Import Health Standard  
Issued under the Biosecurity Act 1993   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Zoo Carnivora  
ZOOCARNS.SPE  
14 December 2022  
 Import Health Standard : Zoo Carnivora   
  14 December 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  1 of 19 
TITLE  
Import Health Standard : Zoo Carnivora  
COMMENCEMEN T 
This Import Health Standard  comes into force on 14 December 2022   
REVOCATION  
This Import Health Standard revokes and replaces the following:  
a) Import Health Standard for the Importation of African Hunting Dogs into New Zealand, 
ZOOAHDIC.ALL,18 November 1998  
b) Import Health Standard for the Importation of  Malayan Sun Bears (Helarctos malayanus) from 
Australia, ZOOSUNIC.AUS,18 May 2004  
c) Import Health Standard for the Importation of Meerkat (Suricata suricatta), ZOOMEEIC.ALL, 10 
0ctober 2002  
d) Import Health Standard for Zoo Felidae from Sp ecified Countries, ZOOFELIC.SPE, 19 
September 2008  
e) Import Health Standard for the Importation of Zoo Oriental Small Clawed Otters from Australia 
into New Zealand, ZOOOTTIC.AUS,14 June 2006  
f) Import Health Standard for the Importation of Zoo Red Pandas, ZOOPANIC.ALL, 14 0ctober 
1998  
 
 
ISSUING AUTHORITY  
This Import Health Standard  is issued under section 24A of the Biosecurity Act 1993 . 
 
Dated at Wellington , 14 December 2022  
 
 
Stephen Cobb  
Manager , Animal Imports  
Ministry for Primary Industries  
(acting under dele gated authority of the Director -General)  
 
For further information  contact:  
Animal Imports  
Biosecurity New Zealand  
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
 
Email: animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz  
 Import Health Standard : Zoo Carnivora   
  14 December 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  2 of 19 
Contents  Page 
Introduction  3 
Part 1:  Requirements  6 
1.1 Application  6 
1.2 Incorporation by reference  6 
1.3 Definitions  6 
1.4 Requirements for authorisation into containment  6 
1.5 Exporting country systems and certification  7 
1.6 Pre-export isolation  7 
1.7 Diagnostic tests, vaccines and treatment  8 
1.8 Transport  9 
1.9 Import permit information  9 
1.10  The documentation that must accompany goods  10 
Part 2:  Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  12 
2.1 Babesia spp. (babesiosis)  12 
2.2 Dirofilaria immitis  (heartworm)  12 
2.3 External parasites  12 
2.4 Internal parasites  12 
2.5 Rabies lyssavirus  13 
2.6 Seeds  13 
2.7 Trypanosoma spp. (surra and tsetse fly associated trypanosomosis)  13 
Schedule 1 – Document History  14 
Schedule 2 – Definitions  15 
Schedule 3 – Species List  17 
Schedule 4 – Country List  19 
 Import Health Standard : Zoo Carnivora   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  3 of 19 
Introduction  
This introduction  is not part of this 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  zoo Carnivor a (Ailuridae , 
Canidae, Eupleridae,  Felidae,  Herpestidae , Hyaenidae, Mustelidae, Procyonidae, Ursidae and Viverridae)  into 
New Zealand . 
The identified  risk organisms associated with zoo Carnivora  that are managed by this IHS are:  
a) Babesia spp. (babesiosis)  
b) Bacillus ant hracis  (anthrax)  
c) Dirofilaria immitis  (heartworm)  
d) External parasites  
e) Internal parasites  
f) Leptospira spp. (leptospirosis)  
g) Mycobacterium bov is (bovine tuberculosis)  
h) Rabies lyssavirus  (rabies ) 
i) Seeds  
j) Trypanosoma spp. (surra and tsetse fly associated trypanosomosis)  
Background  
The Biosecurity Act 1993 (the Act) provides the legal basis for excluding, 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 zoo Carnivora  (Ailuridae , Canidae, Eupleridae, Felidae,  Herpestidae , 
Hyaenidae, Mustelidae, Procyonid ae, Ursidae and Viverridae).  
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 performing functions relating to the importation of zoo Carnivora  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.  Import Health Standard : Zoo Carnivora   
  14 December 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  4 of 19 
Equivalence  
The Chief Techni cal 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 of  these goods.  
If an equivalent measure is approve d, 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 the 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  
Any containers not intact on arrival will be required to be made secure before the consignment is moved to the 
transitional facility. Any material which has leaked from the container will be destroyed at the port of entry.  
Follow ing biosecurity authorisation being given under section 25 of the Act, the zoo Carnivora  will proceed 
directly to the transitional facility named on the import permit , which must be approved under the  Facility 
Standard: Zoo Animals Transitional Facilities, MPI -STD-ZOO , dated December 2018  and located within a 
containment facility that is approved under the Standard for Zoo Containment Facilities , dated April 2018 . 
Animals must remain in the transitional facility for  a minimum of seven days . 
The documentation will be checked to ensure it meets all requirements noted under general requirements in 
Part 1 : Requirements  and specified requirements (veterinary c ertification) in Part 2: Specified Requirements 
for Identified Risk Organisms  of this IHS.  The inspector will verify the microchips and that the animals are free 
from signs of infectious or contagious disease.  
Biosecurity authorisation into containment  
Zoo carnivorans are restricted organisms so will not be given biosecurity clearance. On authorisation from the 
biosecurity inspector, they may be moved from the transitional facility, but must remain in the containment 
facility approved under the Standard for Zoo Containment Facilities . 
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 complied with before biosecurity clearance will be issued.  These may 
include but are not limited to the following:  
a) All equipment entering New Zealand with the zoo Carnivora  must comply with the Import Health 
Standard for Used Equipment Associated with A nimals or Water . 
b) Containers made of timber must meet th e requirements of the: Import Health Standard : 
Woodware from All Countries . Import Health Standard : Zoo Carnivora   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  5 of 19 
CITES   
It is the responsibility of the importer to ensure that the  consignment is accompanied by any permit(s) required 
to meet the legislation of the country of origin and the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered 
Species (CITES) http://www.cites.org . See the Department of Conservation for further details 
https://www.doc.govt.nz/cites . 
The importer is advised to clarify the status of the species of animal in relation to international agreements on 
their tr ade, prior to export. Material arriving in New Zealand without the relevant CITES permits may be 
subject to seizure by the New Zealand Department of Conservation.  
Any requirement for CITES or other conservation -related documentation must be met by the 
exporter/importer.  
Environmental Protection Authority and new organisms  
Importers of new organisms must meet all requirements of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms 
(HSNO) Act 1996.  
Before an inspector can authorise a new organism to go to a containmen t facility, the Environmental 
Protection Authority  must have given approval for importation of that organism into containment in accordance 
with the HSNO Act.   
Trade Single Window  
All goods imported into New Zealand need to be cleared by the New Zealand Customs Service (Customs) 
and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). To gain customs clearance, the  required documentation must be 
lodged  through the Trade Single Window portal.  
For more information about TSW please visit https://www.customs.govt.nz/business/trade -single -window/  
 Import Health Standard : Zoo Carnivora   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  6 of 19 
Part 1:  Requirements  
1.1 Application  
(1) This IHS applies to all imports  of zoo Carnivora  listed in Schedule 3  from countries listed in Schedule 4  
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 Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for 
Terrestrial Animals , available at website: Terrestrial Manual Online Access - WOAH - World 
Organisation for Animal Health . 
b) The World Organisatio n for Animal Health  Terrestrial Animal Health Code , available at website: 
Terrestrial Code Online Access - WOAH - World Organisation for Animal He alth. 
c) The International Committee for Animal Recording , available at website: www.icar.org . 
d) The International Air Transport Association Live Animals Regulations : 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 , available at: 
http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Detail s/F2006L03643 . (equivalent to the New Zealand Marine Rules 
Part 24C)  
(2) The following material is incorporated by reference in this IHS under section 142M of the Act:  
a) MPI Approved Diagnostic Tests, Va ccines, Treatments and Post -arrival Testing Laboratories for 
Animal Import Health Standards, MPI -STD-TVTL . 
(3) Under section 142O(3) of the Act it is declared that section 142O(1) does not apply . That is, a notice 
under section 142O(2) of the Act is not requir ed to be published before material that amends or 
replaces the standards, guideline or lists incorporated under clauses 1.2(1) and (2) above has legal 
effect as part of this IHS . 
 
Guidance  
• Incorporation by reference means that standards, guidelines or list s are incorporated into the IHS 
and they form part of the requirements . 
 
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 authorisation into containment  
(1) To obtain authorisation into a zoo containment facility , zoo Carnivora  must:  
a) Have been resident  in one or more  approved, licensed or registered zoo s or wildlife park s in the 
exporting country since birth or for at least 12 months immediately before export ; and  
b) Have been born in captivity and not caught from the wild ; and  Import Health Standard : Zoo Carnivora   
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c) Originate from premises that  are under direct veterinary supervision. The zoo or wildlife park 
must follow a  documented  health monitoring programme that includes necropsies, and 
microbiological and parasitological testing that would be effective in monitoring for diseases of 
biosecurity concern  identified in Part 2: Specified Requirements for Identi fied Risk Organisms ; 
and 
d) Meet the requirements of clauses 1.6-1.10 of Part 1 : Requirements , and Part 2: Specified 
Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms ; and  
e) Be imported from a country that the CTO is satisfied meets the export country systems and 
certification requirements of clause 1.5; and  
f) Be accompanied by a veterinary certificate that meets the requirements of clause 1.10.2, has 
been agreed by a CTO, and details the measures in Part 2 that the exporting  country will meet; 
and 
g) Be accompanied by an import permit where required by clause 1.10.1 . 
1.5 Exporting country systems and certification  
(1) Importers may import zoo Carnivora  only if a CTO is satisfied, on the basis of evidence, that the 
Veterinary Servi ces of the exporting country are capable of ensuring that zoo Carnivora  imported 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 
zoo Carniv ora from that exporting country:  
a) The ability of the exporting country’s Competent Authority to verify the animal health status of zoo 
Carnivora  in the exporting country, zone or compartment, with respect to the risk organisms 
identified in  Part 2: Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms .  
b) The adequacy of the exporting country’s national systems and/or programmes and standards in 
the exporting country for regulatory oversight of the zoo Carnivore industry . 
c) The capability of the exporti ng country’s Competent Authority to support the issue of veterinary 
certificates as required by this IHS. 
(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 ensu ring that zoo Carnivora  imported 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 of the World Organisation for 
Animal Health (WOAH) Terrestrial Animal Health Code  (the Code ), titled  Quality of Veterinary 
Services . 
• Once a 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.  
• For the CTO 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 the commodity.  
• See Guidance Document  for more information about exporting country systems and certification, 
and for a list of currently recognised  countries and country -specific veterinary certificates.  
1.6 Pre-export isolation  
(1) The animals destined for export must be held in pre -export isolation, for a minimum period of 30 days 
prior to the date of shipment.  Import Health Standard : Zoo Carnivora   
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(2) During pre-export isolation the animals must be isolated from other animals not of an equivalent health 
status.  
(3) Individual health records must be kept for animals on the premises during the pre -export isolation 
period and must be available to the Official Veterin arian. Any health problems during the pre -export 
isolation period must be reported to MPI.  
(4) The pre -export isolation premises must be approved and supervised by an Official Veterinarian.  
(5) Prior to the animals entering pre -export isolation, the premises must either:  
a) Be thoroughly cleaned and sprayed with an acaricide; and  
i) Bedding must be removed every 10 days; and  
ii) The premises must be thoroughly cleaned and sprayed with acaricide each time the 
bedding is removed; or 
b) Be thoroughly cleaned and sprayed with a lon g lasting acaricide  repeated as per the 
manufacture r’s recommendations ; and  
i) Bedding must be removed every 10 days.  
(6) Feed used in pre -export isolation must be free from evidence of contamination with ticks and seeds.  
(7) All bedding used in pre -export isolation must be clean and free from evidence of contamination with 
ticks and seeds.  
(8) The animals destined for export must be free from quarantine restrictions imposed by the exporting 
country for at least 90 days prior to the date of shipment.  
(9) The animals  must be identified (by reading their microchips) and examined in the 72 hours prior to 
leaving the pre -export isolation premises for the port of export, by an Official Veterinarian. The animals 
must be fully weaned, not in the last third term of pregnancy , and free from clinical evidence of 
infectious disease, external parasites, plant and seed contamination, and be fit for travel.  
1.7 Diagnostic tests , vaccines and treatment  
(1) All pre -export and/or surveillance testing required by this IHS must be:  
a) Conducted b y 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 zoo Carnivora  to New Zealand.  
(2) All laboratory samples re quired by this IHS must be collected, processed, and stored in accordance 
with the recommendations in the Code  and Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial 
Animals  (the Manual ) or as described in MPI-STD-TVTL . 
(3) All diagnostic test(s) and vacc ines 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 . 
(4) All products and vaccinations required by this IHS to be administered to meet the specific disease 
requirements in Part 2: Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  must have been 
administered according to the manufacturer’s instruction in a country that a CTO has agreed meets the 
requirements of clause 1.5.  
(5) 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 administered.  
(6) Where products required by this IHS have been administe red, the product name, manufacturer, active 
ingredients (where applicable), and the dose and date of the treatment must be recorded on the 
veterinary certificate.  Import Health Standard : Zoo Carnivora   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  9 of 19 
(7) Where vaccines required by this IHS have been administered all vaccine names, whether they a re 
inactivated or modified live virus, and the virus types and strains included in the vaccine must be 
recorded on the veterinary certificate.  
 
Guidance  
• See Guidance Document  for more information about tests and vaccination.  
1.8 Transport  
(1) In the case of transport by:  
a) Air: the transport facilities and arrangements must meet the relevant requirements published in 
the International Air Transport Association  (IATA ) Live Animal Regulations . 
b) Sea: the transport facilities and arrangements must have been inspected and meet the  
requirements of the Australian Marine Orders 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  zoo Carnivora  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.  
(4) The vehicle s in which the zoo Carnivora  will be transported to the port of departure must be cl eaned 
and disin sected prior to loading . 
(5) The crates or pens used for transporting the zoo Carnivora  to New Zealand must be new or if 
previously used must be cleaned and disin sected.  
(6) If the  zoo Carnivora  are transported by air, the cargo space of the aircraft where the animals are to be 
transported must be sprayed prior to departure with an insecticidal spray approved by the Competent 
Authority of the exporting country.  
(7) All feed and bedding during transportation must be free from seeds and ticks.  
 
Guid ance  
• Any containers not intact on arrival must be made secure before the consignment is moved to the 
transitional or containment facility. Any material which has leaked from the container must be 
destroyed at the port of entry.  
1.9 Import permit  information  
(1) An import permit under section 24D of the Act is required prior to the importation of consignments of 
zoo Carnivora from recognised  countries.  
(2) The following documentation is necessary if the animal has not been in a rabies free country as 
defined by Schedule 4  for the six months prior to the scheduled date of export:  
a) A rabies vaccination record showing that the animal received an MPI-approved vaccin e, which is 
valid for at least the six mont hs immediately prior to shipment; and  
i) Confirmation fro m the exporting zoo that  the premises of origin of the animal has been free 
from rabies for at least 12 months prior to shipment and the animal has been kept 
separated from wildlife reservoirs of rabies for at least six months prior to shipment ; or 
ii) A neutr alising antibody titration test for rabies with a result of at least 0.5  IU/mL. The blood 
for this test must be drawn : Import Health Standard : Zoo Carnivora   
  14 December 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  10 of 19 
1) at least four weeks after the rabies vaccination; and  
2) at least six months before the scheduled date of shipment.  
 
Guidance  
• Apply for the import permit at the following weblink: https://animalplantimportpermit.mpi.govt.nz/  
• Ensure you have a letter of approval from the MPI inspector confirming the transitional facility can 
accept the import.  
1.10 The documentation that must accompany goods  
(1) All documentation that is required by this clause 1.1 0 to accompany zoo Carnivora  must, unless 
otherwise stated:  
a) Be in English or have an English translation that is clear and legible.  
b) Be original.  
(2) Documentation that is in a paper format must, unless otherwise stated, be endorsed on every page by 
the Official Veterinarian with their original stamp, signature and date o r be endorsed in the space 
allocated and all pages have paper based alternative security features.  
(3) Documentation that is in an electronic format must, unless otherwise stated, be transmitted directly 
from the Competent Authority of the exporting country t o MPI, using an electronic system approved by 
MPI for that purpose.  
 
Guidance  
• Copies of all documents that are required to accompany the goods should be submitted to the 
MPI Inspector at the airport/port of arrival at least seven  working days before arrival to avoid 
delays at the border.  
• Please email the applicable arrival point:  
− Auckland:  liveanimalsauckland@mpi.govt.nz  
− Wellington:  liveanimalswellington@mpi.govt.nz  
− Christchurch:  liveanimalschristchurch@mpi.govt.nz  
 
(4) The consignment must arrive in New Zealand with the documentation specified in clauses 1.10.1 to 
1.10.3 below : 
1.10.1  Impo rt permit  
(1) An import permit (copy acceptable)  (also see clause 1.9).   
1.10.2  Veterinary certificate  
(1) A veterinary certificate from the exporting country’s Competent Authority , which must include the 
following:  
a) A unique consignment identifier.  
b) Import permit number . 
c) The description, species, and microchip number . 
d) Name and address of the importer (consignee) and exporter (consignor).  
e) Name, signature and contact details of the Official Veterinarian.  
f) Certification and endorsement by the Official Veterinarian that the general requirements outlined 
in Part 1 : Requirements  of this IHS have been met.  Import Health Standard : Zoo Carnivora   
  14 December 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  11 of 19 
g) Certification and endorsement by the Official Veterinarian that the relevant  requirements outlined 
in Part 2: Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  of this IHS have been met  
excepting for those requirements that a CTO has agreed during negotiation under clause 1.5 as 
not being required for a country -specific veterinary certificate . 
 
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 certifica te, a country -specific veterinary certificate 
must accompany the consignment.  
• See Guidance Document  for more information about equivalence and country -specific veterinary 
certificates.  
1.10.3  Laboratory reports  
(1) Original laboratory reports , or copies of laborator y reports endorsed by the Official Veterinarian , of all 
tests required by Part 2: Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  of this IHS , which must 
include:  
a) Unique microchip  identification for each animal, consistent with the veterinary certi ficate.  
b) Dates of sample collection.  
c) Test type.  
d) Test result.  
 
Guidance for microchip  
• If the microchip does not meet International Standards Organisation  (ISO) specifications 11784 
or Annex A of ISO Standard 11785  specifications, it is the importer’s responsibility to ensure 
that the microchip can be read upon entry to New Zealand. This may mean that the importer will 
need to provide a microchip reader (at the importer’s expense) for the chip to be read. 
Microchip numbers must be unique. Mic rochip numbers starting with 999 are not unique.  
 
 Import Health Standard : Zoo Carnivora   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  12 of 19 
Part 2:  Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  
(1) Zoo carnivorans must comply with the following measures for identified risk organisms, where 
required.  
(2) All disease requirements are for the species spe cified.  
2.1 Babesia spp. (babesiosis)  
2.1.1 Requirements for zoo Ailuridae , Canidae, Eupleridae, Herpestidae , Hyaenidae, 
Mustelidae, Procyonidae, Ursidae and Viverridae  
(1) During pre -export isolation each animal must be  tested for Babesia  spp. with an MPI-approved test 
with negative results.    
2.2 Dirofilaria immitis  (heartworm)  
2.2.1 Requirements for zoo Canidae  
(1) If five months of age or older on the date of shipment, the zoo canid must be subjected to an antigen 
ELISA test for heartworm, with a negative result on a sample taken in pre -export isolation, in the 30 
days prior to shipment; and  
(2) During pre -export isolation each zoo canid (regardless of age) must be treated twice , the second time 
within the 72 hours prior to shipment , with one of the following:  
a) ivermectin at 6 mcg/kg; or  
b) milbemycin at 0.5 mg/kg; or  
c) moxidectin at 2 -4 mcg/kg; or  
d) injectable sustained release formulation moxidectin at the recommended dose rate  (one 
treatment only) ; or  
e) selamectin at 6 mg/kg ; or 
f) an MPI-approved treatment effective against Dirofilaria immitis . 
2.3 External parasites  
2.3.1 Requirements for zoo Ailuridae , Canidae, Eupleridae, Felidae, Herpestidae , Hyaenidae, 
Mustelidae, Procyonidae, Ursidae and Viverridae  
(1) During pre -export isolation each animal must be treated twice, at least 14 days apart, with an 
insecticide/acaricide  effective against mites, lice, ticks and fleas ; and  
(2) Each animal must be  inspected  and found to be free of external parasites within the 72 hours prior to 
shipment.  
2.4 Internal parasites  
2.4.1 Requirements for zoo Ailuridae , Canidae, Eupleridae, Felidae, Herpestidae , Hyaenidae, 
Mustelidae,  Procyonidae, Ursidae and Viverridae  
(1) During pre -export isolation each animal must be treated twice, at least 14 days apart, with an 
anthelmintic effective  again st cestodes, nematodes and trematodes.  Import Health Standard : Zoo Carnivora   
  14 December 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  13 of 19 
2.5 Rabies lyssavirus  
2.5.1 Requirements for zoo Ailuridae , Canidae, Eupleridae, Felidae, Herpestidae , Hyaenidae, 
Mustelidae, Procyonidae, Ursidae and Viverridae  
(1) Each animal must have been resident since birth or for at least six months in a rabies -free country as 
agreed by MPI and showed no clinical signs of rabies on the day of shipment; or 
(2) Each animal must  have : 
a) Been k ept for the six months prior to shipment in premises  where separation from susceptible 
wildlife reservoir s was maintained , and where there has been no case of rabies for at least 12 
months prior to shipment ; and  
b) Been vaccinated against rabies with an MPI -approved vaccine  that provides protection for at least 
the six months p rior to shipment; and  
c) Shown no clinical signs of rabies ; or 
(3) Each animal must  have : 
a) Been vaccinated against rabies with an MPI -approved vaccine  that provides protection for at 
least the six months prior to shipment ; and  
b) Been subjected to a neutralising antibody titration test for rabies for which the blood must  drawn:  
i) at least four weeks after the rabies vaccination; and  
ii) at least six months before the scheduled date of shipment; and  
[Note: The rabies antibody tests must be conducted at an official laboratory in accordance with 
one of the methods described in the WOAH Manual of Standards for Diagnostic Tests and 
Vaccines and found to have at least 0.5 IU/ml of antibody in its serum.]  
c) Shown no clinical signs of rabies on th e day prior to or on the day of export . 
2.6 Seeds  
2.6.1 Requirements for zoo Ailuridae , Canidae, Eupleridae, Felidae, Herpestidae , Hyaenidae, 
Mustelidae, Procyonidae, Ursidae and Viverridae  
(1) Feed and bedding material in pre -export isolation must be free from evidence  of seeds. Prior to 
departure to New Zealand each animal must be certified as free from visible contamination with plant 
material . 
2.7 Trypanosoma spp. (surra and tsetse fly associated 
trypanosomosis)  
2.7.1 Requirements for zoo Ailuridae , Canidae, Eupleridae, Felida e, Herpestidae , Hyaenidae, 
Mustelidae, Procyonidae, Ursidae and Viverridae  
(1) Each animal has resided since birth in T. evansi  and T. vivax  free countries as agreed by MPI and 
showed no clinical signs of trypanosomosis on the day of shipment; or 
(2) Each animal:  
a) Must have been  resident, for at least six months prior to shipment, at zoo premises where no 
clinical, epidemiological or other evidence of T. evansi  and T. vivax  has occurred in any animal 
species in the previous two years; and  
b) Showed no clinical signs of trypanosomosis on the day of shipment.  Import Health Standard : Zoo Carnivora   
  14 December 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  14 of 19 
Schedule  1 – Document History  
Date First Issued  Title Shortcode  
14 December 2022  Import Health Standard: Zoo Carnivora  IHS ZOOCARNS.SPE  
Date Amendment  Issued  Title Shortcode  
   
 Import Health Standard : Zoo Carnivora   
  14 December 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  15 of 19 
Schedule 2 – Definitions  
Biosecurity Plan  
A plan that identifies potential pathways for the introduction and spread of disease in a zone or compartment, 
and describes the measures which are being or will be applied to mitigate the disease risks, if applicable, in 
accordance with the recommendation s in the Code . A Biosecurity Plan must comply with the Code  Chapters 
on zoning and compartmentalisation, and application of compartmentalisation.  
Compartment  
An animal subpopulation contained in one or more establishments under a common biosecurity managem ent 
system with a distinct 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 of international trade.  
Competent Authority  
The Veterinary or other Governmental Authority of a WOAH  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 and recommendation s in the Code  in the whole 
territory.  
Ectoparasite  
Organisms which live on the surface of the host, including mites, lice, ticks, fleas, and flesh -eating larvae.  
Endoparasite  
Organisms which live inside the host, including roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and flukes.  
Inspector  
An MPI Official Veterinarian  warranted as a Biosecurity Inspector under the Biosecurity Act.  
MPI 
Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand.  
Official Veterinarian  
A veterinarian authorised by the Competent Authority of the country to perform certain designated official 
tasks assoc iated with animal health and/or public health and inspections of commodities and, when 
appropriate, to certify in conformity with the provisions of the WOAH  Code  Chapter for certification 
procedures.  
Surveillance  
The systematic ongoing collection, collatio n, 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.  
Vector  
An insect or any living carrier that transports an infectious agent from an infected individua l 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 Facility  
A facility which is able to provide maximum protection from insect vectors. This shou ld be a building, ideally a 
compartment within a building, with risk management strategies to protect animals and the facility from 
vectors .  Import Health Standard : Zoo Carnivora   
  14 December 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  16 of 19 
Veterinary  Certificate  
A certificate, issued in conformity 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.  
WOAH  
The World Organisation for Animal Health  Import Health Standard : Zoo Carnivora   
  14 December 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  17 of 19 
Schedule 3  – Species L ist  
Family  Subfamily  Genus  Species  Common name  
Ailuridae   Ailurus  A.fulgens  Red panda  
Canidae  Caninae  Atelocynus  A. microtis  Short -eared  dog 
  Canis  C. adustus  Side-striped  jackal  
   C. aureus  Golden  jackal  
   C. latrans  Coyote  
   C. lupaster  African  wolf 
   C. lupus  Gray  wolf 
   C. mesomelas  Black -backed  jackal  
   C. rufus  Red wolf 
   C. simensis  Ethiopian  wolf 
  Cerdocyon  C. thous  Crab -eating  fox 
  Chrysocyon  C. brachyurus  Maned  wolf 
  Cuon  C. alpinus  Dhole  
  Lycalopex  L. culpaeus  Culpeo  
   L. fulvipes  Darwin’s  fox 
   L. griseus  South  American  gray fox 
   L. gymnocerus  Pampas  fox 
   L. sechurae  Sechuran  fox 
   L. vetulus  Hoary  fox 
  Nyctereutes  N. procyonoides  Raccoon  dog 
  Otocyon  O. megalotis  Bat-eared  fox 
  Speothos  S. venaticus  Bush  dog 
  Urocyon  U. cinereoargenteus  Grey  Fox 
   U. littoralis  Island  fox 
  Vulpes  V. bengalensis  Bengal  fox 
   V. cana  Blanford’s  fox 
   V. chama  Cape  fox 
   V. corsac  Corsac  fox 
   V. ferrilata  Tibetan  fox 
   V. macrotis  Kit fox 
   V. pallida  Pale fox 
   V. rueppellii  Ruppell’s  fox 
   V. velox  Swift  fox 
   V. zerda  Fennec  fox 
Eupleridae  Euplerinae  Cryptoprocta  C. ferox  Fossa  
  Eupleres  E. goudotii  Eastern  falanouc  
   E. major  Western  falanouc  
  Fossa  F. fossana  Spotted  fanaloka  
 Galidiinae  Galidia  G. elegans  Ring-tailed vontsira  
    Galidictis  G. fasciata  Broad -striped  vontsira  
   G. grandidieri  Grandidier’s  vontsira  
    Mungotictis  M. decemlineata  Bokiboky  Import Health Standard : Zoo Carnivora   
  14 December 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  18 of 19 
    Salanoia  S. concolor  Brown -tailed vontsira  
Felidae    All species  approved 
by the Environmental 
Protection Authority 
for zoo Felidae   
Herpestidae     Suricata  S.suricatta  Meerkat  
  Hyaenidae    Hyaeninae    Crocuta  C. crocuta  Spotted hyena  
    Hyaena  H. hyaena  Striped hyena  
    Parahyaena  P. brunnea  Brown hyena  
   Protelinae    Proteles  P. cristata  Aardwolf  
 
  Mustelidae   
  Lutrinae   
  Aonyx   
A. cinereus  Asian small -clawed  
otter 
  Procyonidae    Potosinae    Potos  P. flavus  Kinkajou  
   Procyoninae    Nasua  N. narica  White -nosed coati  
   N. nasua  South American coati  
    Nasuella   N. meridensis  Eastern mountain  coati  
   N. olivacea  Western mountain  coati  
  Ursidae    Ailuropodinae    Ailuropoda  A. melanoleuca  Giant panda  
   Tremarctinae    Tremarctos  T. ornatus  Spectacled bear  
   Ursinae    Helarctos  H. malaynus  Sun bear  
    Melursus  M. ursinus  Sloth bear  
    Ursus  U. americanus  American black bear  
   U. arctos  Brown bear  
   U. maritimus  Polar bear  
   U. thibetanus  Asian black bear  
  Viverridae    Paradoxurinae    Arctictis  A. binturong  Binturong  
 
 
 Import Health Standard : Zoo Carnivora   
  14 December 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  19 of 19 
Schedule 4 – Country List  
 
Countries Recognised as Rabies Free  
American Samoa  
Australia  
Bahrain  
Barbados  
Christmas Island  
Cocos (Keeling Islands)  
Cook Islands  
Falkland Islands  
Fiji 
French Polynesia  
 Guam  
Hawaii (USA)  
Iceland  
Japan  
Kiribati  
Mauritius  
Marshall Islands  
 Micronesia  
Federated States  Nauru  
New Caledonia  
Niue 
Norfolks  
Palau  
Papua New Guinea  
 Pitcairn Islands  
Singapore  
Solomon Islands  
Vanuatu  
Tonga  
Kingdom of  Tuvalu  
Wallis and Futuna  
Western Samoa  
 
Specified Countries where Rabies is Absent or Well Controlled  
Antigua and Barbuda  
Argentina  
Aruba  
Austria  
Bahamas  
Balearic Islands  
Belgium  
Bermuda  
British Virgin Islands  
Brunei  
Bulgaria  
Canada  
Canary Islands  
Cambodia  (for Ursidae only)  
Caribbean Netherlands 
(Bonaire, St Eustatius, Saba)  
Cayman Islands  
Channel Islands  
Chile  
Croatia  
Republic  Curacao  
Cyprus  Republic of  Czech 
Republic of  Denmark  
Estonia  
Republic of  Finland  
France  
Germany  
Gibraltar  
Greece  
Greenland  
Hong Kong  
Hungary  
Italy 
Ireland  
Isle of Man  
Israel  
Jamaica  
Kuwait  
Laos  (for Ursidae only)  
Latvia  
Liechtenstein  
Lithuania  
Luxembourg  
Macau  Malaysia (Peninsular, 
Sabah & Sarawak only)  
Malta  
Monaco  
Montenegro  
Netherlands  
Norway  
Poland  
Portugal  
Puerto Rico  
Qatar  
Reunion  
Saipan  
Serbia  
Seychelles  
Slovakia  
Slovenia  
Republic of  South Africa  
Republic of  South Korea  
Spain  
St Kitt and Nevis  
St Lucia  St Maarten  
St Vincent and the 
Grenadines  
Sweden  
Switzerland (including 
Liechtenstein)  
Taiwan  
Thailand  (for Ursidae 
only)  
Trinidad and Tobago  
United Arab Emirates  
United Kingdom  
USA (including Columbia 
and Northern Mariana 
Islands)  
Uruguay  
Vietnam  (for Ursidae 
only)  
Virgin Islands (USA)