Import Health Standard  
Issued under the Biosecurity Act 1993   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Bovine Germplasm  
BOVIGERM.GEN  
[Document Date]  
 Import Health Standard : Bovine Germplasm   
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TITLE  
Import Health Standard : Bovine Germplasm  
COMMENCEMEN T 
This Import Health Standard  comes into force on  [Effective Date ]  
REVOCATION  
This Import Health Standard revokes and replaces the following:  
a) Bovine Embryos from Approved Countries (BOVEMID.GEN)  
b) Bovine Semen from Approved Countries (BOVSE MID.GEN)  
ISSUING AUTHORITY  
This Import Health Standard  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)  
Agriculture and Investment Services  
Animal Imports  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
 
Email: animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz  
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Contents  Page 
Introduction  3 
Part 1:  Requirements  5 
1.1 Applicatio n 5 
1.2 Incorporation by reference  5 
1.3 Definitions  5 
1.4 Requirements for clearance  5 
1.5 Exporting country systems and certification  6 
1.6 Diagnostic tests, vaccines and treatment  6 
1.7 Semen collection centre requirements  7 
1.8 Donor requirements  7 
1.9 Semen collection, processing, and storage  8 
1.10  Embryo collection, processing and storage  9 
1.11  Transport  10 
1.12  Import permit information  10 
1.13  The documentation that must accompany goods  10 
1.14  Transitional arrangements  11 
Part 2:  Specified Requirements  13 
2.1 Bovine herpes virus 1.1 and 1.2a ( infectious bovine rhinotracheitis/ infectious pustular 
vulvovaginitis, IBR/IPV)  13 
2.2 Bovine herpes virus 5 (BHV5)  13 
2.3 Bovine leukaemia virus ( enzootic bovine leukosis, EBL)  13 
2.4 Bovine viral diarrhoea virus genotype 2 (BVDV2)  14 
2.5 Foot and mouth disease (FMD)  15 
2.6 Lumpy skin disease (LSD)  15 
2.7 Rift Valley fever virus (RVF)  15 
2.8 Brucella melitensis, and Brucella abortus (bovine brucellosis)  16 
2.9 Brucella suis  16 
2.10  Campylobacter fetus  subspecies venerealis  (Cfv) (bovine genital campylobacteriosis, 
BGC)   16 
2.11  Coxiella burnetii  (Q-fever)  17 
2.12  Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjoprajitno (leptospirosis)  17 
2.13  Mycobacterium tuberculosis  (bovine tuberculosis)  17 
2.14  Mycoplasma mycoides  subspecies mycoid es SC  (contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, 
CBPP)   18 
2.15  Mycoplasma bovis  18 
Schedule 1 – Document History  20 
Sche dule 2 – Definitions  21 
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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  bovine semen and bovine 
embryos  into New Zealand . 
The identified  risk organisms associated with bovine semen and bovine emb ryos that are managed by this 
IHS are:  
• Bovine herpes virus  1.1, 1.2a (semen only)  
• Bovine herpes virus 5 (semen only)  
• Bovine leukaemia virus (semen only)  
• Bovine viral diarrhoea virus type 2  
• Foot and mouth disease virus  
• Lumpy skin disease virus  
• Rift V alley fever virus  
• Bovine brucellosis, Brucella abortus, B. melitensis  (semen only)  
• Brucella  suis (semen only)  
• Campylobacter fetus  subspecies venerealis  (semen only)  
• Coxiella burnetii  
• Leptospira  interrogans  serovar hardjoprajitno serovar  
• Mycobacterium bovis  
• Mycoplasma mycoides  subsp. mycoides   
• Mycoplasma bovis  
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 e xporting 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 bovine semen and bovine embryos . 
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 no t comply with the requirements of this IHS Import Health Standard : Bovine Germplasm   
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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 performi ng functions relating to the importation of bovine semen and bovine embryos  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 clear ance must be covered by the importer or 
agent.  
Equivalence  
A 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 associa ted with the 
importation of 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 b e 
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 . 
Inspection  
On arrival, all documentation accompanying the consignment will be verified by an inspector. The 
consignment may also be subject to inspection.  
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 . 
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)  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 containment facility, the EPA must have given 
approval for importation of that organism into containment in accordance with the HSNO Act.  
See guidance document for inspection and verification requirements and for more information about HSNO 
Act requirements.   
Trade Single Window (TSW)  
All goods imported into New Zealand need to be cleared by the New Zealand Customs Service (Customs) 
and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). Th is 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/tr ade-single -window/  Import Health Standard : Bovine Germplasm   
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Part 1:  Requirements  
1.1 Application  
(1) This IHS applies to all imports  of frozen semen and in vivo derived embryos  from the Bovinae  
subfamily from all countries  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: http://www.oie.int/international -
standard -setting/terrestrial -manual/access -online/ . 
b) The OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code  (the Code ), available at the OIE Website: 
http://www.oie.int/international -standard -setting/terrestrial -code/access -online/ . 
c) The International Embryo Transfer Society Man ual (the IETS Manual), available at the IETS 
website: http://www.iets.org/ . 
d) The International Committee for Animal Recording , available at the ICAR website: www.icar.org . 
(2) The followin g 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 declared 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 legal 
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  
 
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) In order to obtain biosecurity clearance, bovine semen  must:  
a) Meet the requirements of clauses 1.4-1.9 and  1.11 of Part 1 : Requirements , and Part 2: Specified 
Requirements ; and  
b) Be imported from a country that a 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, has been 
agreed by a CTO, and details the measures in Part 2 that the importing country wi ll meet; and  
d) Be accompanied by an import permit where required by clause 1.12. Import Health Standard : Bovine Germplasm   
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(2) In order to obtain biosecurity clearance, bovine embryos  must:  
a) Meet the requirements of clauses 1.6, 1.8, and 1.10 -1.11 of Part 1: Requirements , and Part 2: 
Specified R equirements ; and  
b) Be imported from a country that a CTO is satisfied meets the export country systems and 
certification requirements of clause 1.5; and  
c) Be accompanied by a veterinary certificate that meets the requirements of clause 1.13, has been 
agree d by a CTO, and details the measures in Part 2 that the importing country will meet; and  
d) Be accompanied by an import permit where required by clause 1.12. 
1.5 Exporting country systems and certification  
(1) Importers may import bovine semen and bovine embryos  only if a CTO is satisfied, on the basis of 
evidence, that the veterinary services of the exporting country are capable of ensuring that bovine 
semen and bovine embryos  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 
bovine semen and bovine embryos  from that exporting country:  
a) The ability of the exporting country’s Competent Authority to verify the animal health statu s of 
bovine semen and bovine embryos  in the exporting country, zone or compartment, with respect 
to the risk organisms identified in  Part 2 .  
b) The adequacy of the national systems and/or programmes and standards in the exporting 
country for regulatory o versight of the germplasm collection.  
c) The capability of the exporting 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 Vet erinary Services of 
the exporting country are no longer capable of ensuring that bovine semen and bovine embryos  
imported from that country can meet the requirements of this IHS.  
 
Guidance  
• The evidence will be obtained during evaluation of the Veterina ry Services of the Competent 
Authority of the exporting country in accordance with section 3 of the Code . 
• Once a CTO is satisfied with the exporting country’s evidence for exporting systems and 
certification, MPI and the Competent Authority may commence ne gotiation 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 currently approved countries and country -specific veterinary certificates.  
1.6 Diagnostic tests , vaccines and treatment  
(1) All pre -export and/or surveillance testing required by this IHS must be:  
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  to 
export the specified type of germplasm to New Zealand.  
(2) 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 . 
(3) 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 . Import Health Standard : Bovine Germplasm   
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(4) All products and vaccinations required by this IHS to be administered to meet the specific disease 
requirements in Part 2  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  of this IHS . 
(5) All requirements in this IHS for the administration of a vaccine require that either the final dose of a 
primary vaccination course is administered or the recommended booster to complement the prima ry 
course is administered.  
 
Guidance  
• See Guidance Document  for more information about tests and vaccination.  
• MPI’s approval process  for diagnostic tests, treatments and vaccines  includes consultation with 
the MPI Animal Health Laboratory (AHL) and the test must be deemed valid for diagnostic 
purposes in bovines and must be appropriate for surveillance for the identified risk organism.  
1.7 Semen c ollection centre requirements  
(1) Semen c ollection must be carried out in a semen collection cen tre that complies with the 
recommendations for centres in the Code chapter General Hygiene in Semen Collection and 
Processing Centres . 
(2) The semen collection centre must be:  
a) approved for export to New Zealand by the Competent Authority ; 
b) subjected to regular inspection, at least every 12 months, by an Official Veterinarian ; 
c) under the supervision of a semen collection centre  veterinarian . 
(3) Semen donors may be transferred from one approved semen collection centre to another approved 
centre of equal health status without isolation or testing if the Competent Authority of the exporting 
country ensures that all the following requirements are met : 
a) Donors must be examined by the approved semen collection centre veterinarian on the day of 
entry into the centre and show no evidence of infectious disease transmissible in semen .  
b) Transfer is direct . 
c) Donors must  not come into direct or indirect contact with animals of lower health status . 
d) The means of transport must be  disinfected before use.  
1.8 Donor requirements  
(1) Semen donors must meet the requirements in the Code  chapter  Collection and Processing of Bovine, 
Small Ruminant, and Porcine Semen , and any additional requirements in Part 2  of this IHS.  
(2) During the 28 days in which semen donors  are held in pre -entry isolation prior to entering the semen 
collection centre (as prescribed in the Code ), they must not be used for natural mating and must be 
isolat ed from animals not of equivalent health status.  
(3) Embryo donors must meet the recommendations in the Code  chapter Collection and Processing of In 
Vivo Derived Embryos from Livestock and Equids , and any additional requirements in Part 2  of this 
IHS. 
(4) Embryo donors must be resident in the embryo collection herd for at least 28 days prior to embryo 
collection for export to New Zealand. While resident with the collection herd, the herd must not be 
subject to veterinary restrictions for the identified risk organisms managed in Part 2 of this IHS .  
(5) Germplasm d onors that were imported to the exporting country must have lived continuously in 
approved  countries  for at least the 60 days  before germplasm coll ection.  Import Health Standard : Bovine Germplasm   
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(6) On the day of germplasm collection, the embryo collection team veterinarian or semen collection 
centre veterinarian must determine that the donor s are  free from clinical evidence of infectious 
diseases transmissible in germplasm.  
(7) Where a specific requirement of this IHS is met by pre -collection testing, the germplasm donors must 
be isolated from other animals not of equivalent tested health status, from the time of the test  sample  
collection until completion of germplasm collection for export  to Ne w Zealand .  
(8) Where a specific requirement of this IHS for a risk organism is met by monitoring the germplasm 
donor s for clinical signs for a specified time after collection, the germplasm  must be stored for that 
amount of time prior to export.  
 
Guidance  
• See Guidance Document  for the model veterinary certification . 
1.9 Semen collection, processing,  and storage  
(1) Semen collection, processing and storage must comply with the sections relevant for bovine semen in 
the Code chapter  Collection and Processing of Bovine, Small Ruminant, and Porcine Semen , unless 
otherwise stated in Part 2 of this IHS.  
(2) Where Part 2 requires testing within a certain  time period before or after semen collection:  
a) Semen collection may be  a time period of up to 60 consecutive days.  
b) Samples for testing before collection must be obtained within the specified period before the first 
day of the semen collection period.  
c) Tests required after semen collection must have samples collected within the specified period 
after the last day of the semen collection period.  
(3) A cryogenic or cooling agent used in the freezing process, storage and tra nsport must not have been 
used previously in association with any other product of animal origin.  
(4) All straws must be sealed, and clearly and permanently marked to identify the donor and the date(s) of 
freezing.  The markings must conform to international s tandards of the International Committee for 
Animal Recording (ICAR) . If a code is used for this information, its decipher instructions must 
accompany the consignment.  
(5) Semen must  only be stored and transported with germplasm that has been collected and processed in 
accordance with the Code .  
(6) Semen must be held in a storage place approved by the Competent Authority of the exporting country 
until the time of export.  
(7) Subject to (8), semen must only be imported int o New Zealand if the semen is imported directly from 
the country in which it was collected.  
(8) If semen is collected in a country that meets the requirements of 1.5 of this IHS and stored in another 
country that also meets the requirements of 1.5 of this IHS  (country of storage), that semen may be 
imported into New Zealand if the consignment is accompanied by:  
a) A declaration from the Competent Authority of the country of storage that:  
i) identifies the semen from the country of origin as the semen being exporte d to New 
Zealand;  
ii) certifies that the semen has been stored and transported in the country of storage in 
accordance with the requirements of this IHS.  
b) Evidence that the semen meets the rest of the requirements of this IHS in the form of  either :  
i) a veterina ry certificate issued by the Competent Authority of the origin country; or  Import Health Standard : Bovine Germplasm   
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ii) a letter from the Competent Authority of the origin country confirming the semen meets the 
requirements of this IHS and indicating which requirements therein have been fulfilled.    
1.10 Embryo collection, processing and storage  
(1) Embryos must be collected, washed, processed, stored and traceability maintained under the 
supervision of an embryo collection team veterinarian and in accordance with : 
a) the recommendations in the OIE Code  chapter on Collection and Processing of In Vivo Derived 
Embryos from Livestock and Equids ; 
b) the recommendations in the IETS Manual . 
(2) The embryo collection team must operate in accordance with the conditions listed in the OIE Code  
chapter on Collection and P rocessing of In Vivo Derived Embryos  from Livestock and Equids.   
(3) At the time of  embryo collection each embryo must be examined over its entire surface at not less than 
50X magnification and found to have an intact zona pellucida and be free of adherent material.  
(4) Any micro -manipulation that causes a breach of the zona pellucida must be done as per the 
procedures described in the OIE Code  chapter Collection and Processing of Micromanipulated 
Oocytes or Embryos from Livestock and Horses and the IETS Manual .  
(5) All biological products of animal origin used in the media and solutions for collection, processing, 
washing or storage of embry os must be free of pathogenic organisms including pestiviruses  and 
prions . Media and solutions must be sterilised by approved methods according to the IETS Manual  and 
handled in a manner that ensure that sterility is maintained.  
(6) All straws must be sealed,  and clearly and permanently marked to identify the donor and the date(s) of 
freezing.  The markings must conform to international standards of the International Committee for 
Animal Recording (ICAR)  and the IETS Manual . If a code is used for this informati on, its decipher 
instructions must accompany the consignment.  
(7) Embryos must  only be stored and transported with germplasm that has been collected and processed 
in accordance with the OIE Code .  
(8) Embryos  must  only be held in a storage place approved by the Competent Authority of until the time of 
export.  
(9) Subject to (1 0), embryos can only be imported into New Zea land if the embryos are imported directly 
from the country in which they were collected.  
(10) If embryos are collected in a country that meets the requirements of 1.5 of this IHS and stored in 
another country that also meets the requirements of 1.5 of this IHS  (country of storage), those embryos 
may be imported into New Zealand if the consignment is accompanied by:  
a) A declaration from the Competent Authority of the country of storage that:  
i) identifies the embryos from the country of origin as the embryos being exported to New 
Zealand;  
ii) certifies that the embryos have been stored and transported in the country of storage in 
accordance with the requirements of this IHS.  
b) Evidence that the embryos meet the rest of the requirements of this IHS in the form of either:  
i) a veterinary certificate issued by the Competent Authority of the origin country; or  
ii) a letter from the Competent Authority of the origin country confirming the embryos meet 
the requirements of this IHS and indicating which requirements therein have been fulfilled.   Import Health Standard : Bovine Germplasm   
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1.11 Transport  
(1) All transport containers in which germplasm  is transported to New  Zealand must be new or disinfected 
and confirmed empty prior to loading . When a transport container is disinfected, the disinfectant, its 
active chemical and the date of disinfection must be recorded on the veterinary certificate.  
(2) All transport containers in which semen is transported to New Zealand must be sealed, by either the 
semen collection centre veterinarian or an Official Veterinarian, using tamper -evident seals  that are 
positioned to ensure that no germplasm can be added after the transp ort container  has been sealed . 
The seal number must be recorded on the veterinary certificate.   
(3) Where germplasm is transferred from one transport container to another, the date of transfer, 
approved collection centre /herd  or storage facility , reason for t ransfer, and the name of veterinarian 
involved in the transfer must be recorded on the veterinary certificate.  
1.12 Import permit  information  
(1) An import permit under section 24D of the Act  is required prior to the importation of consignments of 
bovine semen and bovine embryos  from all countries . 
 
Guidance  
• Completed applications can be submitted to Animal Imports animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz  
• Application forms can be found on the MPI website at: Permit Application for Importing Semen 
and Embryos  
1.13 The documentatio n 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 1.13 .3 below.  
(2) All documentation that is required by this clause 1.1 3 to accompany bovine se men and bovine 
embryos  must  be: 
a) in English or have an English translation that is clear and legible ; 
b) original . 
(3) Documentation that is in a paper format must be endorsed on every page by the Official Veterinarian 
with their original stamp, signature and date or be endorsed in the space allocated and all pages have 
paper based alternative security features.  
(4) Documentation that is in an electronic format must be transmitted directly from the Competent 
Authority of the exporting country to 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 
Biosecurity Inspector at the airport/port of arrival as early as possible to avoid delays in border 
clearance. The recommended timeframe is at least 3 working days in advance of arrival.  
• A Trade Single Window (TSW) lodgement is required to meet both MPI and Customs 
requirements. For more information about TSW please visit: 
https://www.customs.govt.nz/business/trade -single -window/  Import Health Standard : Bovine Germplasm   
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1.13.1  Import permit  
(1) An import permit (copy acceptable) as required by clause 1.12. 
1.13.2  Veterinary certificate  
(1) A veterinary certificate from the e xporting country’s Competent Authority. The veterinary certificate 
must include the following:  
a) A unique consignment identifier  
b) Species, donor identification, quantity ( of semen/embryos)  
c) Dates of collection  
d) For semen, the name  and address  of the approved semen collection centre, name of the centre’s 
veterinarian, and date of donor entry  
e) For embryos, confirmation of the Competent Authority’s approval of the embryo collection team,  
name of the team’s veterinarian,  and date of entry into and address of the embryo collection 
herd/centre  
f) Name and address of the importer (consignee) and exporter (consignor)  
g) Transport container number seal number and disinfection information  
h) Name, signature and contact details of the Official Veterinarian  
i) A list of all va ccines administered to meet specific disease import requirements, including vaccine 
name, the virus types and strains included in the vaccine (where applicable), and vaccination 
date(s)  
j) Certification and endorsement by the Official Veterinarian that the relevant general requirements 
outlined in Part 1 of this IHS have been met  
k) Certification and endorsement by the Official Veterinarian that the relevant specified 
requirements outlined in Part 2 of this IHS have been met.  
 
Guidance  
• Where equivalent measures h ave 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 ce rtificate 
must accompany the consignment.  
• See Guidance Document  for m ore information about equivalence and country -specific veterinary 
certificates.  
1.13.3  Laboratory reports  
(1) Subject to (3), original laboratory reports; copies of laboratory reports endorsed by the Official 
Veterinarian; or a tabulated summary of laboratory results endorsed by the Official Veterinarian must 
be provided as evidence of all tests required by Part 2  of this IH S.  
(2) Laboratory reports or a tabulated summary must include:  
a) Unique identification for each animal, consistent with the veterinary certificate  
b) Dates of sample collection or vaccination  
c) Test/vaccination type  
d) Test result.  
(3) Notwithstanding  (1), a CTO may determin e that laboratory reports are not required as part of the  
exporting country’s certification process (clause 1.5  of this IHS ).  
1.14 Transitional arrangements  
(1) From [date of final issue ] to [6 months after date of issue ], the requirements of this import standard for 
importing bovine embryos may be met by complying with the re quirements of the Import Health 
Standard for Bovine Embryos from Approved Countries , BOVEMID.GEN  in force immediately before Import Health Standard : Bovine Germplasm   
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the revocation of the Import Health Standard for Bovine Embryos fro m Approved Countries , 
BOVEMID.GEN .  
(2) From [date of final issue ] to [6 months after date of issue ], the requirements of this import standard for 
importing bovine semen may be met by complying with the requirements  of the Import Health Standard 
for Bovine Semen from Approved Countries , BOVSEMID.GEN  in force immediately before the 
revocation of the Import Health Standard for Bovine Semen from Approved Countries , 
BOVSEMID.GEN .  
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Part 2:  Specified Requirements  
2.1 Bovine herpes virus 1. 1 and 1.2a ( infectious bovine 
rhinotracheitis/ infectious pustular vulvovaginitis, IBR/IPV)  
(1) At the time of collection of semen for export to New Zealand, the exporting country must be free from 
BHV 1.1  and BHV 1.2a in accordance with the OIE Code ; or 
(2) The semen collection centre must be maintained free from BHV 1.1  and 1.2a from commencement 
until conclusion of semen collection for export to New Zealand, through compliance with the 
recommendations in the OIE Code  in relation to BHV,  with the following modifications : 
a) Test all cattle prior to pre -entry isolation for antibodies using a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , with 
negative results;   
b) Test all cattle in pre -entry isolation fo r antibodies  using a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , with 
negative results, or where an animal in a group has tested positive re -testing the remaining 
animals, with negative results, not less than 21 d ays after removal of the positive animal;  
c) Thereafter, annually re -test all cattle for antibodies  using a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , with 
negative results; or  
(3) The s emen donor  must be :  
a) held in iso lation for the 30 days following collection ;  
b) tested for BHV 1.1  and 1.2a using a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  at least 21 days after semen 
collection for export to New Zealand, with negative results ; or 
(4) An aliquot of semen from each semen collection for export to New Zealand must be tested for BHV  1.1 
and 1.2a using  a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , with negative results.  
 
Guidance  
• There are no import requirements for embryos.  
2.2 Bovine herpes virus 5 (BHV5)  
(1) The semen donor’s centres of residence must have had no cases of BHV5 (suspected or diagnosed) 
in the year  prior to collection for export to New Zealand .    
 
Guidance  
• There are no import requir ements for embryos.  
2.3 Bovine leukaemia virus (Enzootic Bovine Leukosis, EBL)  
(1) At the time of semen collection for export to New Zealand, the exporting country must be recognised 
by a CTO as free from EBL; or  
(2) The semen donor must be resident at the time of se men collection in a herd certified as free from EBL 
by the Competent Authority; and  
a) If less than two years of age, the semen donor must come from a ‘uterine dam’ that has been 
subjected to serological test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL ; or 
b) The semen donor must originate from a herd certified as free by the Competent Authority; or  
c) The semen donor must be subjected to a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for EBL , with negative 
results, between 30 days before and 30 days after collection of the semen; or  Import Health Standard : Bovine Germplasm   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  14 of 21 
(3) The semen donor must be subjected to a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for EBL on two occasions with 
negative results, the first test being carried out at least 30 days before and the second test at lea st 90 
days after collection of the semen; or   
(4) The semen donor must be subjected to a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for EBL , with negative results, 
between 30 days before and 30 days after collection of the semen; and  
a) the semen donor must pass a breeding soundness exam, including manual rectal palpation or 
visible observation with rectal ultrasound of the seminal vesicles, conducted on the day of 
collection by a collection centre veterinarian; or  
(5) An al iquot of semen from each collection for export to New Zealand must be tested for BLV using  a 
test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , with negative results.   
 
Guidance  
• There are no import requirements for embr yos. 
2.4 Bovine viral diarrhoea virus genotype 2 (BVDV2)  
(1) At the time of germplasm collection for export to New Zealand, the exporting country must be 
recognised by a CTO as free from  BVDV2; or  
(2) Semen:  
a) The semen collection centre must be maintained free from B VDV2 from commencement until 
conclusion of semen collection for export to New Zealand, in accordance  with the 
recommendations in the OIE Code  in relation to BVDV , with the following modifications :   
i) Test all cattle within 30 days prior to pre -entry isolation using  a test listed in MPI-STD-
TVTL  
ii) Test all cattle after 21 days isolation using  a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  
iii) If any animal seroconverts, keep all animals in pre -entry isolation until there is no more 
seroconversion for 3 weeks  
iv) Only approve entry for groups where pre -entry isolation results indicate the absence of 
antigen -positive cattle   
v) Annually re -test seronegative cattle  using  a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL   
vi) For seropositive donors, test semen for BVDV 2 using  a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  with 
negative results, prior to collection for export to New Zealand ; or 
b) An aliquot of semen from each semen collection for export to New Zealand must be  tested for 
BVDV2 using  a test lis ted in MPI-STD-TVTL , with negative results.  
(3) Embryos : 
a) A sample of the unfiltered collection fluid or an embryo from the collection for export to New 
Zealand must be tested for BVDV2 in accordance wit h MPI-STD-TVTL  with negative results; or  
b) The embryo donor must be tested for persistent BVDV2 infection using a test listed in  MPI-STD-
TVTL , with negative results; and the  
i) semen used to produce the embryo must satisfy the requirements of this IHS  
ii) embryo donor must not have been vaccinated against BVDV2 in the last 30 days  
iii) embryo donor must be tested for acute BVDV2  infection in accordance with MPI-STD-
TVTL , with negative results,  in one of the following ways :  
1) using the  antigen capture ELISA  test immediately prior to an isolation period of at 
least 21 days before collec tion for New Zealand. Isolation must exclude cattle that 
were not tested negative for BVDV2 upon entry to the collection herd, and 
throughout isolation the herd showed no clinical signs consistent with BVDV2; or  
2) using the  virus isolation test within 48 ho urs of collection for New Zealand; or  Import Health Standard : Bovine Germplasm   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  15 of 21 
3) serologically tested between 2 weeks and 6 months after collection .    
2.5 Foot and mouth disease (FMD)  
(1) Semen:  
a) The d onor must be  resident for at least the 3 months before the semen collection in a country or 
zone that is free from FMD without vaccination in accordance with the OIE Code ; or 
b) The herd  of origin, semen collection centre, donor animal and semen for export  to New Zealand  
must comply with OIE Code  recommendations for export of bovine semen from countries or 
zones  presenting a risk of FMD; and  
i) Each semen collection, processing and storage facility in the exporting country intended to 
be used during the preparation of an export consignment to New Zealand must be 
approved by a CTO .  
(2) Embryos:  
a) The d onor must be  resident for at least the 3 months before embryo collection in a country or 
zone that is free from FMD without vaccination in accordance with the OIE Code ; or  
b) The herd  of origin, the embryo collection herd where the donors were resident during embryo 
collection, the donor animal and the embryos for export to New Zealand must comply with the 
OIE Code  FMD Article Recommendations for the Importation of In Vivo Derived Embryos of 
Cattle; and  
i) Each embryo collection, processing and storage facility in the expor ting country, intended 
to be used during the preparation of an export consignment to New Zealand, must be 
approved by a CTO.  
 
Guidance  
• The approval will be dependent on the establishment, its location  and operating standards, and 
that the verification systems of the veterinary authority achieve a very high level of risk 
management for FMD. The process for MPI approval may include site inspection. MPI reserves 
the right to supervise collection or requir e any other measures deemed necessary to ensure 
compliance with facility and operating standards upon which the approval is based.  
2.6 Lumpy skin disease (LSD)  
(1) The germplasm d onor must be resident for 6 months prior to germplasm collection in a country or zo ne 
that is free of LSD as defined by the OIE Code ; or 
(2) The germplasm d onor must be resident in an establishment that was free of clinical evidence of LSD 
during a period from at least 6 months prior to commencement, until 28 days after conclusion of 
germpla sm collection for export to New Zealand; or  
(3) An aliquot of semen or a sample of embryos/oocytes, collection fluids and/or washing fluids from each 
germplasm collection for export to New Zealand must be  tested for LSD using  a test listed in MPI-STD-
TVTL  with negative results.  
2.7 Rift Valley fever virus (RVF)  
(1) The d onor must be  resident, for at least the 30 days prior to, and during germplasm collection for 
export to New Zealand in a country or zone that is free from RVF in accordance with the OIE Code ; or 
(2) The d onor must not show any clinical signs of RVF within the period from 14 days prior to and 14 days 
following germplasm collection; and either  Import Health Standard : Bovine Germplasm   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  16 of 21 
a) the donor must be  vaccinated against RVF at least 14 days prior to collection; or  
b) the donor  must be  demonstrated to be seropositive on the day of collection using  a test listed in 
MPI-STD-TVTL ; or 
c) testing of paired samples using  a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  must  demonstrate that 
seroconversion did not occur between germp lasm collection and 14 days after.  
2.8 Brucella melitensis , and Brucella abortus  (bovine brucellosis)  
(1) The s emen d onor must be kept since birth in a country or zone that is free from Brucella in accordance 
with the OIE Code ; or 
(2) The semen collection centre must be maintained free from Brucella from commencement until 
conclusion of semen collection for export to New Zealand, through compliance with the 
recommendations in the OIE Code  in relation to Brucella , with the following modi fications:  
a) The donor must be  from a country , zone , or herd  that is free from Brucella in accordance with the 
OIE Code  or the Competent Authority ; 
b) During the 30 days prior to pre -entry isolation , the donor  must be  tested using  a test listed in 
MPI-STD-TVTL  for Brucella , with negative results;  
c) All cattle in pre -entry isolation must be  tested using  a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for Brucella , 
with negative results;  
d) At least annually all cattle resident in the semen collection centre must be  tested using  a test 
listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for Brucella , with negative results ; or 
(3) The semen collection centre must be maintained free from Brucella from commencement until 
conclusion of semen collection for export to New Zealand, through compliance with the Competent 
Authority’s collection centre testing program in relation to Brucella . 
 
Guidance  
• There are no import requirements for embryos.  
2.9 Brucella suis  
(1) The semen donor must be kept since birth in a country or zone that is recognised by a CTO as free 
from Brucella sui s; or 
(2) The semen collection centre must be maintained free from Brucella suis from commencement until 
conclusion of semen collection for export to New Zealand, through compliance with the Competent 
Authority’s collection centre testing program in relation t o Brucella  suis; or 
(3) The donor must be tested using  a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for Brucella  suis between 2 weeks after 
entry into the collection centre and 90 days after collection, with negative results.  
 
Guidance  
• There are no import requirements for embryos.  
2.10 Campylobacter fetus  subspecies venerealis  (Cfv) (bovine genital 
campylobacteriosis, BGC)  
(1) At the time of collection for New Zealand, t he semen collection centre must have a programme, 
approved by the Competent Authority or aligned with the OIE Code , to prevent Cfv infected animals 
from entering the collection herd, and there must have  been no case of bovine genital 
campylobacteriosis reported in centre in the 1 year prior to  collection ; or Import Health Standard : Bovine Germplasm   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  17 of 21 
(2) A preputial or semen sample from the donor must be tested  for Cvf using a listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  in 
the last 6 months, and all tests conducted in the last 6 months must have been negative.  
 
Guidance  
• There are no import requirements for embryos.  
2.11 Coxiella burnetii  (Q-fever)  
(1) The germ plasm d onor must never have been confirmed positive for Q fever; and either  
a) The d onor must be  subjected to a serological test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for Q fever, on a 
sample collected between 21 and  120 days after each germplasm collection for export to New 
Zealand, with negative results; or  
b) An aliquot of semen or a sample of embryos/oocytes, collection fluids and/or washing fluids from 
each germplasm collection for export to New Zealand must be test ed for Q fever using  a test 
listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , with negative results; or  
c) Within the 6 -month period before or after germplasm collection for New Zealand, but before 
export, the embryo collection herd or semen collection centre herd must be  tested for Q fever, 
using a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , with negative results.  The Q fever test must be:  
i) performed on either the whole herd or a random sample of at least 60 animals (whichever 
is the lesser number); and  
ii) the herd must be  isolated for the period between semen collection and diagnostic 
sampling.  
2.12 Leptospira  interrogans serovar hardjoprajitno  (leptospirosis)  
(1) Antibiotics must be added to germplasm in accordance with MPI-STD-TVTL ; or 
(2) The donor must be serologically tested in accordance with MPI-STD-TVTL . 
2.13 Mycobacterium tuberculosis  (bovine tuberculosis)  
(1) Semen:  
a) At the time of collection for New Zealand, t he semen collection centre must be :  
i) free from bovine tuberculosis in accordance with the OIE Code  or the Competent Authority 
of the exporting country ;  
ii) located in a country or zone that was recognised by a CTO  as free from bovine 
tuberculosis; or  
b) The seme n collection centre must be  maintained free from bovine tuberculosis from 
commencement until conclusion of semen collection for export to New Zealand, in accordance  
with the recommendations in the OIE Code  in relation to bovine tuberculosis;  
i) Prior to pre -entry isolation, donor s must be  from a herd free from bovine tuberculosis, 
either in accordance with the OIE Code  or the Competent Authority of the exporting 
country;  
ii) At least annually all resident cattle must be tested using  a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for 
bovine tuberculosis, with negative results . 
(2) Embryos:  
a) There must not have been any  clinical signs of bovine tuberculosis observed in the embryo 
collection herd during the 24 hours prior to embryo collection for export to New Zealand;  Import Health Standard : Bovine Germplasm   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  18 of 21 
b) The donor must be  from an embryo collection herd that was free from bovine tuberculosis at the 
time of collection for export to New Zealand in accordance with the OIE Code  or the Competent 
Authority of the exporting country; and the donor must be : 
i) from a country or zone recognised by a CTO  as free from bovine tuberculosis; or  
ii) subjected to a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for bovine tuberculosis during the period 
between 30 days prior to and 12 months after embryo collection for export to New 
Zealand, with negative results.  
2.14 Mycoplasma mycoides  subspecies mycoides SC  (contagious 
bovine pleuropneumonia, CBPP)  
(1) The germplasm donor must be  born in and have been continuously resident in a country that is 
recognised by a CTO as free from CBPP ; or 
(2) The germplasm donor must : 
a) never have been vaccinated for CBPP  
b) be kept since birth, or for at least the 6 months prior to commencement until conclusion of 
germplasm collection for export to New Zealand in establishments where no case of CBPP has 
been reported, and which are not situated in a CBPP infected zone, as defined  by the OIE Code  
c) be serologically tested for CBPP, using a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  on two occasions 21 to 30 
days apart, with the last test within 14 days prior to germplasm collection for export to New 
Zealand, with negative results.  
2.15 Mycoplasma bovis   
(1) Semen:  
a) Collection and processing of the semen must be in accordance with the recomme ndations of the 
OIE Code , with the following modifications :  
i) The raw/neat semen  for export to New Zealand must have one of the following 
combinations added to it at the specified dose per mL of neat/raw semen :  
1) gentamicin ( 575 µg), tylosin ( 115 µg), lincomycin –spectinomycin (3 45/690 µg) 
(GTLS); or  
2) another MPI approved antibiotic combination, listed in MPI-STD-TVTL ;  
ii) The a ntibiotics must be  either:  
1) prepared and stored as separate stock sol utions as described by the manufacturer 
to maintain potency; or 
2) premixed and used as indicated by the manufacturer to maintain potency;  
iii) The semen and antibiotic  solution  must not be further diluted for at least 4 minutes ;  
iv) The semen must remain a t no less than 5°C for a minimum of 2 hours before being frozen 
in the antibiotic solution; or  
b) The s emen must be subjected to a nother MPI approved method of processing , listed in MPI-
STD-TVTL ; or 
c) The semen do nor must be subjected to a test for M. bovis listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , with negative 
results; or  
d) Each semen collection for export to New Zealand must be tested using  a validated PCR test for 
M. bovis  listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , with negative results.  
 
(2) Embryos:  Import Health Standard : Bovine Germplasm   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  19 of 21 
a) Collection and processing of the embry os must be in accordance with the recommendations of 
the OIE Code , with the following modification :  
i) The embryos must be  subjected to the protocol described in the IETS Manual : tylosin (200 
µg/mL) incubation at 37°C in the antibiotic treatment for a minimu m of 4 hours after being 
washed 10 times; or  
b) The e mbryos m ust be subjected to a nother MPI approved method of processing , listed in MPI-
STD-TVTL ; or 
c) The embryo donor must be subjected to a test  for M. bovis listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , with 
negative results; or  
d) Each embryo collection for export to New Zealand must be tested using  a validated test for M. 
bovis  listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , with negative results.  
 Import Health Standard : Bovine Germplasm   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  20 of 21 
Schedule  1 – Document History  
Date First Issued  Title Shortcode  
TBA Import Health Standard: Bovine Germplasm  BOVIGERM.GEN  
Date of Issued Amendments  Title Shortcode  
30 September 2020   
(Provisional Issue)  Import Health Standard: Bovine Germplasm  BOVIGERM.GEN  
15 March 2021  
(Internal Consultation)  Import Health Standard: Bovine Germplasm  BOVIGERM.GEN  
 Import Health Standard : Bovine Germplasm   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  21 of 21 
Schedule 2 – Definitions  
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 and recommendations in the Code  in the whole 
territory.  
Donor  
Female animal from which embryos were collected, or male animal from which semen was collected.  
Director -General  
The chief executive of the Ministry for Primary Industries.  
Germplasm  
Semen or embryos collected from animals that are eligible for importation under this import health standard.  
IETS  
International Embryo Transfer Society.  
IETS Manual  
Manual for embryo collection, processing  and transfer as written by the IETS. Any references to this Manual 
are to the most current version.  
In Vivo  Derived Embryos  
Embryos recovered after fertilisation  in the reproductive tract of the female donor.  
MPI 
Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zea land.  
Official 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 certif y in conformity with the provisions of the OIE Code  Chapter for certification procedures.  
OIE 
The World Organisation for Animal Health.  
The Code  
The OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code as found on the OIE website.  
The Manual  
The World Organisation for Anim al Health (OIE) Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial 
Animals.  
Veterinary Certificate  
A certificate, issued in conformity with the provisions of the Code  Chapter for certification procedures, 
describing the animal health and/or public hea lth requirements which are fulfilled by the exported 
commodities.