Risk Management Proposal  
 
Zoo Equids   
ZOOEQUIDS.SPE  
 
 
 
 
23 February  2024 Risk Management Proposal:  Zoo Equids  23 February 2024  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 1  
 
 
Disclaimer  
This risk management proposal does not constitute, and should not be regarded as, legal advice. While every 
effort has been made to ensure the information in this document is accurate, the Ministry for Primary Industries 
does not accept any responsibility or liability whatsoever for any error of fact, omission, interpretation or opinion 
that may be present, howe ver it may have occurred.  
© Crown Copyright - Ministry for Primary Industries  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contact for further information : 
Animal Imports  
Biosecurity New Zealand  
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
Email: animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz  
 
  Risk Management Proposal:  Zoo Equids  23 February 2024  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 2  
Contents  
1 General information  3 
1.1 Purpose  3 
1.2 Background  3 
1.3 How the new import health s tandard will affect you  3 
2 Biosecurity risks associated with zoo equids  3 
3 General requirements for all importations of zoo equids  4 
4 Specific requirements for risk organisms  4 
4.1 African horse sickness virus  4 
4.2 Trypanosoma evansi  (surra)  5 
4.3 Equine infectious anaemia (equine infectious anaemia virus)  5 
4.4 Equine influenza (equine influenza virus)  6 
4.5 Equine viral arteritis (equine arteritis virus)  8 
4.6 Rabies (r abies virus)  10 
4.7 Equine rhinopneumonitis (equine herpesvirus 1 exotic strains)  11 
4.8 Taylorella equigenitalis  (contagious equine metritis)  12 
4.9 Chrysomya bezziana  (Old World screwworm)  14 
4.10  Other ectoparasites (ticks)  16 
4.11  Seeds  16 
5 References  17 
Appendix 1 – Document History  18 
 
 
 
 
 Risk Management Proposal:  Zoo Equids  23 February 2024  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 3 1 General information  
1.1 Purpose  
(1) The purpose of this document is to:  
a) Show how options for the management of risk o rganisms have been assessed.  
b) Provide recommendations for import requirements.  
1.2 Background  
(2) The Zoo and Aquarium Association asked MPI to develop a standard that would allow them to import the 
following zoo equids from specified countries into New Zealand zoos:  
a) Przewalski’s horse ( Equus przewalskii ) 
b) Grevy’s zebra ( Equus grevyi ) 
c) Plains zebra ( Equus quagga ) 
d) Mountain zebra ( Equus zebra ) 
(3) Although there is an existing standard for zoo zebras from Australia , it does not cover all equids and 
countries requested by the zoos. The standard for zoo zebras is old and is not based on current risk 
information.  
(4) Zoo equids  are a risk commodity, with the potential to harbour exotic viral and bacterial diseases. In May 
2023 , MPI completed a draft import risk analysis for zoo equids  that reviewed the hazards and 
requirements of  the existing import health standards for zoo eq uids.  
(5) Zoo equids  are currently imported using the  following import health standard . The new standard  will 
replace this existing standard . 
a) Importation of Zebras from Australia into New Zealand (ZEBANIIC.AUS ), 25 March 2004  
1.3 How the new import health  standard will affect you  
(6) The new import health standard we are proposing contains generic  import requirements  that manage the 
biosecurity risk of importing  zoo equids from Australia, Canada, Europe (not limited to the European 
Union), Japan, Singapore, South Africa and the United States of America (USA) . Once the standard is 
issued , MPI and our counterparts in the exporting countries can begin negotiating  a country -specifi c 
veterinary certificate that will be used to import zoo equids . 
(7) Negotiations  take into account the verifiable health status of the exporting country, the national systems, 
legislation and import standards  in the exporting country for regulatory oversight of the zoo industry, and 
the capabilities and preferences of the exporting country’s competent authority.  
(8) The new standard will have broad laboratory testing options  for the risk organisms. When specific tests 
are agreed during negotiation these tests w ill be documented in the Approved Diagnostic Tests, Vaccines, 
Treatments and Post -arrival Testing Laboratories for Animal Import Health Standards, MPI -STD-TVTL .  
(9) We have also published a guidance document, which has commodity -specific information and examples of 
country -specific veterinary certificates for trade in zoo equids.  
2 Biosecurity risks associated with zoo equids  
(10) We analysed the biosecurity risks associated w ith zoo equids . Importers can safely bring zoo equids  into 
New Zealand if we apply measures to manage the following hazards . 
a) African horse sickness virus  Risk Management Proposal:  Zoo Equids  23 February 2024  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 4 b) Trypanosoma evansi  (Surra)  
c) Equine infectious anaemia  (equine infectious anaemia virus)  
d) Equine influenza  (equine influenza virus)  
e) Equine viral arteritis  (equine arteritis virus)  
f) Rabies (rabies virus)  
g) Equine  rhinopneumonitis (equine  herpesvirus 1 ) 
h) Taylorella equigenitalis  (contagious equine metritis)  
i) Chrysomy a bezziana  (Old World screwworm)  
j) Ectoparasites (ticks)  
(11) We are also proposing risk management measures for seeds.  
(12) To get our full import risk analysis, contact the Animal Imports team : animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz . This 
analysis contains detailed assessments of each risk organism and the measures available to manage 
them.  
(13) The proposed import health standard ha s general requirements for zoo equids , as well as specific 
requirements for specified risk organisms.  
3 General requirements for all importations of zoo equids  
(14) The animals must be resident in one or more approved, licensed, or registered zoos or wildlif e parks in the 
exporting country since birth or for at least the 12 months immediately before export.  
(15) The premises of origin (zoo or wildlife park) must provide separation from animal populations not of an 
equivalent health status, be under veterinary supe rvision and have a documented health monitoring 
programme that would be effective in monitoring for diseases of biosecurity concern.  
(16) The animals must be in pre -export isolation (PEI) for 30 days immediately before export, isolated from all 
other animals no t eligible for export to New Zealand.  
(17) The animals must show no signs of infectious or contagious disease during PEI and on the day of 
shipment.  
(18) The animals must be transported to a transitional facility and containment facility in New Zealand. The 
transitional facility must meet the requirements of Facility Standard: Zoo Animals Transitional Facilities  
(MPI -STD-ZOO)  (MPI 2018). The containment facility must meet the requirements of Standard for Zoo 
Containment Facilities  (EPA 2018).  
4 Specific requirements for risk organisms  
 
4.1 African horse sickness virus  
4.1.1 Risk management measures presented in the Supplementary Import Risk Analysis: Zoo 
Equids, May 2023  
(19) The risk analysis concluded that African horse sickness was not a risk in zoo equids as the likelihood o f 
exposure and establishment was negligible due to the absence of the insect vector in N ew Zealand.  
(20) However, risk management measures may be required to retain recognition of our African horse sickness 
free status with the World Organisation of Animal Health  (WOAH) . 
4.1.2 Discussion  
(21) African Horse sickness is a WOAH listed disease and New Zealand is free from African horse sickness.  
(22) The incubation period is 7 -14 days and death typically occurs 4 -5 days o f onset of clinical signs.  Risk Management Proposal:  Zoo Equids  23 February 2024  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 5 (23) African horse sickness is non -contagious and natural transmission requires an intermediate host 
(Cullicoides  biting midges).  
(24) WOAH officially recognises New Zealand as a Member country free of African horse sickness virus. To 
safeguard against trade measures being imposed, Code recommendations should be adopted . 
4.1.3 The measures we are proposing:  
(25) Each animal must:  
a) Be resident since birth or for at least the 40 days prior to shipment in a country officially -free from 
African horse sickness virus in accordance with the Code; and  
b) Not be vaccinated against African horse sickness; and  
c) Show no clinical sign of African ho rse sickness on the day of shipment; or  
(26) Each animal  must:  
a) Show no clinical si gns of African horse sickness on the day of shipment; and  
b) Not be  vaccinated against African horse sickness in the last 40 days; and  
c) Be held in insect proofed pre -export isolation premises and during this time:  
i) A serological test to detect antibodies against African horse sickness virus be carried out with 
negative resu lts on a blood sample collected at least 28 days after entry into pre - export 
isolation; or  
ii) An agent identification test be carried out with a negative result on a blood sample collected 
not less than 14 days after introduction into pre -export isolation.  
 
4.2 Trypanosoma evansi  (surra)  
4.2.1 Risk management measures presented in the Supplementary Import Risk Analysis: Zoo 
Equids, May 2023  
(27)  No measures as  surra  is not considered  to be  present in any of the approved countries for export . 
4.2.2 Discussion  
(28) Surra is a WOAH list ed disease of multiple species caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma  
evansi , however there are no Code  recommendations.  
(29) New Zealand does not currently import domestic equids from countries where the disease is endemic.  
(30) Stomoxys  calcitrans , a competent mechanical vector of surra, and susceptible host species, particularly 
horses, cattle and deer, is widely distributed in New Zealand.  
(31) Country or zoo freedom will be included in case  the disease status of any of the approved countries 
changes.  
4.2.3 The measures we are proposing:  
(32) Each animal must originate from a country or zoo recognised by MPI as free from surra.  
4.3 Equine infectious anaemia (equine infectious anaemia virus)  
4.3.1 Risk management measures  presented in the Supplementary Import Risk Analysis: Zoo 
Equids , May 2023  
Option 1: Follow  the World  Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Code  recommendations  
Recommendations for the importation of equines (Article 12.5.2)  Risk Management Proposal:  Zoo Equids  23 February 2024  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 6 Veterinary Authorities of importing countries should require the presentat ion of an international veterinary  
certificate attesting that:  
1)     the animals showed no clinical sign of equine infectious anaemia (EIA) on the day of shipment and 
during  the 48 hours prior to shipment; and  
2) no case of EIA has been associated with any premises where the animals were kept during the three 
months prior to shipment; and  
3) if imported on a permanent basis, the animals were subjected to a diagnostic test for EIA with negative 
results on blood samples collected during the  30 days prior to shipment ; or 
4)    if imported on a temporary basis, the animals were subjected to a diagnostic test for EIA with negative  
results on blood samples collected during the 90 days prior to shipment.  
4.3.2 Discussion  
(33) Equine infectious anaemia is  a WOAH  listed disease.  
(34) Equine infectious anaemia virus is an unwanted and notifiable organism in New Zealand.  
(35) The i ncubation period in horses is one to three  weeks but may be as long as three  months.  
(36) Subclinical infections are common, and seropositive animals are considered infected for life.  
(37) Transmission occurs via mechanical transfer of blood by insects over short distances. The main vectors 
are Tabanus  spp. and Chrysops  spp. flies (absent from New Zealand) and to a lesser deg ree Stomoxys 
calcitrans (present in New Zealand). Iatrogenic transmission via needles, transfusion and other invasive 
equipment is also possible.  
(38) Prevalence is likely to be very low in zoo equids that have not come from the wild and are managed under 
the h igh health status of registered zoos. The disease is transmitted by biting insects over short distances, 
and the physical isolation of equids kept in zoos is likely to greatly reduce their exposure to the virus from 
the local domestic horse population.  
(39) Although the overall risk estimation is very low , some measures are justifiable for zoo equids from affected 
countries as introduction of equine infectious anaemia would mean temporary loss of disease freedom 
with WOAH , which may impact trade and how New Zeal and domestic horses and domestic horse semen 
are exported.  
4.3.3 The measures we are proposing : 
a) Each animal must be  resident since birth or for at least 90 days in an equine infectious anaemia -free 
country as agreed by MPI ; or 
b) Each animal must not show  any clinical sign s of equine infectious anaemia on the day of shipment ; 
and 
c) Each animal must be  kept, since birth or f or at least the 90 days  prior to  export , on zoo premises 
where no official case of equine infectious anaemia is reported during that period; and 
d) Each animal must be  held in insect proofed pre -export isolation premises; and  
i) Be subjected to a diagnostic tes t for equine infectious anaemia  as described in the document 
MPI-STD-TVTL  with negative results  on samples  collected within the 30 days prior to export.  
4.4 Equine influenza (equine influenza virus)  
4.4.1 Risk management measures presented in the Supplementary Import Risk Analysis: Zoo 
Equids , May 2023  
 
Option 1: Follow  the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Code recommendations  
 Risk Management Proposal:  Zoo Equids  23 February 2024  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 7 Recommendations for the im portation of domestic equid which will be kept in isolation (Article 12.6.7.)  
 
Veterinary Authorities should require the presentation of an international veterinary certificate attesting that the  
domestic equids:  
1)    came from an equine influenza (EI) free country, zone or compartment in which they had been resident 
for at least 21 days; in the case of a vaccinated domestic equid, information on its vaccination status 
should be included in the veterinary certificate;  or 
2)    showe d no clinical sign of EI in any premises in which the domestic equids had been resident for the 21 
days prior to shipment nor on the day of shipment; and  
3)     were immunised in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer with a vaccine comply ing 
with the standards described in the Terrestrial Manual; information on their vaccination status should be 
included in the veterinary certificate or the passport in accordance with Chapter 5.12.  
For additional security, countries that are free of EI or undertaking an eradication programme may also 
request that the domestic equids were tested negative for EIV by an agent identification test for EI 
described in the Terrestrial Manual conducted on samples collected on two occasions at 7 to 14 days 
and less than 5 days before shipment.  
 
Option 2: Follow the Draft WOAH Code recommendations to be adopted in 2023  
 
Recommendations for the importation of domestic and captive wild equids [draft Article 12.6.7]  
 
Veterinary Authorities should require the presentation of an international veterinary certificate attesting that the  
domestic or captive wild equids:  
1) came from an EI free country, zone or compartment in which they had been resident for at least 10 days; 
in the case of a vaccinated equid, inform ation on its vaccination status should be included in the 
veterinary certificate;  or 
2)     a. were subjected to pre -export isolation for 10 days and showed no clinical sign of EI during isolation nor 
on the day of shipment; and  
 b. were vaccinated in acc ordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer with a vaccine 
complying with the standards described in the Terrestrial Manual and considered effective against the 
epidemiologically relevant virus strains, in accordance with one of the following proc edures:  
i)  between 14 and 90 days before shipment either with either a primary course or a booster; or  
ii) between 14 and 180 days before shipment, if they are older than four years of age, having received up 
to the date of this pre -shipment vaccination, at least four doses of vaccine at intervals not greater than 
180 days.  
 
Information on the vaccination stat us should be included in the international veterinary certificate or th e 
passport in accordance with Chapter 5.12. as relevant.  
Countries that are free from EI or undertaking an eradication programme may also request that the equids 
were subjected to an ag ent identification test for EI described in the Terrestrial Manual with negative results, 
conducted on samples collected on two occasions, four to six days after commencement of pre -export 
isolation and within four days prior to shipment.  
 
4.4.2 Discussion  
(40) Equine influenza is a WOAH listed disease . 
(41) Equine influenza virus  has never been reported in New Zealand and is an unwanted and notifiable 
organism.  Risk Management Proposal:  Zoo Equids  23 February 2024  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 8 (42) The incubation period for equine influenza  in domestic horses  is short, often around 48 hours. Shedding of 
virus usually lasts 6 –7 days.  
(43) Transmission is through direct contact with infected animals, droplets or airborne. Fomites may also play a 
role in transmission.  
(44) Equine influenza is reported as affecting captive Przewalski’s horses however no reports were found 
relating to  zebras.  
(45) Vaccines have been developed for domestic horses only. It is unknown whether vaccines developed for 
horses would be safe and effective in zoo equids.   
(46) Desp ite the potentially high consequences of an equine influenza incursion in New Zealand, the likelihood 
of this occurring from the importation of zoo equids is very low. Zoo equids are managed in isolation from 
other equids in their country of origin and con sequently only have a very low likelihood of being infected . 
(47) Option 2 in the risk analysis lists the draft version of the 2023 code. A period of 14 days (instead of 10 
days) for country, zone or compartment residency as well as for pre -export isolation was adopted  in the 
2023 C ode. This option will be changed to the align with the length of PEI.  
(48) Zoo equids from an equine influenza free c ompartment  should also be eligible for import . Applying only 
part 1 and 2  a of chapter 12.6.7 of the 2023 Code recommendations , as well as  having a surveillance 
programme at the zoo,  requiring that no case of equine influenza occurred in the establishment in the last 
two years (as per article 12.6.4 of the Code) is sufficient to ensure exported zoo equids are not carrying 
the virus. Provided that no equids were introduced to that establishment in the last 1 4 days (the infective 
period as defined by the  2023 Code), or the individuals for export were isolated from other equids in the 
zoo for 1 4 days, there would be no need to vaccinate or test the animals.  
 
4.4.3 The measures we are proposing:  
(49) Each animal must be  resident since birth or for at least the 30 days  prior to export in an equine influenza 
virus -free country as agreed by MPI; or  
(50) Each animal must be  resident at zoo premises where no clinical, epidemiological or other evidence of 
equine influenza virus has occurred in any animal species during the previo us 2 years; and  
a) Show no clinical signs of equine influenza on the day of shipment.  
 
4.5 Equine viral arteritis (equine arteritis virus)  
4.5.1 Risk management measures presented in the Supplementary Import Risk Analysis: Zoo 
Equids , May 2023  
 
Option 1: Follow the Wor ld Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Code  
  
Recommendations for the importation of uncastrated male equids (Article 12.9.2)  
 
Veterinary Authorities of importing countries should require the presentation of an international veterinary  
certificate attes ting that the animals showed no clinical sign of  equine viral arteritis ( EVA) on the day of  
shipment and during the 28 days prior to shipment and met one of the following requirements:  
 
1) were isolated for  the 28 days prior to shipment and were subjected to a test for EVA carried out on a 
single blood sample collected during the 21 days prior to shipment with a negative result; or  
 
2) were subjected between six and nine months of age to a test for EVA:  
Either: 
a. with a negative result,  or Risk Management Proposal:  Zoo Equids  23 February 2024  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 9 b. with a positive result, followed at least 14 days later by a second test showing a stable or decreasing 
titre; 
and were immediately vaccinated against EVA and regularly revaccinated in accordance with the 
recommendation s of the manufacturer; or  
 
3) met the following requirements:  
a. were isolated; and  
b. not earlier than seven days of commencing isolation were subjected to a test for EVA on a blood 
sample with a negative result; and  
c. were then immediately vaccinated; a nd 
d. were kept separated from other equids for 21 days following vaccination; and  
e. were regularly revaccinated in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer; or  
 
4) have been subjected to a test for EVA carried out on a blood sample with a positive result and then: 
either  
a. were subsequently test mated to two mares within six months prior to shipment which were subjected 
to two tests for EVA with negative results on blood samples collected at the time of test mating and again 
28 days after the mating; or  
b. were subjected to a test for EVA with a negative result, carried out on semen collected during the six 
months prior to shipment; or  
c. were subjected to a test for EVA with a negative result, carried out on semen collected within si x 
months after the blood sample was tested, then immediately vaccinated, and regularly revaccinated in 
accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer.  
 
Recommendations for the importation of equids other than uncastrated males (Article 12.9.3)  
 
Veterinary Authorities of importing countries should require the presentation of an international veterinary  
certificate attesting that the animals showed no clinical sign of EVA on the day of shipment; and  either 
 
1) were kept in an establishment where no animals have shown any signs of EVA for the 28 days prior to 
shipment; and  
a. were subjected to a test for EVA carried out on blood samples collected either once within 21 days 
prior to shipment with a negative result, or on two occa sions at least 14 days apart within 28 days prior to 
shipment, which demonstrated stable or declining antibody titres; or  
b. were regularly vaccinated in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer;  or 
 
2) were isolated for the 28 days prior to  shipment and during this period the animals showed no sign of 
EVA.  
 
 
4.5.2 Discussion  
(51) Infection with equine arteritis virus causing equine viral arteritis is listed by WOAH.  
(52) New Zealand declared freedom from infection with equine viral arteritis  in 2014 following an eradication 
campaign.  
(53) It is an unwanted and notifiable organism.  
(54) Transmission is mainly by the respiratory or venereal routes. Aerosols of body fluids such as urin e or 
placental fluid can contribute to infection via the respiratory route. Transplacental transmission is also 
possible.  
(55) Acutely infected horses will shed the virus for a short time only (7 –14 days) which is  followed by long -
lasting immunity . 
(56) Clinically i napparent carrier stallions are infected for life which makes venereal transmission the most 
important transmission route. Not all infected stallions become carriers.  Risk Management Proposal:  Zoo Equids  23 February 2024  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 10 (57) Although no evidence was found of equine arteritis virus  infection in Przewalski’s horses , given that 
domestic equids and zebras are susceptible to infection it is very likely that Przewalski’s horses are 
susceptible too.  
(58) Although seropositivity was detected in captive zebras in the past, the current prevalence in zoo equids in 
captivity in th e approved countries for export is unknown. It is assumed to be minimal or even zero. There 
are only limited opportunities for zoo equids to become infected through direct contact with domestic 
equids.  
(59) The efficacy of horse vaccines has not been demonstrat ed in zoo equids. The value of this measure is 
therefore unknown.  
(60) For zoo equids , isolation from other equids prior to shipment would be the  most practical option and 
negates the need for testing.    
(61) In the case of foals less than 6 months old, maternal imm unity can interfere with serologic testing and 
vaccination . While subclinical infection is relatively common for adult equids, infection in foals is often 
clinical . If a foal was infected, it is more likely to present with clinical disease. Unweaned foals under 180 
days of age do not need to  undergo testing and vaccination if accompanied by their dam with 
documentation showing the dam has met all requirements for equine viral arteritis . 
 
4.5.3 The measures we are proposing:  
(62) Each animal must be isolated  for the 30 days prior to shipment and during this time show no clinical signs 
of equine viral arteritis .  
4.6 Rabies (rabies virus)  
4.6.1 Risk management measures presented in the Supplementary Import Risk Analysis: Zoo 
Equids , May 2023  
 
Option 1: Follow the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Code  
 
Recommendations for importation of domestic and captive wild mammals from countries or zones free from 
infection with rabies virus (Article 8.14.5)  
 
Veterinary Authorities should require the presentation of an international veterinary certificate attesting that the 
animals:  
1)    showed no clinical sign of rabies the day prior to or on the day of shipment and either:  
       a. were kept since birth or at least six months pri or to shipment in a free country or zone or  
       b. were imported in accordance with Articles 8.14.7., 8.14.8., 8.14.9. or 8.14.10.  
 
Recommendations for importation of wildlife from countries considered infected with rabies (Article 8.14.10)  
Veterinary Authorities should require the presentation of an international veterinary certificate attesting that the 
animals:  
2)    showed no clinical sign of rabies the day prior to or on the day of shipment;  
3)    were kept for the six months prior to sh ipment in an establishment where separation from susceptible     
       animals was maintained and where there has been no case of rabies for at least 12 months prior to  
       shipment.  
 
Option 2: Apply the measures from MPI’s standard for zoo Bovidae, G iraffidae and Tragulidae  
 
The risk management measures in MPI’s import health standard for zoo Bovidae, Giraffidae and Tragulidae 
may offer a consistent approach if also applied to zoo equids (MPI, 2022b).  
 
1)    Each animal has resided since birth or for at least 6 months in a rabies -free county as agreed by MPI and  Risk Management Proposal:  Zoo Equids  23 February 2024  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 11        showed no clinical signs of rabies on the day of shipment; or  
 
2)    For the 6 months prior to shipment each animal was kept at zoo premises where separation from  
       susceptible anim als was maintained and where there was no case of rabies for at least 12 months prior to   
       shipment; and  
       a. Showed no clinical signs of rabies on the day of shipment.  
 
4.6.2 Discussion  
(63) Horses are spill over hosts, accidentally becoming infected from the reservoir hosts or non -reservoir vector 
species , which are almost exclusively carnivores or bats.  
(64) Transmission results from bites, licking mucous membranes or shallow skin wounds and abrasions, and 
ingestion or inhalation of infected mate rial. 
(65) Zoo equids are herbivores and dead -end hosts , and are likely to be kept in zoo enclosures with other 
equids or other herbivores  that are generally also dead -end hosts.  
(66) The current Code (2023), article 8.15.8 recommends  the following  measures for the importation of 
domestic equids  from countries considered infected with rabies : 
a) Equids must show no clinical signs of rabies on the day prior or on the day of shipment ; and 
b) Equids m ust be kept for the 6 months prior to shipment in an estab lishment where  there has been no 
case of rabies for the last 12 months prior to shipment.  
In line with  the Code and current  import requirements for domestic  equid imports we propose  the below 
measures .  
4.6.3 The measures we are proposing:  
(67) Each animal must be resident since birth or for at least six months before shipment in a rabies -free 
country as agreed by MPI and show no clinical signs of rabies on the day of shipment; or  
(68) Each animal must be kept for the six months before shipment in zoo premises  where there has been no 
case of rabies for at least 12 months immediately before shipment; and  
(69) Each animal must show no clinical signs of rabies on the day of shipment.  
4.7 Equine rhinopneumonitis (equine herpesvirus 1  exotic strains ) 
4.7.1 Risk management measures presented in the Supplementary Import Risk Analysis: Zoo 
Equids , May 2023  
Option 1: Follow the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Code   
Recommendations for the importation of equids (Article 12.8.2)  
Veterinary Authorities of importing countries should require the presentation of an international veterinary 
certificate attesting that the animals:  
1)    showed no clinical sign of  equine herpesvirus 1  (EHV-1) infection on the day of shipment;  
2)     were kept for t he 21 days prior to shipment in an establishment where no case of EHV -infection                    
was reported during that period . 
 Risk Management Proposal:  Zoo Equids  23 February 2024  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 12 4.7.2 Discussion  
(70) Infection with equine herpesvirus 1  is listed by WOAH and affects equines.  
(71) Zebras and Przewalski’s horses are susceptible to  equine herpesvirus 1.  
(72) Clinical disease can take the form of acute respiratory disease with recovery in 1 –2 weeks. Other 
syndromes include abortion, neonatal infection and neurological disease.  
(73) Some strains of equine herpesvirus 1 are pre sent in the New Zealand domestic equine population. The 
viruses circulating in New  Zealand could be of lesser virulence than those present overseas. As 
New Zealand has not been testing horses for equine herpesvirus 1  prior to entry, it is likely that the s trains 
found here reflect circulating strains from ove rseas . 
4.7.3 The measures we are proposing:  
(74) Each animal must be resident for at least 30 days prior to shipment at zoo premises where no clinical, 
epidemiological or other evidence of equine herpesvirus 1 has  occurred during that period; and  
(75) Show no clinical signs of equine herpesvirus 1  on the day of shipment.  
4.8 Taylorella equigenitalis  (contagious equine metritis)  
4.8.1 Risk management measures presented in the Supplementary Import Risk Analysis: Zoo 
Equids , May 2023  
Option 1: Follow the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Code  
 
Recommendations for the importation of stallions and mares considered free from  contagious equine metritis 
(CEM ) (for countries where an official control organisation is present)  (Article 12.2.2).  
Veterinary Authorities of importing countries should require the presentation of an international veterinary 
certificate attesting that the animals:  
 
1)     showed no clinical sign of CEM on the day of shipment;  
 
2)     have had no conta ct with CEM:  
            a. directly, through coitus with an infected animal; or  
            b. indirectly, by passing through an infected establishment;  
 
3)     were subjected to the laboratory test for CEM with negative results during the 30 days prior t o shipment . 
 
Recommendations for the importation of stallions and mares which have previously shown signs of CEM or 
which have been in contact with contagious equine metritis (for countries where an official control organisation 
is present) (Article 12.2.3 ). 
Veterinary Authorities of importing countries should require the presentation of an international veterinary 
certificate attesting that the animals which have been in direct contact through coitus with an infected animal, 
or indirect contact by passing through an infected establishment:  
 
4)    have been recognised as not being contagious through laboratory tests for CEM;  
 
5)    have been protected against any possibility of contagion since the beginning of the tests.  
 
Option 2: Follow the Draft World Org anisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Code  
 
The WOAH Code chapter for CEM (Chapter 12.2) was last updated in 1982. It is outdated, and WOAH has 
drafted a new version of the chapter. The draft has had two rounds of consultation with member countries. 
The draf t may still change, but any changes are expected to be minor.  
 
Recommendations for importation of stallions or mares (Draft article 12.2.4)  Risk Management Proposal:  Zoo Equids  23 February 2024  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 13  
Veterinary Authorities should require the presentation of an international veterinary certificate attesting that:  
 
1)     mares showed no clinical sign of infection with T aylorella  equigenitalis on the day of shipment; and  
 
2)    horses have been:  
       a. kept since birth or for at least two years prior to shipment in a herd that has been free from infection  
           with T. equigenitalis;  or 
 
       b.  i) kept for at least the last 60 days in a herd in which no case has been reported during that period ;     
              and 
 
             ii) subjected to tests for the detection of the agent, with negative results, on three occasions within a  
            12-day period with an interval of no less than three days between tests, the last test being carried  out  
            within the 30 days prior to shipment. Horses have not been treated with antibiotics for at least 21 days  
            prior to sampling and have not been mated after sampling.  
 
4.8.2 Discussion  
(76) Contagious equine metritis is listed by WOAH  and affects equines.  
(77) Taylorella equigenitalis , the organism that causes  contagious equine metritis , is both an unwanted and 
notifiable organism . 
(78) Taylorella  equigenitalis  typically causes an intense neutrophilic  endometritis  with purulent discharge . It 
causes temporary infertility and conception failure  in mare s. There are no long-term adverse effects.  
Abortions are rare.  
(79) The i ncubation period in a mare is 2–14 days . Most infections become apparent 10 –14 days aft er 
breeding . 
(80) Transmission is usually venereal from chronic, subclinical carrier stallions, contaminated breeding 
equipment or fresh semen. Mares can also occasionally be chronic carriers and infect stallions. Congenital 
infection of foals is also possible.  
(81) Serological tests are not reliable. They may be of value for identifying acutely or recently infected animals, 
but less so for chronic infections or carrier stallions . 
(82) Identification of carrier animals relies on identifying the presence of the organism on  the genitalia. 
Repeated swabbing of the genital areas and testing through bacterial culture or PCR is required. 
Occasionally in stallions all tests are negative and infection is only identified following test -breeding of 
mares.  
(83) Treatment consists of using  local or systemic antibiotics combined with antiseptic washing of the affected 
sites. 
(84) The risk analysis found no evidence  of Taylorella  equigenitalis  affecting zebra and therefore does not 
recommend measures for zebras.  
(85) Prevalence is likely to be very low in horses that are managed under the high health status of registered 
zoos and wildlife parks. The introduction of the organism to a zoo from the general equine population of a 
country  is unlikely . To preserve the  Przewa lski species and prevent unwanted matings, there would be no 
domestic stallions in a zoo.  
(86) The 2023 Code chapter for contagious equine metritis , WOAH uses the term “horse” (as opposed to 
equine or equid) in the description of a case. The Code measures have therefore been defined for 
domestic horses. Other equids do not appear to be of concern to WOAH and consequences of infections 
in Przewalski’s horses to New Zealand and the international community may be insignificant.  Risk Management Proposal:  Zoo Equids  23 February 2024  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 14 (87) For Przewalski’s horses, the likelih ood of entry is very low and the likelihood of exposure, establishment or 
spread is very low. The consequences are very low. The overall risk estimation is therefore very low.  
Furthermore, apart  from certain countries in Europe , all other approved exportin g countries are free of 
Taylorella equigenitalis . 
4.8.3 The measures we are proposing:  
(88) No measures other than the animals must remain clinically healthy during pre -export isolation . 
4.9 Chrysomya bezziana  (Old World screwworm)  
4.9.1  Risk management measures presented in the Supplementary Import Risk Analysis: Zoo 
Equids , May 2023  
 
7.3.1 Option 1: Follow the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Code  
 
Recommendations for importation from countries considered infested with New World or Old World 
screwworm (Article 8.12.1) . 
Veterinary Authorities should require the presentation of an international veterinary certificate attesting that:  
1)    immediately prior to loading, the animals to be exported have been inspected, on the premises of origin, 
by an official veterinarian. After inspection for wounds with egg masses or larvae of New World or Old World 
screwworm, any infested animal has been rejected for export;  
2)    immediately prior to entering the quarantine pens in the exporting country:  
a. each an imal has been thoroughly examined for infested wounds, under the direct supervision of an 
official veterinarian, and that no infestation has been found in any animal; and  
b. any wounds have been prophylactically treated with an officially approved oily lar vicide at the 
recommended dose; and  
c. all animals have been dipped, sprayed, or otherwise treated, immediately after inspection, with a 
product officially approved by the importing and exporting countries for the control of New World or Old 
World screwwor m, under the supervision of an official veterinarian and in accordance with the 
manufacturer's recommendations;  
3)    at the end of the quarantine and immediately prior to shipment for export:  
 a. all animals have been re -examined for the presence of infes tation and all animals have been found free 
of infestation;  
b. all wounds have been prophylactically treated with an approved oily larvicide under the supervision of 
an official veterinarian;  
c. all animals have been prophylactically treated again by dippi ng or spraying as in point 2) above.  
Quarantine and transportation recommendations (Article 8.12.2)  
 
1)    The floor of the quarantine area and the vehicles must be thoroughly sprayed with an officially approved      
       larvicide before and after each use.  
 
2)    The transit route must be the most direct, with no stopover without prior permission of the imp orting   
       country.  
 
Post importation inspection (Article 8.12.3)  
 
1)    On arrival at the importation point, all animals must be thoroughly inspected for wounds and possible New    Risk Management Proposal:  Zoo Equids  23 February 2024  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 15        World or Old World screwworm infestation under the supervision  of an official veterinarian.  
 
2)    The bedding material of the vehicle and the quarantine area should immediately be gathered and burned   
        following each consignment.  
 
Option 2: Apply the measures from MPI’s standard for zoo Bovidae, Giraffidae and Tragulidae  
The recently published Import Health Standard: Zoo Bovidae, Giraffidae and Tragulidae (Live Animals and 
Semen) (MPI, 2022a) has no specific measures for managing the risk of screwworm flies but has general 
measures for external pa rasites that would reduce the likelihood of screwworms entering New Zealand).  
 
 
4.9.2 Discussion  
(89) Old World screwworm ( Chrysomya bezziana ) is a disease  listed by WOAH. It  affect s multiple species . 
(90) It is an unwanted and notifiable organism.  
(91) Screwworms are fly larvae. Adult flies lay eggs on the margins of wounds. The eggs hatch in 12 –24 hours, 
and the emerging and growing larvae burrow into the flesh.  
(92) Visual detection of fly eggs and application of some therapeutic or prophylactic treatments  require close 
contact with zoo equids . Some of the interventions in Option 1 , such as examining or treating the animal 
for fly eggs, will  require the animal  to be sedated . It is not desirable to sedate the animals immediately 
before export or on arrival.   
(93) Although all species of mammals are susceptible to infestation by screwworm larvae, the risk analysis  did 
not find reports of screwworm infestation in zebras or Przewalski’s horses during risk analysis . 
(94) There is no evidence that screwworms have a differen t epidemiology in Bovidae and zoo equids and the 
standard for Bovidae does not include specific measures for screwworms , just general measures for 
external parasites.  
4.9.3 The measures we are proposing:  
(95) No measures other than general pre-export isolation and ectoparasite measures.  Risk Management Proposal:  Zoo Equids  23 February 2024  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 16 4.10  Other ectoparasites  (ticks)  
4.10.1  Risk management measures presented in the Supplementary Import Risk Analysis: Zoo 
Equids , May 2023  
Option 1: Proposed basic measures  
1)  Effective treatment with a topical or systemic acaricidal product twice (when entering pre -export isolation 
and 48 hours before shipment), and  
2)  Veterinary examinations after entering pre -export isolation, prior to export and post -arrival.  
3)  A thorough and systematic approach should be used incl uding a close visual and tactile examination of 
the ears, false nostrils, under -body areas (axilla, inguinal region, and under the jawbone), perineum, mane 
and tail. This intervention would only be possible with a sedated animal and may be performed at the  
same time as other pre -export procedures such as blood tests. It may not be desirable or feasible to 
sedate the animals immediately pre -export or on arrival, and an alternative examination methodology may 
be required.  
4)  When ticks are found, retreatment an d reinspection would need to take place before the animal can be 
cleared. If ticks are detected post -arrival, the bedding of the isolation area would need to be suitably 
treated to destroy all tick life stages.  
 
 
4.10.2  Discussion  
(96) Besides screwworm , ticks were t he only other ectoparasite of concern.  
4.10.3  The measures we are proposing:  
(97) To be consistent with other current import health standard conditions for zoo animals, each animal must 
be treated with an effective acaricide, the pre -export isolation environment must be kept free of ticks, and 
each animal must be examined and certified as free from external parasite s prior to leaving the pre -export 
isolation premises.  
(98) The timing of the external parasite examination will be flexible so that this can be done at the same time 
as, and not as an additional examination to, other inspections . 
4.11  Seeds  
4.11.1  Discussion  
(99) The following  points were considered when drafting options to manage the risks of seeds : 
a) Seeds could enter New Zealand  by arriving attached to a zoo  equid’s hair, in skin folds or in faeces.  
b) Seeds are likely to be able to sur vive harsh environmental conditions.  
c) Seeds are unlikely to be on the animal’s hair or in their faeces unless seeds were  in the premises 
where the zoo equids  were  held before  shipment or if they were in food eaten by the zoo equids 
before  shipment.  
d) The exam ination of the zoo  equid’s  skin for the presence of seeds may require the administration of 
a tranquilli ser or anaesthetic. This is likely to be stressful and compromise the animal’s welfare, so 
the timing of the examination should be flexible to minimise the need for repeated anaesthesia . Risk Management Proposal:  Zoo Equids  23 February 2024  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 17 4.11.2  The measures we are proposing:  
(100) Feed and bedding material in pre -export isolation must be free from evidence of seeds.  
(101) Before  departure to New Zealand , each animal must be certified as  being  free from visible contamination  
with plant material.  
(102) On arrival in New  Zealand , the animals must be held in a transitional facility for one week, during which 
time all dung must be  collected and destroyed.  
(103) The timing of the examination to certify that the zoo equid is free of plant mate rial will be flexible to 
minimise the need for repeated anaesthesia.  
5 References  
EPA (2018) Standard for Zoo Containment Facilities. Environmental Protection Authority; Wellington, NZ.  
https://www.epa.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/Documents/New -Organisms/Guidance/5f8909f6f3/2018 -Zoo-
Containment -Standard -FINAL.pd f  
MPI (2018) Facility Standard: Zoo Animals Transitional Facilities. Ministry for Primary Industries; Wellington, NZ. 
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/32662 -zooanimals -transitional -facilities -facility -standard   
MPI (2023) Supplementary Import Risk Analysis: Zoo Equids. Ministry for Primary Industries; Wellington, NZ.  
 
  Risk Management Proposal:  Zoo Equids  23 February 2024  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 18 Appendix 1 – Document History  
Date First Issued  Title Shortcode  
8 March 2024  
Internal Consultation  Risk Management Proposal: Zoo Equids  ZOOEQUIDS.SPE  
Date of Issued A mendments  Title Shortcode  
TBD Risk Management Proposal: