Risk Management Proposal  
 
Bovine Germplasm   
BOVIGERM.GEN  
 
 
 
 
[Document Date]   
 
 
Disclaimer  
This risk management proposal does not constitute, and should not be regarded as, legal advice. While every 
effort has been made to ensure the information in this document is accurate, the Ministry for Primary Industries 
does not accept any responsibility or liability whatsoever for any error of fact, omission, inter pretation or opinion 
that may be present, however it may have occurred.  
© Crown Copyright - Ministry for Primary Industries  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contact for further information : 
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)  
Agriculture and Investment Services  
Animal Imports  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
Email: animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz  
Telephone:  04 890 0134  
 Risk Management Proposal:  Bovine Germplasm  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 1 Contents  
1 Purpose  3 
2 Background  3 
3 Objective  4 
4 General requirements for all importations of bovine germplasm  5 
4.1 Application  5 
4.2 Diagnostic tests, vaccines and treatments  5 
4.3 Semen  collection centre requirements  6 
4.4 Donor requirements  6 
4.5 Semen collection, processing and storage  7 
4.6 Embryo collection, processing and storage  7 
4.7 Trans port 8 
5 Recommendations for identified risk organisms  9 
5.1 Bluetongue (BT)  9 
5.2 Borna disease  9 
5.3 Bovine herpes virus 1.1, 1.2a, and 5 (Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis/Infectious Pustular 
Vulvovaginitis, IBR/IPV)  10 
5.4 Bovine leukaemia virus, BLV (Enzootic Bovine Leukosis, EBL)  11 
5.5 Bovine viral diarrhoea virus genotype 2 (BVDV2)  12 
5.6 Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHF)  14 
5.7 Foot and mouth disease virus (FMD)  14 
5.8 Lumpy skin disease virus (LSD)  16 
5.9 Rift Valley fever virus (RVF)  16 
5.10  Vesicular stomatitis virus (VS)  17 
5.11  Brucella melitensis, Brucella suis, and Brucella abortus (bovine brucellosis)  17 
5.12  Campylobacter fetus  subspecies venerealis  (bovine genital campylobacteriosis, BGC)  18 
5.13  Chlamydo phila abortus  20 
5.14  Coxiella burnetii  (Q-fever)  20 
5.15  Mycobacterium  tuberculosis (bovine tuberculosis)  21 
5.16  Mycoplasma mycoides  subsp. mycoides  SC (contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, CBPP) 22 
5.17  Other mollicutes ( Mycoplasma  and Ureap lasma  spp.)  23 
5.18  Exotic Leptospira  spp. (leptospirosis)  25 
5.19  Exotic Salmonella  spp. (salmonellosis)  26 
 
 Risk Management Proposal:  Bovine Germplasm  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 3 1 Purpose  
The purpose of this document is to:  
 Show how options for the management of risk o rganisms have been considered . 
 Provide recommendations for import requirements.  
2 Background  
Bovine semen and embryos have the potential to harbour exotic viral and bacterial diseases. In Febr uary 2009, 
the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (now the Ministry for Primary Industries, (MPI) completed the Import Risk 
Analysis (IRA) Cat tle Germplasm from All Countries . This import risk analysis (2009 IRA) forms the basis of the 
risk management measures in the proposed import health standards (IHSs) for bovine semen and embryos.  
Following on from that IRA, the Impor t Health Standard: Bovine Semen, BOVSEMID.GE ) and Import Health 
Standard: Bovine Embryos , BOVEMID.GE ) were published on 27 June 2011.  
These IHSs contain generic import requirements which manage the biosecurity risk associated with importing 
bovine semen an d in vivo derived bovine embryos from MPI approved countries.  
The generic IHSs served as the basis for country to country (bilateral) negotiations of country -specific veterinary 
certificates. MPI agreed country specific veterinary certificates with the ex porting country’s Competent Authority 
once MPI was satisfied with the exporting country’s export systems. Negotiations took into account the verifiable 
health status of the exporting country, the national systems, legislation and processes in the exporting  country for 
regulatory oversight of the bovine germplasm industry, and the capabilities and preferences of the exporting 
country’s Competent Authority. The assessments were based on the World Organisation for Animal Health OIE 
Code (the OIE Code ) section 3, Quality of Veterinary Services . 
Bovine semen country -specific veterinary certificates are currently available for Australia, USA, Canada, 
European Union, Norway and Switzerland. Bovine embryo country specific veterinary certificates are currently 
availa ble for Australia, USA, Canada, the European Union and Switzerland.  
Where the IHS requires that the OIE Code  recommendations are met, the requirements reflect the current OIE 
Code  as of 2018. When OIE Code  chapters are amended, MPI reviews these changes to  ensure they continue to 
align with New Zealand’s appropriate level of protection. Where OIE Code  recommendations no longer meet New 
Zealand’s appropriate level of protection, they are replaced with risk -based MPI recommendations and the IHSs 
will be amend ed. Otherwise the most recent version of the OIE Code  is referred to.  
Since the first IRA in 2009, new scientific information and changes to New Zealand’s disease status have 
prompted new risk assessments. The outcomes of those assessments are discussed in  this RMP for 
incorporation into the new IHS. Those assessments include . 
 Rapid Risk Assessment:  Mycoplasma bovis in bovine semen  in 2019  (RRA bovine semen 2019).   
 Rapid Risk Assessment: Mycoplasma bovis in bovine in -vivo and in -vitro produced emb ryos (RRA  bovine 
embryos 2018).   
 Import  Risk Analysis: Bovine Leukaemia Virus and  Campylobacter fetus  Subspecies venerealis  in Bovine 
Frozen Semen, In -vivo and In -Vitro Produced Embryos  (IRA BLV and C. fetus  2018).  
 Rapid risk assessment: Vesicular stomatitis virus in live animals and their germplasm .  
 
Additionally, technical advice was provided from MPI’s Risk Analysis team on bovine viral diarrhoea virus 
(BVDV2), and Crimean C ongo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF).  Risk Management Proposal:  Bovine Germplasm  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 4 This RMP discusses ways to incorporate the new risk advice into the e xisting IHS. Due to the ongoing 
Mycoplasma bovis  eradication programme, there was a preliminary consultation on the  Discussion Document : 
Mycoplasma  bovis risk management in bovine germplasm  from 23 September to 5 November 2019. This RMP 
describes all proposed amendments in the IHS, including M. bovis .   
It is proposed that the existing IHSs are combined into one IHS and the proposed title and short -code are Semen 
and In  Vivo Embryos from Bovines, BOVIGERM.GEN . The guidance document (GD) will be updated by MPI prior 
to issuing the IHS . It provides commodity -specific guidance information including links to country -specific 
bilaterally -agreed veterinary certification for trade in bovine semen and in vivo derived bovine embryos.  
3 Objective  
The objective is to manage, to an appropriate level of protection, the biosecurity risks for bovine semen and 
bovine embryos, consistent with New Zealand’s domestic legislation and international obligations.  
New Zealand has adhered to the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (the SPS Agr eement) for 
over two decades, and in doing so recognises the desirability of using agreed international standards for trade 
wherever possible. Under Article 2.1 of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Code  Chapter on Import 
Risk Analysis, “The ob jective is to manage risk appropriately to ensure that a balance is achieved between a 
country’s desire to minimise the likelihood or frequency of disease incursions and their consequences and its 
desire to import commodities and fulfil its obligation unde r international trade agreements.” And under Article 5.3, 
“Members may choose to implement sanitary measures more stringent than those in international standards, if 
these are deemed necessary to protect animal or human health and are scientifically justif ied by a risk analysis.”    
Of the hazards identified in the import risk analyses, the 2011 IHS included risk management for the following 
hazards:  
 Bluetongue virus  
 Borna disease virus  
 Exotic bovine herpes viruses (semen only)  
 Bovine viral diarrhoea virus  type 2  
 Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever  
 Foot and mouth disease virus  
 Lumpy skin disease virus  
 Rift Valley fever virus  
 Vesicular stomatitis virus  
 Exotic Brucella  spp. (semen only)  
 Coxiella burnetii  
 Mycobacterium bovis  
 Mycoplasma mycoides  subsp. mycoides  SC 
 Other exotic Mycoplasma  spp.  
Risk management was not considered justified in 2011 for the following hazards identified by the IRA:  
 Campylobacter fetus  subspecies venerealis  (semen only)  
 Chlamydophila abortus  
 Bovine leukaemia virus (semen only)  
 Exotic Salmonella  spp. 
 Exotic Leptospira  spp. 
Identified hazards proposed for addition to the IHS in the 2020 amendment include:  
 Bovine leukaemia virus  
 Campylobacter fetus subspecies venerealis   Risk Management Proposal:  Bovine Germplasm  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 5 Identified hazards proposed for removal in the 2020 amendme nt include:  
 Bluetongue virus  
 Borna disease virus  
 Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever  
 Vesicular stomatitis virus  
4 General requirements for all importations of bovine 
germplasm  
The general requirements section of the IHSs include risk management measures for sem en and embryo donors, 
regardless of the country’s disease freedom claims. Where possible, these requirements align with the 
recommendations of the OIE Code  and the International Embryo Transfer Society (IETS) Manual.  
4.1 Application  
(1) The IHS applies to frozen s emen and in vivo derived  embryos from the Bovinae subfamily for import from 
all countries into New Zealand.  
4.2 Diagnostic tests, vaccines and treatments  
(1) All pre -export and/or surveillance testing required by the IHS must be:  
a) conducted by a laboratory approv ed by the Competent Authority of the exporting country; or  
b) conducted by a laboratory approved by the Competent Authority of any other country approved to 
export the specified type of bovine germplasm  to New Zealand.  
(2) All laboratory samples required by the I HS must be collected, processed, and stored in accordance with 
the recommendations in the OIE Code  and/or the Manual  or as described in the document, Approved 
Diagnostic Tests, Vaccines, Treatments and Post -arrival Testing Laboratories for Animal Import Health 
Standards, MPI-STD-TVTL .   
(3) All diagnostic test(s) and vaccines that are required to be used or undertaken by the IHS must be those 
that have been approved by MPI for that purpo se and documented in MPI-STD-TVTL.  MPI’s approval 
process includes consultation with the MPI Animal Health Laboratory (AHL) and the test must be deemed 
valid for diagnostic purposes in bovines and must be appropriate for surveillance for the identified risk 
organism.  
(4) All products and vaccinations required by the IHS to be administered to meet the specific disease 
requirements in Part 2 of the IHS must have been administered according to the manufact urer’s instruction  
in a country that the CTO has agreed meets the requirements of clause 1.5 . All vaccinations must be 
either the final dose of a primary vaccination course or the recommended booster to complement the 
primary course.  
(5) Where p roducts require d by the IHS have been administered , the p roduct name, manufacturer, active 
ingredients (where applicable), and the dose and date of the treatment  must be recorded on the veterinary 
certificate . 
(6) Where v accines required by the IHS have been administered, all vaccine names , whether they are 
inactivated or modified live virus, and the virus types and strains included in the vaccine  must be recorded 
on the veterinary certificate . Risk Management Proposal:  Bovine Germplasm  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 6 4.3 Semen c ollection centre requirements  
(1) Semen collection must be carried out in a s emen collection centre that complies with the 
recommendations for centres in the Code  chapter General Hygiene in Semen Collection and Processing 
Centres.  
(2) The semen collection centre must be:  
a) approved for export by the Competent Authority;  
b) subjected to regu lar inspection, at least every 12 months, by an Official Veterinarian; and  
c) under the supervision of a semen collection centre veterinarian approved by the Competent 
Authority.  
(3) The name and approval number of the semen collection centre must be recorded on the veterinary 
certificate.  
(4) Semen donors may be transferred from one approved semen collection centre to another approved centre 
of equal health status without isolation or testing if the Competent Authority ensures that all of the 
following requirements a re met:  
a) Donors have been examined by the approved semen collection centre veterinarian and show no 
evidence of infectious disease transmissible in semen on the day of entry into the centre.  
b) Transfer is direct.  
c) Donors are protected from insect attack during  transit.  
d) Donors do not come into direct or indirect contact with animals of lower health status.  
e) The means of transport is disinfected before use.  
4.4 Donor requirements  
(1) Semen donors must meet the requirements in the Code  chapter Collection and Processing of Bovine, 
Small Ruminant, and Porcine Semen , and any additional requirements in Part 2: Specified Requirements 
for Identified Risk Organisms  of this IHS.  
(2) During the 28 days in which semen donors are held in pre -entry isolation prior to entering the semen 
collection centre (as prescribed in the OIE Code ), they must not be used for natural mating, and must be 
isolated from animals not of equivalent health status.  
(3) Embryo donors must meet the recommendations in the Code  chapter Collection and Processing of In Vi vo 
Derived Embryos from Livestock and Equids  and any additional requirements in Part 2: Specified 
Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  of this IHS. 
(4) Embryo donors must be resident in the embryo collection herd for at least 28 days prior to embryo 
collection for export to New Zealand. While resident with the collection herd, the herd must not be subject 
to veterinary restrictions for the identified risk organisms managed in Part 2 of the IHS.  
(5) During the 28 days in which embryo donors are resident with the embryo collection herd, they must be 
isolated from animals not of equivalent health status.  
(6) Donors that were imported to the exporting country must have lived continuously in an approved country 
for at least 60 days before germplasm collection.  
(7) On the  day of germplasm collection, the embryo collection team veterinarian or semen collection centre 
veterinarian must determine that the donor is free from clinical evidence of infectious diseases 
transmissible in germplasm.  
(8) Where a specific requirement of t he IHS for a risk organism is met by pre -collection testing, the 
germplasm donors must be isolated from other animals not of equivalent tested health status, from the 
time of the pre -collection test until completion of collection for export.  
(9) Where a speci fic requirement of the IHS for a risk organism is met by monitoring the germplasm donor for 
clinical signs for a specified time after collection, the germplasm must be stored for that amount of time 
prior to export.  Risk Management Proposal:  Bovine Germplasm  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 7 4.5 Semen collection, processing and storage  
(1) Semen collection, processing and storage must comply with the sections relevant for bovine semen in the 
Code  chapter Collection and Processing of Bovine, Small Ruminant, and Porcine Semen . 
(2) Where Part 2 requires testing within a certain time period before or after semen collection:  
a) Semen collection may be  a time period of up to 60 consecutive days.  
b) Samples for testing before collection must be obtained within the specified period before the first day 
of the semen collection period.  
c) Tests required after sem en collection must have samples collected within the specified period after 
the last day of the semen collection period.  
(3) A cryogenic or cooling agent used in the freezing process, storage and transport must not have been used 
previously in association wit h any other product of animal origin.  
(4) All straws must be sealed, and clearly and permanently marked to identify the donor and the date(s) of 
freezing. The markings must conform to international standards of the International Committee for Animal 
Recording  (ICAR) . If a code is used for this information, its decipher instructions must accompany the 
consignment.  
(5) Semen may only be stored with germplasm that has been collected and processed in accordance with the 
Code .  
(6) Semen must be held in a storage place app roved by the Competent Authority of the exporting country until 
the time of export.  
(7) Subject to clause 8, s emen may only be imported into New Zealand if the semen is imported directly from 
the country in which it was collected.  
(8) If semen is collected in a country that meets the requirements of clause 1.5 of the IHS and stored in 
another country (exporting country) that meets the requirements of clause 1.5 of the IHS, that semen may 
be imported into New Zealand if the consignment is accompanied by:  
a) A declar ation from the Competent Authority of the exporting country identifying the semen from the 
origin country as the semen being exported to New Zealand.   
b) A veterinary certificate from the Competent Authority of the exporting country that certifies that the 
semen has been stored and transported in the exporting country in accordance with the 
requirements of this IHS.  
c) Evidence that the semen was collected, processed, and stored in the origin country in accordance 
with the requirements of this IHS in the form o f either:  
i) A veterinary certificate issued by the Competent Authority of the origin country certifying that 
the semen meets the requirements of this IHS; or  
ii) A letter from the Competent Authority of the origin country confirming the semen meets the 
require ments of this IHS.  
4.6 Embryo collection, processing and storage  
(1) Embryos must be collected, washed, processed, stored and traceability maintained under the supervision 
of an embryo collection team veterinarian and in accordance with the recommendations in the OIE Code  
chapters on Collection and Processing of In Vivo Der ived Embryos from Livestock and Equids.  
(2) The embryo collection team must operate in accordance with the conditions listed in the  OIE Code  
chapters on Collection and Processing of In Vivo Derived Embryos from Livestock and Equids .   
(3) Embryos must be collected , washed, processed, stored and traceability maintained under conditions that 
comply with the recommendations in the IETS Manual . 
(4) At the time of embryo collection each embryo must be examined over its entire surface at not less than 
50X magnification and f ound to have an intact zona pelludica  and be free of adherent material.  Risk Management Proposal:  Bovine Germplasm  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 8 (5) Any micro -manipulation that causes a breach of the zona pellucida  must be done as per the procedures 
described in the OIE Code  chapter Collection and Processing of Micromanipulated Ooc ytes or Embryos 
from Livestock and Horses  and the IETS Manual .  
a) These include specifications on the facilities used and require that micro -manipulation only be 
carried out on an embryo having an intact zona pellucida  and that it be done subsequent to the last 
wash and examination of the embryo.  
(6) All biological products of animal origin used in the media and solutions for collection, processing, washing 
or storage of embryos must be free of pathogenic organisms includin g pestiviruses and prions. Media and 
solutions must be sterilised by approved methods according to the IETS Manual  and handled in such a 
manner as to ensure that sterility was maintained.  
(7) All straws must be sealed, and clearly and permanently marked to id entify the donor and the date(s) of 
freezing. The markings must conform to international standards of the International Committee for Animal 
Recording  (ICAR; www.icar.org) and the IETS  Manual . If a code is used for this information, its decipher 
instructions must accompany the consignment.  
(8) Embryos may only be stored with germplasm that has been collected and processed in accordance with 
the OIE Code .  
(9) Embryos must only be held in a storage pla ce approved by the Competent Authority of the exporting 
country until the time of export.  
(10) Subject to (11), e mbryos can only be imported into New Zealand if the embryos are imported directly from 
the country in which they were collected.  
(11) If embryos are co llected in a country that meets the requirements of clause 1.5 a nd stored in another 
approved country (exporting country), those embryos may be imported into New Zealand if the 
consignment is accompanied by:  
a) A declaration from the Competent Authority of t he exporting country identifying the embryos from the 
origin country as the embryos being exported to New Zealand;   
b) A veterinary certificate from the Competent Authority of the exporting country that certifies that the 
embryos have been stored and transpo rted in the exporting country in accordance with the 
requirements of this IHS;  
c) Evidence that the embryos were collected, processed, and stored in the origin country in accordance 
with the requirements of this IHS in the form of either:  
i) A veterinary certi ficate issued by the Competent Authority of the origin country certifying that 
the embryos meet the requirements of this IHS; or  
ii) A letter from the Competent Authority of the origin country confirming how the embryos meet 
the requirements of this IHS.  
4.7 Tran sport  
(1) All transport containers for transport to New Zealand must be new or disinfected, and confirmed empty 
prior to loading. When a transport container is disinfected, the disinfectant, its active chemical and the date 
of disinfection must be recorded on  the veterinary certificate.  
(2) The container must only be filled with fresh (previously unused) liquid nitrogen.  
(3) All transport containers in which germplasm is transported to New Zealand must be sealed, by either the 
collection centre veterinarian or an Offi cial Veterinarian, using tamper -evident seals that are positioned to 
ensure that no germplasm can be added after the tank has been sealed. The seal number must be 
recorded on the veterinary certificate.   
(4) Where germplasm is transferred from one transport c ontainer to another, the date of transfer, approved 
collection centre, reason for transfer, and the name of veterinarian involved in the transfer must be 
recorded on the veterinary certificate.   Risk Management Proposal:  Bovine Germplasm  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 9 5 Recommendations for identified risk organisms  
5.1 Bluetongue (BT)  
5.1.1 Risk management options presented in the 2009 IRA  
The 2009 IRA assessed  the risk of bluetongue virus for bovine germplasm to be  negligible.  
5.1.2 Discussion  
(1) Measures have been maintained to align with international recommendations. However measures are no 
longer considered justified. Several factors led to this conclusion:  
a) New Zealand is free of Culicoides  vectors, the only known vectors capable of transmitting BTV.  
b) New Zealand monitors for Culicoides , including monitoring sentinel cattle for seroconversio n to 
arboviruses.  
c) According to the OIE Code , New Zealand will not lose its bluetongue free status through the 
importation of vaccinated, seropositive or infective animals, or semen or embryos/ova from infected 
countries or infected zones.  
d) The vir aemic period in cattle can be up to 11 weeks. However cattle are not carriers.    
e) Bluetongue is not a zoonotic disease  
5.1.3 Recommendation  
(1) Measures are not justified.  
5.2 Borna disease  
5.2.1 Risk management options presented in the 2009 IRA  
(1) Require germplasm donors to hav e been resident since birth in countries where the disease has never 
been reported.   
(2) Require donors to originate from herds with a greater than 5 year history of freedom from the disease in 
countries in which the disease is notifiable or in which reliable  histories are available.  
(3) Test aliquots of semen and embryos from each collection by intracerebral inoculation into rabbits or by 
culture on cell cultures from embryonic rabbit or rat brain with negative results.  
(4) PCR test of peripheral cells from donors wi th negative results ( accuracy and reliability of this testing 
methodology have been questioned.)  
(5) It is proposed that all of the options suggested in the risk analysis be used, in modified form, in the import 
health standard.   
5.2.2 Discussion  
(1) Borna disease (BD)  is not an OIE listed disease.  
(2) There is no evidence that it is venereally transmitted in any species of animal and the public health impact 
remains only speculative. Measures were excluded from the IHSs for ovine and equine germplasm, and 
those are the sp ecies primarily affected by the disease.    
5.2.3 Recommendation  
(1) Measures are not justified.  Risk Management Proposal:  Bovine Germplasm  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 10 5.3 Bovine herpes virus 1.1, 1.2a, and 5 (Infectious Bovine 
Rhinotracheitis/Infectious Pustular Vulvovaginitis, IBR/IPV)  
5.3.1 Risk management options presented in the 2009 IRA  
(1) Test each batch of semen by a VI test (or a suitable PCR test when available).  
(2) Require that donors be from herds or breeding centres that are maintained free from IBR in accordance 
with the OIE Code . 
(3) Require isolation of donor animals for at least 30 days after semen collection and testing by a validated 
serological test with negative result, at least 21 days after semen collection.  
5.3.2 Discussion  
(1) Abortions and encephalitis have not been associated with BHV in New Zealand, where only BHV1.2b has 
been isolated. Both syndromes of BHV infection, IBR and IPV, are present in New Zealand.    
(2) Chronically infected latent carriers exist and are known to excrete BHV in their semen.  
(3) A 2005 study demonstrated that seronegative breeding bulls can produce BHV infected semen.  There 
appears to be little other research that confirms this finding. It is generally agreed that the OIE Code  
recommendations appropriately manage the risk in bovine semen originating from AI centres that meet the 
OIE Code’s  hygiene, collection, and proc essing recommendations.  
(4) In 2010, there were multiple submissions requesting that MPI align with the OIE, by not requiring post -
collection serological testing. It was understood that there are quality controls in place that help remove 
BHV infected semen f rom international trade and that a pre -collection testing appropriately manages the 
risk.  
(5) After decades of importing under the existing measures, the IHS should continue to align with the OIE 
Code . Aligning with the Code  requires that the 30 day post -collection isolation period is added to the IHS’s 
post-collection test requirement.  
(6) The virus is known to adhere to embryos, but it is removed when IETS washing protocol (with trypsin) is 
followed. It is IETS category 1 disease and embryos should be collected , processed and stored in 
accordance with the OIE Code . No additional donor or germplasm testing is recommended.  
5.3.3 Recommendation  
(1) At the time of collection of semen for export to New Zealand, the exporting country must be free from BHV 
1.1, BHV 1.2a and BHV5 in accordance with the OIE Code ; or 
(2) The semen collection centre must be maintained free from BHV 1.1, 1.2a, and 5 from commence ment 
until conclusion of semen collection for export to New Zealand, through compliance with the 
recommendations in the OIE Code  in relation to BHV, including:  
a) The centre must:  
i) Test all cattle prior to pre -entry isolation for antibodies using a test liste d in MPI-STD-TVTL , 
with negative results;   
ii) Test all cattle in pre -entry isolation for antibodies, with negative results, or where an animal in 
a group has tested positive re -testing the remaining animals, with negative results, not less 
than 21 days after removal of the positive animal; and  
iii) Thereafter, annually re -test all donors for antibodies, with negative results; or  
(3) The semen donor must be:  
a) held in isolation for the 30 days following collect ion;  
b) tested for BHV 1.1, 1.2a, and 5 using a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  at least 21 days after semen 
collection for export to New Zealand, with negative results; or  Risk Management Proposal:  Bovine Germplasm  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 11 (4) An aliquot of semen from each semen collection for export to New Zealand must be tested for BHV1.1, 
1.2a, and 5 with a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , with negative results.  
(5) Measures are not justified for embryos.  
5.4 Bovine leukaemia  virus, BLV (Enzootic Bovine Leukosis, EBL)  
5.4.1 Risk management options presented in the 2018 IRA  
(1) The semen was collected, processed and stored in accordance with Chapters 4.6 and 4.7 of the OIE 
Code . 
Note: This is a general requirement for all imported semen.   
(2) The semen was collected, processed and stored in accordance with Chapters 4.6 and 4.7 of the OIE 
Code ; and  
a) An aliquot of not less than 0.5 ml of processed semen from the final collection of each donor was 
tested by an approved virus isolation test or a p olymerase chain reaction test with negative results.  
 
Note: This option would likely further reduce the probability of infected semen over and above that 
achieved by Option 1 alone.  
(3) The semen was collected, processed and stored in accordance with Chapters 4.6 and 4.7 of the OIE 
Code ; and  
a) The donor bull was resident at the time of semen collection in an Enzootic Bovine Leukosis (EBL) 
free herd in accordance with the OIE Code . 
b) If less than two years of age, the bull came from a serologically negative ‘uterine ’ dam; or  
i) The bull was subjected to diagnostic tests for EBL on blood samples on two occasions with 
negative results, the first test being carried out at least 30 days before and the second test at 
least 90 days after collection of the semen.  
Note: This op tion aligns with the OIE Code  recommendation for the importation of bovine semen.  
5.4.2 Discussion  
(1) The preliminary hazard list comp iled in the 2009 IRA considered bovine leukaemia virus as endemic in 
New Zealand, therefore, no risk management was recommended (20 09 IRA).   
(2) In 1997 New Zealand dairy industry implemented the “Dairy Enzootic Bovine Leukosis” scheme. Under 
this scheme the last BLV -infected cows were culled in 2007 -2008. Since then there have been no 
detections of BLV in New Zealand and annual screenin g of the dairy industry was maintained at over 50% 
of all herds for several years (Voges, 2012)1. 
(3) BLV, the causative agent of EBL is notifiable under the Biosecurity (Notifiable Organisms) Order 2016.  
(4) BLV is subject to passive surveillance in New Zealand.  
(5) Transmission of BLV occurs through the transfer of infected lymphocytes and BLV DNA has been isolated 
in semen.  
(6) The likelihood of BLV being present in semen is assessed to be low. The likelihood of subsequent 
exposure and transmission of BLV to susceptible animals is assessed to be low. The consequences of 
entry and establishment of BLV are assessed to be non -neglig ible. Bovine leukaemia virus is therefore 
assessed to be a risk in imported bovine semen. Risk management is therefore scientifically justified.  
(7) The OIE Code  provides recommendations for the importation of bovine semen.   
                                                           
1 Voges, (2012). Reports from industry surveillance and disease control programmes: New Zealand Dairy Enzootic Bovine Leukosis (EBL) Control Scheme, 
Surveillance, 39 (3):41  Risk Management Proposal:  Bovine Germplasm  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 12 (8) PCR on semen is considered to be more sensitive than virus isolation.  
(9) Lymphocytes may infrequently leak into the genital tract. If only semen were tested, a sample from every 
collection would need to be tested. Testing diluted semen is considered acceptable due to low risk of BLV 
being pr esent in semen.  
(10) The 2018 IRA concluded that BLV is not a risk in in vivo derived bovine embryos. The washing protocols 
have been shown to be effective to remove embryo -associated BLV (IETS Category 1).  
5.4.3 Recommendation  
(11) The semen donor must be resident at t he time of semen collection in an EBL -free herd in accordance with 
the OIE Code ; and  
a) if less than two years of age, the semen donor must come from a serologically negative ‘uterine’ 
dam; or  
b) the semen donor must be subjected to a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for EBL on blood samples on 
two occasions with negative results, the first test being carried out at least 30 days before and the 
second test at least 90 days after collection of the semen; or  
(12) An aliquot of semen from each collection for export to New Zealand must be tested for BLV with a test 
listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , with negative results.  
(13) Measures are not justified for embryos.  
5.5 Bovine vi ral diarrhoea virus genotype 2 (BVDV2)  
5.5.1 Risk management options presented in the 2009 IRA  
(1) Require donor bulls to have been resident on a semen collection centre where bulls are maintained and 
tested as specified in the OIE Code  chapter on collection and p rocessing of bovine semen. [This includes 
testing the collection herd prior to pre -entry isolation by virus isolation or virus antigen test and a 
serological test, then full repeat testing in pre -entry isolation].  
(2) Require each batch of semen be tested by V I or reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT -
PCR).   
(3) Require that embryo donors be tested as bulls are in semen collection centres (as per OIE Code  chapter 
on collection and processing of bovine semen).  
(4) Require non -fertilized, degenerated, and zona pellucida compromised embryos, collection fluid and 
washing fluid (or an embryo from the first embryo collection for each consignment) from each donor be 
collected and be tested by VI or RT -PCR, with negative result.   
5.5.2 Discussion  
(1) BVDV2 has not been de scribed in cattle in New Zealand.  
(2) Both acutely infected and persistently infected semen donors need to be prevented from supplying semen 
for export to New Zealand.  
(3) The antigen detection tests are not appropriate for detecting acutely infected cattle due to their transient 
viraemia. Semen donors should be tested for antibodies at least 3 weeks apart (prior to pre -entry isolation 
and in pre -entry isolation) to detect acutely infected donors. During isolation, acutely infected cattle would 
be expected to sho w a 4 -fold rise in antibody titre.  Risk Management Proposal:  Bovine Germplasm  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 13 (4) BVDV is an IETS Category 3 disease2 with regard to the risk of disease transmission via in vivo  derived 
embryos. A 2013 study showed that in vivo  produced embryos infected with BVDV when exposed to 
BVDV infected semen do not transmit the virus to recipients or offspring when washed with trypsin 
according to IETS washing requirements. Embryos should be considered lower risk than semen.  
(5) A 14 day isolation period for embryo donors should be considered to cover the incubation period (3 -7 
days) for acute BVD infections. As BVDV -2 can cause severe disease, animals displaying clinical signs 
will be identified and excluded as embryo donors. Acu tely infected animals would be expected to clear the 
virus prior to collection.   
(6) Persistently infected cattle do not have detectable antibodies, therefore the antigen detection ELISA, real -
time RT -PCR and virus isolation, as described in the OIE Manual , should be required. Semen donors 
should be tested twice, 3 -4 weeks apart.  
(7) Embryo donors need only be subjected to a single viral antigen or RNA detection test 28 to 14 days prior 
to collection in order to be confident that they are not persistently infecte d. The donor should be isolated 
from untested cattle between the test date and embryo collection.  
(8) If any semen donor is serologically positive prior to entering isolation, the semen must be confirmed 
negative with the virus isolation or antigen detection E LISA.   
(9) Animals which remain in collection centres should be tested annually.    
(10) Germplasm can be tested by PCR. Test results from a pooled embryo sample or semen sample from the 
same day of collection can be considered representative of the collection.   
(11) The current measures are appropriate. For clarification, it should be stated that testing should be within 
the 30 days prior to the start of pre -entry isolation.  
5.5.3 Recommendation  
(1) At the time of germplasm collection for export to New Zealand, the exporting c ountry must be recognised 
by the CTO as free from BVDV2; or  
(2) Semen:  
a) The semen collection centre must be maintained free from BVDV2 from commencement until 
conclusion of semen collection for export to New Zealand, through compliance with the 
recommendations in the OIE Code  in relation to BVDV2, and:   
i) The collection centre must:  
1) Test all cattle within 30 days prior to pre -entry isolation with a test listed in MPI-STD-
TVTL ;  
2) Test all cattle after 21 d ays isolation with a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL ; 
3) If any animal seroconverts, keep all animals in pre -entry isolation until there is no more 
seroconversion for 3 weeks;   
4) Only approve entry for gro ups where pre -entry isolation results indicate the absence of 
antigen -positive cattle;   
5) Thereafter, annually re -test seronegative cattle;  
6) For seropositive donors, test semen for BVDV with a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  with 
negative results, prior to use of that animal as a semen donor; or  
b) An aliquot of semen from each semen collection for export to New Zealand must be tested for 
BVDV2 with a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , with negative results.  
(3) Embryos:  
a) The embryo donor must be tested for BVDV2:  
                                                           
2 According to the IETS Manual, Category  3 diseases or pathogenic agents are those for which preliminary evidence indicates that the risk of transmission is 
negligible provided that the embryos are properly handled between collection and transfer in accordance with the IETS Manual,  but for which  additional in 
vitro and in vivo experimental data are required to substantiate the preliminary findings.  Risk Management Proposal:  Bovine Germplasm  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 14 i) between 28 -14 days prior to collection with a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL ;  
ii) isolated from untested cattle between the test date and embryo collection; or  
b) A pooled sample of embryos/oocytes, collection fluids and/or washing fluids from each embryo 
collection for export to New Zealand must be tested for BVDV2 with a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , 
with n egative results.  
5.6 Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHF)  
5.6.1 Risk management options presented in the 2009 IRA  
(1) Require germplasm donors to have been resident for at least the 21 days before germplasm collection in a 
country or zone that is free from th e disease.  
(2) Require scrupulous treatment of germplasm donors with acaricide, and inspection and placement in tick 
free germplasm collection premises. Donors would be required to be quarantined for at least 3 weeks prior 
to start off, and during germplasm co llection with regular inspection and maintenance of tick free status.  
(3) Require serological testing of germplasm donors within 7 days prior to start of germplasm collection and 3 -
8 weeks after germplasm collection.   
5.6.2 Discussion  
(1) Presence of the virus or trans mission of the virus by insemination or implantation of germplasm (of any 
species) has never been described.  
(2) Hyalomma ticks are considered to be required for the establishment of the disease. There is no evidence 
that the New Zealand cattle tick is a comp etent vector.   
(3) Although never previously demonstrated, if a recipient dam were to become viraemic with CCHF virus, 
she would remain so for only up to 7 days. There are no descriptions of long term carriers. During 
viraemia, her blood would pose a zoonotic  risk. 
(4) A risk assessment conducted 2016 concluded that ruminant germplasm is not a viable pathway to enter 
New Zealand.  
5.6.3 Recommendation  
(1) Measures are not justified.  
5.7 Foot and mouth disease virus (FMD)  
5.7.1 Risk management options presented in the 2009 IRA  
(1) Institute measures in accordance with the OIE Code  for semen and embryos.  
(2) Prohibit importation of germplasm from countries that are infected with foot and mouth disease.  
5.7.2 Discussion  
(1) Due to the extreme seriousness of the disease and the catastrophic consequence s that would result from 
its introduction, it was concluded that importation of bovine germplasm should be limited to countries or 
zones that are free of FMD virus in accordance with the OIE Code , or countries or zones in which 
compliance with measures in accordance with the recommendations of the OIE Code  for import of 
germplasm from FMD infected countries or zones has been reviewed and accepted by MPI.  
(2) The OIE Code’s  recommendation for importing from a FMD free country include monitoring the semen 
donor for 30 days after collection for clinical signs of FMD. Therefore all semen must be frozen for 30 days 
before export to New Zealand.  Risk Management Proposal:  Bovine Germplasm  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 15 (3) While the OIE Code  indicates that  no additional measures are justified for embryos, the measures 
recommended for semen from free countries or zones are:  
(4) Semen Donors:  
a) showed no clinical signs of FMD on the day of collection of the semen and for the following 30 days;  
b) were kept in a cent re where no animal had been added in the 30 days before collection, and that 
FMD has not occurred within a 10 kilometre radius of the centre for the 30 days before and after 
collection; either  
i) have been vaccinated at least twice, with the last vaccination not less than one month and not 
more than six months prior to collection, unless protective immunity has been demonstrated 
for more than six months; or  
ii) were subjected, not less than 21 days after collection of the semen, to tests for antibodies 
against FMD V, with negative results;  
(5) Semen:  
a) was collected, processed and stored in accordance with Chapters 4.6 and 4.7 of the Code ;  
b) was subjected, with negative results, to a test for evidence of FMDV if the donor males has been 
vaccinated within the 12 months prio r to collection;  
c) was stored in the country of origin for a period of at least one month following collection, and that 
during this period no animal on the establishment where the donor males were kept showed any sign 
of FMD.  
5.7.3 Recomm endation  
(1) No change in risk management from the current IHS’s FMD requirements.  
(2) Semen:  
a) The donor must be resident for at least the 3 months before semen collection in a country or zone 
that is free from FMD without vaccination in accordance with the OIE Code ; or 
b) The herd of origin , semen collection centre, donor animal and semen for export must comply with 
OIE Code  recommendations for export of bovine semen from countries or zones presenting a risk of 
FMD; and  
i) Each semen collection, processing and storage facility in the exporting  country intended to be 
used during the preparation of an export consignment to New Zealand must be approved by 
an MPI Chief Technical Officer (CTO).  
(3) Embryos:  
a) The donor must be resident for at least the 3 months before embryo collection in a country or zo ne 
that is free from FMD without vaccination in accordance with the OIE Code ; or  
b) The herd of origin, embryo collection herd where the donors were resident during embryo collection, 
donor animal and embryos for export must comply with the OIE Code  FMD Arti cle 
Recommendations for the Importation of In Vivo Derived Embryos of Cattle ; and  
i) Each embryo collection, processing and storage facility in the exporting country, intended to 
be used during the preparation of an export consignment to New Zealand, must be approved 
by an MPI CTO.  
 
Note: The approval will be dependent on the establishment, its location and operating standards, 
and that the verification systems of the veterinary authority achieve a very high level of risk 
management for FMD. The process for MPI approval may include site inspection. MPI 
reserves the right to supervise collection or require any other measures deemed necessary to 
ensure compliance with facility and operating standards upon which the approval is based.  Risk Management Proposal:  Bovine Germplasm  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 16 5.8 Lumpy skin disease virus (L SD)  
5.8.1 Risk management options presented in the 2009 IRA  
(1) Donors have been resident for 6 months prior to germplasm collection in a country or zone that is free of 
LSD as defined by the OIE Code . 
(2) Donors could be required to be resident in an establishment or  germplasm collection centre that has been 
free from LSD for at least 6 months. All animals on the centre could be required to be free from any sign of 
LSD for at least 28 days after completion of germplasm collection.  
(3) Aliquots of semen and embryo wash flu id, substandard embryos or aliquot of embryos, from each batch of 
imported germplasm could be tested for LSD with a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL.  
5.8.2 Discussion  
(1) Each of the options presented in the import risk analysis were included, in modified form, in the 
recommended options for the IHS.  
5.8.3 Recommendation  
(1) No change from t he current IHS LSD requirements.  
(2) The germplasm donor must be resident for 6 months prior to germplasm collection in a country or zo ne 
that is free of LSD as defined by the OIE Code ; or 
(3) The germplasm donor must be resident in an establishment that was free of clinical evidence of LSD 
during a period from at least 6 months prior to commencement, until 28 days after conclusion of 
germpla sm collection for export to New Zealand; or  
(4) An aliquot of semen or a sample of embryos/oocytes, collection fluids and/or washing fluids from each 
germplasm collection for export to New Zealand must be tested for LSD with a test listed in MPI-STD-
TVTL  with negative results.  
5.9 Rift Valley fever virus (RVF)  
5.9.1  Risk management options presented in the 2009 IRA  
(1) Donors have been resident for 30 days prior to collection of germplasm, and during germplasm col lection, 
in a RVF free country or zone.  
(2) Donors have been resident for 6 months prior to and during collection of germplasm in a RVF infected 
country in which climatic changes predisposing to RVF outbreaks have not occurred in the previous 6 
months.  
(3) Donors were held in mosquito -free premises at least 30 days prior to, and during collection.  
5.9.2 Discussion  
(1) The country freedom option presented in the import risk analysis was included in the IHS. The other 
options in the IHS were worded to align more closely with the OIE Code . The Code  RVF chapter has been 
amended since 2011 and the new recommendations should be adopted. They now allow for donors to be 
seropositive or vaccinated. The risk is considered to be managed since long term carriers of the virus have 
not been described. Vaccination would need to be in accordance with the OIE.      
5.9.3 Recommendation  
(1) The don or must be resident, for at least the 30 days prior to, and during germplasm collection for export to 
New Zealand in a country or zone that is free from RVF in accordance with the OIE Code ; or 
(2) The donor showed no sign of RVF within the period from 14 days prior to and 14 days following 
germplasm collection; and either  Risk Management Proposal:  Bovine Germplasm  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 17 a) the donor must be vaccinated against RVF at least 14 days prior to collection; or  
b) the donor must be demonstrated to be seropositive on the day of collection with a test listed in 
MPI-STD-TVTL ; or 
c) testing of paired samples with a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  must demonstrate that seroconversion 
did not occur between germplasm col lection and 14 days after.  
5.10 Vesicular stomatitis virus (VS)  
5.10.1  Risk estimation presented in the 2016 rapid risk assessment:  
(1) For animal germplasm, the likelihood of entry is assessed to be negligible. Accordingly, the risk estimate 
for animal germplasm is ne gligible.  
5.10.2  Discussion  
(1) OIE has removed VS from its notifiable disease list.  
(2) There is a considerable body of evidence showing that viraemia does not occur in VS, introduction via 
germplasm is therefore not considered possible.  
5.10.3   Recommendation  
(1) It is recommende d the measures for VS are removed in alignment with the OIE Code . No specific 
measures are necessary.  
5.11 Brucella melitensis , Brucella suis, and Brucella abortus (bovine 
brucellosis)  
5.11.1   Risk management options presented in the 2009 IRA for bovine germplasm  
(1) Dono r bulls could be required to be kept since birth in a country or zone that is officially free from 
brucellosis.  
(2) Donor bulls could be housed at an artificial breeding centre where the testing programme for bulls includes 
testing with both the complement fi xation test and the buffered antigen agglutination test.  
(3) Donor bulls could be required to be kept in a herd officially free from bovine brucellosis, showed no clinical 
sign of bovine brucellosis on the day of collection of the semen and were subjected to a  buffered Brucella 
antigen test with negative results during the 30 days prior to collection. ( Note : This option is for bulls not 
maintained on an approved semen collection centre. The standard will require that bulls are housed on a 
semen collection centr e.) 
(4) Donor bulls were kept in a herd free from bovine brucellosis, showed no clinical sign of bovine brucellosis 
on the day of collection and were subjected to the buffered Brucella antigen and complement fixation tests 
with negative results during the 30 d ays prior to collection.  ( Note : This option is for bulls not maintained 
on an approved semen collection centre.)  
(5) Each of the options suggested in the import risk analysis were included as recommended options in the 
import health standard in modified form.    
5.11.2   Discussion  
(1) Brucella abortus, Brucella suis,  and Brucella melitensis,  causative agents of bovine brucellosis, are 
unwanted, notifiable organisms in New Zealand.  
(2) In the interest of alignment with the recommendations of the OIE Code , the second option in  the IRA was 
modified to require maintenance of semen collection centre freedom from brucellosis in accordance with 
the recommendations of the OIE Code  chapter on collection and processing of bovine semen.   
(3) Bovine brucellosis is not classified as a hazard  in bovine embryos.  Risk Management Proposal:  Bovine Germplasm  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 18 5.11.3  Recommendation  
(1) The semen donor must be kept since birth in a country or zone that is free from Brucella in accordance 
with the OIE Code ; or 
(2) The semen collection centre must be maintained free from Brucella from commencement until conclusion 
of semen collection for export to New Zealand, through compliance with the recommendations in the OIE 
Code  in relation to Brucella . 
a) The centre must require that:  
i) Prior to pre -entry isolation the donors must be either fro m a country or zone that is free from 
Brucella in accordance with the OIE Code  or must be from a herd officially free from Brucella ; 
ii) During the 30 days prior to pre -entry isolation, donors must be tested with a test listed in 
MPI-STD-TVTL  for Brucella , with negative results;  
iii) All cattle in pre -entry isolation must be tested with a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for Brucella , 
with negative result s; 
iv) At least annually all cattle resident in the semen collection centre must be tested with a test 
listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for Brucella , with negative results.  
5.12 Campylobacter fetus  subspecies venerea lis (bovine genital 
campylobacteriosis, BGC)  
5.12.1  Risk management options presented in the 2018 risk work  
(1) Veterinary Authorities of importing countries should require the presentation of an international veterinary 
certificate attesting that the donor animals:  
a) Have never been used for natural service; or  
b) Have only mated virgin heifers; or  
c) Were kept in an artificial insemination centre where no case of bovine genital campylobacteriosis 
(BGC) has been reported; and  
d) The culture of semen and preputial specimens for the presence of the causal agent of bovine genital 
campylobacteriosis proved negative.  
 
Note: This option aligns with the recommendations provided by OIE Code . Some of the included sub 
options may be difficult to certify. The option should only be consider ed where BGC is notifiable.  
(2) The semen was collected, processed and stored in accordance with Chapters 4.6 and 4.7 of the OIE 
Code ; and  
a) The donor animal has been kept in a pre -entry isolation facility for at least 28 days and after a 
minimum of 7 days in p re-entry isolation has undergone testing for Campylobacter fetus  subspecies 
venerealis  as follows:  
b) Animals less than six months old or kept since that age only in a single sex group prior to pre -entry 
isolation should be tested once on a preputial specimen , with a negative result.  
c) Animals aged six months or older that could have had contact with females prior to pre -entry 
isolation should be tested three times at weekly intervals on a preputial specimen, with a negative 
result in each case.  
d) All resident bul ls and teasers in the semen collection facility are tested at least annually for 
Campylobacter fetus subspecies venerealis , with negative results, where the country or zone where 
the semen collection facilities are located is not free;  
i) A preputial specimen  should be tested.  
ii) Only bulls on semen production or having contact with bulls on semen production need to be 
tested. Bulls returning to collection after a lay -off of more than six months should be tested not 
more than 30 days prior to resuming production.  
 Risk Management Proposal:  Bovine Germplasm  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 19 Note:  This aligns with the recommendations for the importation of bovine semen provided by OIE 
Code  Chapter 4.6.  
5.12.2   Discussion  
(1) Campylobacter fetus  subspecies venerealis , which is the causative organism of bovine genital 
campylobacteriosis (BCG), was endemic in New Zealand and the 2009 IRA did not recommend risk 
mitigation.  
(2) There have been no laboratory confirmed isolations of Campylobacter fetus  subspecies venerealis  in New 
Zealand since 1992 (Loveridge & Gardner 1993)3. 
(3) Campylobacter fetus  subspecie s venerealis  is notifiable in New Zealand under the Biosecurity (Notifiable 
Organisms) Order 2016.  
(4) The IRA 2018 estimated that the likelihood of entry of Campylobacter fetus  subspecies venerealis  in in 
vivo derived bovine embryos, processed as per the IETS  protocols is negligible thus the risk estimate for 
embryos is assessed to be negligible. Accordingly the IRA 2018 concluded that risk management 
measures for Campylobacter fetus  subspecies venerealis  in imported bovine embryos are not required. 
The OIE Code also does not recommend any measures for bovine embryos.  
(5) BGC is an OIE listed disease (OIE 2018) and the OIE Code  chapter 4.6 recommends testing bulls and 
teaser animals used for producing semen for Campylobacter fetus  subspecies venerealis . Chapter 11 .3, 
Article 4, provides specific recommendations for bovine semen imports.  
(6) The IRA 2018 assessed Campylobacter fetus  subspecies venerealis  in semen to be a risk and risk 
management is scientifically justified.  
(7) In recommending risk management options for Campylobacter fetus  subspecies venerealis  in bovine 
semen, the IRA 2018 considered that:  
a) Campylobacter fetus subspecies venerealis  is transmitted through natural service and AI using 
infected bull semen.  
b) Infection in bulls is not associated with clinical signs, gross lesions, histological changes or altered 
semen quality.  
c) In 2011 susceptibility to antibiotics generally used in semen treatment was limited to gentamicin.  
(8) The Code’s  requirement that donors “were kept in an establishment or artificial insemin ation centre where 
no case of bovine genital campylobacteriosis has been reported” is challenging to confirm and is not 
expected to improve risk management.  
5.12.3   Recommendation  
(1) The semen requirements should  align with the recommendations of the OIE Code . Whic h inclu des 
Chapters 4.6 and 4.7 and Article 11.3.4.  
(2) The semen donor must never have been used for natural service; or  
a) must have only been mated virgin heifers.  
(3) After a minimum of 7 days in pre -entry isolation, the semen donor must undergo testing for Campy lobacter 
fetus  subspecies venerealis  as follows:  
a) Animals less than six months old or kept since that age only in a single sex group prior to pre -entry 
isolation must be tested with test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , once on a preputial specimen, with a 
negative result.  
b) Animals aged six months or older that could have had contact with females prior to pre -entry 
isolation must be tested with an approved test three times at weekly intervals on preputial 
specimens, with a negative result in each case.  
c) Annual testing:  
                                                           
3 Loveridge, R., Gardner, E., (1993) Campylobacter fetus venerealis infection in cattle, Surveillance Surveillance Vol.20 No.4.  Risk Management Proposal:  Bovine Germplasm  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 20 i) A preputial specimen/s from donor bulls and any in -contact animals on semen production 
must be tested with an approved test or culture.  
ii) Bulls returning to collection after a lay -off of more than  six months must be tested not more 
than 30 days prior to resuming production.  
5.13 Chlamydophila abortus  
5.13.1   Risk management options presented in the 2009 IRA  
(1) Donors resident since birth or for the previous 2 years in a country or zone free from Chlamydophila 
abortus  based on no laboratory confirmation of infection in any species for at least 2 years.  
(2) Individual donors could be tested serologically using an OIE recommended test for C. abortus , 2-3 weeks 
after germplasm collection.  
(3) Aliquots of germplasm could be t ested for C. abortus  by PCR or antigen detection ELISA, with negative 
results.  
(4) Tetracycline or macrolide antibiotics could be added to imported germplasm.  
5.13.2   Discussion  
(1) The literature on C. abortus  infection in cattle does not provide evidence of transmissi on from cattle to 
other susceptible animal species or humans. The literature indicates that C. abortus  has been associated 
with abortion in cattle, but transmission appears to be limited to periods of close association between 
cattle and infected sheep or goats, or where bedding from animals infected with C. abortus  is recycled in 
dairy herd housing.  
(2) In one study it was shown that infected ewes did not produce embryos that led to infection of recipients or 
progeny. There have  not been studies to assess transmission from infected bovine embryos, but it is 
considered unlikely and there are no documented cases of transmission.      
(3) Experimental studies have shown that C. abortus  can be excreted in semen of inoculated bulls and 
isolation of the agent from semen of naturally infected bulls and rams has been reported. Transmission 
from semen has not been demonstrated.    
(4) While sheep are considered long term carriers of C. abortus , it is unknown if cattle can be long term 
carriers of inf ection and if they would harbour the organism in the reproductive tract.  
(5) All human cases of abortion caused by C. abortus  have been associated with direct contact with small 
ruminants.  
(6) Establishment in New Zealand would have significant impacts on sheep farming and human health.  
(7) It was concluded in 2010 that measures specifically against Chlamydophila  should not be placed in the 
import health standard for bovine germplasm.  
5.13.3   Recommendation  
(1) Measures are not justified.  
5.14 Coxiella burnetii  (Q-fever)  
5.14.1  Risk mana gement options presented in the 2009 IRA  
(1) Require acaricide treatment and subsequent inspections to demonstrate tick freedom during the 30 day 
quarantine of germplasm donors.  
(2) Donors could be tested by an ELISA test, with negative results, 21 -60 days after the final collection of 
germplasm for export to New Zealand.  Consider prohibiting germplasm from any animals that have ever 
been known to test positive.  Risk Management Proposal:  Bovine Germplasm  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 21 (3) MPI approved test on each collection of germplasm.  
5.14.2   Discussion  
(1) Acaricide treatment and 30 day quaranti ne in tick free premises would add considerable cost to the import 
of bovine germplasm.  
(2) Serological testing of donors has been used historically to mitigate risk. The IDEXX ELISA test has been 
validated for cattle and shown to provide acceptable sensitivi ty; other ELISA tests will require MPI 
approval during veterinary certificate negotiation.  
(3) There was a 2016 study indicating that the indirect fluorescence antibody (IFA) assay may be a superior 
option for testing ruminants.  
(4) The IHS should be written to allow for MPI approval of other test methods in the future.  
(5) An option for whole herd testing for Q fever was incorporated in the 2011 IHS. This option is useful for 
countries conducting herd monitoring on a routine basis.    
5.14.3   Recommendation  
(1) The germplasm donor must never have been confirmed positive for Q fever; and either  
a) The donor must be subjected to a serological test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for Q fever, on a sample 
collected between 21 and 120 days after each germplasm collection for export to New Zealand, with 
negative results; or  
b) An aliquot of semen or a sample of embryos/oocytes, collection fluids and/or washing fluids from 
each germplasm collection for export to New Zealand must be tested for Q fever with a test listed in 
MPI-STD-TVTL , with negative results; or  
c) Within the 6 month period before or after germplasm collection for New Zealand, but before export, 
the embryo collection herd or semen collection centre herd must be tested for Q fever, with negative 
results. This t esting must be with a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  and must be performed on either the 
whole herd or a random sample of at least 60 animals (whichever is the lesser number); and  
i) The herd must be is olated for the period between semen collection and diagnostic sampling.  
5.15 Mycobacterium  tuberculosis (bovine tuberculosis)  
5.15.1   Risk management options presented in the 2009 IRA for bovine germplasm  
(1) Semen donors could be required to show no clinical sign of bov ine tuberculosis on the day of collection of 
the semen.  
(2) Semen donors could be required to be kept in an artificial insemination centre free from bovine 
tuberculosis in a country, zone or compartment free from bovine tuberculosis and which only accepts 
anim als from free herds in a free country, zone or compartment as defined by the OIE.  
(3) Semen donors could be required to show negative results to tuberculin tests carried out annually and be 
kept in a herd free from bovine tuberculosis as defined by the OIE.  
(4) Embryo donors and all other susceptible animals in the herd of origin could be required to show no clinical 
sign of bovine tuberculosis during the 24 hours prior to embryo collection.  
(5) Embryo donors could be required to have originated from a herd free from b ovine tuberculosis in a 
country, zone or compartment free from bovine tuberculosis.  
(6) Embryo donors could be required to be kept in a herd free from bovine tuberculosis, be isolated in the 
establishment of origin for the 30 days prior to departure to the col lection centre, and be subjected to a 
tuberculin test for bovine tuberculosis with negative results.  Risk Management Proposal:  Bovine Germplasm  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 22 5.15.2   Discussion  
(1) In accordance with suggested options in the import risk analysis, alignment with the OIE Code  and the 
New Zealand bovine tuberculosis pest mana gement strategy was chosen for management of the risk 
associated with bovine tuberculosis for bovine germplasm imported to New Zealand.  
5.15.3  Recommendation  
(1) Semen:  
a) The semen collection centre must be:  
i) free from bovine tuberculosis in accordance with the OIE Code;  
ii) located in a country or zone that has been recognised by the CTO as free from bovine 
tuberculosis; or  
b) The semen collection centre must be maintained free from bovine tuberculosis from commencement 
until conclusion of semen collection for export to New Zealand, through compliance with the 
recommendations in the OIE Code  in relation to bovine tuberculosis; a nd 
i) Prior to pre -entry isolation, donors must be from a herd free from bovine tuberculosis, either in 
accordance with the OIE Code  or the competent authority of the exporting country;  
ii) During the 30 days prior to entry to the semen collection centre, donors must be tested with a 
test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for bovine tuberculosis, with negative results;  
iii) At least annually all resident cattle were tested with a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for bovine 
tuberculosis, with negative results.  
(2) Embryos:  
a) No clinical signs of bovine tuberculosis were observed in the embryo collection herd during the 24 
hours prior to embryo collection for export to New Zeal and; and either  
i) The donors must be:  
1) from an embryo collection herd that is free from bovine tuberculosis in accordance with 
the OIE Code  or the competent authority of the exporting country;  
2) from a country or zone that has been recognised by the CTO as free from bovine 
tuberculosis; or  
ii) The donor must be:  
1) from an embryo collection herd that is free from bovine tuberculosis, either in 
accordance with the OIE Code  or the competent authority of the exporting country;  
2) subjected to a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for bovine tuberculosis during the period 
between 30 days prior to and 12 months after embryo collection for export to New 
Zealand, with negative results.  
5.16 Mycoplasma mycoides  subsp. mycoides  SC (contagious bovine 
pleuropneumonia, CBPP)  
5.16.1   Risk management options presented in the 2009 IRA   
(1) Donors of germplasm could be required to originate from a country or zone that is free from CBPP.  
(2) Donors could be required to not be vaccinated against CBPP and b e kept since birth or for at least 6 
months in an establishment where no case of CBPP has been reported and the establishment is not 
situated in a CBPP infected zone.  
(3) Donors could be subjected to an OIE recommended serological test with negative results on  two 
occasions 21 -30 days apart with the last test done within 14 days prior to germplasm collection.  Risk Management Proposal:  Bovine Germplasm  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 23 5.16.2   Discussion  
(1) CBPP is caused by Mycoplasma mycoides  subsp. mycoides  SC 
(2) For the purposes of the OIE Code , the incubation period is 6 months. Studies have sho wn the incubation 
period to be between 3 weeks and 3 months.   
(3) Each of the options presented in the import risk analysis were included, in modified form, in the 
recommended options for the 2011 IHS. The second and third options were included as a combinati on of 
requirements for countries infected with CBPP.  
5.16.3   Recommendation  
(1) The germplasm donor must be born in and have been continuously resident in a country that is recognised 
by the CTO as free from CBPP; or  
(2) The germplasm donor must:  
a) never have been vaccinat ed for CBPP;  
b) be kept since birth, or for at least the 6 months prior to commencement until conclusion of 
germplasm collection for export to New Zealand in establishments where no case of CBPP has been 
reported, and which are not situated in a CBPP infected  zone, as defined by the OIE Code ; 
c) be serologically tested for CBPP, using a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  on two occasions 21 to 30 
days apart, with the last test within 14 days prior to germplasm c ollection for export to New Zealand, 
with negative results.  
5.17 Other mollicutes ( Mycoplasma  and Ureaplasma  spp.)  
5.17.1   Risk management options presented in the 2009 IRA   
(1) The 2009 IRA recommended the following options for management of Mollicutes ( Mycoplasma 
bovigenitalium, Mycoplasma bovis, Mycoplasma verecundum, Mycoplasma californicum, Mycoplasma 
canadense, Mycoplasma group 7  and Ureplasma diversum ). 
a) Addition of an appropriate combination of antibiotics to semen extenders.  
b) Culture of germplasm for identification of organisms before adding antibiotics.  
c) Culture of germplasm for identification of organisms after addition of antibiotics.  
5.17.2   Discussion  
Ureaplasmas  
(1) Ureaplasmas are present in New Zealand, however it is unknown which species are present.  
(2) Measures are not considered justified.  
Mycoplasma bovis risk management since 2011  
(3) The OIE Code  does not have a chapter on Mycoplasma  spp. and there is no reporting requirement.  
(4) The current M. bovis  requirement was incorporated in 2011. It indicates that th e donor has never recorded 
a positive test for M. bovis.  It does not require M. bovis  testing. MPI has considered the M. bovis  risk 
managed via the requirement that donors (and the semen collection centres or collection herd) had to 
meet the general health  requirements as set out by the OIE Code  and semen and embryos had to be 
collected and processed in accordance with the OIE Code , including specifications for the addition of 
antibiotics.  
(5) The OIE Code’s  recommended antibiotic combinations are (antibiotic d ose is per mL frozen semen):  
a) Gentamicin (250 µg), tylosin (50 µg), lincomycin –spectinomycin (150/300 µg) (GTLS);  
b) Penicillin (500 IU), streptomycin (500 µg), lincomycin -spectinomycin (150/300 µg);  
c) Amikacin (75 µg), divekacin (25 µg).  Risk Management Proposal:  Bovine Germplasm  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 24 (6) The OIE Code  does not  recommend a specific protocol for the use of antibiotics during semen or embryo 
processing.  
(7) The OIE Code  references the International Embryo Technology Society (IETS) Manual for embryo 
processing and antimicrobial use. An effective approach to managing M. bovis  contamination is discussed 
in the IETS Manual , but it is not specifically recommended by IETS and would not have been carried out 
on exported embryos under the current terms of trade since targeted antibiotic treatment is not explicitly 
stated in th e IHS.   
Discussion Document: Mycoplasma bovis Risk Management in Bovine Germplasm  
(8) The document: Discussion Document: Mycoplasma bovis Risk Management in Bovine Germplasm  ended 
on 5 November 2019 . It:  
a) explains the eradication programme and why MPI attributes New Zealand’s M. bovis freedom until 
2017, after decades of imports of over 2.5 million straws, to be due to the low risk of trans mission 
and use of antibiotics;  
b) communicates that it is unknown how M. bovis  entered New Zealand;  
c) discusses semen processing and antibiotic treatment, as well as other risk mitigation strategies such 
as testing.  
Antibiotic treatment of semen and embryos  
(9) The USA’s Certified Semen Services (CSS) claims that their antibiotic protocol (‘Minimum Requirements”) 
is effective against mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas. This is based upon a 1988 study conducted on 
inoculated semen. The antibiotic  options recommended by the OIE (other than the one that matches CSS) 
are not supported by literature as effective for M. bovis  control.  
(10) CSS Minimum Requireme nts Appendix 1 provides two methods for their antibiotic procedures. The 
Alternative CSS Protocol (1 -Step Method) is preferred because the GTLS antibiotics in each ml of 
extender is the same as that prescribed for neat semen treatment in the 2 -Step Method (i.e., 100 µg 
tylosin, 500 µg gentamicin, 300/600 µg Linco -Spectin) and yet the final concentration of antibiotics is 
doubled compared to 2 -Step Method.   
(11) MPI considers there to be a lack of research comparing the two methods  and how effective they are whe n 
various types of extenders are used. Doubling the antibiotic concentrations and requiring a set of minimum 
requirements for the treatment protocol ensures that this risk management approach is as effective as 
possible, while allowing the industry to make  their own decision about which type of extender is used.  
(12) As discussed in Discussion Document: Mycoplasma bovis Risk Management in Bovine Germplasm , 
several studies have shown that M. bovis is developing greater antimicrobial resistance. Doubling the 
dose  of antibiotics in semen and following the protocol for embryos as described in the IETS Manual is 
therefore an appropriate strategy for managing the risk in future imports.  
(13) At this time there are no studies conclusively demonstrating M. bovis  transmissio n from naturally infected, 
processed germplasm. The minimum number of organisms required to result in infection via this pathway 
is therefore also unknown.  
(14) Considering the significant uncertainty regarding M. bovis  transmission potential via germplasm, ef fective 
management of the risk should be considered achieved with the use of a targeted antibiotic protocol which 
has been demonstrated to significantly reduce the viability of the organisms in the sample.  
Testing for  M. bovis  
(15) Experimentally, M. bovis  antibodies can be detected in serum by indirect ELISA 6 to 10 days after 
infection. However under natural conditions, individual animal titres are not well correlated with infection or 
disease, meaning antibodies may not be detected in infected animals. More over, the ELISA test is 
validated as a herd detection tool rather than for use in individual animals and its estimated diagnostic 
sensitiv ity is around 75% .   Risk Management Proposal:  Bovine Germplasm  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 25 (16) Low diagnostic sensitivity of the available tests and the persistent asymptomatic infection with intermittent 
shedding of M. bovis  do not permit screening of donors by serological tests to confirm freedom from 
infection.   
(17) The major challenge to current molecular detection tests is the intermittent shedding of M. bovis . PCR 
results cannot be considere d a reliable indicator of freedom from infection with M. bovis . 
(18) The Discussion Document: Mycoplasma bovis Risk Management in Bovine Germplasm  mentions a 
validated PCR test for semen, however validation is incomplete and the sensitivity of the PCR test is 
unknown.  
New Zealand’s  M. bovis status  
(19) Genetic analysis of recovered M. bovis  strains provide evidence that M. bovis  was not endemic prior to the 
initial detection in 2017 and all isolates sequenced to date are consistent with  a single strain being  
introduced into New Zealand in 2015/16.  
(20) Surveillance data shows that most new infected properties are identified through tracing, rather than 
general surveillance, signalling that M. bovis has not become endemic and that multiple geographically 
widespread  entry events or systematic failure had not occurred. Surveillance data supports the findings of 
the genetic analysis.  
5.17.3   Recommendation  
Either (a) or (b ) below is required for semen and embryos as indicated below:  
(1) Collection and processing of germplasm must  be in accordance with the recommendations of the OIE 
Code , except, for:  
(2) Semen:  
a) The following antibiotic combination must be used at the specified final dose per mL of extended 
semen:  
i) Gentamicin (500 µg), tylosin (100 µg), lincomycin –spectinomycin (300/600 µg) (GTLS); or  
1) Another MPI approved antibiotic combination, listed in MPI-STD-TVTL ;  
ii) Antibiotics must be prepared and stored as separate stock solutions as described by the 
manufacturer to  maintain potency;  
iii) Antibiotics must be added to media/extender on the day of processing;  
iv) The semen must remain in the antibiotic solution at the recommended concentration for a 
minimum of 2 hours at no less than 5°C before being frozen in the antibiotic solution; or  
b) Another MPI approved antibiotic combination and protocol, listed in MPI-STD-TVTL . 
(3) Embryos:  
a) The embryos must be subjected to the protocol described in the IETS Manual : tylosin (200 µg/m L) 
incubation at 37°C in the antibiotic treatment for a minimum of 4 hours after being washed 10 times; 
or 
b) The embryos must be subjected to another MPI approved antibiotic combination and protocol, listed 
in MPI-STD-TVTL ; or 
(4) Each germplasm collection for export to New Zealand must be tested with a validated PCR test for M. 
bovis  listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , with negative results.  
5.18 Exotic Leptospir a spp. (leptospirosis)  
5.18.1   Risk management options presented in the 2009 IRA  
(1) Serological testing of donors to demonstrate freedom from exotic Leptospira  spp. 
(2) PCR or culture of germplasm for exotic Leptospira  spp. Risk Management Proposal:  Bovine Germplasm  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 26 (3) Preparation of germplasm in accordance with the recommendations of the OIE Code , including the use of 
suitable antibiotics in semen diluents and embryo washing media.  
5.18.2   Discussion  
(1) Leptospira  spp. are sensitive to a variety of antibiotics and treatment of the animal or inclusion of 
antibiotics in prep ared semen has traditionally been used to prevent dissemination of Leptospira  spp. by 
international trade. Antibiotic treatment of embryos is likely to be effective. No further requirements are 
needed other than certification that germplasm has been collec ted and processed as per the Code  and/or 
the IETS Manual . Specific requirements for Leptospira  spp. are not needed as it does not provide any 
further risk reduction.  
(2) The Code  chapter for leptospirosis was removed as it did not meet the criteria for listing. Requirements for 
leptospirosis were removed from the live horse IHS in a previous amendment. Scientific justification is 
lacking for requirements because the maintenance ho sts for some exotic serovars are unknown. The 
import of live animals is associated with a greater risk than the import of germplasm, and therefore 
requirements should also be removed for bovine germplasm.  
5.18.3   Recommendation  
(1) It is proposed that no measures be  placed in the standard specifically against exotic Leptospira  spp.  
5.19 Exotic Salmonella  spp. (salmonellosis)  
5.19.1   Risk management options presented in the 2009 IRA for bovine germplasm  
(1) Require official certification that donors originate from farms on which outbreaks of salmonellosis have not 
occurred in the previous 3 years.  
(2) Require culture of semen or embryos or wash fluid sediment.  Where pathogenic Salmonella  spp. exotic to 
New Zeal and is isolated, importation of germplasm could be prohibited.  
5.19.2   Discussion  
(3) Property freedom would be difficult to certify.   
(4) Culture of germplasm after addition of antibiotics is the only option that would be practically feasible since 
culture prior to add ition of antibiotics would require preparation of germplasm specifically for New Zealand.  
This would however significantly reduce access to genetics while increasing costs.   
(5) Culture of germplasm after addition of antibiotics would have questionable sensi tivity because organisms 
would be present at low levels.  In addition, culture of germplasm for Salmonella  spp. would add 
significantly to importation costs.  
(6) Historically risk from contamination of imported bovine germplasm with Salmonella spp. has been 
accepted, and Salmonella  spp generally require higher levels of contamination than would be likely to be 
present in germplasm, and an oral route of entry, to be infective.   
(7) For these reasons, it was concluded that measures specifically against salmonellosis  should not be placed 
in the import health standard for bovine germplasm.  
5.19.3   Recommend ation  
It is proposed that no measures be placed in the standard specifically against exotic Salmonella  spp.