Risk Management Proposal  
 
Draft for External Consultation Hides and 
Skins   
HIDESKIN.ALL  
 
 
 
 
[Document Date]   
 
 
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, however it may have occurred.  
© Crown Copyright - Ministry for Primary Industries  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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  
Telephone:  04 890 0134  
 Risk Management Proposal:  Draft for External Consultation Hides and Skins  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 1 Contents  
1 Purpose  3 
2 Background  3 
3 Objective  3 
4 Options assessment  3 
5 Commodity scope  4 
6 General requirements for all importations of hides and skins  5 
7 Recommendations for identified risk organisms  5 
7.1 Anthrax ( Bacillus anthracis ) 5 
7.2 Foot and mouth disease (FMD) virus  7 
7.3 Sheep and goat pox  8 
7.4 Lumpy skin disease (LSD) virus  9 
7.5 African swine fever (ASF) virus  10 
7.6 Classical swine fever (CSF) virus  12 
7.7 Swine vesicular disease (SVD)  13 
7.8 Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV -2) 14 
7.9 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza  14 
7.10  Newcastle di sease  15 
7.11  Coxiella burnetti (Q fever)  15 
7.12  Brucella species  16 
7.13  Enzootic Abortions of Ewes  16 
7.14  Enterobaceriaceae  17 
7.15  Glanders ( Burkholderia mallei ) 18 
7.16  Porcine enteroviruses  18 
 
 
Risk Management Proposal:  Draft for External Consultation Hides and Skins  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 3 1 Purpose  
The purpose of this document is to:  
• Show how options for the management of risk o rganisms have been assessed.  
• Provide recommendations for import requirements.  
2 Background  
Hides and skins  are considered  a risk commodity, with the potential to harbour exotic viral and bacterial diseases.  
In April 2008, the  Ministry f or Primary Industries (MPI) completed the Import Risk Analysis (IRA): Hides and Skins 
from Specified Animals.  
Subsequently , and based on this IRA, MPI issued a generic import health standard (IHS ) for hides and skins in 
2011, replacing the previous  12 IHS s that applied to imported hides and skins.  
The 2011 IHS underwent a minor amendment to update transitional facil ity and pa ckaging requirements and was 
reissued in August  2015.  
MPI has since  received a request to include salted  or dried  donkey hides  and skins  as an eligible commodity 
under the IHS.  
It can be concluded from the 2008 IRA , as well as MPI’s  2000 Import Risk Analysis: Horses and Horse Semen  
that  risk organisms relevant to  donkeys are a subset of those relevant to horses , so this IHS  is also applicable to 
hides and skins of donkeys . 
A review of the IHS is  considered necessary to ensure the requirements are consistent with the 2019 World 
Organisation for Animal Health ( OIE) Terrestrial Animal Health Code recommendations for diseases re lating to 
hides and skins .  
This Risk Management Proposal (RMP) consider s both the OIE  Code  and IRA and  has been written to 
accompany the updated IHS for hides and skins . Code -listed diseases are discussed under  the 
Recommendation s for Identified Risk Organisms.  
3 Objective  
The objective is to effectively manage biosecurity r isks associated with the import of hides and skins consistent 
with New Zealand’s domestic legislation and international obligations.  
4 Options assessment  
The World Trad e Organisation’s Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  (the SPS 
Agreement), Article 3.3, requires that risk management measures that provide a level of protection greater than 
provided by international standards may be imposed  only when they can be scientifically justified on the basis of 
a risk assessment.  
For a detailed analysis of hazards and their risks please refer to the supporting document  Import Risk Analysis: 
Hides and Skins from S pecified Countries . 
Fully tanned and processed (limed and pickled) hides and skins are n ot considered a risk in the IRA , and 
processed (limed or pickled) hides and skins may be cleared on arrival.  
Risk Management Proposal:  Draft for External Consultation Hides and Skins  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 4 Unprocessed consignments, such as salted or dried hides and skins, casualty skins and macropod hides and 
skins must, on arrival, be directed to an MPI approved transitional facility for further processing  (liming and 
pickling).  
For unprocessed consignments of hides and skins, offshore measures for FMD and anthrax are justified, because 
of the severe impacts these diseases would have.  
From the IRA, the following organisms were classified as hazards : 
• Foot a nd mouth disease   
• Swine vesicular disease  
• Lumpy skin disease and sheep and goat pox ( pox viruses)  
• African swine fever  
• Classical swine fever  
• Bovine viral diarrhoea (type 2)  
• Highly pathogenic avian influenza  
• Newcastle disease  
• Bacillus anthracis  (anthrax)  
• Coxiella burnetii (Q fever)  
• Brucella abortus , Brucella melitensis  and Brucella suis  (brucellosis)  
• Chlamydophila abortus (enzootic abortion of ewes)  
• Enterobacteriaceae including exotic Salmonella  spp. 
• Burkholderia mallei  (glanders)  
• Porcine e nterovirus  
• Hitch hikers  
• Weed seeds  
The IRA concludes  that risk from the above hazards  is mitigated by tanning , liming or pickling . The processing 
that was de fined in the 2008 IRA was liming, in highly alkaline conditions (pH > 12.5) for 6 to 16 hours  or pickling, 
in highly acidic conditions (pH < 3) for up to 16 hours . The subsequent IHS did not prescribe a time for liming or 
pickling, and defined pickling as a pH of below 4. These less prescriptive  definitions for liming and pickling are 
justifi ed in this RMP.  
The OIE Code  has recommendations for the following risk organisms relating to hides and skins :  
• African swine fever (ASF) virus  
• Classical swine fever (CSF) virus  
• Foot and mouth disease (FMD) virus  
• Bacillus anthracis  (anthrax)  
• Lumpy skin disease (LSD) virus  
• Sheep and goat pox  
 
The recommendations from the 2019 Code  will be considered as part of this risk management proposal.  
5 Commodity scope  
For the purposes of this IHS, hides and skins include : 
• Fully tanned hides and skins  from all species  
• Processed hides and skins  from all species  (limed or pickled)  
• Salted or dried  hides and skins  from the following farmed animals: alpaca , buffalo, cattle, deer, emus, 
goats, horses , donkeys , llamas, ostriches, pigs, and sheep.  
• Casualty skins  from lamb s or calves 
• Macropod hides and skins  from Australia only.  Risk Management Proposal:  Draft for External Consultation Hides and Skins  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 5 6 General requirements fo r all importations of hides and skins  
The 2008  IRA for hides and skins considered that the likelihood of organisms being present on imported hides 
and skins would be reduced if the hides and skins were clean and not visibl y contaminated with soil, dirt, 
plant/seed material and arthropod pests.  
Further, the IRA considers that the likelihood of organisms being present on imported hides and skins would be 
reduced if the packaging was secure and free of any contaminants.  
The current IHS  requires that for consignments of hides and skins, the products have been packaged in clean, 
and secure packaging that is free fro m any extraneous contamination.  This requirement  will be retained.  
The IRA also states  that the likelihood of any org anisms escaping from the imported hides and skins prior to 
processing would be minimised by imported hides and skins being securely packaged in impermeable wrapping 
material.  
While  individual  packaging must be secure,  using  additional impermeable wrapping material is not practical for 
consignments of hides and skins . Unprocessed  hides and skins must  on arrival, proceed  directly to the MPI 
approved transitional facility  listed on the import permit .   
Consignments are transported in containers and the transfe r must be in accordance with MPI’s Standard for 
Transitional Facilities for General Uncleared Risk Goods  (TFGEN)  as per clauses below.  
Any transfer of uncleared risk goods must be conducted in a secure and contained manner to prevent spillage or 
contamination of the container, external environment, transporting vehicle, or other cargo . 
If spillage occurs during transport, the transporting vehicle or container must be cleaned,  and risk material must 
be managed as authorised by an Inspector.  
In addi tion to the above , receipt and movement of the uncleared products is regulated under MPI’s Facility 
Standard: Transitional Facilities for Animal Products , dated June 2016 clause 3.3.  
(1) Uncleared animal products must be unpacked at a designated area within th e transitional facility.  
(2) The operator must ensure that all uncleared animal products that are received at or moved from the 
transitional facility have been authorised by the MPI Inspector prior to that receipt or movement occurring  
(3) The operator must ensure  that any movement of uncleared animal products is in a secure and contained 
manner to prevent spillage or contamination of the transporting vehicle, other cargo and/or the 
environment. The operator must report any spillage or leakage of uncleared animal p roducts that occurs 
during movement to the MPI Inspector as soon as reasonably possible and must confirm that the MPI 
Inspector has actually received the notification.  
(4) The transporting vehicle or container must be cleaned,  and waste must be disposed of as specified in the 
contingency plan or as directed by the MPI Inspector . 
7 Recommendations for identified risk organisms  
7.1 Anthrax ( Bacillus anthracis ) 
7.1.1 Risk management presented  in the 2015 IHS: Hides and Skins  
For salted or dried hides and skins from ruminants,  alpacas, llamas, horses, and pigs:  
(1) Originate from a country or zone officially free from anthrax; or  
(2) Originate from establishments that were not subject to restrictions imposed for the control of anthrax; or  Risk Management Proposal:  Draft for External Consultation Hides and Skins  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 6 (3) Originate from animals that have been slaughtered in a government -licensed pr ocessing establishment 
under the direct supervision of an official veterinarian, subjected to ante and post -mortem inspection, and  
certified as fit for human consumption  
For casualty (slink) skins:  
(1) Originate from a country or zone officially free from anthrax; or  
(2) Originate from establishments that were not subject to restrictions imposed for the control of anthrax  
For macropod hides and skins  
(1) Originate from a zone officia lly free from anthrax; or  
(2) Originate from establishments that were not subject to restrictions imposed for the control of anthrax; or  
(3) Originate from animals that have been processed under the Australian Standard for the Hygienic 
Production of Game Meat for Human Consumption and  have passed a post -mortem inspection in a 
government licensed processing establishment.  
7.1.2 2019 Code  recommendations  
Article 8.1.5.  
Recommendations for the importation of hides, skins and hair (from ruminants, equids and pigs)  
Veterinary  Authorities of importing countries should require the presentation of an international veterinary 
certificate attesting that:  
(1) the products originate from animals that:  
a) have shown no sign of anthrax during ante - and post -mortem inspections; and  
b) come from e stablishments that are not placed under movement restrictions for the control of anthrax;   
OR 
(2) hair from ruminants or equids has been treated in accordance with the recommendations in Article 8.1.11.   
Article 8.1.9 . 
Procedures for the inactivation of B anth racis spores in skins and trophies from wild animals  
In situations in which skins and trophies from wild animals  may be contaminated with B. anthracis  spores, the 
following  disinfection is recommended:  
(1) fumigation with ethylene oxide 500 mg/litre, at relative humidity 20 –40%, at 55°C for 30  minutes; or  
(2) fumigation with formaldehyde 400  mg/m³ at relative humidity 30%, at >15°C for 4  hours; or  
(3) gamma irradiation with a dose of 40  kilogray.  
7.1.3 Discussion 2020  
The requirements in the 2015 IHS differ  from the 2019 Code . The option for country or zone freedom for anthrax 
from the RA was used incorrectly in the 2015  IHS as this should have been MPI approved freedom.  
To align the IHS requirements with the 2019 Code , the recommend ation is to require freedom of establishment 
and ante and post -mortem inspection.  
7.1.4 Recommendation 2020  
(1) Originate from establishments that were not subject to restrictions imposed for the control of anthrax; and  Risk Management Proposal:  Draft for External Consultation Hides and Skins  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 7 (2) Originate from animals that have been slaughtered in a government -licensed pr ocessing establishment 
under the direct supervision of an official veterinarian, subjected to ante and post -mortem inspection, and 
certified as fit for human  consumption.  
7.2 Foot and mouth disease  (FMD)  virus 
7.2.1 Risk management presented in the 2015 IHS: Hides and Skins  
Hides and skins that have not undergone tanning, liming or pickling must be directed to an MPI approved 
transitional facility on arrival and be processed (limed and/or pickled) as per Schedule 3 of the 2015 IHS. T he 
following additional steps are required:   
For salted or dried hides and skins from ruminants, alpacas, llamas, and pigs:  
(1) Originate from a country or zone that is officially free from FMD in accordance with the Code  and as 
referenced in the MPI List of FMD -Free Countries and Zones; or 
(2) Have been treated for 28 days with salt containing 2% sodium carbonate.  
For casualty (slink) skins:  
(1) Originate from a country or zone that is officially free from FMD in accordance with the Code  and as 
referenced in the MPI List of FMD -Free Countries and Zones; or  
(2) Have been treated for 28 days with salt containing 2% sodium carbonate.  
7.2.2 2019 Code  recommend ations  
Article 8.8.29  
Recommendations for importation from FMD free countries or zones where vaccination either is or is not 
practised  
For skins and trophies derived from FMD susceptible wildlife  
Veterinary Authorities should require the presentation of an international veterinary certificate attesting that these 
products are derived from animals that have been killed in such a country or zone or which have been imported 
from a country, zone or compartment free from FMD.  
Article 8.8.30  
Recommendations for importation from FMD infected countries or zones  
For skins and trophies derived from FMD susceptible wildlife  
Veterinary Authorities  should require the presentation of an international veterinary certificate  attesting that these 
products have been processed to ensure the destruction of FMDV in accordance with the procedures in Article 
8.8.37.  
Article 8.8.37  
Procedures for the inactivation of FMDV in skins and trophies from wildlife susceptible to the disease  
For the inactivation of FMDV present in skins and trophies from wild animals  susceptible to FMD, one of the 
following procedures should be used prior to complete taxidermal treatment:  
(1) boiling in water for an appropriate time so as to ensure that any matter other than bone, horns, hooves, 
claws, antlers or teeth is removed; or  
Risk Management Proposal:  Draft for External Consultation Hides and Skins  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 8 (2) gamma irradiation at a dose of at least 20 kilogray at room temperature (20°C or higher); or  
(3) soaking, with agitation, in a 4% (weight/volume) solution of sodiu m carbonate (Na2CO3) maintained at pH 
11.5 or greater for at least 48 hours; or  
(4) soaking, with agitation, in a formic acid solution (100 kg salt [NaCl] and 12 kg formic acid per 1,000 litres 
water) maintained at pH less than 3.0 for at least 48 hours; wetting and dressing agents may be added; or  
(5) in the case of raw hides, treating for at least 28 days with salt (NaCl) containing 2% sodium carbonate 
(Na2CO3).  
7.2.3 Discussion  2020  
The requirements in the 2015  IHS are in line with the 2019 Code  recommendations a nd are considered to 
effectively manage the risk associated with FMD.  
The IRA found that  FMD virus may survive in salt -cured hides stored at 1 -70 C for up to 352 days, on hair at 
ambient temperature for 4 -6 weeks and in dried hides for 8 days.  
The additio n of 2% sodium carbonate to salt has been shown to inactivate all virus on heavily contaminated 
salted or hides, provided they are stored for 4 weeks.  
Based on this finding, the Code  recommends, as a safeguard against FMD virus, the treating of hides by s alting 
for at least 28 days in sea salt containing 2% sodium carbonate.  
The addition of sodium carbonate raises the pH in the salt to at least pH 9.5, which is lethal to the FMD virus at 
normal ambient temperatures.  
FMD virus is very sensitive to both ac id and alkaline conditions . The OIE states the virus is quickly inactivated at 
pH above 9 or below 6.   
The risks associated with imported consignments of hides and skins from ruminants, alpacas, llamas and pigs are 
managed by tanning, or liming or picklin g. 
Hides and skins that do not meet the above criteria, such as dried or salted hides, require certification of country 
freedom or treatment in accordance  with the Code .  
Consistent with other MPI IHSs, the MPI List of FMD Free Countries will be replaced by the OIE List of FMD Free 
Member Countries . 
7.2.4 Recommendation 2020  
No changes required , other than replacing the MPI List of FMD Free Countries with the OIE List of FMD Free 
Member Countries . 
7.3 Sheep and goat po x  
7.3.1 Risk management presented in the 2015 IHS: Hides and Skins  from sheep and goats  
Hides and skins that have not undergone tanning, liming or pickling must be directed to an MPI approved 
transitional facility on arrival and be processed (limed and/or pickl ed) as per Schedule 3 of the 2015 IHS.  
 
 Risk Management Proposal:  Draft for External Consultation Hides and Skins  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 9 7.3.2 Code  recommendations  
Article 14.9.9.  
Recommendations for importation from countries considered infected with sheep pox and goat pox  
For skins, fur, wool and hair (from sheep or goats ) 
Veterinary Authorities should require the presentation of an international veterinary certificate attesting that these 
products:  
(6) come from animals which have not been kept in a sheep pox and goat pox infected zone; or  
(7) have been processed to ensure the destruction of the sheep pox and goat pox virus, in premises 
controlled and approved by the Veterinary Authority of the exporting country.  
7.3.3 Discussion 2020  
The requirements in the 2015 IHS are in line with the 2019 Code  recommendations and are considered to 
effectively ma nage the risk associated with sheep and goat pox.  
Pox viruses are sensitive to common detergents, formaldehyde, oxidizing agents, and temperatures greater than 
40°C.  
The OIE technical disease card for sheep and goat pox states that the virus is susceptible  to highly alkaline or 
acid pH (hydrochloric acid at 2% for 15 min).  
To restore cured hides and skins to a natural raw condition prior to further processing (liming, pickling and 
tanning) they must be soaked in water. Soaking back will usually contain det ergent and biocides.  
According to the 2008 IRA, soaking back in the presence of 5% non -ionic detergent would destroy the virus in or 
on hides and skins.  
However, taking into account that non -suitable germicidal reagents may have been used for soaking back , the 
small remaining risks associated with imported consignments of hides and skins are managed by tanning, or 
liming  or pickling . 
Hides and skins that do not meet the above criteria, such as dried or salted hides, must on arrival, proceed 
directly to a t annery or processing plant that is an MPI approved transitional facility and be processed (limed 
and/or pickled). The facility must be approved to MPI’s Facility Standard: Transitional Facilities  for Animal 
Products.  
7.3.4 Recommendation 2020  
No changes to the risk mitigation measures are required.  
7.4 Lumpy skin disease (LSD) virus  
7.4.1 Risk management presented in the 2015 IHS: Hides and Skins  from bovines and water 
buffaloes  
Hides and skins that have not undergone tanning, liming or pickling  must be directed to an MPI approved 
transitional facility  on arrival  and be processed (limed and/or pickled) as per Schedule 3 of the 2015 IHS. 
 Risk Management Proposal:  Draft for External Consultation Hides and Skins  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 10 7.4.2 2019  Code  recommendations  
Article 11.9.13.  
Recommendations for importation of hides  of bovines and water buffaloes  
Veterinary Authorities should require the presentation of an international veterinary certificate attesting that:  
(1) these products were derived from animals that had been kept in a country or zone free from LSD since 
birth or for at least the past 28 days; OR  
(2) these products were:  
a) derived from animals which had undergone ante - and post -mortem inspections in accordance with 
Chapter 6.3. with favourable results; and  
b) dry-salted or wet -salted for a period of at least 14 days prior t o dispatch; or  
c) treated for a period of at least seven days in salt (NaCl) with the addition of 2% sodium carbonate 
(Na2CO3); or  
d) dried for a period of at least 42 days at a temperature of at least 20°C; and  
(3) the necessary precautions were taken after process ing to avoid contact of the commodities with any 
potential source of LSDV.  
7.4.3 Discussion 2020  
The requirements in the 2015  IHS are in line with the 2019 Code  recommendations and are considered to 
effectively manage the risk associated with LSD virus . 
Similar to other pox viruses , the pH levels of liming, pickling and tanning would result in rapid inactivation of any 
lumpy skin disease virus present at that stage. The risks associated with imported consignments of hides and 
skins are  managed by tanning, or liming or pickling . 
Hides and skins that do not meet the above criteria, such as dried or salted hides, must on arrival, proceed 
directly to a tannery or processing plant that is an MPI approved transitional facility and be processed (limed 
and/or pickled). The facility must be approved to MPI’s Facility Standard: Transitional Facilities  for An imal 
Products.  
7.4.4 Recommendation 2020  
No changes to the risk mitigation measures are required.  
7.5 African swine fever (ASF) virus  
7.5.1 Risk management presented in the 2015 IHS: Hides and Skins  from pigs 
Hides and skins that have not undergone tanning, liming or pickling must be directed to an MPI approved 
transitional facility on arrival  and be processed (limed and/or pickled) as per Schedule 3 of the  2015 IHS . 
7.5.2 Code  recommendations  
Article 15.1.20.  
Recommendations for the importation of skins and trophies from suids  
Veterinary Authorities of importing countries should require the presentation of an international veterinary 
certificate attesting that the products:  Risk Management Proposal:  Draft for External Consultation Hides and Skins  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 11 (1) originated from suids in a country or zone free from ASF in accordance with point 1) or point 2 ) of Article 
15.1.4. and have been processed in a facility approved by the Veterinary Authority for export purposes; or  
(2) originated from domestic or captive wild pigs in a country, zone or compartment free from ASF and have 
been processed in a facility appr oved by the Veterinary Authority for export purposes; or  
(3) have been processed in a facility approved by the Veterinary Authority for export purposes so as to ensure 
the destruction of ASFV in accordance with one of the procedures referred to in Article 15.1.25., and that 
the necessary precautions were taken after processing to avoid contact of the product with any source of 
ASFV.  
Article 15.1.25.  
Procedures for the inactivation of ASFV in skins and trophies  
For the inactivation of ASFV in skins and trophies,  one of the following procedures should be used:  
(1) boiling in water for an appropriate time so as to ensure that any matter other than bone, tusks or teeth is 
removed; or  
(2) soaking, with agitation, in a 4% (w/v) solution of washing soda (sodium carbonate -Na2CO 3) maintained at 
pH 11.5 or above for at least 48 hours; or  
(3) soaking, with agitation, in a formic acid solution (100 kg salt [NaCl] and 12 kg formic acid per 1,000 litres 
water) maintained below pH 3.0 for at least 48 hours; wetting and dressing agents may be added; or  
(4) in the case of raw hides, treating for at least 28 days with salt (NaCl) containing 2% washing soda (sodium 
carbonate -Na2CO3); or  
(5) treatment with 1% formalin for a minimum of six days.  
Article 15.1.4.  
Country or zone free from ASF  
Historical fr eedom  
A country or zone may be considered historically free from ASF without pathogen -specific surveillance if the 
provisions in Article 1.4.6. are complied with and commodities of suids are imported in accordance with the 
relevant articles of this chapter . 
Freedom in all suids  
A country or zone which does not meet the conditions of point 1) above may be considered free from ASF in all 
suids when it complies with all the criteria of Article 15.1.3. and when:  
a) surveillance in acc ordance with Articles 15.1.28. to 15.1.33. has been in place for the past three 
years;  
b) there has been no case of infection with ASFV during the past three years; this period can be 
reduced to 12 months when the surveillance has demonstrated no evidence of presence or 
involvement of Ornithodoros ticks;  
c) commodities of suids are imported in accordance with the relevant articles of this chapter.  
Freedom in domestic and captive wild pigs  
A country or zone which does not meet the conditions of point 1) or point 2  b), i.e. when there are cases of 
infection with ASFV in feral or wild suids, may be considered free from ASF in domestic and captive wild pigs 
when it complies with all the criteria of Article  15.1.3., especially point 7), and when:  
a) surveillance in acc ordance with Articles 15.1.28. to 15.1.33. has been in place for the past three 
years;  Risk Management Proposal:  Draft for External Consultation Hides and Skins  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 12 b) there has been no case of infection with ASFV in domestic or captive wild pigs during the past three 
years; this period can be reduced to 12 months when the surveillance has demonstrated no 
evidence of presence or involvement of Ornithodoros ticks;  
c) commodities of suids are imported in accordance with the relevant articles of this chapter  
7.5.3 Discussion 2020  
The risks associated with imported consignments of hides and skins are managed by tanning, liming or pickling .  
Hides  and skins  from pigs  that do not meet the above criteria, such as dried or salted hides, must on arrival, 
proceed directly to a tannery or processing plant that is an MPI approved transitional fac ility and be processed 
(limed and/or pickled). The facility must be approved to MPI’s Facility Standard: Transitional Facilities  for Animal 
Products.   
Unlike many of the other risk organisms considered in the 2008 RA, ASFV is not immediately inactivated by  a 
high or low pH, and the OIE recommendation is that the liming  (pH ≥ 11.5)  or pickling (pH < 3) process requires 
48 hours for virus inactivation.  The liming and pickling processes used in NZ transitional facilities are carried out 
for varied time s, and time has not previously been prescribed in the IHS. When considering all other processing 
steps that pig hides have undergone prior to liming or pick ling, that the hide of an ASF -infected pig is not likely to 
be used, and that no risk pathway exists for infection of a pig, it is not considered that the time frame for liming 
and pickling is required.  
In line with OIE  recommendation s the pH of pickling  has been amended to less than 3. 
The liming or pickling (at a pH of less than 3) process would be adequate to manage any small residual risk.    
7.5.4 Recommendation 2020  
No changes to the risk mitigation measures are required  other than porcine h ides a nd skins  being subjected to a 
pH of less than 3 if pickled.   
7.6 Classical swine fever ( CSF) virus  
7.6.1 Risk management presented in the 2015 IHS: Hides and Skins  from p igs 
Hides and skins that have not undergone tanning, liming or pickling must be directed to an MPI approved 
transitional facility on arrival  and be processed (limed and/or pickled) as per Schedule 3 of the  IHS. 
7.6.2 Code  recommendations  
Article 15.2.21.  
Recommendations for the importation of skins and trophies  
Veterinary Authorities of importing countries should require the presentation of an international veterinary 
certificate attesting that the products:  
(1) originated from domestic and captive wild pigs in a CSF free country, zone or compartment and have been 
prepared in a processing establishment  approved by the Veterinary Authority for export purposes; or  
(2) have been processed in an establishment approved by the Veterinary Authority for export purposes so as 
to ensure the destruction of the CSFV in accordance with one of the procedures referred to in Article 
15.2.25., and that the necessary precautions were taken after processing to avoid contact of the product 
with any source of CSFV.  
 Risk Management Proposal:  Draft for External Consultation Hides and Skins  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 13 Article 15.2.25.  
Procedures for the inactivation of the CSFV in skins and trophies  
For the inactivation of CSFV in  skins and trophies, one of the following procedures should be used:  
(1) boiling in water for an appropriate time so as to ensure that any matter other than bone, tusks or teeth is 
removed;  
(2) gamma irradiation at a dose of at least 20 kilogray at room temperatur e (20°C or higher);  
(3) soaking, with agitation, in a 4% (w/v) solution of washing soda (sodium carbonate – Na2CO3) maintained 
at pH 11.5 or above for at least 48 hours;  
(4) soaking, with agitation, in a formic acid solution (100 kg salt [NaCl] and 12 kg formic ac id per 1,000 litres 
water) maintained at below pH 3.0 for at least 48 hours; wetting and dressing agents may be added;  
(5) in the case of raw hides, salting for at least 28 days with sea salt containing 2% washing soda (sodium 
carbonate – Na2CO3).  
7.6.3 Discussion 2 020 
Classical swine fever (CSF) virus is a member of the genus Pestivirus.  
CSF is rapidly inactivated by solvents and detergents and infectivity of CSF  is rapidly lost below pH 3.0 and 
above pH 1 0.0.  
The OIE recommendation is that the liming or pickling process requires 48 hours for virus inactivation  at a pH of 
11.5 or 3 respectively . The liming and pickling processes used in NZ transitional facilities are carried out for 
various times, and time has not previously been prescribed in the IHS. Whe n considering s oaking  back in the 
presence of 5% non -ionic detergent at pH 10 would destroy most pestiviruses associated with hides and skins, 
any low remaining infectivity would be destroyed by unhairing, liming, pickling, and tanning, when using any 
routine liming or pickling time.  
In line with OIE recommendations the pH of pickling has been amended to less than 3  for pig skins . The risks   
associated with imported consignments of hides and skins are managed by tanning, liming or pickling.  Hides and 
skins  that do not meet the above criteria, such as dried or salted hides, must on arrival, proceed directly to a 
tannery or processing plant that is an MPI approved transitional facility and be processed (limed and/or pickled). 
The facility must be approved to MPI’s Facility Standard: Transitional Facilities  for A nimal Products.  
7.6.4 Recommendation 2020  
No changes to the risk mitigation measures are required other than porcine hides and skins being subjected to a 
pH of less than 3 if pickled.  
7.7 Swine vesicular  disease (SVD)  
7.7.1 Risk management presented in the 2015 IHS: Hides  and Skins  from pigs  
Hides and skins that have not undergone tanning, liming or pickling must be directed to an MPI approved 
transitional facility on arrival and be processed (limed and/or pickled) as per Schedule 3 of the  IHS. 
7.7.2 Discussion 2020  
Swine vesicular virus is not an O IE listed disease.  Risk Management Proposal:  Draft for External Consultation Hides and Skins  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 14 SVD is destroyed rapidly at a temperature of 50°C . The virus is rapidly inactivated by UV light and by drying.  
Alkali in the form of sodium hydroxide or sodium metasilicate is also considered effective at high concentrations 
and pH above  12. 
The IRA concluded that while SVD virus would be unlikely to be present in or on dried or salted hides and skins, it 
could remain viable in wet -salted porcine hides and skins.  
The IRA found that the  pH levels of liming, or of pickling would destroy any residual SVD virus.  
Hides and skins that do not meet the above criteria  of liming or pickling , such as dried or salted hides, must on 
arrival, proceed directly to a tannery or processing plant that is an MPI approved transitional facility and be 
proces sed (limed and/or pickled). The facility must be approved to MPI’s Facility Standard: Transitional Facilities  
for Animal Products.  
7.7.3 Recommendation 2020  
No changes to the risk mitigation measures are required.  
7.8 Bovine viral diarrhoea virus  (BVDV -2) 
7.8.1 Risk manag ement presented in the 2015 IHS: Hides and Skins  
Hides and skins that have not undergone tanning, liming or pickling must be directed to an MPI approved 
transitional facility on arrival and be processed (limed and/or pickled) as per Schedule 3 of the  IHS. 
7.8.2 Discussion 2020  
BVDV -2 is not an OIE listed disease.  
Belonging to the genus Pes tivirus , BVDV -2 is rapidly inactivated by solvents and detergents  and infectivity of 
BVDV -2 is quickly lost below pH 4.0 and above pH 11.0.  In the environment, viruses are inactivated in a few 
days.  
Soaking back in the presence of 5% non -ionic detergent at pH 10 would destroy most pestiviruses associated 
with hides and skins, but any remaining infectivity would be destroyed by unhairing, liming, pickling, and tanning . 
Hides and skins that do not meet the above criteria of liming or pickling, such as dried or salted hides, must on 
arrival, proceed directly to a tannery or processing plant that is an MPI approved transitional facility and be 
processed (limed and/or pickled). Th e facility must be approved to MPI’s Facility Standard: Transitional Facilities  
for Animal Products.  
7.8.3 Recommendation 2020  
No changes to the risk mitigation measures are required.  
7.9 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza  
7.9.1 Risk management presented in the 2015 IHS: Hides and Skins  from emus and ostriches  
Hides and skins that have not undergone tanning, liming or pickling must be directed to an MPI approved 
transitional facility on arrival and be processed (limed and/or pickled) as per Schedule 3 of the  IHS. 
7.9.2 Discussion 2020  
While avian influenza is an OIE listed disease, the Code  has no measures for bird skins.  Risk Management Proposal:  Draft for External Consultation Hides and Skins  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 15 Importation of untanned emu and ostrich skins is rare and the likelihood of transmission to birds is considered to 
be very low.  
Avian influenza viruses  are very sensitive to heat, lipid solvents, non -ionic detergents, formaldehyde, irradiation or 
oxidizing agents. They are easily inactivated by drying, and by extremes of pH.  
Soaking back in the presence of 5% non -ionic detergent and at pH 10 would destro y most virus associated with 
skins, and remaining infectivity would be destroyed by liming, pickling and tanning.  
Hides and skins that do not meet the above criteria of liming or pickling, such as dried or salted hides, must on 
arrival, proceed directly to  a tannery or processing plant that is an MPI approved transitional facility and be 
processed (limed and/or pickled). The facility must be approved to MPI’s Facility Standard: Transitional Facilities  
for Animal Products.  
7.9.3 Recommendation 2020  
No changes to the risk mitigation measures are required.  
7.10 Newcastle disease  
7.10.1  Risk management presented in the 2015 IHS: Hides and Skins  from emus  and ostriches  
Hides and skins that have not undergone tanning, liming or pickling must be directed to an MPI approv ed 
transitional facility on arrival and be processed (limed and/or pickled) as per Schedule 3 of the  IHS. 
7.10.2  Discussion 2020  
While Newcastle disease virus is an OIE listed disease, the Code  has no measures for bird  skins . 
Importation of untanned emu and ostri ch skins is rare and the likelihood of transmission to birds is considered to 
be very low.  
The virus is very sensitive to heat, lipid solvents, ionic and non -ionic detergents, formaldehyde, and oxidizing 
agents.  
Soaking back in the presence of 5% non -ionic detergent would destroy most virus associated with skins, and 
remaining infectivity would be destroyed by liming, pickling, and tanning.  
Hides and skins that do not meet the above criteria of liming or pickling, such as dried or salted hides, must on 
arrival, proceed directly to a tannery or processing plant that is an MPI approved transitional facility and be 
processed (limed and/or pickled). The facility must be approved to MPI’s Facility Standard: Transitional Facilities  
for Animal Products.  
7.10.3  Recommendat ion 2020  
No changes to the risk mitigation measures are required.  
7.11 Coxiella burnetti (Q fever)  
7.11.1  Risk management presented in the 2015 IHS: Hides and Skins  
Hides and skins that have not undergone tanning, liming or pickling must be directed to an MPI approved 
transitional facility on arrival and be processed (limed and/or pickled) as per Schedule 3 of the  IHS. Risk Management Proposal:  Draft for External Consultation Hides and Skins  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 16 7.11.2  Discussion 2020  
Coxiella burnetti  is not an OIE l isted disease.  
Coxiella burnetii spores are highly resistant to elevated temperatures,  low or high pH,  osmotic shock, ultraviolet 
light and chemical disinfectants.  
In light of the above the IRA  concluded that  soaking back in the presence of 5% non -ionic detergent is unlikely to 
destroy Coxiella burnetii  associated with hides and skins, but it would be inactivated by  the extreme pH of  liming, 
pickling, and tanning.  In addition , the IRA concluded that there is n o evidence that suggests that Q fever 
outbreaks in animals have been caused by transmission from tannery effluents , providing further evidence that 
limed and pickled hides and skins pose a low risk. There is no risk pathway for these products to infect liv estock.  
Hides and skins that do not meet the criteria of liming or pickling, such as dried or salted hides, must on arrival, 
proceed directly to a tannery or processing plant that is an MPI approved transitional facility and be processed 
(limed and/or pick led). The facility must be approved to MPI’s Facility Standard: Transitional Facilities  for Animal 
Products.  
7.11.3  Recommendation 2020  
No changes to the risk mitigation measures are required.  
7.12 Brucella species  
7.12.1  Risk management presented in the 2015 IHS: Hides and Skins  
Hides and skins that have not undergone tanning, liming or pickling must be directed to an MPI approved 
transitional facility on arrival and be processed (limed and/or pickled) as per Schedule 3 of the  IHS. 
7.12.2  Discussion 2020  
Brucellosis is not an OIE listed disease.  
Brucella spp. grow at pH between 5 and 8 . 
The IRA found that Brucella abortus is susceptible to heat, desiccation, UV light, and disinfectants as well as high 
and low pH . Salting in sea salt containing 2% sodium carbonate would inactiva te Brucella spp. They would also 
be inactivated by biocides and alkali added at soaking back.  Liming an d pickling would destroy any remaining 
Brucella spp.  
Hides and skins that do not meet the criteria of liming or pickling, such as dried or salted hides, must on arrival, 
proceed directly to a tannery or processing plant that is an MPI approved transitional facility and be processed 
(limed and/or pickled). The facility must be approved to MPI’s Facility Standard: Transitional Facilities  for Animal 
Products.  
7.12.3  Recommendation 2020  
No changes to the risk mitigation measures are required.  
7.13 Enzootic Abortions of Ewes  
7.13.1  Risk management presented in the 2015 IHS: Hides and Skins  from sheep and goats 
Hides and skins that have not undergone tanning, liming or pickling must be directed to an MPI approved 
transitional facility on arrival and be processed (limed and/or pickled) as per Schedule 3 of the  IHS. Risk Management Proposal:  Draft for External Consultation Hides and Skins  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 17 7.13.2  Discussion 2020  
While  Chlamydia abortus is an  OIE listed disease, the Code  makes no recommendations for hides and skins from 
sheep and goats.  
Chlamydiae survive between pH 7 and 8 and they gradually lose viability at pHs outside this range.  Therefore, it 
can be assumed that they will be  readily  inactivat ed at pH >10. The organism is sensitive to ethanol, formalin, 
phenol, quaternary ammonium salts, chlorine, iodine, and permanganate.  
Salting in sea salt containing 2% sodium carbonate would inactivate Chlamydophila abortus . The detergent, 
biocides, and alk ali added at soaking back would inactivate any bacteria present at that stage.  Liming an d 
pickling would destroy any remaining viruses.  
Hides and skins that do not meet the criteria of liming or pickling, such as dried or salted hides, must on arrival, 
proceed directly to a tannery or processing plant that is an MPI approved transitional facility and be processed 
(limed and/or pickled). The facility must be approved to MPI’s Facility Standard: Transitional Facilities  for Animal 
Products.  
7.13.3  Recommendation 2020  
No changes to the risk mitigation measures are required.  
7.14 Enterobaceriaceae   
7.14.1  Risk management presented in the 2015 IHS: Hides and Skins   
Hides and skins that have not undergone tanning, liming or pickling must be directed to an MPI approved 
transitional facility on arrival and be processed (limed and/or pickled) as per Schedule 3 of the  IHS. 
7.14.2  Discussion 2020  
The hazard identification conclud ed that Salmonella spp. and other Enterobacteriaceae could be associated with 
hides and skins.  
Enterobaceriaceae are not  an OIE  listed  disease . 
The IRA found that since high pH and carbonate is effective in killing Escherichia coli and Salmonella 
Typhimuri um, and salting in sea salt containing 2% sodium carbonate would inactivate Enterobacteriaceae . 
Furthermore, t he detergent, biocides and alkali added at soaking back would inactivate any bacteria present at 
that stage.  
Liming  and pickling would destroy any Enterobacteriaceae  not inactivated previously.  
Hides and skins that do not meet the criteria of liming or pickling, such as dried or salted hides, must on arrival, 
proceed directly to a tannery or processing plant that is an MPI approved transitional facility and be processed 
(limed and/or pickled). The  facility must be approved to MPI’s Facility Standard: Transitional Facilities  for Animal 
Products.  
7.14.3  Recommendation 2020  
No changes to the risk mitigation measures are required.  Risk Management Proposal:  Draft for External Consultation Hides and Skins  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 18 7.15 Glanders ( Burkholderia mallei ) 
7.15.1  Risk management presented in the 2015 IHS: Hides  and Skins  from  equids.  
Hides and skins that have not undergone tanning, liming or pickling must be directed to an MPI approved 
transitional facility on arrival and be processed (limed and/or pickled) as per Schedule 3 of the  IHS. 
7.15.2  Discussion 2020  
While Gla nders is an OIE listed disease, the Code  makes no recommendation for equine hides and skins.  
The IRA found that Burkholderia mallei  grows in media of pH 6.5 -7.5. Outside the body, the organism has little 
resistance to external factors and is destroyed by d irect sunlight within a day. It may survive approximately one 
month in clean water and one month in contaminated stables. The agent is killed by most common disinfectants 
including phenol, chlorine, and formalin . 
Salting in sea salt containing 2% sodium ca rbonate would inactivate Burkholderia mallei . The detergent, biocides, 
and alkali added at soaking back would inactivate bacteria present.  Liming or pickling would destroy any 
Burkholderia mallei  not previously inactivated.  
Hides and skins that do not meet the criteria of liming or pickling, such as dried or salted hides, must on arrival, 
proceed directly to a tannery or processing plant that is an MPI approved transitional facility and be processed 
(limed and/or pickled). The faci lity must be approved to MPI’s Facility Standard: Transitional Facilities  for Animal 
Products.  
7.15.3  Recommendation 2020  
No changes to the risk mitigation measures are required.  
7.16 Porcine enteroviruses  
7.16.1  Risk management presented in the 2015 IHS: Hides and Skins  from  pigs.  
Hides and skins that have not undergone tanning, liming or pickling must be directed to an MPI approved 
transitional facility on arrival and be processed (limed and/or pickled) as per Sc hedule 3 of the  IHS. 
7.16.2  Discussion 2020  
Porcine enterovirus is not OIE listed disease , 
They IRA found that p orcine enteroviruses are relatively stable over a pH range of 2.8 and 9.5 but  are rapidly 
inactivated at more extreme values.  Enteroviruses are also rapidly inactivated by UV light and drying.  
Although porcine enteroviruses are unlikely to be present in or on dried or dry -salted hides and skins, they could 
remain viable in wet -salted hides and skins unless addition of 2% sodium carbonate is carried out. Soaking back 
would inactivate the virus if the pH of the soaking back solution exceeded 9.5. The pH levels of liming, pickling 
and tanning  would destroy any remaining porcine enterov iruses.  
Hides and skins that do not meet the criteria of liming or pickling, such as dried or salted hides, must on arrival, 
proceed directly to a tannery or processing plant that is an MPI approved transitional facility and be processed 
(limed and/or pic kled). The facility must be approved to MPI’s Facility Standard: Transitional Facilities  for Animal 
Products.  Risk Management Proposal:  Draft for External Consultation Hides and Skins  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 19 7.16.3  Recommendation 2020  
No changes to the risk mitigation measures are required.