Import Health Standard  
Issued under the Biosecurity Act 1993   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Equids  
LIVEQUID.GEN  
[Document Date]  
 
 Import Health Standard : Equids   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  1 of 29 
TITLE  
Import Health Standard : Equids  
COMMENCEMEN T 
This Import Health Standard  comes into force on  [Effective Date ]  
 
This import health standard amends the Import Health Standard: Equids , LIVEQUID.GEN  which came into 
force on 5 September 2021, and consolidates all amendments made up to the commencement of this 
standard.  
 
The amendment history to this import health standard is set out in Schedule 1: Document History . 
REVOCATION  
This consolidated Import Health Standard revokes and replaces the following:  
a) Import Health Standard for the Importation into New Zealand of Horses  from Japan, 
HORANIIC.JAP, 1 October 2007  
b) Import Health Standard for the Importation into New Zealand of Horses from Canada, 
HORANIIC.CAN, 1 October 2007  
c) Import Health Standard: Horses, HORANIIC.GEN, 2  June 2021  
ISSUING AUTHORITY  
This Import Health Stand ard is issued under section 24A of the Biosecurity Act 1993.  
 
Dated at Wellington , [Document Date]  
 
 
Stephen Cobb  
Manager , Import and Export Animals  
Ministry for Primary Industries  
(acting under dele gated authority of the Director -General)  
 
Contact for further information  
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)  
Regulation & Assurance Branch  
Animal Imports  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
 
Email: animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz  
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Contents  Page 
Introduction  4 
Part 1:  Requirements  7 
1.1 Application  7 
1.2 Incorporation by reference  7 
1.3 Definitions  7 
1.4 Requirements for clearance  7 
1.5 Exporting country systems and certificatio n 8 
1.6 Identification  9 
1.7 Pre-export i solation  9 
1.8 Disease freedom and residency  10 
1.9 Pre-export veterinary inspection  10 
1.10  Diagnostic tests, vaccines and treatment  10 
1.11  Transport  11 
1.12  Import permit information  12 
1.13 The documentation that must accompany goods  13 
1.14  Post-arrival quarantine  14 
1.15  Transition period  15 
Part 2:  Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  16 
2.1 African horse sickness virus  16 
2.2 Bacillus anthracis (anthrax)  16 
2.3 Borna disease viru s 16 
2.4 Burkholderia mallei  (glanders)  16 
2.5 Cochliomyia hominivorax and Chrysomya bezziana  (New World and Old World 
screwworm)  16 
2.6 Eastern and Western equine encephalomyelitis viruses (EEE/WEE)  16 
2.7 Ectoparasites  16 
2.8 Endoparasites  18 
2.9 Equine arteritis virus (equine viral arteritis)  18 
2.10  Equine herpesvirus -1 (EHV -1) 18 
2.11  Equine infectious anaemia virus (EIA)  18 
2.12  Equine influenza virus (EI)  18 
2.13  Hendra virus  19 
2.14  Hypoderma bovis  and Hypoderma lineatum  (warble fly myiasis)  19 
2.15  Japanese encephalitis virus (JE)  19 
2.16  Nipah virus  19 
2.17  Rabies virus  19 
2.18  Salmonella abortus equi  (equine salmonellosis)  19 
2.19  Taylorella equigenitalis  (contagious equine metritis)  20 
2.20  Theileria equi  and Babesia caballi  (equine piroplasmosis)  20 
2.21  Trypanosoma equiperdum  (dourine)  20 
2.22  Trypanosoma evansi  (surra)  21 
2.23  Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus (VEE)  21 
Part 3:  Pre-Export Isolation (PEI)  22 
3.1 Approval  and inspection of PEI facilities  22 Import Health Standard : Equids   
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3.2 Location  22 
3.3 Prem ises 22 
3.4 Facility  22 
3.5 Management  23 
3.6 Operation  23 
3.7 Supervision and inspection  23 
Part 4:  Post -Arrival Quarantine (PAQ)  24 
4.1 Inspection and treatment of equids  24 
4.2 Diagnostic  tests required  25 
Schedule 1 – Document History  26 
Schedule 2 – Definitions  27 
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Introduction  
This introduction  is not part of the  Import Health Standard  (IHS) , but is intended to indicate its general effect.  
Purpose  
This IHS specifies the minimum requirements that must be met when importing  equids  into New Zealand . 
The identified  risk organisms associated with equids  that are managed by this IHS are:  
a) African horse sickness virus  
b) Bacillus anthracis (anthrax)  
c) Borna disease virus  
d) Burkholderia mallei (glanders)  
e) Cochliomyia hominivorax  and Chrysomya bezziana (old and new world screwworm)  
f) Eastern and Western equine encephalomyelitis viruses  (EEE and WEE)  
g) Ectoparasites  and endoparasites  
h) Equine arteritis virus  
i) Equine herpe svirus -1  
j) Equine infectious anaemia virus  
k) Equine influenza virus  
l) Hendra virus  
m) Hypoderma bovis  and Hypoderma lineatum (warble fly)  
n) Japanese encephalitis virus  
o) Nipah virus  
p) Rabies virus  
q) Salmonella abortus equi  
r) Taylorella equigenitalis (contagious equine metritis)  
s) Theileria equi and Babesia caballi (equine piroplasmosis)  
t) Trypanosoma equiperdum (dourine)  
u) Trypanosoma evansi (surra)  
v) Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis  (VEE)  
Background  
The Biosecurity Act 1993 (the Act) provides the legal basis for excludi ng, eradicating and effectively managing 
pests and unwanted organisms.  
Import health standards issued under the Act set out requirements to be met to effectively manage biosecurity 
risks associated with importing goods. They include requirements that must be met in the exporting country, 
during transit, and before biosecurity clearance can be given.  
Guidance boxes are included within this IHS for explanatory purposes. The guidance included in these boxes 
is for information only and has no legal effect.  
A guidance document also accompanies this IHS providing information on how requirements may be met . 
Who should read this  Import Health Standard ? 
This IHS should be read by  importers of equids . 
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Why is this important?  
It is the importer’s responsibility to ensure the requirements of this IHS are met. Consignments that do not 
comply with the requirements of this IHS may not be cleared for entry into New Zealand and/or further 
information may be sought from importers. Consignments that do not  comply with the requirements of this IHS 
may be re -shipped or destroyed under the Act or tested/treated in accordance with this IHS prior to release or 
equivalence determined. Importers are liable for all associated expenses.  
The costs to MPI in performin g functions relating to the importation of equids  will be recovered in accordance 
with the Act and any regulations made under the Act. All costs involved with documentation, transport, storage 
and obtaining a biosecurity clearance must be covered by the importer or agent.  
Equivalence  
The Chief Technical Officer (CTO) may issue a direction under section 27(1)(d) of the Act that measures 
different from those set out in this IHS may be applied to effectively manage risks associated  with the 
importation o f  these goods.  
If an equivalent measure is approved, an import permit may be issued under section 24D(2) of the Act if the 
Director -General considers it appropriate to do so. The details of the CTO direction on equivalence will be 
included as notes in th e special conditions section of the permit to inform the inspector’s assessment of the 
commodity.  
MPI’s preference is that the exporting country’s Competent Authority makes equivalence requests. 
Equivalence requests can be lodged with animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz . 
Transitional facility  
Following biosecurity authorisation being given under section 25 of the Act, the equids  (where applicable) will 
proceed directly to the transitional facility named on the import permit.  
The documentation will be checked to ensure it meets all requirements noted under general requirements in 
Part 1 : Requirements  and specified requirements (veterinary certification) in Part 2: Specified Requirements 
for Identified Risk Organisms  of this IHS.  
Inspection  
On arrival, all documentation accompanying the consignment will be verified by an inspector.  
Document History  
Refer to Schedule 1.  
Other information  
This is not an exhaustive list of compliance requirements and it is the importer’s responsibility to be familiar 
with and comply with all New Zealand laws . 
Import Health Standards  
Other relevant IHSs must also be co mplied with before biosecurity clearance will be issued. These may 
include but are not limited to the following:  Import Health Standard : Equids   
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a) All equipment entering New Zealand with the equids  must comply with the Import Health 
Standard for the Importation into New Zealand of Equipment Associated with Animals or Water . 
b) Containers made of timber must meet th e requirements of the following: IHS: Woodware from All 
Countries  
Trade Single Window (TSW)  and Customs clearance  
All goods imported into New Zealand need to be cleared by the New Zealand Customs Service (Customs) 
and the Ministry for Primary Industri es (MPI). This is achieved by lodging required documentation in through 
the Trade Single Window (TSW) portal.  
For more information about TSW please visit https://www.customs.govt.nz /business/trade -single -window/  
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Part 1:  Requirements  
1.1 Application  
(1) This IHS applies to all imports  of horses ( Equus caballus ), donkeys ( Equus asinus ), and mules /hinnies  
(E. caballus x E. asinus ) from countries with approved export control and certification systems  into 
New Zealand.  
1.2 Incorporation by reference  
(1) The following international standards are incorporated by reference in this IHS under section 142M of 
the Act:   
a) The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for 
Terrestrial Animals  (the Manual ), available at the OIE website: Terrestrial Manual Online Access 
- OIE - World Organisation for Animal Health  
b) The OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code  (the Code ), available at the OIE website: Terrestrial 
Code Online Access - OIE - World Organisation for Animal Health  
c) The International Committee for Animal Recording , available at the ICAR website: www.icar.org . 
d) The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulations (LAR) : a copy is 
available for reading, free of charge, at MPI, Pastoral House, 25 The Terrace , Wellington.  
e) The Australian Marine Orders  Part 43, Issue 6 (equ ivalent to the New Zealand Marine Rules  Part 
24C), available at: http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2006L03643 . 
(2) The following material is incorporated by reference in this IHS under section 142M of the Act:  
a) MPI Approved Diagnostic Tests, Vaccines, Treatments and Post -arrival Testing Laboratories for 
Animal Import Health Standards, MPI -STD-TVTL . 
(3) Under section 142O(3) of the Act it is d eclared that section 142O(1) does not apply . That is, a notice 
under section 142O(2) of the Act is not required to be published before material that amends or 
replaces the standards, guideline or lists incorporated under clauses 1.2(1) and (2) above has le gal 
effect as part of this IHS . 
 
Guidance  
• Incorporation by reference means that standards, guidelines or lists are incorporated into the IHS 
and they form part of the requirements  
• Where the IHS states that section 142O(1) of the Act does not apply, this me ans that importers 
need to refer to the most recent version of any standards, guidelines or lists that are incorporated 
by reference in the IHS.  
 
1.3 Definitions  
(1) For the purposes of this IHS and the associated guidance , terms used that are defined in the Act have 
the meanings set out there. The Act is available at http://www.legislation.govt.nz/ . 
(2) See Schedule 2 for additional definitions that apply . 
1.4 Requirements for cleara nce 
(1) At least 5 working days prior to the scheduled time of arrival:  Import Health Standard : Equids   
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a) Advanced notification of arrival must be given. Phone numbers and email addresses can be 
found on http://mpi.govt.nz/importing/live -animals/horses/steps -to-importing/  under Step 2.  
b) A booking must be made at the airport/seaport compound transitional facility for the scheduled 
time of arrival.  The importer must ensure that, prior to the place of first arrival  (POFA) transitional 
facility booking, a contingency plan is in place as required by clause 1.1 3.4. 
1.4.1 Equids requiring post -arrival quarantine (PAQ)  
(1) In order to obtain biosecurity clearance, equids  requiring PAQ must:  
a) Meet the requirements of clauses 1.6-1.11, and 1.14  of Part 1 , Part 2 , and Part 4 ; and 
b) Be imported from a country that the CTO is satisfied meets the export country systems and 
certific ation requirements of clause 1.5; and  
c) Be accompanied by a veterinary certificate that meets the requirements of clause 1.13.2, has 
been agreed by the CTO, and details the measures in Part 1 , and Part 2 that the importer  will 
meet; and  
d) Be accompanied by an import permit where required by cl ause 1.12; and  
e) Be accompanied by the laboratory and vaccination re ports as required by clause 1.13 .3; and  
f) Be accompanied by a contingency  plan as required by clause 1.13 .4. 
1.4.2 Equids cleared at the border  
(1) Equids that do not require PAQ will be inspected by an MPI Veterinarian at the border and given 
biosecurity clearance provided the following have been met:  
a) Meet the requirements of clauses 1.6-1.11 of Part 1 , and Part 2 ; and 
b) Be imported from a country that the CTO is satisfied meets the export country sys tems and 
certific ation requirements of clause 1.5; and  
c) Be accompanied by a veterinary certificate that meets the requirements of clause 1.13.2, has 
been agreed by the CTO, and details the measures in Part 1  and Part 2 that the importer  will 
meet; and  
d) Be accompanied by an import permit where required by clause 1.12; and  
e) Be accompanied by the laboratory and vaccination re ports as required by clause 1.13 .3; and  
f) Be accompanied by a contingency  plan as required by clause 1.13 .4. 
 
Guidance  
• POFAs  currently  approved to accept equids:  
− Auckland Airport Compound Transitional Facility  
− Auckland Airport Tasman Cargo Airlines Transitional Facility  
− Tauranga Port Transitional Facility  
• Bookings at the port transitional facility cannot conflict with other imports/exports (there is a 
stand -down period of 48 hours following the importation of equids requiring post -arrival 
quarantine and the import of other equids).  
• The number of equids imported cannot exce ed space in the port transitional facility to ensure no 
animals leave before the final animal is inspected and cleared.  
• See Guidance Document  for guidance on contingency plans.  
1.5 Exporting country systems and certification  
(1) Importers may import equids  only if a CTO is satisfied, on the basis of evidence, that the Veterinary 
Services of the exporting country are capable of ensuring that equids  exported from that country can 
meet the requirements of this IHS.  
(2) The evidence must include details about all of the following, that the CTO considers applicable to the 
equids  from that exporting country:  Import Health Standard : Equids   
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a) The ability of the exporting country’s Competent Authority to verify the animal health status of 
equids  in the exporting country, zone or compartment, with resp ect to the risk organisms 
identified in  Part 2: Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms .  
b) The adequacy of the national systems and/or programmes and standards in the exporting 
country for regulatory oversight of the equine industry.  
c) The capa bility of the exporting country’s Competent Authority to support the issue of veterinary 
certificates as required by this IHS. 
d) Where applicable, the pre -export isolation (PEI) facility and operating protocols.  
(3) Importers may not import from a country where a CTO has determined that the Veterinary Services of 
the exporting country are no longer capable of ensuring that equids  exported from that country can 
meet the requirements of this IHS.  
 
Guidance  
• The evidence will be obtained during evaluation of the Veterinary Services of the Competent 
Authority of the exporting country in accordance with section 3  Quality of Veterinary Se rvices  of 
the Code . 
• Once the CTO is satisfied with the exporting country’s evidence for exporting systems and 
certification, MPI and the Competent Authority may commence negotiation of the country -specific 
veterinary certificate.  
• In order to be satisfied with the evidence provided an in -country or desk -top audit may be carried 
out at any time, including prior to the first shipment of commodity.  
• See Guidance Document  for more information about exporting country systems and certification, 
and for a list of c urrently approved countries and country -specific veterinary certificates.  
1.6 Identification  
(1) All equids must be permanently identified with an approved microchip.  
 
Guidance   
• See Guidance Document  for further information on microchips.  
• Equids can also be accompanied by other documents such as a completed silhouette or passport 
to aid in the identification of the equid.  
• A transition period for requiring all imported equids to be microchipped will be given until 1 July 
2020. After this time, all equids will be required to microchipped for import.  
1.7 Pre-export isolation  
(1) Equids must be free from all quarantine restrictions prior to export to New Zealand.  
(2) When required, equids must be held in pre -export isolation (PEI) facilities approved and supervised by 
the ex porting country’s Competent Authority and compliant to the requirements set out in Part 3.  
(3) When equids are to be imported into New Zealand from countries where the diseases listed below are 
considered present, the duration and type of PEI is stated in brac kets:  
a) African Horse Sickness (minimum 14, 28, or 40 days PEI [depending on pre -export diagnostic 
testing] at a n MPI-approved and inspected vector -proof premises)  
b) Cattle tick infected country/zone (minimum 3 day PEI)  
c) Equine influenza (minimum 21 day PEI)  
d) Japanese encephalitis (minimum 21 day PEI protected from insect vectors)  
e) Surra (minimum 21 day PEI protected from insect vectors)  
f) VEE, EEE, WEE (minimum 21 day PEI protected from insect vectors)   Import Health Standard : Equids   
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(4) At the start of PEI, the identification of each equid mu st be verified.  
(5) The PEI period will start when the last equid has joined the consignment in the premises.  
(6) During PEI:  
a) The PEI premises must be occupied only by equids of the same export consignment;  
b) Equids must not be naturally mated or artificially inseminated, unless required by the identified 
risk organism requirements in Part 2 ; 
c) Equids must remain free from evidence of infectious or contagious disease and have no contact 
with animals except those that meet all requirements for import into New Zealand;  
d) Equids must be protected from insect vectors where required by the identified risk organism 
requirements in Part 2 ; 
e) A detailed health record, including twice daily temperature check, must be kept for each equid on 
the premises during the PEI period and it must be available to the supervising Official 
Veterinarian. An abrupt onset of fever ≥ 39.4 degrees Celsius (≥ 103 d egrees Fahrenheit) 
accompanied by other clinical signs such as loss of appetite, diarrhoea, and nasal discharge 
must be investigated to conclusion by the Official Veterinarian and subsequently reported to MPI, 
prior to the export of in -contact animals ;  
f) Other than inspection, visits and treatments required for certification, all veterinary visits, health 
problems, tests, test results, treatments and reasons for removal from PEI of any equid, must be 
reported by the Official Veterinarian to MPI within 48 hou rs. If any equid in the consignment tests 
positive to any pre -export test, if any equid is removed from the consignment for any reason, or if 
isolation has been breached, MPI must provide confirmation that the  importation can proceed.    
1.8 Disease freedom and  residency  
(1) Equids must be free from all quarantine restrictions prior to export to New Zealand.  
(2) Equine disease free zone (EDFZ) freedom requirements will be specific to a particular 
organism/organisms. EDFZs must already be approved by the exporting countr y’s Competent 
Authority prior to seeking MPI approval. EDFZs must be approved by the CTO before the option for a 
zone free from disease can be certified.  
 
Guidance  
• See Guidance Document  for more information on EDFZs, and a list of approved EDFZs.  
1.9 Pre-export veterinary inspection  
(1) Equids must be thoroughly examined for ectoparasites and seeds within 24 hours of export by an 
Official Veterinarian. A thorough and systematic approach must be used and must include a close 
visual and tactile examination of the e ars, false nostrils, under -body areas (axilla, inguinal region, and 
under the jawbone), perineum, mane and tail.  
(2) Equids must be inspected by an Official Veterinarian within 24 hours of export  and found  to be  free of 
clinical signs of infectious or contagio us disease of biosecurity concern to New Zealand and be  healthy 
and fit to travel.  
1.10 Diagnostic tests , vaccines and treatment  
(1) The microchip identification of each equid must be verified at each required test, vaccine, and/or 
treatment performed for import purposes.  
(2) All pre -export and/or surveillance testing required by this IHS must be:  Import Health Standard : Equids   
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a) Conducted by a laboratory approved by the Competent Authority of the exporting country; or  
b) Conducted by a laboratory approved by the Competent Authority of any other  country approved 
under this IHS to export equids  to New Zealand.  
(3) All laboratory samples required by this IHS must be collected, processed, and stored in accordance 
with the recommendations in the Code  and/or the Manual  or as described in MPI-STD-TVTL . 
(4) All diagnostic test(s) and vaccines that are required to be used or undertaken by this IHS must be 
those that have been approved by MPI for that purpose and documented in MPI-STD-TVTL . 
(5) All products and vaccinations required by this IHS to be administered t o meet the specific disease 
requirements in Part 2: Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  must have been 
administered according to the manufacturer’s instruction , unless otherwise stated , in a country that the 
CTO has agreed meets the requir ements of clause 1.5.  
(6) All requirements in this IHS for the administration of a vaccine require that either the final dose of a 
primary vaccination course has been administered or the recommended booster to complement the 
primary course has been administere d.  
(7) Where products required by this IHS have been administered, the product name, manufacturer, active 
ingredients (where applicable), and the dose and date of the treatment must be recorded on the 
veterinary certificate.  
(8) Where vaccines required by this I HS have been adminis tered all vaccine names , and the virus types 
and strains included in the vaccine (where applicable), and date(s) of vaccination must be recorded on 
the veterinary certificate.  
 
Guidance  
• See Guidance Document  for more information about t ests and vaccination.  
1.11 Transport  
(1) In the case of transport by:  
a) Air: the transport facilities and arrangements must meet the relevant requirements published in 
the IATA Live Animal Regulations . 
b) Sea: the transport facilities and arrangements must have been inspected and meet the 
requirements of the Australian Marine Ord ers Part 43, Issue 6  (which is equivalent to the New 
Zealand Marine Rules Part 24C ). 
(2) No animals other than those that meet the import requirements for entry into New Zealand are 
permitted to be transported with the equids  on the aircraft or ship.  
(3) Trans -shipment in any third country may not occur unless it is pre -approved by MPI and recorded on 
an import permit under section 24D. In the case of equids  transiting countries where there is a risk of 
insect borne pathogens , the air stalls must be covered by in sect-proof netting and the cargo hold 
sprayed with an effective insecticide during transit. The netting must be disinfected after arrival in New 
Zealand.  
(4) Combined shipping of equids from multiple approved countries  or multiple locations  within a country  
must be approved by MPI prior to import and will be recorded on the import permit. Only equids that 
require post -arrival quarantine can be co -shipped together.  
(5) The vehicle in which equids  are transported to the port of departure must be cleaned, disinfected and 
treated with an effective residual ins ecticide prior to loading the equids. The date of treatment, the 
chemical(s) used, and the active ingredient(s) must be recorded on the veterin ary certificate  or a 
separate attestation as approved by MPI.  Import Health Standard : Equids   
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(6) The cargo space of a ll aircraft transporting equids  must be disinfected and treated with an effective 
residual insecticide prior to loading the equids and a treatment certificate must accompany the equids  
and be available for inspection by an MPI Veterinarian  at the port of arrival.  
(7) Equids  must be loaded into containers that are :  
a) New and treated with an effective residual insecticide. The date of treatment, the chemical(s) 
used, and the active ingredient(s) must be recorded on the veterinary certificate or a separate 
attestation as approved by MPI ; or  
b) Cleaned  and disinfected  with an effective virucidal disinfectant  and treated with an effective 
residual insecticide , prior to loading the equids . The date of treatment, the chemical(s) used, and 
the active ingred ient(s) must be recorded on the veterinary certificate  or a separate attestation as 
approved by MPI.  
(8) Only sterile peat, soft board, treated wood shavings, shredded paper , or other inert pr oducts may be 
loaded for use as bedding during transportation . All bedding used during trans portation must be free 
from seeds.  Any unused feed, bedding, and faecal material  present in the transport containers on 
arrival, or that falls from the container mu st be disposed of as biosecurity waste according to MPI  
standard Transitional Facilities for General Uncleared Risk Goods , TFGEN.  
(9) All transport containers used during transport (e.g. airstalls and modified horse shipping containers) 
must be treated on arr ival in New Zealand according to the requirements of the MPI standard  
Transitional Facilities for General Uncleared Risk Goods , TFGEN . 
(10) Equids must arrive at an MPI -approved place of first arrival (POFA) for equids and be inspected at the 
POFA’s transitional facility that is approved under the MPI standard Transitional Facilities for General 
Uncleared Risk Goods, TFGEN.  
 
Guidance  
• Approved POFAs can be found on https://www.mpi.govt.nz/importing/border -clearance/places -of-
first-arrival/ .   
• POFAs approved to accept equids:  
− Auckland Airport Compound Tran sitional Facility  
− Auckland Airport Tasman Cargo Airlines Transitional Facility  
− Tauranga Port Transitional Facility  
• MPI standard Transitional Facilities for General Uncleared Risk Goods, TFGEN .   
• See Guidance Document  for more information on tran sport.  
1.12 Import permit  information  
(1) An import permit under section 24D of the Act is required prior to the importation of consignments of 
equids  from all countries with the exception of Australia.  
(2) An import permit under section 24D of the Act is required  prior to the importation of consignments of 
equids from Australia if a CTO has approved an equivalent measure prior to import, different from that 
set in this IHS that may be applied to effectively manage risks.  
 
Guidance  
• Ensure you have all relevant docu mentation prepared prior to applying for an import permit  
• Apply for the import permit at the following weblink: https://animalplantimportpermit.mpi.govt.nz/  
• The application form should specify the name and address of the transitional/containment facility 
in New Zealand approved to facility standard to which the consignment is to proceed following 
importation.  Import Health Standard : Equids   
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1.13 The documentation that must accompany goods  
(1) The consignment must arrive in New Zealand with the documentation that is specified in, and meets 
the requirements of, clauses 1.1 3.1 to 1.1 3.4 below.  
(2) All documentation that is required by this clause 1.1 2 to acc ompany equids  must, unless otherwise 
stated:  
a) Be original  
b) Accompany the imported goods.  
c) Be in English or have an English translation that is clear and legible.  
d) Be endorsed on every page by the Official Veterinarian with their original stamp, signature an d 
date or be endorsed in the space allocated and all pages have paper based alternative security 
features.  
 
Guidance  
• Equids that do not require post -arrival quarantine should submit c opies of all documents that are 
required to accompany the goods to the MPI Veterinarian  at the airport/port of arrival as early as 
possible to avoid issues and delays with border clearance.  
• The recommended timeframe  for submitting copies of documents  is at least 1 working day in 
advance of departure . It is acceptable for t he export certificate to be in a draft form and not 
signed by the Official Veterinarian of the exporting country, if this has yet to take place. Please 
email the applicable arrival port:  
− Auckland: liveanimalsauckland@mpi.govt.nz  (air freight)  
− Tauranga: Certification.BOP -Wa@mpi.govt.nz  (sea freight)  
• A Trade Single Window (TSW) lodgement is required to meet both MPI and Customs 
requirements. The TSW lodgement may be used to as an alternative to also emailing the 
documents to the MPI Veterinarian, provided the above time frame is met  
1.13.1  Import permit  
(1) An import permit (copy acceptable) for a single consignment where required under this IHS.  
1.13.2  Veterinary certificate  
(1) A veterinary certificate from the exporting country’s Official Veterinarian. The veterinary certificate must 
include the following:  
a) A unique consignment identifier  
b) The description, species, and microchip transponder number of the equ id 
c) Name and address of the importer (consignee) and exporter (consignor)  
d) Name, signature and contact details of the Official Veterinarian  
e) Certification and endorsement by the Official Veterinarian that the general requirements outlined 
in Part 1  of this IHS have been met  
f) Certification and endorsement by the Official Veterinarian that the relevant requirements outlined 
in Part 2  of this IHS have been met  
g) Transport container disinfection information  
h) All products and vaccines administered to meet specific di sease import requirements and date of 
treatment  
 
Guidance  
• Where equivalent measures have been negotiated and agreed with MPI, and a CTO has, prior to 
import, issued a direction under section 27(1)(d) of the Act that is different from those in this 
standard  in the form of a negotiated veterinary certificate, a country -specific veterinary certificate 
must accompany the consignment.  Import Health Standard : Equids   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  14 of 29 
• See Guidance Document  for more information about equivalence and country -specific veterinary 
certificates.  
1.13.3  Laboratory and vaccination reports  
(1) Original laboratory  and vaccination reports, or  copies of laboratory  and vaccination  reports endorsed 
by the Official Veterinarian  of all tests and vaccinations required by Part 2: Specified Requirements for 
Identified Risk Organisms  of this IHS , which must include:  
a) Unique  identification for each animal , consistent with the veterinary certificate.  
b) Dates of sample collection /vaccination .  
c) Test type /vaccine used . 
d) Test result.  
 
Guidance  
• A transition period for  all reports to include  microchip number (can also include the name of the 
equid)  will be given until 1 July 2020 . During this transition period  reports only identified with a 
name will still be accepted. After 1 July 2020, all reports must have microchip identification on 
them.  
1.13.4  Contingency plan  
(1) A contingency plan for the following situations:  
a) A delay in the unloading of equids from the aircraft or ship at a POFA . 
b) For transferring uncleared equids that do not routinely require PAQ to an equine transitional 
facility approved under MPI-STD-EQUID  or a POFA transitional facility approved under TFGEN  
clause 4.5.  
 
Guidance  
• Contingency plans are  not required to be signed by the Official Veterinarian in the exporting 
country, these plans are for the MPI Veterinarian’s use.  
• A transition period for providing contingency plans and identifying facilities that may be approved 
as a POFA transitional fac ility under TFGEN clause 4.5 will be given until 1 July 2020.  
• See Guidance Document  for more information about contingency plans.  
1.14 Post -arrival quarantine  
(1) When required, equids must be held in PAQ facilities approved by MPI and in accordance with the 
requi rements in Part 4 . Following biosecurity authorisation being given, equids must proceed directly to 
the transitional facility named on the import permit and be held there until all biosecurity requirements 
have been met.  
(2) Equids requiring PAQ must be treated in accordance with the requirements in Part 4.  
(3) When equids are to be imported into New Zealand from countries where the diseases listed below are 
considered present , the duration and type of PAQ is stated in brackets:  
a) Equine infectious anaemia (EIA) if considered by MPI as moderately to highly prevalent in the 
country of export (minimum 7 day PAQ)  
b) Equine influenza (minimum 14 day PAQ)  
c) Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (minimum 7 day PAQ)  
d) Surra (minimum 30 day PAQ p rotected from insect vectors)  Import Health Standard : Equids   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  15 of 29 
1.15 Transition period  
(1) From date of final issue to 6 months after the date of issue, the requirements of this import health 
standard for importing equids may be met by complying with the requirements of the Import Health 
Standard: Horses, HORANIC.GEN , dated 2 June 2020 in force immediately before the replacement of 
the Import Health Standard: Horses, HORANIIC.GEN , dated 2 June 2021.  Import Health Standard : Equids   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  16 of 29 
Part 2:  Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  
(1) Equids  must comply with the following measures for identified risk organisms , where required:  
2.1 African horse sickness virus  
(1) Equids must meet the recommendations in the Code  chapter for Infection with African horse sickness 
virus.  
2.2 Bacillus anthracis (anthrax)  
(1) Equids must meet the recommendations for equids in the Code  chapter for Anthrax.  
2.3 Borna disea se virus  
(1) Equids must be  kept, since birth or for at least the 90 days prior to export , in a country recognised  by 
MPI to be free from Borna disease; or 
(2) Equids  must be kept, since birth or for at least the 90 days prior to export , on premises in which no 
case of Borna disease was re ported in the 1 year prior to export.   
2.4 Burkholderia mallei  (glanders)  
(1) Equids must meet the recommendations in the Code  chapter for Glanders.  
2.5 Cochliomyia hominivorax and Chrysomya bezziana  (New World 
and Old World  screwworm)  
(1) Equids  must be kept, since birth or for at least the 21 days prior to export, in a country recognised by 
MPI as free from New World and Old World screwworm  and where no case of screwworm fly myasis 
was reported in the 1 year prior to export ; or  
(2) Equids  must meet the recommendations in the Code chapter for New W orld screwworm (Cochliomyia 
hominivorax) and Old World screwworm (Chrysomya bezziana).  
2.6 Eastern and Western equine encephalomyelitis viruses 
(EEE/WEE)  
(1) Equids  must be  kept, since birth or fo r at least the 90 days prior to export, in a country  recognised  by 
MPI as free from EEE and WEE; or 
(2) Equids must meet the recommendations in the Code  chapter for Equine encephalomyelitis (Eastern 
and Western) . 
2.7 Ectoparasites   
(1) Equids that do not require any P EI must:  
a) Be treated within 24 -48 hours prior to travel with a broad spectrum ectoparasiticide  effective 
against ticks and applied in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer; and  Import Health Standard : Equids   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  17 of 29 
b) At the final inspection prior to export:  
i) There must not be an y evidence of ectoparasite infection; or  
ii) If ectoparasites are found, the equids in the consignment must be re -treated, and then re -
inspected no less than 48 hours after treatment, until no ectoparasites are found. (If the 
exporting country is not free of piroplasmosis, this clause does not apply and equids must 
be free from ectoparasite infection at the inspection in the 24 hours prior to scheduled 
export ); or 
(2) Equids that are imported from a cattle tick -infested are a and do not require PEI for any other identified 
risk organisms must:  
a) Be thoroughly examined for ticks prior to entry into PEI under the supervision of the Official 
Veterinarian. A thorough and systematic approach  must be used including a close visual and  
tactile examination of the ears, false nostrils, under -body areas (axilla, inguinal region, and under 
the jawbone), perineum, mane and tail; and  
b) Be kept in PEI for the 3 days prior to export and be fully stabled at all times; and 
c) Be maintained tick free f or the entire duration of PEI; and 
d) Be treated twice with a  broad spectrum ectoparasiticide effective against ticks applied in 
accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer , the first treatment prior to entry into 
PEI and the second treatment within 48 hours prior to travel ; and 
e) At the final inspection prior to export:  
i) There must not be any evidence of ectoparasite infection; or  
ii) If ectoparasites are found, the equids in the consignment must be re -treated, and then re -
inspected no less than 48 hours after treatment, until no ectoparasites are found. (If the 
exporting country is not free of piroplasmosis, this clause does not apply and equids must 
be free from ectoparasite infection at the inspection in the 24 hours prior to scheduled 
export ); or 
(3) Equids that require PEI for identified risk organisms other than ectoparasites must:  
a) Be thoroughly examined for ectoparasites within 24 ho urs after entry into PEI under the 
supervision of the Official Veterinarian. A thorough and systematic approach must be  used 
including a close visual and tactile examination of the ears, false nostrils, under -body areas 
(axilla, inguinal region, and under the jawbone), perineum, mane and tail; and  
b) Be treated twice for ectoparasites:  
i) The first treatment must be given  within 24 hours after entry into PEI after ectoparasite 
examination ; and  
ii) The second  treatment must be given within 24 -48 hours prior t o expor t; and  
c) The product(s) used must be  a broad spectrum ectoparasiticide effective against ticks and  
applied in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer;  and 
d) At the final inspection prior to export:  
i) There must not be any evidence of ectoparasi te infection; or  
ii) If ectoparasites are found, the equids in the consignment must be re -treated, and then re -
inspected no less than 48 hours after treatment, until no ectoparasites are found. (If the 
exporting country is not free of piroplasmosis, this claus e does not apply and equids must 
be free from ectoparasite infection at the inspection in the 24 hours prior to scheduled 
export ). 
 
Guidance  
• For countries not free of piroplasmosis where the equids have to be free and protected from 
vectors (ticks) during the 30 days prior to export, equids found with ticks at the final inspection Import Health Standard : Equids   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  18 of 29 
cannot be re -treated and re -inspected. The consignment will be required to re -start the PEI 
process.  
2.8 Endoparasites   
(1) Equids that do not require any PEI must be treated within 24 -48 hours prior to travel with a broad 
spectrum anthelmintic and applied in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer; or  
(2) Equids that require PEI must be treated within 24 hours after entry into PEI with a broad spectrum 
anthelmintic  applied in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer  
2.9 Equine arteritis virus (equine viral arteritis)  
(1) Equids, must meet the recommendations in the Code chapter for Infection with equine arteritis virus . 
Un-weaned foals under 180 days of age a re not required to undergo testing and vaccination if 
accompanied by their dam with documentation showing the dam has met all requirements for EVA.  
2.10 Equine herpesvirus -1 (EHV -1)  
(1) Equids must meet the recommendations in the Code chapter for Infection with eq uid herpesvirus -1 
(Equine rhinopneumonitis) . 
2.11 Equine infectious anaemia virus (EIA)  
(1) Equids must not show  any clinical sign s of EIA within 48 hours prior to export; and 
a) Equids must be  kept, since birth or for at least the 90 days  prior to  export , on premises  where no 
official case of EI A is reported during that period; and 
b) Equids must be  subjected to a diagnostic test for EIA as described in the document MPI -STD-
TVTL with negative results. Samples fo r testing must be collected within the 21 days prior to 
expo rt. 
2.12 Equine influenza virus (EI)  
(1) Equids must meet the recommendations in the Code  chapter for Infection with equine influenza virus 
including the additional security testing . Un-weaned foals under 180 days of age are not required to be 
vaccinated if accompa nied by their dam with documentation showing the dam has met all re quirements 
for equine influenza . 
(2) EI vaccines must contain equivalent strains of EI virus as recommended by the OIE Expert 
Surveillance Panel on Equine Influenza Vaccine Composition: http://www.oie.int/en/our -scientific -
expertise/specific -information -and-recommendations/equine -influenza/ .   
 
Guidance for equine influenza  
• The additional security recommendation for EI is sampling for agent identification testing for EI on 
samples collected on two occasions:  
− In the 5 -7 days after entry into PEI; and  
− In the 4 days prior to export.  
• Current vaccines available for use: 
− Boehringer Ingelheim/Merial ProteqFlu  and ProteqFlu -Te; Import Health Standard : Equids   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  19 of 29 
− Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Vetera XP  vaccines;  
− MSD Animal Health Equilis Prequenza  and Equilis Prequenza -Te 
2.13 Hendra virus  
(1) Equids  must be kept, since birth or for at least the 90 days prior to  export, in a country recognised by 
MPI as free from Hendra; or  
(2) Equids must be kept, since birth or for at least the 90 days prior to export, in premises where no case 
of infection in animals or humans has been reported during that period, and Hendra is no tifiable in the 
country of export; or   
(3) Equids must be vaccinated against Hendra virus in accordance with the recommendations of the 
manufacturer not less than 14 days and not more than 1 year prior to export.  
2.14 Hypoderma bovis  and Hypoderma  lineatum  (warble fly myiasis)  
(1) Equids must be kept, since birth or for at least the 90 days prior to export, in a country/zone recognised 
by MPI as free from warble fly,  and where no case of warble fly has been reported in the 1 year prior to 
export; or  
(2) Equids  must be  treated with an ectoparasiticide approved by the Competent  Authority as capable of 
killing warble fly larvae, applied as described in the  recommendations of the manufacturer within  48 
hours of export and the equids must not  show clinical signs of warble fly disease at the final inspection 
prior to export.  
2.15 Japanese encephalitis virus (JE)  
(1) Equids  must be  kept, since birth or for at least the 21  days  prior to export,  in a country recognised  by 
MPI as free  from JE; or 
(2) Equids must meet the recommendations in the Code chapter for Japanese encephalitis .  
2.16 Nipah virus  
(1) Equids  must be kept, since birth or, for at least the 90 days prior to export, in a country recognised by 
MPI as free from Nipah; o r 
(2) Equids  must be kept, since birth or for at least  the 90 days prior to export, in premises where no case 
of infection in animals or humans has been reported d uring that period, and Nipah is notifiable in the 
country of export . 
2.17 Rabies virus  
(1) Equids must mee t the recommendations in the Code chapter for Infection with rabies virus . 
2.18 Salmonella abortus e qui (equine salmonellosis)  
(1) Equids  must be kept, since birth or for at least the 90 days prior to export , on premises where no case 
of equine salmonellosis ( S. abortus equi ) has been reported during that period . Import Health Standard : Equids   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  20 of 29 
2.19 Taylorella equigen italis  (contagious equine metritis)  
(1) Equids must be kept, since birth or fo r at least the 60 days prior to export, in a country recognised by 
MPI as free from contagious equine metritis (CEM), and where no case of CEM has been reported in 
the 2 years prior to export ; or  
(2) The equid is a gelding or a foal less than 180 days of age accompanied by their dam; or  
(3) Equids must:  
a) Be kept, since birth or for at least 60 days prior to export on premises where no case of CEM has 
been reported during that period; and  
b) Must have  no contact with CEM directly, through breeding (naturally or via ar tificial insemination) 
with an infected equid, or indirectly by passing through an infected premises, during the 60 days 
prior to export; and  
c) Must be subjected to a test for CEM in the 30 days prior to export, with negative results;  
i) Stallions and colts must be sampled two times at intervals of 4 -14 days. Sampling sites are 
the urethra, urethral fossa and its sinus, and the penile sheath;  
ii) Mares a nd fillies must be sampled two times at intervals of 4 -14 days. Sampling sites are 
the clitoral fossa and sinuses; and  
d) Must not receive antibiotics within 7 days (systemic treatment) or 21 days (local treatment) before 
the first sample collection or during  the CEM sampling period; and 
e) Must not be naturally mated or inseminated with semen from a CEM -untested stallion since the 
date of first sampling for CEM . 
2.20 Theileria equi  and Babesia caballi  (equine piroplasmosis)  
(1) When importing  equids  from counties recogni sed by MPI as free from equine piroplasmosis:  
a) equine piroplasmosis must be a notifiable disease in the country of origin; and  
b) the country does not import seropositive equids ( apart from  horses temporarily imported for 
competition purposes); and  
c) equids  are showing no clinical sign of equine piroplasmosis on the day of shipment . 
(2) When importing from EP infected countries equids must be :  
a) showing no clinical sign of equine piroplasmosis on t he day of shipment ; and  
b) tested for both T. equi and B. caballi using an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) , a 
competitive enzyme -linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) , and a polymerase chain reaction 
(PCR) assay on a single serum sample, as listed in  MPI-STD-TVTL, all with negative results, 
during the 30 days prior to export ; and  
c) the equids  did not have a positive result to T. equi or B. caballi  during the 12 months prior to 
export to New Zealand ; and   
d) have not been treated with imidocarb dipropionat e, or any other anti -babesial agents active 
against B. caballi or T. equi , during the 12 months prior to export ; and  
e)  maintained free from ticks by preventive treatment, during the 30 days prior to export . 
2.21 Trypanosoma equiperdum  (dourine)  
(1) Equids must meet the recommendations in the Code  chapter for Dourine . Import Health Standard : Equids   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  21 of 29 
2.22 Trypanosoma evansi  (surra)  
(1) Equids  must be kept, since birth or for at least the 60 days prior to export, in a country recognised by 
MPI as free from surra,  and where no case of surra has been reported in the 2 years prior to export; or 
(2) Equids must be kept, since birth or for at least the 60 days prior to export, on premises where no case 
of surra has been reported during that period; and 
a) Must be kept for a minimum of 30 days prior to export in PEI and protected from vectors at all 
times whilst in PEI and during transportation to the port of departure; and 
b) Must be s ubjected to diagnostic tests for surra with negative results, from samples c ollected in 
the 10 days after entry into PEI . 
2.23 Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus (VEE)  
(1) Equids must meet the recommendations in the Code  chapter for Venezuelan equine 
encephalomyelitis . 
 Import Health Standard : Equids   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  22 of 29 
Part 3:  Pre-Export Isolation (PEI)  
3.1 Approval  and inspection of PEI facil ities 
(1) The premises and facility must be approved by an Official Veterinarian of the Competent Authority of 
the exporting country as meeting the requirements of this Part.  
(2) The premises and facility must be audited annually by an Official Veterinarian and r ecords of 
inspections and management must be retained for audit purposes for at least 2 years.  
(3) MPI reserves the right to inspect facilities and their standard operating procedures, on a case -by-case 
basis, in countries approved to export equids to New Zea land.  
(4) Where vector -proofing in PEI is a requirement of this IHS, MPI will evaluate the exporting country’s 
standards, and may inspect the PEI facility and premises at the exporting country’s expense. Repeat 
inspections at a negotiated time -frame may also be required. MPI may conduct an evaluation of 
veterinary services when adding countries to the approved country list, particularly for countries with 
which there is no existing trade.  
3.2 Location  
(1) The pre -export isolation supervising Official Veterinarian mus t approve the transport route and 
methods to the port of departure to ensure the biosecurity status of the equids is maintained.  
 
Guidance  
• MPI suggests PEI premises be located less than 240km from the port of embarkation, but 
recognises that alternatives  may be approved by the Official Veterinarian with specific 
arrangements to address biosecurity and animal welfare documented in the standard operating 
procedures for the facility.  
3.3 Premises  
(1) The premises must be surrounded by two stock -proof perimeter fences at least 2 metres apart. 
Sections of the perimeter where the wall of an enclosed building forms part of the perimeter do not 
require fencing.  
(2) The premises must be lockable to ensure that there is no contact with other livestock and no entry of 
unauthorised personnel.  
(3) The premises must have:  
a) Within the premises or within a reasonable distance of the premises, an area for the cleaning and 
disinfection of vehicles separated from the stables , holding pens and the loading area.  
b) An area for unloading and loading of equids which manages the biosecurity risk of equids 
entering or exiting the facility coming into contact with unauthorised personnel and animals.  
3.4 Facility  
(1) The risk of airborne spr ead of equine contagious diseases must be managed and adequate distance 
must be maintained between quarantine and non -quarantine equids. Standard operating procedures 
must include details of how this risk is managed.  Import Health Standard : Equids   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  23 of 29 
(2) The facility must not keep domesticate d animals and there must be measures in place to prevent 
wild/feral animals entering the facility. Measures such as baits, trapping, bird deterrents, and their use, 
must be included in standard operating procedures for the facility.  
(3) Stables must be constr ucted so that they can be effectively cleaned and disinfected.  
(4) The facility must have an adequate drainage system and ensure hygienic management of waste.  
(5) The stable must have facilities for veterinary examination and collection of samples.  
(6) Adequate sho wering and changing facilities must be present e.g. piped hot water, change area, 
lockers/hangers.  
(7) External yards or paddocks within the facility may be used for exercise.  
3.5 Management  
(1) The PEI premises must have a designated manager who takes responsibility  for the day -to-day 
running of the premises, and who must report any problems promptly to the Official Veterinarian of the 
Competent Authority.  
(2) Access to the PEI premises should be limited to staff essential to the running of the quarantine 
premises and a nimal health. Other personnel (for example farriers) may be granted access provided 
approval is given by the Official Veterinarian. The necessity for access must be justified as required for 
the health and welfare of the equids. A register of visitors must  be maintained.  
(3) Processes must be in place to ensure personnel and visitors to the facility have thorough knowledge of 
the isolation requirements and the sanitation procedures of the PEI.  
3.6 Operation  
(1) The premises must be emptied and thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before the commencement of 
each PEI.  
(2) All equipment used in the feeding, handling and treatment of equids in PEI must be new or cleaned 
and disinfected before the commencement of the PEI.  
(3) Personnel attending equids (e.g. grooms, veterinarians, stable hands, truck loading assistants, etc.) 
must shower and change clothing and footwear before entering the PEI facility and handling the 
equids. Personnel must wear clothing and footwear used exc lusively in the premises.  
(4) Bedding used must be visually clean and free of evidence of contamination with ticks.  
3.7 Supervision and inspection  
(1) The Official Veterinarian must ensure that equids for export have met the relevant requirements of Part 
2 of this I HS before equids enter PEI.  
(2) The Official Veterinarian must visit the premises at the beginning and end of the PEI period, and at 
least weekly during the PEI period to ensure that the requirements of this IHS are being met. During 
the visit, the veterinari an must inspect equids, observe the operation, review the records and record 
the visit and activities undertaken.  
(3) The veterinary clinician employed by the premises must record in a register all their visits and activities 
undertaken while on the PEI premi ses and amend the health records of any equid treated during PEI.  Import Health Standard : Equids   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  24 of 29 
Part 4:  Post -Arrival Quarantine (PAQ)  
(1) The PAQ facility must be approved by MPI as a transitional facility approved to  the MPI standard 
Transitional Facility Standard for Equids, MPI -STD-EQUIDS  and be under the supervision of an MPI 
Veterinarian .  
4.1 Inspection and treatment  of equids  
(1) Equids must be available for inspection by the MPI Veterinarian who reserves the right to take 
specimens at any time for disease testing.  Testing for exotic diseases will be performed at the MPI 
Animal Health Laboratory in Wallaceville.  
(2) Within 24 hours of arrival into New Zealand, equids  authorised to proceed to PAQ must receive from 
the clinical equine  veterinarian  approved by the operator of the transitional facility  (approved 
veterinarian) :  
a) A thorough inspection confirming equids  were visibly free of external parasites and clinical signs 
of disease  caused by identified risk organisms in this IHS .  
b) Equids  from countries considered infested with screwworm fly must be thoroughly inspected for 
wounds and possible New World or Old World screwworm infestation.  
c) A single treatment for ectoparasites with a fully effective ectoparasiticide, applied according to 
the recommendations of the  manufacturer.  
d) A single treatment for endoparasites with a broad spectrum endoparasiticide, administered 
according to the  recommendations of the  manufacturer.  
(3) Equids must remain in the fully enclosed building until the MPI Veterinarian is satisfied that they 
present minimal biosecurity risk. Equids determined to present minimal biosecurity risk may be turned 
out into paddocks under supervision during the day, but must return to the building overnight.  
(4) Equids must be observed for signs of illness, injury, ectoparasites, and abnormal behaviour 
periodically throughout the day. The level of daily surveillance must be sufficient to ensure that sick 
and deceased equids are found in sufficient time for follow up disease investigations.  
(5) Equids must be inspected by an approved veterinarian at least onc e per day. Any illness (including 
pyrexia), injury, ectoparasites, changes in behaviour, or death must be immediately reported to the 
MPI Veterinarian.  
(6) Temperature readings must be taken from equids in the PAQ premises twice daily and records must 
be avail able for inspection by the approved veterinarian and/or the MPI Veterinarian, when requested .  
(7) Any unwell equids must have sufficient diagnostic testing, in consultation with MPI, performed to try to 
establish the cause of illness and rule out any exotic disease.  
a) The approved veterinarian must record the differential diagnoses  (including any potential exotic 
diseases) ;  
b) Further investigation, testing, treatment and/or an extension of the consignment isolation period 
may be required as determined in consultation with the MPI Veterinarian and the approved 
veterinarian if atypical clinical signs are present or for non -responsive cases , or where exotic 
disease remains a potential diagnosis ;  
c) If the temperature is 38.5 °C or higher (39.0°C or higher for fo als under six months of age) on two 
consecutive recordings , or if there is an abrupt onset of fever 39. 5°C or higher  accompanied by 
other clinical signs such as loss of appetite, diarrhoea, and nasal discharge , the MPI veterinarian 
must be immediately notified and subsequently investigated to conclusion.  
(8) Equids in quarantine may be treated with antibiotics and/or anti -inflammatories (corticosteroids or 
NSAIDs) at the discretion of the approved veterinarian, provided they are necessary for welfare 
purposes (e.g. painful conditions), or to prevent progression of a significant condition (e.g. for travel 
sickness, limb swelling due to lack of exercise, or allergic skin reactions). Treatments must not Import Health Standard : Equids   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  25 of 29 
interfere with disease surveillance. All treatments and reaso ns for treatment must be recorded and 
must be notified to the MPI Veterinarian  as soon as possible . 
4.2 Diagnostic  tests required  
(1) Equids  that require PAQ for  equine influenza must be subject ed to an agent identification test (with 
negative results) on nasopharyngeal swabs collected at least 5 days after entering PAQ.  
(2) Equids that require PAQ for  equine infectious anaemia must be subject ed to an OIE prescribed test or 
one listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for international trade (with negative results) during PAQ.  
(3) Equids that require PAQ for  Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) must be subject ed to virus 
isolation (with negative results) on blood samples collected from any equid showing a significant r ise in 
temperature during PAQ.  
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Schedule  1 – Document History  
Date First Issued  Title Shortcode  
5 September 2019  Import Health Standard: Equids  LIVEQUID.GEN  
Amendments  Title Shortcode  
29 May 2020  
Suspen ded Import Health Standard: Equids  LIVEQUID.GEN  
30 November 2021  
External Consultation  Import Health Standard: Equids  LIVEQUID.GEN  
 
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Schedule 2 – Definitions  
Compartment  
An animal subpopulation contained in one or more establishments under a common biosecurity management 
system with a dis tinct health status with respect to a specific disease or specific diseases for which required 
surveillance, control and biosecurity measures have been applied for the purpose s of international trade  or 
disease prevention and control in a country or zone . 
Competent Authority  
The Veterinary or other Governmental Authority of an OIE Member, that has the  responsibility and 
competence for ensuring or supervising the implementation of animal health and welfare measures, 
international veterinary certification and other standards an d recommendations in the Code  in the whole 
territory.  
Director -General  
The chief executive of the Ministry for Primary Industries.  
Disinfectant  
A substance applied to non -living objects to destroy micro -organisms living on those objects and approved for 
use by the Competent Authority. MPI -approved biosecurity treatments for risk goods, including links to 
approved disinfectants, can be found in the MPI Standard , BNZ-STD-ABTRT Approved Biosecurity 
Treatments.  
Ectoparasite  
Organisms which live on the surface of the host, including  (but not limited to)  mosquitoes, biting flies, ticks, 
lice, mites, flesh -eating larvae .  
Endoparasite  
Organisms which live inside the host, including (but not limited to) small strongyles, large strongyles, ascarids, 
tapeworm s. 
Equids  
Animals including horses ( Equus caballus) , asses ( Equus asinus) , mules and hinnies ( E. caballus x E. 
asinus ). 
Hendra Virus Affected Area 
A location such as a town or city where there has been a case (confirmed or possible) of Hendra virus 
infecti on in equids.  
IATA  
The International Air Transport Association.  
MPI 
Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand.  
MPI Veterinarian  
MPI Veterinarians are appointed as Inspectors under the Biosecurity Act 1993. Inspectors are appointed by 
the Chief Technic al Officer under section 103(1) of the Biosecurity Act 1993 for the purposes of administering Import Health Standard : Equids   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  28 of 29 
and enforcing the provisions of the Act. Under the Act, Inspectors have the power to give authorisations 
regarding transitional facilities or risk goods.  
Officia l Veterinarian  
A veterinarian authorised by the Competent Authority of the country to perform certain designated official 
tasks associated with animal health and/or public health and inspections of commodities and, when 
appropriate, to certify in conformit y with the provisions of the OIE Code  Chapter for certification procedures.  
OIE 
The World Organisation for Animal Health.  
PAQ  
Post-arrival quarantine.  
PEI 
Pre-export isolation.  
Premises  
Area surrounding and including the facility of the pre -export isolation (PEI) or post -arrival quarantine (PAQ), or 
in the case of premises freedom the place the animals resided or have temporarily visited.  
Stock -Proof  
A fence that livestock cannot get th rough. For the purposes of this import health standard livestock are 
regarded as cattle and other farm animals such as horses, donkeys, mules, hinnies, sheep, goats, alpacas, 
llamas, and pigs (this list is not exclusive).  
Surveillance  
The systematic ongoin g collection, collation, and analysis of information related to animal health and the 
timely dissemination of information to those who need to know so that action can be taken.  
The Code  
The OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code as found on the OIE website.  
The Manual   
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial 
Animals.  
Vector  
An insect or any living carrier that transports an infectious agent from an infected individual to a susceptible 
individual or its food or immediate surroundings. The organism may or may not pass through a development 
cycle within the vector.  
Vector -Proof  
A PEI facility which is able to provide maximum protection from insect vectors. This should be a building, 
ideal ly a compartment within a building, which should have no gaps in the construction greater than 1 mm in 
width, combined with risk management strategies to protect animals and the facility from Culicoides.  
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Vector Protection  
A combination of risk managemen t strategies, guided by the OIE Code , to protect animals from attacks by 
Culicoides , or other vectors referred to in this IHS, during transport and PEI, taking into account the local 
ecology of the vector.  
Veterinary Certificate  
A certificate, issued in co nformity with the provisions of the Code  Chapter for certification procedures, 
describing the animal health and/or public health requirements which are fulfilled by the exported 
commodities.  
Zone  
A clearly defined part of a territory containing an animal s ubpopulation with a distinct health status with 
respect to a specific disease for which required surveillance, control and biosecurity measures have been 
applied for the purpose of international trade.