines, 1996. Chapters 2.1.14 and 2.1.15. All isolates must be identified.

(If paramyxovirus 1 is isolated, its ICPI must be determined and if it is greater than zero the birds will not be eligible for release in New Zealand.)

14.7.2 Salmonella isolation using a cloacal swab for each bird cultured in a simple media, a Salmonella selective media and on enrichment media.(OIE Manual of Standards for Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines, 1996. Chapter X.4 ) All isolates must be serotyped.

14.8 All illness or deaths in the birds must be fully investigated by an experienced veterinary pathologist. Where the cause of death can not be determined, virus isolation must be performed.

14.9 Positive laboratory results obtained during quarantine testing must be reported to the Director Animal Biosecurity for a decision on the fate of the consignment. The fate of the consignment shall be one of the following options:

either 14.9.1 the flamingos will either be re-exported at the importer's expense, or 14.9.2 the flamingos will be subject to further testing, treatment and an extended quarantine period at the importer's expense, or 14.9.3 the flamingos will be destroyed at the importer's expense.

14.10 The flamingos and their offspring must remain permanently in a registered zoo, and can only be transferred to another zoo with the prior permission of the Director Animal Biosecurity.

Zoosanitary Certificate

Species: Greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber roseus)

To: New Zealand

Permit to import No:

Exporting Country: United Kingdom

Ministry/Department:

Region:

I: Identification of Birds

Number Identification Species

II: Origin of the Birds

Name and address of exporter:

Place of origin the birds:

Airport of embarkation:

III: Destination of the Birds:

Name and address of consignee:

Means of transport:

Airport of arrival:

Veterinary Certificate A

I, ..............................................................................., being the licensed Veterinary Inspector responsible for the supervision of the hatching and pre-export isolation, certify after due enquiry with respect to the flock of origin and to the flamingos identified in the zoosanitary certificate that:

1. Premises of Origin and Pre-export Isolation

1.1 The flamingos producing the hatching eggs:

either 1.1.1 were hatched in and continuously resident in the zoological garden

or 1.1.2 if imported, have been resident in the zoological garden for at least a period of 6 months. The flamingos were imported from and officially released from import quarantine on

(Delete 1.1.1 or 1.1.2 as appropriate)

1.2 The zoological garden containing the flamingos is officially registered or licensed.

1.3 The zoological garden has a programme of routine health checks that are supervised by a government-approved veterinarian.

1.4 The eggs were fumigated and hatched in the pre-export isolation facility. The flamingo chicks were held for at least 45 days in the pre-export isolation under the supervision of a licensed veterinary inspector prior to export.

1.5 During the pre-export isolation period the flamingos were kept isolated from all other birds and animals.

1.6 Staff working in the pre-export isolation facility had no contact with other birds for the 7 days prior to the hatching eggs entering the facility and for the duration of the incubation and the rearing period.

1.7 All eggs that failed to hatch were submitted to the laboratory for culture for viruses, mycoplasmas and salmonellae. No organisms of quarantine concern were isolated.

1.8 All illness or deaths in the hatchlings were fully investigated by an experienced veterinary pathologist. Where the cause of death was not determined, virus isolation was performed with negative results.

1.9 The flamingo chicks have not been vaccinated using any live vaccines.

2. Requirements for Specific Diseases of Concern

2.2 During the previous 12 months there has been no disease outbreaks in the donor flock caused by salmonellosis and mycoplasmosis.

2.3 The donor flock not been vaccinated with a live Newcastle disease vaccine.

2.4 Twelve to16 days after the last bird hatched, samples were taken from each bird for the following testing regime:

2.4.1 Culture of cloacal and choanal swabs from each bird for isolation of influenza A viruses and paramyxoviruses. Samples were put into viral transport media and cultured, using methods specified in the OIE Manual of Standards for Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines 1996. Chapters 2.1.14 and 2.1.15. All isolates were identified.

Date samples taken: .....................................

2.4.2 Salmonella isolation using a cloacal swab from each bird cultured in a simple media, a Salmonella selective media and on enrichment media.(OIE Manual of Standards for Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines 1996. Chapter X.4 ) All isolates were serotyped.

Date samples taken: .....................................

2.5 All testing was conducted at a government laboratory or government-approved laboratory.

2.6 Any positive test results were reported immediately to the New Zealand Director Animal Biosecurity for a decision regarding the fate of the consignment.

3. Transport to the Port of Departure

3.1 The containers to be used to transport the birds from the pre-export isolation premises to New Zealand are of a standard and type that conform to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animal Regulations.

3.2 The containers are either new or have been disinfected using a registered/approved virucidal disinfectant.

3.3 For large consignments of birds where a dedicated vehicle (or vehicles) will be used to transport the birds from the isolation premises to the port of departure, the vehicle(s) was/were cleansed and disinfected prior to loading using a registered/approved virucidal disinfectant.

(Delete if not applicable)

3.4 Any padding used in the containers is an inert material.

3.5 On the day of loading for transport to New Zealand, the birds were examined and found to be free of any evidence of infectious disease and were in good condition and fit for travel.

3.6 Prior to dispatch from the pre-export isolation facility the containers containing the birds were sealed using official government seals that bear the marks/ numbers:

................................................................................
Licensed Veterinary Inspector (MRCVS) Official stamp and date

Address of office

Veterianry Certificate - B

I,................................................................., being a Port Veterinary Officer of UK MAFF certify in regard to the flamingos described in the zoosanitary certificate that:

1. Transport to the Airport of Departure

1.1 During transport to the airport of departure, the flamingos were kept isolated from birds or eggs that were not of an equivalent health status.

2. Transport to New Zealand

2.1 The integrity of the official seals was maintained throughout transportation between the premises of origin and loading onto the aircraft.

2.2 No animals, birds or eggs other than those destined for New Zealand are being carried on the aircraft.

Official Veterinarian Official stamp and date

Address of office

Standard for the Pre-Export Isolation Facility for Birds before Export to New Zealand

1. Background

This MAF Standard specifies the structural and operating requirements for operators of facilities holding birds before export to New Zealand. This Standard specifies how operators and facilities may be approved and also the requirements for the supervision of the facility to ensure that operators are in compliance with these requirements.

The primary purpose of isolation is to prevent the introduction of avian pathogens to birds held in isolation before export to New Zealand. This is achieved by preventing contact (direct and indirect) between birds in the facility and any birds that are not of equivalent health status.

2. Definitions

Supervisor

An official veterinarian acting on behalf of the Veterinary Administration of the exporting country in assuring the New Zealand Government that the conditions of the relevant Import Health Standard and this Standard are being met.

Facility

The approved pre-export isolation premises for holding birds before export to New Zealand.

Import Health Standard

The schedule of conditions prescribed by the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry for the importation of birds into New Zealand.

Operator

The person who has overall responsibility for the facility, its maintenance and operation.

Official Veterinarian

A veterinarian authorised by the Veterinary Administration of the exporting country to perform export certification.

3. Supervision of the Facility

The facility shall be under the control of the Veterinary Administration who shall be responsible for the appointment of an Official Veterinarian to the role of supervisor for the facility.

The supervisor shall be able to demonstrate the s/he has an understanding of the principles of quarantine and containment, the Import Health Standard for birds to New Zealand and the requirements of this Standard. The supervisor shall have access to an avian veterinary pathologist to assist if disease should occur in the birds.

The supervisor shall have no financial interest in the birds in isolation.

The supervisor shall approve the operator and facility as described in 4.1 and 4.2 respectively.

The supervisor shall make a minimum of two visits per week to the facility to inspect the birds and audit the performance of the operator.

The supervisor shall make him/herself available for consultation with the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Biosecurity Authority. Representatives of the Authority shall have access to the facility for audit at any time during the isolation period.

4. Approval of a Facility and an Operator

4.1 Approval of the Operator

The operator shall satisfy the supervisor that s/he has the technical and financial resourcing mechanisms in place to maintain the facility. The technical resources shall be provided by a person or persons in authority with the competency to ensure that both the structure of the facility and the operating procedures are appropriate for the isolation of birds as required by this Standard.

4.2 Approval of the Facility

When the supervisor is satisfied that the structural requirements for the facility [section 6] and the isolation manual [section 5] meet the requirements of this Standard the supervisor may approve the facility.

Only when the facility has been approved may it be used for the pre-export isolation of birds.

5. Isolation Manual

The operator shall prepare, maintain and implement a quality assurance programme and procedures in accordance with the principles of ISO 9002 or similar quality system. Accreditation is not required.

The quality assurance programme and any amendments shall address the requirements of this Standard. The procedures shall be documented in an Isolation Manual or in an alternative quality system e.g. standard operating procedures.

The items listed below are the minimum requirements for the Isolation Manual.

5.1 Isolation requirements

Document the procedures used in the facility to meet the relevant requirements of the Import Health Standard and section 6 of this Standard.

5.2 Management

Identify the operator and the staff working in the facility.

Specify and document the responsibilities of the operator and staff.

5.3 Training

Nominate a person or position responsible for ensuring that all people who work in the facility are familiar with the principles of quarantine and containment.

Describe how the training programme is to be implemented.

Document training records for all staff.

5.4 Internal Controls

The operator shall carry out an internal audit at least once a week during isolation to verify that the activities associated with the facility comply with the quality assurance programme.

6. Structural and Operational Requirements

6.1 General Requirements

The facility shall be constructed and operated in a manner to ensure that all birds are contained in isolation and not exposed directly or indirectly to avian pathogens.

The entry of other birds and animals (including vertebrate pests) shall be excluded.

The facility, cages and fittings shall be new, or cleaned and disinfected to remove avian pathogens prior to the arrival of the birds.

All feed and bedding should be stored within the facility prior to the commencement of the isolation period. It shall not represent a source of contamination for the introduction of avian pathogens. Only fresh potable water shall be provided in the facility.

During the isolation period the operator shall ensure that no birds or any other material may be introduced onto the facility without approval of the supervisor. The supervisor shall control the entry of materials and the conditions of entry shall address the risk of introducing avian pathogens onto the facility. For example, fresh feed may be brought in for feeding if required.

During pre-export isolation the facility shall not be used for any purpose other than the quarantine and containment of birds. Only one export shipment may be isolated in the facility at any one time.

6.2 Structure of the Facility

The facility shall be a building that is of sound permanent construction. Working surfaces, walls, floors and ceilings shall be smooth and impervious capable of being cleaned and disinfected.

A single entry shall be provided for people to access the facility. This door shall provide access to a separate room or rooms for people to change their clothing before entering the bird accommodation area.

6.3 Security of the Transitional Facility

A prominent sign shall be displayed at entrances to the facility to show that it is a pre-export isolation facility and that unauthorised entry is prohibited.

The facility should ideally have only one entry point that should be kept locked when the facility is unattended.

Procedures shall be adopted to prevent unauthorised access to the facility.

6.4 Entry and Exit of People

Only authorised people may access the facility. These people shall, in the main, be limited to the supervisor and people identified in section 5.2.

A footbath containing a suitable disinfectant shall be provided at the entrance for use prior to entry.

The operator and staff shall not have any contact with any other birds in the seven days prior to commencement of the isolation period. They shall maintain this isolation from other birds until the birds are exported.

A logbook shall also record the names and addresses of all people who visit. Any visitors shall before entering sign a declaration in the logbook to the effect that they have not had any contact (direct or indirect) with birds in the previous seven days, and they will observe the operating procedures for the facility.

Protective clothing and footwear supplied by the operator shall be dedicated to the facility and worn by people in the facility.

6.5 Disease Surveillance

The animals shall be subjected to such examinations, testing or treatment as is required by the Import Health Standard .

The operator shall observe birds for signs of illness, injury, and abnormal behaviour at least 3 times a day. If any signs are seen these shall be reported immediately to the supervisor who shall consult with a veterinary pathologist.

The level of daily surveillance shall be sufficient to ensure that sick and dead birds are found in sufficient time for follow up disease investigations by the supervisor. A refrigerator may be required to preserve dead birds for examination.

No medication or drugs shall be administered to the birds without the approval of the supervisor. Treatments or prophylactic measures shall not interfere with disease surveillance.

6.6 Transport of Birds to the Airport

The vehicles used for transport of the birds to the port of departure shall be cleaned and disinfected before loading. The supervisor shall oversee loading into the vehicle and the transport of the birds.

During transport the birds shall not come into contact (direct or indirectly) with other birds unless they have been similarly certified for export to New Zealand.

If the supervisor does not accompany the birds then the vehicle shall be sealed. If sealed, the numbers of the seals should be forwarded to the port veterinarian to check that the seals have remained unbroken and have not been replaced.

The facility should be locked after removal of the birds until they have left the country in case it is necessary to return them to the facility for any reason e.g. in case of aircraft failure.

6.7 Records

The operator is required to demonstrate compliance with this Standard by keeping records as required for the quality assurance programme and documented in the Isolation Manual. The operator shall, for auditing purposes, maintain the following records for six months after the export of the birds:

• Details of diseases diagnosed, the bird morbidity and mortality records, and treatments given.
• Entrance logbook and declarations.
• Permits to move materials to the facility.
• Records of internal audits and corrective actions.
• Records of external audits and corrective actions.