An import health standard issued under  the Biosecurity Act 1993    
 
Import Health Standard  
 
 
Semen and Embryos from 
Sheep (Ovis aries)  and 
Goats (Capra hir cus) 
OVCAGERM.GEN  
22 June 2015  Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Sheep (Ovis aries)  and Goats (Capra hircus)  
 . 22 June 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  1 of 18 TITLE  
Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Sheep (Ovis aries)  and Goats (Capra hircus)  
COMMENCEMEN T 
This import health standard  comes into force on  22 June 2015.  
ISSUING AUTHORITY  
This import health standard  is issued  under section 24A of the Biosecurity Act 1993 .  
 
Dated at Wellington this  22nd   day of   June  2015  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grant Clarke  
(Acting) Manager, Import and Export Animals  
Ministry for Primary Industries  
(acting under delegated authority of the Director General)  
 
 
Contact for further information  
Ministry for Primary Industries  (MPI)  
Regulation & Assurance  Branch  
Animal Imports  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
Email:  animalimports@mpi.govt.nz  
 
 
 
 Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Sheep (Ovis aries)  and Goats (Capra hircus)  
 . 22 June 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  2 of 18 Contents  Page 
Introduction  3 
Part 1:  Requirements  5 
1.1 Application  5 
1.2 The outcome this IHS is seeking to achieve  5 
1.3 Incorporation of material by reference  5 
1.4 Definitions  6 
1.5 Exporting country systems  6 
1.6 Diagnostic testing, vaccination, and treatment  6 
1.7 Embryo collection team and flock/herd requirements  7 
1.8 Semen collection facility requirements  7 
1.9 Donor health status  7 
1.10  Collecting and processing  8 
1.11  Storage   8 
1.12  Transport  9 
1.13  Permit to import  9 
1.14  The documentation that must accompany goods  9 
Part 2:  Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  11 
2.1 Bluetongue virus (bluetongue)  11 
2.2 Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHF)  11 
2.3 Foot and mouth disease virus (FMD)  11 
2.4 Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (ovine pulmonary adenomatosis)  11 
2.5 Maedi -visna virus (MV)  12 
2.6 Peste des petits rum inants virus (PPR)  12 
2.7 Rift Valley fever virus (RVF)  12 
2.8 Capripox virus (sheep and goat pox)  12 
2.9 Wesselsbron disease virus (Wesselsbron disease)  13 
2.10  Brucella melitensis (caprine and ovine brucellosis)  13 
2.11  Leptospira serovars (leptospirosis)  13 
2.12  Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. Capripneumoniae contagious caprine 
pleuropneumonia)  13 
2.13  Mycoplasma agalactiae (contagious agalactia)  14 
2.14  Mycobacterium caprae and Mycobacterium bovis  14 
2.15 Chlamydia abortus (enzootic abortion of ewes)  14 
2.16  Coxiella burnetii (Q fever)  14 
2.17  Scrapie   14 
Schedule 1 – Document History  16 
Schedule 2 – Definiti ons 17 
 
 
 Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Sheep (Ovis aries)  and Goats (Capra hircus)  
 . 22 June 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  3 of 18 Introduction  
This introduction is not part of the  legal requirements of this  Import Health Standard  (IHS) , but is intended to 
indicate its general effect.  
Purpose  
(1) This IHS speci fies the minimum requirements that must be met when importing s emen and embryos 
from sheep ( Ovis aries ) and goats ( Capra hircus ). 
Backgro und 
(1) The Biosecurity Act 1993 (the Act) provides the legal basis for excluding, eradicating and effectively 
managing p ests and unwanted organisms.  
(2) Import Health Standards  issued under the Act set out requirements to be met to effectively manage 
biosecurity risks associated with importing goods. They include requirements that must be met in the 
exporting country, during transit, and during importation, before biosecurity cl earance can be given.  
(3) A guidance document accompanies this IHS providing information on how the requirements may be 
met. 
Who should read this Import Health Standard ? 
(1) Importers of semen and embryos from sh eep ( Ovis aries ) and goats ( Capra hircus ). 
Why is this important ? 
(1) It is the importer’s responsibility to ensure the requirements of this IHS are met. Consignments that do 
not comply with the requirements of this IHS may not be cleared for entry into New Zealand and/or 
further information may be sought from importers. Consignments that do not comply with the 
requirements of this IHS may be re -shipped or destroyed under the Act or tested/treated  in accordance 
with this IHS prior to release or equivalence de termined. Importers are liable for all associated 
expenses.  
See guidance document for more information about importer responsibilities.  
Equivalence  
(1) The Chief Technical Officer (CTO) may approve measures under section 27(1)(d) of the Act, different 
from t hose set out in this IHS that may be applied to effectively manage risks associated with the 
importation of these goods.   
See guidance document for more information about equivalence and permits.  
Document history  
(1) Refer to Schedule 1.  
Biosecurity clearance  
(1) A biosecurity clearance, under section 26 of the Act 1993, may be issued when the semen and 
embryos from sheep and goats meet all the requirements of this IHS, provided the applicable 
requirements in section 27 of the Act are met.  Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Sheep (Ovis aries)  and Goats (Capra hircus)  
 . 22 June 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  4 of 18 Other informati on 
(1) This is not an exhaustive list of compliance requirements and it is the importer’s responsibility to be 
familiar with and comply with all New Zealand laws.  
See guidance document for more information about inspection and verification of consignments.  Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Sheep (Ovis aries)  and Goats (Capra hircus)  
 . 22 June 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  5 of 18 Part 1:  Requirements  
1.1 Application  
(1) This import health standard ( IHS) applies to:  
a) semen from sheep ( Ovis aries ) and goats ( Capra hircus ) that is frozen and not genetically 
modified; and  
b) embryos from sheep ( Ovis aries ) and goats ( Capra hircus ) that are frozen, not g enetically 
modified, in vivo  derived and non -cloned.  
(2) This IHS applies to imports of semen and embryos from all countries.  
1.2 The outcome this IHS is seeking to achieve  
(1) The outcome this IHS is seeking to achieve is the effective management of biosecurity risks associated 
with eligible consignments of  semen and embryos from sheep ( Ovis aries ) and goats ( Capra hircus ).  
(2) The biosecurity risk organisms associated with semen and embryos from sheep ( Ovis aries ) and goats 
(Capra hircus ) that are managed by the re quirements of this IHS are:  
a) Bluetongue virus  
b) Capripox virus  
c) Crimean  Congo haemorrhagic fever virus  
d) Foot and mouth disease virus  
e) Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus  
f) Maedi-visna virus  
g) Peste des petits ruminants virus  
h) Rift Valley fever virus  
i) Wesselsbron disease virus  
j) Brucella melitensis  
k) Leptospira serovars  
l) Mycoplasma capricolum subsp capripneumoniae  
m) Mycoplasma agalactia e 
n) Mycobacterium bovis  and Mycobacterium capra e 
o) Chlamydophila  spp. 
p) Coxiella burneti i 
q) Scrapie  
1.3 Incorporation of material by reference  
(1) The following  international standards are incorporated by reference in this IHS under section 142M of 
the Act:  
a) The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for 
Terrestrial Animals  (the OIE Manual ) (available at the OIE website:  
http://www.oie.int/international -standard -setting/terrestrial -manual/access -online/ ). 
b) The OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code  (the Code ) (available at the O IE website: 
http://www.oie.int/international -standard -setting/terrestrial -code/access -online/ ). 
c) The International Embryo Transfer Society Manual  (the IETS Man ual) (available from the IETS 
website: http://www.iets.org/ ). 
d) The International Committee for Animal Recording (ICAR) Recording Guidelines  (available at the 
ICAR website: www.icar.org ). 
(2) The following MPI material is  incorporated by reference in this IHS under section 142M of the Act:  Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Sheep (Ovis aries)  and Goats (Capra hircus)  
 . 22 June 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  6 of 18 a) MPI Approved Diagnostic Tests, Vaccines, Treatments and Post-Arrival Testing Laboratories for 
Animal Import Health Standards ( MPI-STD-TVTL ) (available at the MPI website: 
http://www.mpi.govt.nz/document -vault/2040 ). 
(3) Under section 142O(3) of the Act it is declared that section 142O(1) does not apply, that is, a notice 
under section 142O(2) of the Act  is not required to be published before material that amends or 
replaces the above listed standards, guideline or lists has legal effect as part of these documents.  
See guidance document for more information about incorporation by reference and section 14 2O(1)  
1.4 Definitions  
(1) For the purposes of this standard and the attached guidance document, terms used that are defined in 
the Act have the meanings set out there. The Act is available at the following website: 
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/ . 
(2) See Schedule 2 for additional definitions that apply.  
1.5 Exporting country systems  
(1) Semen and embryos to which this IHS applies may only be imported from a country where the 
Compet ent Authority has provide d the following evidence to the satisfaction of the CTO : 
a) The verifiable animal health status of ovine and caprine populations in the exporting country or 
zone,  with respect to biosecurity risk organisms of concern . 
b) The national sys tems/ programmes and standards in the exporting country for regulatory 
oversight of liv estock and semen and embryo collection.  
c) The capabilities and preferences of the exporting country’s Competent Authority with respect to 
achieving equivalent outcomes to r equirements stated in the IHS . 
(2) Once satisfied with the exporting country systems, MPI and the Competent Authority  may commence 
negotiation of a country -specific veterinary certificate .  
MPI reserves the right to perform an in -country or desk -top audit at a ny time, including prior to the first 
shipment of semen or embryos . 
See guidance document for more information about exporting country systems and certification.  
1.6 Diagnostic testing, vaccination, and treatment  
(1) Any laboratory conducting any pre-export or sur veillance testing where  required by  this IHS must be 
approved by the Competent Authority of  a country approved to export to New Zealand .   
(2) Laboratory samples must be collected, processed, and stored in accordance with the 
recommendations in the Code  and/or  the Manual  or as described in the MPI Approved Diagnostic 
Tests, Vaccines, Treatments and Post-Arrival Testing Laboratories for Animal Import Health Standards 
(MPI-STD-TVTL ).  
(3) Diagnostic test(s) used must be listed in and carried out in accordance with MPI-STD-TVTL . 
(4) All products and vaccinations administered to meet the specific disease requirements in Part 2 must be 
administered according to the manufacturer’s instruction  in a country approved to export to New 
Zealand .  All vaccinations were either the final dose of a primary course or the recommended booster 
to complement the primary course.  
(5) All product names, manufacturers, active ingredients (where applicable), dose and date of treatment 
must be recorded on the veterinary certificate .  Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Sheep (Ovis aries)  and Goats (Capra hircus)  
 . 22 June 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  7 of 18 (6) All vaccine na mes, whether they are inactivated or modified live virus, and the virus types and strains 
included in the vaccine must be recorded on the veterinary certificate . 
See guidance document for more information about diagnostic tests and vaccination . 
1.7 Embryo coll ection team and flock/herd requirements  
(1) At the time of collection of embryos for export to New Zealand, the embryo collection team must be 
approved by and register ed with the Competent Authority to collect, process, and store embryos for 
export.  
(2) The Competent Authority must have knowledge of and authority over the embryo collection flock /herd 
until completion of collection and testing required  by this IHS.  
1.8 Semen collection facility requirements  
(1) The semen collection facility must meet the conditions sp ecified in the Code  Chapter on general 
hygiene in semen collection and processing centres.  
(2) The semen collection facility  must be:  
a) approved for ex port by the Competent Authority.  
b) subject to regular inspection , at least every 12 months,  by an Offic ial Veterinarian.  
c) under the supervision of a semen collection facility  veterinarian approved by the Competent 
Authority.   
(3) The name and approval number of the semen collection facility  must be recorded on the veterinary 
certificate . 
(4) Donors may be transferred f rom one approved semen collection facility  to another of equal health 
status without isolation or testing if  all of the following requirements are met : 
a) Donors must be  examined, by the approved semen collection facility  veterinarian, and show no 
clinical si gn of disease on the day of entry into the facility . 
b) Transfer must be  direct . 
c) Transfer must not be  through a bluetongue or Rift Valley fever infected zone, or donors must be  
protected from insect attack during transit . 
d) Donors must  not come into direct or i ndirect contact with a nimals of a lower health status.  
e) The means of transport must be  disinfected before use . 
1.9 Donor health status  
(1) Embryo donors must not be situated in a herd/flock that is subject to veterinary restrictions for the 
identified risk organism s managed in Part 2 of this IHS for at least 28 days before the first embryo 
collection until completion of donor testing, where required by this IHS.  
(2) Semen donors must be isolated for at least 28 days at a place specifically approved for this purpose by 
the Competent Authority prior to admission to the semen collection facility . During this time semen 
donors  must not be used for natural mating and must be isolated from animals not of equivalent health 
status.  
(3) The approved embryo collection team veterinaria n or semen collection facility  veterinarian must ensur e 
that the donor is free from clinical evidence of infectious diseases transmissible in semen or embryos 
on the day of collection.  Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Sheep (Ovis aries)  and Goats (Capra hircus)  
 . 22 June 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  8 of 18 (4) Where a specific requirement for a risk organism is met by pre -collecti on testing, embryo donors must 
be isolated from other sheep or goats not of an equivalent tested health status, from the time of the 
pre-collection test until completion of embryo collection for export to New Zealand.  
(5) Where a specific requirement of this I HS for a risk organism is met by monitoring for clinical signs for a 
specified time after collection, the semen or embryos must be stored for that amount of time prior to 
export.  
1.10 Collecting and processing  
(1) Embryos must be collected and processed in accorda nce with the recommendations in the Code 
Chapter on collection and processing of in vivo derived embryos from livestock.  
(2) Semen must be collected and processed in accordance with the current recommendations of the Code  
Chapter on collection and processing of small ruminant semen, unless indicated otherwise in Part 2 of 
this IHS.  
(3) Embryos must have an intact zona pellucida and be free of adherent material after the final wash when 
examined over its entire surface at not le ss than 50X magnification. If any micro -manipulation is done 
that causes a breach of the zona pellucida, it must be done according to the procedures described in 
the Code  and IETS  Manual .   
(4) All m edia and solutions used to produce embryos must be either ste rilised by approved methods set 
out in  the IETS  Manual  or commercially prepared . They must be handled in such a manner as to 
ensure that sterility is maintained.  All biological products of animal origin used in the media and 
solutions must be free from pa thogenic organisms including pestiviruses.   
(5) Antibiotics recommended by the Code  or IETS Manual  and listed in MPI-STD-TVTL must be added to 
embryo collection, processing, washing and storage media and to the semen diluent in accordance 
with the Code . The names of antibiotics added and their concentration must be stated on the 
veterinary certificate . 
1.11 Storage  
(1) The cryogenic or cooling agent used in the freezing process, storage, and transport must not have 
been used previously in association with any ot her product of animal origin.  
(2) Dry ice and associated equipment to process semen pellets must be managed to prevent 
contamination with semen of donors not of equivalent tested health status.  
(3) Semen and embryos must be in straws or sanitised containers which  are sealed and tamper -evident , 
and clearly and permanently marked to identify the donor and the date(s) of collection . If a code is 
used for this information, its decipher instructions must accompany the consignment. The marking 
must , in accordance with t he Code , conform to the international standards of the IETS or to the 
international standards of the International Committee for Animal Recording.  
See guidance document for more information about semen containers.  
(4) Semen and embryos must only be stored with  semen or embryos  that ha ve been collected and 
processed in accordance with the Code . Containers must be held in a storage place approved by the 
Competent Authority of the exporting country  until the time of export . 
(5) Semen and embryos may be stored in a thi rd country (other than the country of origin) if the third 
country has met the requirements of section 1.5 of this IHS. The consignment of semen and embryos 
must be accompanied by:  
a) a declaration from the Competent Authority of the third country, linking th e semen and embryos 
from the country of origin to the semen and embryos being exported to New Zealand and Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Sheep (Ovis aries)  and Goats (Capra hircus)  
 . 22 June 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  9 of 18 confirming that the semen and embryos ha ve been stored as required by the IHS, at a facility 
approved by the Competent Authority; and either  
i) the veterinary certificate (current version) certified by the country of origin to export to New 
Zealand; or  
ii) a letter from the country of origin’s Competent Authority indicating that the semen and 
embryos meets New Zealand’s current import requirements.  
1.12 Transp ort 
(1) Transport containers must  be disinfected and free of contamination . When the transport container is 
not new, the disinfectant, its active chemical and date of disinfection must be recorded on the 
veterinary certificate .  
(2) The transport container in whic h semen and embryos is  transported to New Zealand must be sealed, 
by either the semen facility  or embryo collection team veterinarian or an Official Veterinarian , using 
tamper -evident seals.  The seal number must be recorded on the veterinary certificate . 
(3) Where  semen or embryos are transferred from one transport container  to another , the date of transfer, 
approved collection facility  or flock/herd , reason for transfer, and name of veterinarian involved in the 
transfer must be recorded on the  veterinary cert ificate . 
1.13 Permit to import  
(1) A permit to import is required . Applications must be submitted to MPI prior to importation.   
(2) The importer must supply the following information to obtain a permit:  
a) the name and address of exporter  
b) the date of proposed importation  
c) name and address in New Zealand to which the semen and embryos is to proceed following 
biosecurity clearance  
d) port of arrival  
(3) Permit to import application forms can be found on the MPI website at: 
http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/regs/imports/animals/forms . 
(4) Completed applications can be submitted to Animal Imports animalimports@mpi. govt.nz .   
1.14 The documentation that must accompany goods  
(1) The semen and embryos  must arrive in New Zealand with:  
a) A permit to import (copy acceptable).  
b) A veterinary certificate,  that must include all of the following:  
i) a unique con signment identifier  
ii) species, donor animal identification, quant ity (semen/embryos)  
iii) dates of collection  
iv) collection facility  name or embryo collection  herd/flock name, date of donor entry  
v) name and address of importer (cons ignee) and exporter (consignor)  
vi) certification and endorse ments that the requirements outlined in Part 1 and P art 2 of this 
IHS have been met  
vii) transport container seal numb er and disinfection information  
viii) name, signature, and contact detail s of the Official Veterinarian  
ix) all diagnostic tests,  including test type, da te of sampling, and results must be clearly linked 
to each donor and in the form of either a tabulated summary or copies of laboratory reports  Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Sheep (Ovis aries)  and Goats (Capra hircus)  
 . 22 June 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  10 of 18 x) all products and vaccines administered to meet specific disease import requirements, 
including the generic name, active ingredient, dose rate, and date of treatment  
c) Original l aboratory reports ; copies of laboratory reports endorsed by the Official Veterinarian;  or a 
tabulated summary of laboratory results  endorsed by the Official Veterinarian must include : 
i) unique ide ntification for each animal, consistent with the veterinary certificate  
ii) dates of sample collection  
iii) test type 
iv) test result  
(2) A country -specific veterinary certificate must accompany the consignment where equivalent measur es 
have been negotiated and a pproved by a CTO under section 27(1)(d) of the Act .  
See guidance document for more information about equivalence and country -specific veterinary 
certificates.  
(3) All documents  must:  
a) be original, unless otherwise stated  
b) accompany the imported goods  
c) be in English or have an English translation that is  clear and legible  
d) be endorsed on every page by the Official Veterinarian with their original stamp, signature and 
date or be endorsed in the space allocated and all pages have paper base d alternative security 
features  
(4) Documentation copies must be sent to the Biosecurity Inspector at the airport/port of arrival at least 
one working day in advance of importation.  Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Sheep (Ovis aries)  and Goats (Capra hircus)  
 . 22 June 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  11 of 18 Part 2:  Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  
Note: requirements are for semen and embryo dono rs unless otherwise specified.  
(1) The Competent  Authority of the exporting country is required to issue a signed, stamped and dated 
veterinary certificate containing declarations regarding the following diseases:  
2.1 Bluetongue virus (bluetongue)  
(1) Donors must:  
a) be resident in a BTV free country  or zone in  accordance with the requirements of the Code, for at 
least the 60 days prior to and during collection ; or 
b) be resident  during the seasonally free period in a BTV seasonally free zone in accordance with 
the requireme nts of the Code , for at least the 60 days prior to collection; or 
c) be resident in  a vector -proof facility  for at least the 60  days prior to  collection  and t he facility must 
be regularly inspected and certified as being free from Culicoides spp.  throughout t he perio d 
when the donors are resident; or  
d) be subjected to a BTV test in accordance with the Code  requirements and listed in MPI-STD-
TVTL , with negative results.  
2.2 Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHF)  
(1) Donors must be resident in a country:  
a) where CCHF  has not been recognised by the Competent Authority for the 21 days before 
collection; and  
b) where CCHF is officially notifiable; or  
(2) Donors must be:  
a) inspected for ticks  (shearing where necessary and inspection must includ e the head and lower 
legs) and treated with an  effective  acaricide under Official Veterinarian supervision to ensure they 
are free from ticks before entering an approved v ector -proof facility ; and  
b) held for at least 21 days before the first semen or embryo  collection  in a facility that is regularly 
inspected and  certified as tick -free throughout the period when the donors are resident; or  
(3) Donors must be  tested for CCHFV in accordance with MPI-STD-TVTL .   
2.3 Foot and mouth disease virus (FMD)  
(1) Semen and embryo imports must comply with the FMD  recommendations for ruminant semen1 in the 
Code . 
2.4 Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (o vine pulmonary adenomatosis ) 
(1) Semen d onors must be resident since birth  in countries where ovine pulmonary adenomatosis has not 
been recognised by the Competent Authority; or  
(2) Semen d onors  have only lived in herds/flocks that include animals older than 5 years; and  
                                                             
1 The OIE Code does not currently provide FMD measures for ovine or caprine in vivo  embryo trade ; however MPI requires the semen 
measures be applied to embryo imports .  Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Sheep (Ovis aries)  and Goats (Capra hircus)  
 . 22 June 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  12 of 18 a) The herd/flock has  remained free from ovine pulmonary adenomatosis  based on the absence of 
clinical signs for at least the 5 years prior to collection and no sheep /goat from a flock /herd  of 
inferior health status has been  introduced during that period;  or 
(3) Semen d onors must be subjected to an ovine pulmonary adenomatosis examination or test in 
accordance with MPI-STD-TVTL , with negative results.  
2.5 Maedi -visna virus (MV)  
(1) Donors must be resident since birth in countries where MV has not been recognised by the Competent 
Authority; or  
(2) Donors must only reside with herds/flocks where MV has neither clinically nor serologically been 
diagnosed and where animals of inferior health  status have not been introduced during the 3 years 
before collection for New Zealand; and either  
a) Semen d onors must comply with the Code Chapter on collection and processing of small 
ruminant semen; or  
b) Embryo donors must be subjected to a MV test in accord ance with MPI-STD-TVTL . 
2.6 Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPR)  
(1) Donors must be  resident in a PPR free country or zone in accordance with the Code for at least 21 
days prior to and during collection;  or 
(2) Embryo donors must comply with the Code  recommendations  for embryos of small ruminants from 
PRR infected countries; or  
(3) Semen donors must comply with the Code  recommendations for semen of small ruminants from PPR 
infected countries; and either  
a) Donors vaccinated against PPR must have been vaccinated between 21 a nd 120 days prior to 
semen collection; or  
b) Unvaccinated donors must be tested for PPR in accordance with MPI-STD-TVTL . 
2.7 Rift Valley fever virus (RVF)  
(1) Donors must be resident  in a RVF free country  or zone in accordance with the Code for at least the 30 
days prior to  collection; or 
(2) Donors from RVF infected countries or zones must comply with the Code  recommendations for semen 
and in vivo derived ruminant embryos; or  
(3) Donors must be held in a vector -proof facility for at least 30 days prior to and during collect ion and 
never show clinical signs of RVF. The facility must be inspected regularly and mosquito -free 
throughout the period when donors were resident.  
2.8 Capripox virus (sheep and goat pox)  
(1) Donors must be resident in a s heep and goat  pox free country in accord ance with the Code for at least 
the 21 days prior to collection;  or Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Sheep (Ovis aries)  and Goats (Capra hircus)  
 . 22 June 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  13 of 18 (2) Donors from sheep and goat pox infected countries must comply with the Code recommendations for 
semen2 from sheep and goats.  
2.9 Wesselsbron disease virus (Wesselsbron disease)  
(1) Dono rs must be resident  in a country recognised by the Competent Authority  as free f rom circulating 
Wessel sbron disease  virus for at least the 21 days prior to collection ; or 
(2) Donors must be resident in an establishment  where Wessel sbron disease has not been recognised for 
at least  the 21 days prior to collection ; or 
(3) Donors must be  tested for Wesselsbron disease in accordance with MPI-STD-TVTL .   
2.10 Brucella melitensis (caprine and ovine brucellosis)  
(1) Donors must be  resident in a country, zone, or flock/herd that is officially free from caprine and ovine 
brucellosis in accordance with the Code ; or 
(2) Embryo d onors must comply with the caprine and ovine brucellosis recommendations for importation 
of embryos/ova of sheep and goats in the  Code ; or 
(3) Semen donors must comply with the caprine and ovine brucellosis recommendations for importation of 
semen of sheep and goats in the Code . 
2.11 Leptospira serovars (leptospirosis)  
(1) Antibiotics must be added to semen and embryos in accorda nce with the Code, IETS Manual, and 
MPI-STD-TVTL . 
See guidance document for more information about antibiotics effective against leptospirosis . 
2.12 Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. Capripneumoniae contagious 
caprine pleuropneumonia)  
(1) For goats only:  
a) Donors must be  resident in a country that is free from contagious caprine pleuropneumonia 
(CCPP) in accordance with the Code ; or  
b) For at least the 45 days p rior to collection,  d onors did not reside i n a CCPP infected zone , in 
accordance with the Code , and were not resident in a herd where CCPP had been officially 
reported  during that time ; and either  
i) Aliquots of semen or embryos/oocytes  or collection /washing fluids from each collection 
must be subjected to a CCPP test in accordance with MPI-STD-TVTL , with negative 
results ; or 
ii) Donors must be subjected to CCPP test in accordance with the OIE Code and Manual.  
                                                             
2There are currently no Code  shee p and goatpox recommendations for ovine/caprine embryo importation; h owever MPI requires the 
semen measures be applied to embryo imports . 
 Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Sheep (Ovis aries)  and Goats (Capra hircus)  
 . 22 June 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  14 of 18 2.13 Mycoplasma agalactiae (contagious agalactia)  
(1) Donors must be  resident in a country recognised by the Competent Authority  as free from contagious 
agalactia  for at least the 6 months prior to collection ; or 
(2) Donors  must be:  
a) resident for at least the 6 months prior to collection only at a premises where no case of 
contagious agalactia is officially reported  during that time ; and 
b) tested for Mycoplasma agalactiae  in acco rdance with the Manual  and MPI-STD-TVTL . 
2.14 Mycobacterium caprae and Mycobacterium bovis  
(1) For goats only:  
a) Donors must be  resident in a country recognised by the Competent Authority  as free from 
tuberculosis in goats  for at least the 3 years prior to collection ; or 
b) Semen donors must comply with the Code Chapter on collection and processing of small 
ruminant semen; or  
c) Embryo donors must be subjected to a single comparative tuberculin test for tuberculosis prior to 
entry to the collection flock/herd, with negativ e results; and  
i) All animals in the embryo collection flock/herd must be tested prior to entry and at least 
annually, with negative results.  
2.15 Chlamydia abortus (enzootic abortion of ewes)  
(1) Donors must be  resident in a country recognised by the Competent Author ity as free from enzootic 
abortion of ewes (EAE) for at least the 2 years prior to collection ; or 
(2) Donors must comply with the Code  Chapter on EAE  for the importation of sheep and goat semen  and 
embryos.  
2.16 Coxiella burnetii (Q fever)  
(1) Donors must never have b een confirmed positive  for Q fever ; and either  
a) Donors must be subjected to a test for Q fever in accordance with MPI-STD-TVTL , with negative 
results ; or 
b) Semen or embryos/oocytes  or collection /washing fluids from each collection  must be subjected to 
a Q fev er test in accordance with MPI-STD-TVTL , with negative results.  
2.17 Scrapie  
(1) For goats only:  
a) Donors must be  resident in a scrapie free country in accordance with the Code ; or 
b) Donors must be  resident in a n establishment that has been maintained free from scrapie from 
commencement until conclusion of collection, in accordance  with the Code  recommendations 
for a scrapie free establishment ; or 
c) Embryos must comply with the Code  recommendations for importation of in vivo  deriv ed goat 
embryos from countries or zones not considered free from scrapie .  
Note: Semen donors must satisfy either a) or b).  Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Sheep (Ovis aries)  and Goats (Capra hircus)  
 . 22 June 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  15 of 18 (2) For sheep semen only:  
a) Semen donors must be resident in a scrapie free country in accordance with the Code ; or 
b) Semen d onors  must be r esident in an establishment that has been maintained free from scrapie 
from commencement until conclusion of collection, in accordance with the Code  
recommendations for a scrapie free establishment ; or 
c) Semen donors must have the scrapie resistant genotypes  – ARR/ARR, ARR/AHQ, ARR/ARH 
or ARR/ARQ. Laboratory evidence of the genotype is required.  
Note: Section 1.10 of this IHS manages the risk for sheep embryos.  
 Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Sheep (Ovis aries)  and Goats (Capra hircus)  
 . 22 June 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  16 of 18 Schedule 1 – Document History  
Date First Issued  Title Shortcode  
 Import Health Standard: Semen and Embryos 
from Sheep ( Ovis aries ) and Goats ( Capra 
hircus ) OVCAGERM.GEN  
Date of Issued A mendments  Title Shortcode  
   
   Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Sheep (Ovis aries)  and Goats (Capra hircus)  
 . 22 June 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  17 of 18 Schedule 2 – Definitions   
Approved embryo collection team 
An embryo collection team demonstrated by the Competent  Authority as having met the recommendations as 
described in the Code .  
Competent Authority  
The Veterinary or other Governmental Authority of an OIE Member, that has t he  responsibility and 
competence for ensuring or supervising the implementation of animal health and welfare measures, 
international veterinary certification and other standards and recommendations in the Code  in the whole 
territory.  
Donor(s)  
Female anima l(s) from which embryos are collected, or male animal(s) from which semen was collected.  
Embryo collection flock/ herd 
The flock/herd  the embryo donor is resident in at the time of embryo collection.  
Inspection  
A visual examination by an MPI Inspector to detect the presence of pests and contamination. An inspection 
does not require magnification but may require additional lighting if the inspection is carried out at night or 
within a building.  
MPI 
Ministry for Primary Industries  
Official Veterinarian  
A veterinarian authorised by the Competent Authority of the country to perform certain designated official 
tasks associated with animal health and/or public health and inspections of commodities and, when 
appropriate, to certify in conformity with the prov isions of the Code  Chapter for certification procedures.  
OIE 
The World Organisation for Animal Health  
Permit to import  
A permit issued by the Director General of MPI pursuant to section 24 (D)(2) of the Act.  
Semen collection facility  
The place where semen is collect ed from an animal . A semen collection facility may be within an artificial 
insemination centre.  
The Code  
The OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code  as found on the OIE website .  
The IETS Manual  
The International Embryo Transfer Society (IETS) Manual  as found on the IETS website . 
The OIE Manual  Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Sheep (Ovis aries)  and Goats (Capra hircus)  
 . 22 June 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  18 of 18 The OIE Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals  as found on the OIE website . 
Vector  
An insect or any living carrier that transports an infectious agent from an infected individual to a su sceptible 
individual or its food or immediate surroundings. The organism may or may not pass through a development 
cycle within the vector.  
Vector -proof  
For the purposes of this IHS vector -proof refer to a PEI facility which provide s maximum protection fr om insect 
vectors. This should be a building, ideally a compartment within a building, which should be vector screened 
and have risk management strategies to protect animals and the facility from any potential vector .  
Veterinary certificate  
A certificate,  issued in conformity with the provisions of the Code  Chapter for certification procedures , 
describing the animal health and/or public health requirements which are fulfilled by the exported 
commodities .