Guidance Document  
 
A guidance document issued by the Ministry for Primary Industries  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Bovine Germplasm  
BOVIGERM.GEN  
[Document Date]  
 Guidance Document : Bovine Germplasm  
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industrie s Page  1 of 16 
 
 
 Title 
Guidance Document : Bovine Germplasm . 
About this document  
This guidance document contains information about acceptable ways of ensuring compliance with the 
requirements in t he Import Health Standard ( IHS): Bovine Germplasm . 
Any guidance on how to comply with the applicable requirements may not be the only way to achieve 
compliance. Stakeholders are encouraged to discuss departures from the approaches outlined in this 
guidance document with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to avoid expending resources on the 
development of alternative approaches which may later be considered unsuitable.  
The term “must” is not typically used in guidance. In this particular document if the term “must” is used, it is 
used in the context of quoting or paraphrasing the requirements set out in the related IHS: Bovine 
Germplasm . 
Related Requirements  
Import Health Standard : Bovine Germplasm  
Document  history  
Refer to Appendix 1.  
Contact Details  
For further information and questions about this guidance document, please contact:  
 
Ministry for Primary Industries  
Agriculture and Investment Services   
Animal Imports  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
Email: animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz  
Disclaimer  
This guidance does not constitute, and should not be regarded as, legal advice . While every effort has been 
made to ensure the information in this guidance is accurate, the Ministry for Primary Industries does not accept 
any responsibility or liability whatsoever for any error of fact, omission, interpretation or opinion that may be 
present, however it may have occurred.  
Copyright  
Crown copyright ©. This copyright work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 New Zealand 
licence. In essence, you are free to copy, distribute and adapt the work, as long as you attribu te the work to the Ministry for Primary 
Industries and abide by the other licence terms. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/nz/ . 
Please note that n o governmental emblem, logo or Coat of Arms may be used in any way which infringes any provision of the Flags, 
Emblems, and Names Protection Act 1981 or would infringe such provision if the relevant use occurred within New Zealand. 
Attribution to the Minis try for Primary Industries should be in written form and not by reproduction of any such emblem, logo or Coat of 
Arms.  
Guidance Document : Bovine Germplasm  
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 Contents  Page 
1 Purpose  3 
2 Background  3 
3 Definitions  3 
4 Importer Responsib ilities  3 
5 Guidance  3 
5.1 Import Permit  3 
5.2 Equivalence  4 
5.1 Genetically modified (GM) and new organisms  4 
5.3 Incorporation of m aterial by reference  4 
5.4 Harmonised system (HS) codes  4 
5.5 Exporting country systems and certification  5 
5.6 Diagnostic tests, vaccines and treatment  6 
5.7 Inspection and verification  6 
6 Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  7 
6.1 Model veterinary certificate  7 
Appendix 1 – Document History  16 
 
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 1 Purpose  
(1) This guidance document has been issued to accompany the IHS: Bovine Germplasm . This guidance 
document should be read in conjunction with that IHS.  
(2) This document includes:  
a) Countries with MPI -approved exporting systems to import  bovine semen and bovine em bryos  
into New Zealand.  
b) A model veterinary certificate.  
c) Links to n egotiated country specific veterinary certificates.  
2 Background  
(1) The IHS: Bovine Germplasm , which this guidance document accompanies, contains generic import 
requirements. These are the rules to manage the biosecurity risk of importing  bovine semen and 
bovine embryos  from all countries that can meet the requirements of the IHS and in doing so meet 
New Zealand’s appropriate level of protection. The generic IHS serves as the basis for cou ntry-to-
country (bilateral) negotiations. This guidance document contains a model veterinary certificate and the 
bilaterally -agreed veterinary certification for trade in  bovine semen and bovine embryos . This country -
specific veterinary certificate repres ents what will be certified prior to exporting consignments of  bovine 
semen and bovine embryos  from the country specified.  
(2) General information about importing semen and embryos can be found here: 
http://mpi.govt.nz/importing/live -animals/semen -and-embryos/ . 
3 Definitions  
(1) Refer to Schedule 2 of the IHS: Bovine Germplasm . 
4 Importer Responsibilities  
(1) The costs to MPI in performing functions relating to the importation of  bovine semen  and bovine 
embryos  will be recovered in accordance with the Biosecurity Act 1993 (the Act) and any regulations 
made under that Act. All costs involved with documentation, transport, storage and obtaining a 
biosecurity clearance must be covered by the im porter or agent.  
(2) Consignments that do not comply with the requirements of the IHS may be re -shipped  or destroyed 
using an MPI -approved destruction method .  
(3) There are reporting obligations for owners of imported semen and embryos from ruminants under the 
Biosecurity (Imported Animals, Embryos, and Semen Information) Regulations 1999.  
a) www.mpi.govt.nz/importing/live -animals /farm -animals/reporting -obligations -for-owners -of-
imported -ruminant -animals/  
5 Guidance  
5.1 Import Permit  
(1) An import permit (copy acceptable) is required for all consignments of bovine semen and bovine 
embryos.  
(2) Completed applications can be submitted to Animal I mports animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz . 
(3) Application forms can be found on the MPI website at: Application form Semen and Embryos . Guidance Document : Bovine Germplasm  
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 (4) The import  permit will provide  specific notes in the special conditions section if equiv alence decisions 
are granted . 
5.2 Equivalence  
(1) MPI may accept an alternative method, system or process that can be shown to achieve the 
biosecurity requirements of the IHS (i.e. equivalence).  
(2) 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 . 
5.1 Genetically modified (GM) and new organisms  
(1) Under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996, a GM organism is 
considered a new organism.  
(2) GM organisms are organisms  whose genes or other genetic material have been modified by in vitro 
techniques.  
(3) Organisms that result solely from ar tificial insemination, superovulation, embryo transfer, or embryo 
splitting are not considered to be GM organisms.  
(4) For more information please visit: https://www.epa.govt.nz/industry -areas/new -organisms/rules -fornew -
organisms/.  
(5) Bovinae species that are no t already present in New Zealand also require HSNO approval, which must 
be presented to MPI at the time of application for an import permit.  
5.3 Incorporation of material by reference  
(1) Incorporation by reference means that standards, guidelines or lists are incorporated into the IHS and 
they form part of the requirements. This is done because technical documents are too large or 
impractical to include in the IHS.  
(2) Where the IHS states that section 142O(1) of the Act does not apply, this means that importers ne ed to 
refer to the most recent version of any standards, guidelines or lists that are incorporated by reference 
in the IHS.  
5.4 Harmonised system (HS) codes  
(1) The harmonised system is an international product numbering classification developed by the World 
Custo ms Organisation (WCO). The New Zealand harmonised system is found here: 
http://aria.stats.govt.nz/aria/  
(2) Animal products imported using the IHS will be under one of the following HS Codes:  
 
HS Code  Commodity D escription  
051110 10 Bovine semen  
05119991  Bovine embryos  Guidance Document : Bovine Germplasm  
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 5.5 Exporting country systems and certification  
5.5.1 Approval for exporting systems  
(1) The table below lists those exporting countries whose exporting systems and certification have already 
been approved.  
 
Countries with approved 
exporting systems  Date approved  
Australia  2013  
Canada  2012  
European Union  2012  
Norway  2016  
Switzerland  2016  
United States of America  2013  
(2) MPI recommends Competent Authorities that request the approval of their exporting systems refer to 
Section 3 of the Code  titled Quality of Veterinary Services , to prepare evidence for MPI regarding 
capabilities and preferences of the exporting country’s Co mpetent Authority.  
(3) The import risk analysis work has already been done for all countries: 
www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/2830/send  
5.5.2 Agreed country specific veterinary certificates  
(1) Requests from expor ting countries to negotiate veterinary certification for the import of  bovine semen 
and bovine embryos  into New Zealand will be prioritised according to MPI resources available at the 
time of application.  
(2) A model veterinary certificate is provided in this guidance document and can be used by the 
Competent Authority as a reference for country -specific veterinary certificate negotiation.  
(3) All country -specific veterinary certificates agreed under BOV IGERM.GEN  between an exporting 
country’s Competent Author ity and MPI are included in the table below:  
For semen:  
 
Country  Link to certificate  S27 CTO direction 
#  Date agreed  Date applicable 
for use  
     
For embryos:  
 
Country  Link to certificate  S27 CTO direction 
#  Date agreed  Date applicable 
for use  
     
(4) Country -specific veterinary certificates with equivalent measures will be recorded with a number 
relevant to a Chief Technical Officer (CTO) direction under section 27(1)d(iii) of the Act, to enable 
border staff to clear the goods and record the number in the MPI database. Using the measures before 
a new country -specific veterinary certificate is agreed can create challenges at the time of biosecurity 
clearance. MPI should be notified prior to their use in order to provide clarification to border staff.  
(5) When a newly negotiated country -specific veterinary certificate replaces one which is currently in use, 
the application of new import conditions will apply according to the dates listed in the table. MPI will Guidance Document : Bovine Germplasm  
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 advise the exporting country when the p revious vet erinary certificates for that country can no longer be 
used.  
5.6 Diagnostic tests , vaccines and treatment  
(1) MPI’s approval process includes consultation with the MPI Animal Health Laboratory (AHL) and the 
test must be deemed valid for diagnostic purposes in bovi nes. 
(2) MPI lists all approved diagnostic tests and vaccines in the MPI document: Approved Diagnostic Tests, 
Vaccines, Treatments and Post -Arrival Testing Laboratories for Animal Import Health Standards  
(MPI-STD-TVTL ). 
(3) Where OIE recommended diagnostic tests and vaccines are listed, details can be found in the OIE 
Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines  found on the OIE website: http://www.oie.int/en/international -
standard -setting/terrestrial -manual/access -online/  
(4) The OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code  chapter listing the prescribed and alternative diagnostic tests 
for OIE listed diseases is found on the OIE website: 
http://www.oie.int/index.php?id=169&L=0&htmfile=chapitr e_1.1.3.htm  
5.7 Inspection and verification  
(1) On arrival, all documentation accompanying the consignment will be verified by an inspector. The 
inspector may also inspect the consignment, or a sample of the consignment on arrival.  
(2) Inspectors are able to inspect a nd verify due to their authorised powers under the Act.  
(3) These requirements are independent of the IHS requirements.  
(4) A 12 month trial for physical verification of germplasm will begin on 1 March 2020. Of the 
consignments of frozen germplasm being imported i nto NZ, MPI will randomly select 10% for 
inspection.  
(5) For more information visit: www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/37973 -inspection -of-frozen -germplasm -pdf 
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 6 Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  
6.1 Model veterinary certificate  
(1) Below is a model veterinary certificate for trade in  bovine semen and bovine embryos . This model 
meets the requirements of the IHS.   
 
Part 1: Details of dispatched consignment  1.1.  Consignor (Exporter):  
Name:  
Address:  
 1.2.  Certificate reference number:  
 
1.3.  Competent Authority:  
 
1.4.  Consignee (Importer):  
Name:  
Address:  
 
 
1.5.  Country of origin:  
ISO Code*  1.6.  Zone or compartment of origin:**  
 
1.7.  Country of destination :  
ISO Code*  1.8.  Zone o r compartment of destination:**  
1.9.  Place of origin:  
Name:  
Address:  
1.10.  Place of shipment:  1.11.  Date of departure:  
1.12.  Means of transport:  
 
    Aeroplane           Ship  
 
Identification:  
 1.13.  Expected border post:  
1.14.  CITES permit No(s):**  
1.15.  Description of commodity:  
 1.16.  Commodity Code (ISO Code*):  
1.17.  Total number of:  
1.18.  Temperature of commodities for transport:  
 1.19.  Total number of packages:  
1.20.  Identification of container/serial number:  
 1.21.  Type of packaging:  
1.22.   Identification of commodity:  
 
* Optional  
** If referenced in Part 2  
 
 
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                                                                                      Part II: Detail  of donors  Embryo donor  information  
Donor 
identification  Date/s of collection  Breed  Date of Birth  Country of Birth  Name of Owner  Address of 
Owner  
       
       
Semen donor informat ion  
Donor 
identification  Date/s of 
collection  Straw  identification  Number of  
Straws  Date of entry into semen 
collection facility  Name of semen 
collection facility  Address of semen 
collection facility  Semen collection 
facility approval 
number  Date of last 
inspection of 
semen facility  
         
         
Test information  
(Note that this information is to be amended as appropriate to the exporting country)  
 
 <Disease name>  <Disease name>  <Disease name>  <Disease name>  <Disease name>  <Disease name>  <Disease name>  
Donor 
identification  
Test 
sampling 
date 
Test type  
Result  
Test 
sampling 
date 
Test type  
Result  
Test 
sampling 
date 
Test type  
Result  
Test 
sampling 
date 
Test type  
Result  
Test 
sampling 
date 
Test type  
Result  
Test 
sampling 
date 
Test type  
Result  
Test 
sampling 
date 
Test type  
Result  
                      
Other information  
<disease name> Vaccine  Name of the 
vaccine  
Inactivated 
or modified 
live virus  
Virus types 
and strains  
   
 
 
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Part 2:  Veterinary Information  Country:  Certificate reference number:  
I, the undersigned Official Veterinarian, certify that the product  described above satisfy the following requirements:   
Part 1:  Requirements  
Eligibility  
 
(1) Frozen semen from the Bovinae subfamily; or  
(2) In vivo  derived embryos from the Bovinae subfamily.  
 
Requirements for clearance  
(3) In order to obtain biosecurity clearance, bovine germplasm  must:  
a) meet the requirements of and be accompanied by this certificate;  
b) be accompanied by an import perm it. 
 
Diagnostic tests, vaccines and treatment  
 
(4) All pre -export and/or surveillance testing 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.  
(5) All laboratory samples 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 . 
(6) All diagnostic test(s) and vaccines must be those that have been approved by MPI for that purpose and 
documented in MPI-STD-TVTL . 
(7) All products and vaccinations must  meet the specific disease requirements in Part 2: Specified Requirements 
must have been administ ered according to the manufacturer’s instruction . 
(8) All requirements 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.  
(9) Where products been administered, the product name, manufacturer, active ingredients (where applicable), and 
the dose and date of the treatment must be recorded on the veterinary certificate.  
(10) Where vaccines have been administered, all vaccine names, whether they are inactivated or modified live virus, 
and the virus types and strains included in the vaccine must be recorded on the veterinary certificate.  
 
Semen collection centre requirements  
 
(11) Semen collection must be carried out in a semen collection centre that complies with the recommendations for 
centres in the Code  chapter General Hygiene in Semen Collection and Processing Centres . 
(12) The semen collection centre must be:  
a) approved for export 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 approved by the Competent Authority.  
(13) The name and approval number of the semen  collection centre must be recorded on the veterinary certificate.  
(14) Semen donors may be transferred from one approved semen collection centre to another approved centre of 
equal health status without isolation or testing if the Competent Authority ensures t hat all of the following 
requirements are met:  
a) Donors have been 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  are protected from insect attack during transit.  
d) Donors do not come into direct or indirect contact with animals of lower health status.  
e) The means of transport is disinfected before use.  
Donor requirements  
 
(15) Semen donors must meet the requirements in the Code  chapter Collection and Processing of Bovine, Small 
Ruminant, and Porcine Semen , and any additional requirements in Part 2: Specified Requirements .  
(16) 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 isolated from animals 
not of equivalent health status.  Guidance Document : Bovine Germplasm  
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 (17) 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: Specified Requirements 
for Identified Risk Organisms of this IHS.  
(18) 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 or ganisms managed in Part 2 of this IHS.  
(19) During the 28 days in which embryo donors are resident with the embryo collection herd, they must be isolated 
from animals not of equivalent health status.  
(20) Germplasm donors that were imported to the exporting countr y must have lived continuously in an approved 
countries for at least the 60 days before germplasm collection.  
(21) On the day of germplasm collection, the embryo collection team veterinarian or semen collection centre 
veterinarian must determine that the donor is free from clinical evidence of infectious diseases transmissible in 
germplasm.  
(22) Where a specific requirement of this IHS for a risk organism is met by pre -collection testing, the germplasm 
donors must be isolated from other animals not of equivalent tes ted health status, from the time of the test 
sample collection until completion of germplasm collection for export.  
(23) Where a specific requirement of this IHS for a risk organism is met by monitoring the germplasm donors for 
clinical signs for a specified t ime after collection, the germplasm must be stored for that a mount of time prior to 
export.  
 
Semen collection, processing and storage  
 
(24) Semen collection, processing and storage must comply with the sections relevant for bovine semen in the Code 
chapter Col lection and Processing of Bovine, Small Ruminant, and Porcine Semen.  
(25) 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 per iod.  
(26) A cryogenic or cooling agent used in the freezing process, storage and transport must not have been used 
previously in association with any other product of animal origin.  
(27) All straws must be sealed, and clearly and permanently marked to identify the  donor and the date(s) of freezing. 
The markings must conform to international standards of the International Committee for Animal Recording 
(ICAR). If a code is used for this information, its decipher instructions must accompany the consignment.  
(28) Semen may  only be stored with germplasm that has been collected and processed in accordance with the 
Code .  
(29) Semen must be held in a storage place approved by the Competent Authority of the exporting country until the 
time of export.  
(30) Subject to (30 ), semen may only  be imported into New Zealand if the semen is imported directly from the 
country in which it was collected.  
(31) If semen is collected in a country that meets the requirements of 1.5 and stored in another country (exporting 
country) that meets the requirements  of 1.5, that semen may be imported into New Zealand if the consignment 
is accompanied by:  
a) A declaration from the Competent Authority of the exporting country identifying the semen from the origin 
country as the semen being exported to New Zealand;   
b) A veterinary certificate from the Competent Authority of the exporting country that certifies that the 
semen has been stored and transported in the exporting country in accordance with the requirements of 
this IHS;  
c) Evidence that the semen was collected, proce ssed, and stored in the origin country in accordance with 
the requirements of this IHS in the form of either:  
i. A veterinary certificate issued by the Competent Authority of the origin country certifying that the 
semen meets the requirements of this IHS; or   
ii. A letter from the Competent Authority of the origin country confirming the semen meets the 
requirements of this IHS and indicating which requirements therein have been fulfilled.  
Embryo collection, processing and storage  
 
(32) Embryos must be collected, washed, processed, stored and traceability maintained under the supervision of an 
embryo collection team veterinarian and in accordance with the recommendations in the OIE Code  chapter on 
Collection and Processing of In Vivo  Derived Embryos from Livestock and Equids.  
(33) The embryo collection team must operate in accordance with the conditions listed in the OIE Code  chapter on 
Collection and Processing of In Vivo  Derived Embryos from Livestock and Equids.   
(34) Embryos must be collected, washed, processed, stored and traceability maintained under conditions that 
comply with the recommendations in the IETS Manual .  Guidance Document : Bovine Germplasm  
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 (35) At the time of embryo collection each embryo must be examined over its entire surface at not less than 50X 
magnification and fo und to have an intact zona pellucida and be free of adherent material.  
(36) 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 Oocy tes or Embryos from 
Livestock and Horses and the IETS Manual .  
(37) All biological products of animal origin used in the media and solutions for collection, processing, washing or 
storage of embryos must be free of pathogenic organisms including pestiviruses an d 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.  
(38) 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 information, its decipher instructions must accompany 
the consignment.  
(39) Embryos may only be stored with germplasm that has been collected and processed in accordance with the 
OIE Code .  
(40) Embryos must only be held in a storage place approved by the Competent Authority of the exporting country 
until the time of export.  
(41) Subject to ( 41), embryos can only be imported into New Zealand if the embryos are imported directly from the 
country in which they were collected.  
(42) If embryos are collected in a country that meets the requirements of clause 1.5 and stored in another approved 
country ( exporting country), those embryos may be imported into New Zealand if the consignment is 
accompanied by:  
a) A declaration from the Competent Authority of the exporting country identifying the embryos from the 
origin country as the embryos being exported to N ew Zealand;   
b) A veterinary certificate from the Competent Authority of the exporting country that certifies that the 
embryos have been stored and transported in the exporting country in accordance with the requirements 
of this IHS;  
c) Evidence that the embry os were collected, processed, and stored in the origin country in accordance 
with the requirements of this IHS in the form of either:  
i. A veterinary certificate issued by the Competent Authority of the origin country certifying that the 
embryos meet the req uirements of this IHS; 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.  
Transport  
 
(43) All transport containers in which germplasm is transported to New Zealand must be new or disinfected and 
must be free of contamination. When a transport container is disinfected, the disinfectant, its active chemical 
and the date of disinfection must be recorded on the veterinary certifica te. 
(44) The container must only be filled with fresh (previously unused) liquid nitrogen.  
(45) 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, usin g tamper -evident seals that are positioned to 
ensure that no germplasm can be added after the transport container has been sealed. The seal number must 
be recorded on the veterinary certificate.   
(46) Where semen is transferred from one transport container to another, the date of transfer, approved collection 
centre, reason for transfer, and the name of veterinarian involved in the transfer must be recorded on the 
veterinary certificate.  
 
Part 2:  Specified Requirements  
(47) Subject to clause (2), bovine semen and b ovine embryos must comply with every OIE Code  recommendation 
relating to the risk organisms specified in this Part.  
(48) Bovine semen and bovine embryos must comply with the following measures for the risk organisms specified in 
this Part.  
 
Bovine herpes virus 1.1, 1.2a, and 5 (Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis/Infe ctious Pustular Vulvovaginitis, 
IBR/IPV)  
 
(49) At the time of collection of semen for export to New Zealand, the exporting country must be free from BHV 1.1, 
BHV 1.2a and BHV5 in accordance with the OIE Code ; or 
(50) The semen collection centre must be maintained free from BHV 1.1, 1.2a, and 5 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, and:   
a) The centre must:  Guidance Document : Bovine Germplasm  
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 i. Test all cattle prior to pre -entry isolation for antibodies using a test listed in MPI-STD TVTL , with 
negative results;   
ii. Test all cattle in pre -entry isolation for antibodies, with negative results, or where an animal in a 
group has test ed positive re -testing the remaining animals, with negative results, not less than 
21 days after removal of the positive animal; and  
iii. Thereafter, annually re -test all donors for antibodies, with negative results; or  
(51) The semen donor must be:  
a) held in isolat ion for the 30 days following collection;  
b) tested for BHV 1.1, 1.2a, and 5 using a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  at least 21 days after semen 
collection for export to New Zealand, with negative results; or  
(52) An aliquot of semen from each semen collection for e xport to New Zealand must be tested for BHV1.1, 1.2a, 
and 5 with a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , with negative results.  
Note: there are no import requirements for embryos.  
 
Bovine leukaemia virus (Enzootic Bovine Leukosis, EBL)  
 
(53) The semen donor must be resident at the time of semen collection in an EBL -free herd in accordance with the 
OIE Code ; and  
a) if less than two years of age, the semen donor  must come from a serologically negative ‘uterine’ dam; or  
b) the semen donor  must be subj ected to a test listed in MPI -STD-TVTL for EBL on blood samples on two 
occasions with negative results, the first test being carried out at least 30 days before and the second 
test at least 90 days after collection of the semen; or  
(54) An aliquot of semen from  each collection for export to New Zealand must be tested for BLV with a test listed in 
MPI-STD-TVTL, with negative results.  
Note: there are no import requirements for embryos.  
 
Bovine viral diarrhoea virus genotype 2 (BVDV2)  
 
(55) At the time of germplasm col lection for export to New Zealand, the exporting country must be recognised by the 
CTO as free from BVDV2; or  
 
Semen : 
(56) The semen collection centre must be maintained free from BVDV2 from commencement until conclusion of 
semen collection for export to New Zealand, through compliance with the recommendations in th e OIE Code  in 
relation to BVDV2;   
a) The collection centre must:  
i. Test all cattle within 30 days prior to pre -entry isolation with a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL ;  
ii. Test all cattle after 21 days isolati on with 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. Thereafter, annually re -test seronegative cattle;  
vi. For seropositive donors, test semen for BVDV with a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  with negative 
results, prior to use of that animal as a semen donor; or  
(57) An aliquot of semen from each seme n collection for export to New Zealand must be tested for BVDV2 with a 
test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , with negative results.  
 
Embryos:  
 
(58) The embryo donor must be tested for BVDV2:  
a) between 28 -14 days prior to collection with a test listed in MPI -STD-TVTL;  
b) isolated from untested cattle between the test date and embryo collection; or  
(59) A pooled sample of embryos/oocytes, collection fluids and/or washing fluids from each embryo collection for 
export to New Zealand must be tested for BVDV2 with a test listed in M PI STD TVTL, with negative results.  
 
Foot and mouth disease (FMD)  
 
Semen:  Guidance Document : Bovine Germplasm  
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industrie s Page  13 of 16 
 
 
  
(60) The donor must be resident for at least the 3 months before semen collection in a country or zone that is free 
from FMD without vaccination in accordance with the OIE Code ; or 
(61) The herd of origin, semen collection centre, donor animal and semen for export must comply with OIE Code  
recommendations for export of bovine semen from countries or zones presenting a risk of FMD; and  
a) Each semen collection, processing and storage facilit y in the exporting country intended to be used 
during the preparation of an export consignment to New Zealand has been approved by MPI.   
Embryos:  
 
(62) The donor 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  
(63) The herd of origin, embryo collection herd where the donors were resident duri ng embryo collection, donor 
animal and embryos for export must comply with the OIE Code  FMD Article Recommendations for the 
Importation of In Vivo Derived Embryos of Cattle ; and  
a) Each embryo collection, processing and storage facility in the exporting count ry, intended to be used 
during the preparation of an exp ort consignment to New Zealand has been approved by MPI .  
Lumpy skin disease (LSD)  
 
(64) The germplasm donor must be resident for 6 months prior to germplasm collection in a country or zone that is 
free o f LSD as defined by the OIE Code ; or 
(65) The germplasm donor must be resident in an establishment that was free of clinical evidence of LSD during a 
period from at least 6 months prior to commencement, until 28 days after conclusion of germplasm collection for  
export to New Zealand; or  
(66) An aliquot of semen or a sample of embryos/oocytes, collection fluids and/or washing fluids from each 
germplasm collection for export to New Zealand must be tested for LSD with a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  with 
negative results.  
 
Rift Valley fever virus (RVF)  
 
(67) The donor 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 
(68) The donor showed no si gn of RVF within the period from 14 days prior to and 14 days following germplasm 
collection; and either  
a) the donor must be vaccinated against RVF at least 14 days prior to collection; or  
b) the donor must be demonstrated to be seropositive on the day of collection with a test listed in MPI STD -
TVTL ; or 
c) testing of paired samples with a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  must demonstrate that seroconversion did 
not occur between germplasm collection a nd 14 days after.  
Brucella suis, Brucella melitensis , and Brucella  abortus  (bovine brucellosis)  
 
(69) The semen donor must be kept since birth in a country or zone that is free from Brucella  in accordance with the 
OIE Code ; or 
(70) 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 . The centre must require that:  
a) Prior to pre -entry isolation the donors must be either from a country or zone that is free from Brucella  in 
accordance with the OIE Code  or must be from a herd officially free from Brucella ; 
b) During the 30 days prior to pre -entry isolation, donors must be t ested with a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  
for Brucella , with negative results;  
c) All cattle in pre -entry isolation must be tested with a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for Brucella , with 
negative results;  
d) At least annually all cattle resident in the semen collec tion centre must be tested with a test listed in MPI-
STD-TVTL  for Brucella , with negative results.  
Note: there are no import requirements for embryos.  
 
Campylobacter fetus  subspecies venerealis  (bovine genital campylobacteriosis, BGC)  
 
(71) The semen donor must  never have been used for natural service; or  
a) must have only been mated virgin heifers.  
(72) After a minimum of 7 days in pre -entry isolation, the semen donor must undergo testing for Campylobacter 
fetus subspecies  venerealis as follows:  
a) Animals less than six m onths old or kept since that age only in a single sex group prior to pre -entry 
isolation must be tested with test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , once on a preputial specimen, with a negative 
result.  Guidance Document : Bovine Germplasm  
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industrie s Page  14 of 16 
 
 
 b) Animals aged six months or older that could have had contact wit h females prior to pre -entry isolation 
must be tested with an approved test three times at weekly intervals on preputial specimens, with a 
negative result in each case.  
c) Annual testing:  
i. A preputial specimen/s from donor bulls and any in -contact animals on semen production must be 
tested with an approved test or culture.  
ii. Bulls returning to collection after a lay -off of more than six months must be tested not more than 30 
days prior to resuming production.  
Note: there are no import requirements for embryos.  
 
Coxiella burnetii  (Q-fever)  
 
(73) The germplasm donor must never have been confirmed positive for Q fever; and either  
a) The donor must be subjected to a serological test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for Q fever, on a sample 
collected between 21 and 120 days after each  germplasm collection for export to New Zealand, with 
negative results; or  
b) An aliquot of semen or a sample of embryos/oocytes, collection fluids and/or washing fluids from each 
germplasm collection for export to New Zealand must be tested for Q fever with a test listed in MPI -STD-
TVTL , with negative results; or  
c) Within the 6 month period before or after germplasm collection for New Zealand, but before export, the 
embryo collection herd or semen collection centre herd must be tested for Q fever, with negative  results. 
This testing must be with a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL and must be performed on either the whole herd 
or a random sample of at least 60 animals (whichever is the lesser number); and  
i. The herd must be isolated for the period between semen collect ion and diagnostic sampling.  
Mycobacterium  tuberculosis  (bovine tuberculosis)  
 
Semen:  
 
(74) The semen collection centre must be:  
a) free from bovine tuberculosis in accordance with the OIE Code ;  
b) located in a country or zone that has been recognised by the CTO as  free from bovine tuberculosis; or  
(75) The semen collection centre must be maintained free from bovine tuberculosis from commencement until 
conclusion of semen collection for export to New Zealand, through compliance with the recommendations in the 
OIE Code  in relation to bovine tuberculosis; and  
a) Prior to pre -entry isolation, donors must be from a herd free from bovine tuberculosis, either in 
accordance with the OIE Code  or the competent authority of the exporting country;  
b) During the 30 days prior to entry to t he semen collection centre, donors must be tested with a test listed 
in MPI-STD-TVTL  for bovine tuberculosis, with negative results;  
c) At least annually all resident cattle were tested with a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for bovine 
tuberculosis, with negative  results.  
Embryos:  
 
(76) No clinical signs of bovine tuberculosis were observed in the embryo collection herd during the 24 hours prior to 
embryo collection for export to New Zealand; and either  
a) The donors must be:  
i. from an embryo collection herd that is free from bovine tuberculosis in accordance with the OIE 
Code  or the competent authority of the exporting country;  
ii. from a country or zone that has been recognised by the CTO as free from bovine tuberculosis; or  
b) The do nor must be:  
i. from an embryo collection herd that is free from bovine tuberculosis, either in accordance with the 
OIE Code  or the competent authority of the exporting country;  
ii. subjected to a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for bovine tuberculosis during the per iod between 30 
days prior to and 12 months after embryo collection for export to New Zealand, with negative 
results.  
Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides SC (contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, CBPP)  
 
(77) The germplasm donor must be born in and have been co ntinuously resident in a country that is recognised by 
the CTO as free from CBPP; or  
(78) 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 
collec tion 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;  Guidance Document : Bovine Germplasm  
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industrie s Page  15 of 16 
 
 
 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.  
Mycoplasma bovis  
 
Semen:  
 
(79) Collection and processing of semen must be in accordance with the recommenda tions of the OIE Code , except 
for:  
a) The following antibiotic combination must be used at the specified final dose per mL of extended semen:  
i. Gentamicin (500 µg), tylosin (100 µg), lincomycin –spectinomycin (300/600 µg) (GTLS); or  
ii. Another MPI approved antibi otic combination, listed in MPI-STD-TVTL ;  
b) Antibiotics must be prepared and stored as separate stock solutions as described by the manufacturer to 
maintain potency;  
c) Antibiotics must be added to media/extender on the day of processing;  
d) The semen must rema in in the antibiotic solution at the recommended concentration for a minimum of 2 
hours at no less than 5°C before being frozen in the antibiotic solution; or  
(80) The semen must be subjected to a nother MPI approved antibiotic combination and protocol, listed in MPI-STD-
TVTL ; or 
(81) Each semen collection for export to New Zealand must be tested with a validated PCR test for M. bovis  listed in 
MPI-STD-TVTL , with negative results.  
 
Embryos:  
 
(82) Collection a nd processing of semen must be in accordance with the recommendations of the OIE Code , except 
for:  
a) 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 minimum  of 4 hours after being washed 10 times; or  
(83) The embryos must be subjected to another MPI approved antibiotic combination and protocol, listed in MPI-
STD-TVTL ; or 
(84) Each embryo collection for export to New Zealand must be tested with a validated PCR test for M. bovis  listed 
in MPI-STD-TVTL , with negative results.  
 
 Official Veterinarian  
Name:  
Address:  
Email:  
  
Signature:   
Date:  
 
 
 
  
Official Veterinarian signature, 
Official stamp and date  Guidance Document : Bovine Germplasm  
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industrie s Page  16 of 16 
 
 
 Appendix 1 – Document History  
Date First Issued  Title Shortcode  
TBD Guidance Document:  Bovine Germplasm  BOVIGERM.GEN  
Date of Issued Amendments  Title Shortcode