Notification of Consultation on the Issuance of Import Health Standard for Horses from Australia

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

The import health standard for horses from Australia was revoked due to the Equine Influenza outbreak in August 2007. New conditions have been drafted which are similar to requirements when importing from other countries that have Equine Influenza. Conditions include vaccination, 21 days pre export quarantine, 14 days post arrival quarantine and pre and post arrival PCR testing. To date, Australia has had no new cases of Equine Influenza since December 07. Assuming eradication is achieved the import health standard will be redrafted with reduced importation measures.

Comments on this draft document should be forwarded to MAF by close of business on 10 March 2008. Depending on the outcomes of consultation, it is anticipated that the new requirements will be in place by 21 March 2008. MAF encourages respondents to forward comments electronically to the email address below. However, should you wish to forward submissions in writing, please send them to the address that follows:

  • Rachelle Linwood
    Import Standards Group
    MAF Biosecurity New Zealand
    Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
    PO Box 2526
    Wellington
    New Zealand
  • Fax: +64 4 819 0662
    Email: rachelle.linwood@maf.govt.nz

Please see the MAF Biosecurity New Zealand website for additional information on 'Making a submission': www.biosecurity.govt.nz/consultation.htm (offsite link to www.biosecurity.govt.nz)

Submissions received by the closure date will be considered for the final issue of this import health standard. Submissions received after the closure date may be held on file for consideration when the issued standard is next revised/reviewed.

Please note that your submission is public information. Submissions may be the subject of requests for information under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA specifies that information is to be made available to requesters unless there are sufficient grounds for withholding it, as set out in the OIA. Submitters may wish to indicate grounds for withholding specific information contained in their submission, such as the information is commercially sensitive or they wish personal information to be withheld. Any decision to withhold information requested under the OIA is reviewable by the Ombudsman.

Yours sincerely

Rachelle Linwood
Animal Imports Team Manager

Page last updated: 30 April 2008