An import health standard issued under  the Biosecurity Act 1993    
 
Import Health Standard  
 
 
Semen and Embryos from 
Horses ( Equidae ) 
HORSSEMB.SPE  
. 
 Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae)  
 Final  Draft Provisional  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  1 of 13 TITLE  
Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Horses ( Equidae ) 
COMMENCEMEN T 
This Import Health Standard  comes into force on .. 
ISSUING AUTHORITY  
This Import Health Standard  is issued under section 24A of the Biosecurity Act 1993.  
 
Dated at Wellington this   ... day of   ......... 201 5 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Howard Pharo  
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 and Assurance  Branch  
Animal Imports  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
Email:  animalimports@mpi.govt.nz  
 
 
 
 Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae)  
 Final  Draft Provisional  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  2 of 13 Contents  Page 
Introduction  3 
Part 1:  Requirements  4 
1.1 Application  4 
1.2 The outcome this IHS is seeking to achieve  4 
1.3 Incorporation of material by reference  4 
1.4 Definitions  5 
1.5 Diagnostic testing, vaccination and treatment  5 
1.6 Embryo requirements  5 
1.7 Semen requirements  6 
1.8 Collection and processing  6 
1.9 Storage  7 
1.10  Transport  7 
1.11  Permit to import  8 
1.12  The documentation that must accompany goods  8 
1.13  Biosecurity clearance  9 
Part 2:  Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  10 
2.1 Equine herpesvirus -1 (EHV -1) [abortigenic and paralytic f orms]  10 
2.2 Equine infectious anaemia virus (EIA)  10 
2.3 Equine viral arteritis (EVA)  10 
2.4 Leptospira  species 10 
2.5 Taylorella species (contagious equine metritis, CEM)  10 
Schedule 1 – Document History  11 
Schedule 2 – Definitions  12 
 
 
 Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae)  
 Final  Draft Provisional  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  3 of 13 Introduction  
This introduction is not part of the Import Health Standard  (IHS) , but is intended to indicate its general effect.  
Purpose  
(1) This IHS specifies the minimum requirements that must be met when importing semen and embryos  
from domestic horses ( Equidae ) from specified countries.  
Backgro und 
(1) The Biosecurity Act 1993 (the Act) provides the legal basis for excluding, eradicating and effectively 
managing pests 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 clearance can be given.  
(3) A guidance document accompanies this IHS providing in formation on how the requirements may be 
met. 
Who should read this import health standard ? 
(1) Importers of semen and embryos from horses ( Equidae ) from specified countries . 
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 treated in accordance with 
this IHS prior to release or equivalence determined. Importers are liable for all associated expenses.  
See guidance document for more information about importer respons ibilities . 
Equivalence  
(1) The Chief Technical Officer (CTO) may approve measures under section 27(1)(d) of the Act, different 
from those 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.  
Other information  
(1) This is not an exhaustive list of compliance requirements and it is the importer’s responsibility to be 
familiar with and comp ly with all New Zealand laws.  
See guidance document for more information about inspection and verification of consignments.  Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae)  
 Final  Draft Provisional  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  4 of 13 Part 1:  Requirements  
1.1 Application  
(1) This import health standard (IHS) applies to:  
a) semen from domestic horses ( Equidae ) that is not genetically modified; and  
i) fresh/chilled in screw top containers; or  
ii) frozen, in straws, ampoules or pellets; and  
b) embryos from domestic horses ( Equidae ) that are frozen, not genetically modified, in vivo  derived 
and non -cloned.  
(2) This IHS applies to imports of semen and embryos from domestic horses ( Equidae ) from the following 
countries:  
a) Australia.  
b) Canada.  
c) European Union member countries.  
d) Norway.  
e) Switzerland.  
f) USA.   
See the guidance document for more information about specified 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 domestic horses ( Equidae ) from specified 
countries.  
(2) The biosecurity risk o rganisms associated with semen and embryos from domestic horses ( Equidae ) 
from specified countries that are managed by the requirements of this IHS are:  
a) Equine herpesvirus -1 (EHV -1) 
b) Equine infectious anaemia virus (EIA)  
c) Equine viral arteritis (EVA)  
d) Leptosp ira spp. 
e) Taylorella  spp. (contagious equine metritis, CEM).  
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 -stand ard-setting/terrestrial -manual/access -online/ ). 
b) The OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code  (the Code ) (available at the OIE website: 
http://www.oie.int/international -standard -setting/terrestrial -code/access -online/ ). 
c) The International Embryo Transfer Society Manual  (the IETS  Manual ) (available from the IETS 
website: http://www.iets.org/ ). 
(2) The followi ng MPI material is incorporated by reference in this IHS under section 142M of the Act:  Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae)  
 Final  Draft Provisional  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  5 of 13 a) MPI Approved Diagnostic Tests, Vaccines, Treatments and Post-Arrival Testing Laboratories for 
Animal Import Health Standards ( MPI-STD-TVTL ) (available at the MPI websit e: 
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 requir ed 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 142O(1)  
1.4 Definitions  
(1) For the purposes of this IHS 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.l egislation.govt.nz/ .   
(2) See Schedule 2 for additional definitions that apply.  
1.5 Diagnostic testing, vaccination and treatment  
(1) Any laboratory conducting the pre -export or surveillance testing where required by this IHS must be 
approved by the Competent Authori ty of a country that is one of the countries listed in section 1.1(2) of 
this IHS .   
(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  MPI-STD-TVTL . 
(3) Diagnosti c test(s) and vaccines 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 i n a country that is one of the countries listed 
in Section 1.1(2) of this IHS .  All vaccinations must be either the final dose of a primary course or the 
recommended booster to complement the primary course.  
(5) All product names, manufacturers, active ingred ients (where applicable), dose and date of treatment 
must be recorded on the veterinary certificate.  
(6) All vaccine names, whether they are inactivated or modified live virus, and the virus types and strains 
included in the vaccine must be recorded on the ve terinary certificate .  
See guidance document for more information about diagnostic tests and vaccination.  
1.6 Embryo requirements  
1.6.1 Embryo collection team requirements  
(1) At the time of collection of embryos for export to New Zealand, the embryo collection team must be 
approved by and registered with the Competent Authority to collect, process, and store embryos for 
export according to the Code .   
(2) The approved embryo collec tion team veterinarian must ensure donors are free from clinical evidence 
of infectious diseases transmissible in embryos on the day of collection.  
1.6.2 Embryo donor requirements  
(1) The embryo collection team  must have knowledge of and authority over the embryo donor(s) until 
completion of collection and testing required  by this IHS.  Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae)  
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Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  6 of 13 (2) Embryo donors m ust not be situated on premises or with other horses that are subject to veterinary 
restrictions for the identified risk organisms managed in Part 2 of this IHS for at l east 28 days before 
the first embryo collection until completion of donor testing, where required by this IHS.  
(3) Where a specific requirement for a risk organism is met by pre -collection testing, embryo donors must 
be isolated from other horses not of an equ ivalent tested health status, from the time of the pre -
collection test until completion of embryo collection for export to New Zealand.  
(4) Where a specific requirement of this IHS for a risk organism is met by monitoring for clinical signs for a 
specified ti me after collection, the embryos must be stored for that amount of time prior to export.  
1.7 Semen requirements  
1.7.1 Semen centre requirements  
(1) The semen centre  must meet the conditions specified in the Code  Chapter on general hygiene in 
semen collection and proces sing centres.  
(2) The semen centre must be:  
a) Approved for export by the Competent Authority.  
b) Subject to regular inspection, at least every 12 months, by an Official Veterinarian.  
c) Under the supervision of a semen centre veterinarian approved by the Competent A uthority.   
(3) The name and approval numbers of the semen centre(s) must be recorded on the veterinary 
certificate.  
(4) Donors may be transferred from one approved centre to another of equal health status without 
isolation or testing if all of the following requi rements are met:  
a) Donors must be examined by the semen centre veterinarian, and show no clinical sign of disease 
on the day of entry into the facility.  
b) Transfer must be direct.  
c) Donors must not come into direct or indirect contact with animals of a lower hea lth status.  
d) The means of transport must be disinfected before use.  
1.7.2 Semen donor requirements  
(1) Semen donors must be resident  for at least 28 consecutive days at the semen collection centre prior to 
collection of the semen for export . During this time semen donors  must not be used for natural mating 
and must be isolated from animals not of equivalent health status.  
(2) The semen centre  veterinarian must ensur e by clinical examination including that of the external 
reproductive organs that on the day of collection  the donor is free from clinical evidence of infectious 
diseases transmissible in semen.  
(3) Where a specific requirement of this IHS for a risk organism is met by monitoring for clinical signs for a 
specified time after collection, the semen must be stored fo r that amount of time prior to export.  
1.8 Collection and processing  
(1) Embryos must be collected and processed in accordance with the recommendations in the Code  
Chapter on collection and processing of in vivo  derived embryos from equids.  
(2) Embryos must have an i ntact zona pellucida and be free of adherent material after the final wash when 
examined over its entire surface at not less 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 .   Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae)  
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Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  7 of 13 (3) All media and solutions used to produce embryos must be either sterilised by approved methods in 
accordance with 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 pathogenic organisms.   
(4) Semen must be collected and proc essed in accordance with the recommendations of the Code  Article 
4.6.6. for the conditions applicable to the collection of semen.  
See guidance document for more information about semen collection and processing . 
(5) Antibiotics recommended in the Code  and 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 certi ficate.  
1.9 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 other product of animal origin.  
(2) Dry ice and associated equipment used to process semen pellets mu st be managed to prevent 
contamination with semen of donors not of equivalent tested health status.  
(3) Semen and embryos must be in straws, ampoules, pellets, or new or disinfected containers which are 
sealed and tamper -evident, and clearly and permanently m arked 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. For embryos the marking must, in accordance with the Code , conform to the 
international standards o f the IETS . 
See guidance document for more information about semen containers.  
(4) Semen and embryos may only be stored with semen or embryos that have been collected and 
processed in compliance with the Code . Containers must be held in a storage place approve d by the 
Competent Authority of the exporting country  until the time of export . 
(5) Storage of semen and embryos in a third country (other than the country of origin) is permitted if the 
third country is a specified country listed in this IHS. The consignment of semen and embryos must be 
accompanied by:  
a) a declaration from the Competent Authority of the third country, linking the semen and embryos 
from the country of origin to the semen and embryos being exported to New Zealand and 
confirming that the semen and embryos ha ve been stored as required by th is IHS, at a facility 
approved by the Competent Authority; and either  
i) the veterinary certificate (current version) certified by the Competent Authority of 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.  
1.10 Transport  
(1) Transport containers must be new or disinfected and free of contamination. When the transport 
containe r is not new, the disinfectant, its active chemical and date of disinfection must be recorded on 
the veterinary certificate.  
(2) The transport container in which semen and embryos are transported to New Zealand must be sealed, 
by either the semen centre or em bryo collection team veterinarian or an Official Veterinarian, using 
tamper -evident seals. The seal number must be recorded on the veterinary certificate.  Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae)  
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Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  8 of 13 (3) Where semen or embryos are transferred from one transport container to another, the date of transfer,  
name and number of the approved collection facility, reason for transfer, and name of veterinarian 
involved in the transfer must be recorded on the veterinary certificate.  
1.11 Permit to import  
(1) A permit to import under section 24D(2) of the Act is required if a CTO has approved an equivalent 
measure prior to import  under section 27(1)(d) of the Act, that is different from th ose set out in this IHS 
that may be applied to effectively manage biosecurity risks.  
(2) A permit to import is not required where a CTO has app roved an equivalent measure prior to import 
under section 27(1)(d) of the Act, that is different from th ose set out in this IHS in the form of a 
negotiated veterinary certificate.  
See the guidance document for more information about equivalence and permits.  
1.12 The documentation that must accompany goods  
(1) The semen and embryos  must arrive in New Zealand with:  
a) A veterinary certificate,  that must include all of the following:  
i) a unique consignment identifier;  
ii) species, donor animal identification, quant ity (semen/embryos);  
iii) dates of collection;  
iv) collection centre  name and date of donor entry;  
v) Name and address of importer (cons ignee) and exporter (consignor);  
vi) certification and endorsements that the requirements set out in Part 1 and Part 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, date of sampling, and results which must be clearly 
linked to each donor and in  the form of either a tabulated summary or copies of laboratory 
reports;  
x) all products and vaccines administered to meet specific disease import requirements, 
including the generic name, active ingredient, dose rate, and date of treatment ; 
xi) the name of the a ntibiotics and their concentration used to meet the requirements of this 
IHS; 
xii) where semen and embryos are transferred from one transport container to another, the 
date of transfer, approved collection facility, reason for transfer and name of the 
veterinar ian involved in the transfer.  
b) 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 identification for each a nimal, 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 measures 
have been negotiated and approved by a CTO under secti on 27(1)(d) of the Act.  
See guidance document for more information about equivalence and country -specific veterinary 
certificates.  
(3) All documents must:  Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae)  
 Final  Draft Provisional  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  9 of 13 a) be original, unless otherwise stated;  
b) accompany the imported goods;  
c) be in English or have an English tr anslation 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 based alternative security 
features.  
(4) Documentation copi es must be sent to the Biosecurity Inspector at the airport/port of arrival at least 
one working day in advance of importation. For fresh semen only, the documentation must be emailed 
to MPI within 24 hours prior to arrival.  
1.13 Biosecurity clearance  
(1) A biosec urity clearance, under section 26 of the Act 1993, may be issued when the semen and 
embryos from horses meet all the requirements of this IHS, provided the applicable requirements of 
section 27 in the Act are met.  Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae)  
 Final  Draft Provisional  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  10 of 13 Part 2:  Specified Requirements for Identified Risk  Organisms  
Note: requirements are for semen and embryo donors 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 followi ng diseases:  
2.1 Equine herpesvirus -1 (EHV -1) [abortigenic and paralytic forms]  
(1) Donor s must  meet the Code recommendations for managing EHV -1 in horses.   
2.2 Equine infectious anaemia virus (EIA)  
(1) Donors showed no clinical sign of EIA on the day of each collection;  and 
a) Donors were kept on premises where no case of EIA has been reported during the 90 days prior 
to each collection; and  
(2) Donors were subjected to a test listed in the MPI document: MPI Approved Diagnostic Tests, 
Vaccines, Treatments and Post -arrival Testi ng Laboratories for Animal Import Health Standards (MPI -
STD-TVTL) , not less than  30 days prior to collection w ith negative results.  
2.3 Equine viral arteritis (EVA)  
2.3.1 Semen  
(1) Donors must meet the Code recommendations for managing  EVA in equine semen.  
2.3.2 Embryos  
(1) Donor s must meet the Code  recommendations for managing EVA in in vivo  derived embryos.  
2.4 Leptospira  species  
(1) Semen and embryos must be prepared with antibiotics effective against Leptospira species as listed in 
the document MPI -TVTL -STD.  
 See guidance document for  more information about antibiotics effective against Leptospirosis.  
2.5 Taylorella species (contagious equine metritis, CEM)  
(1) Donors must meet the Code recommendations for managing CEM in horses.  Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae)  
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Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  11 of 13 Schedule 1 – Document History  
 
Date First Issued  Title Shortcode  
TBA Import Health Standard: Semen and Embryos 
from Horses  (Equidae)  HORSSEMB.SPE  
Date of Issued A mendments  Title Shortcode  
   
   
 Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae)  
 Final  Draft Provisional  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  12 of 13 Schedule  2 – Definitions  
Artificial Insemination Centre (semen centre)  
A facility approved by the Competent Authority  and which meets the conditions set out in the Code  for the 
collection, processing and/or storage of semen.  
Competent Authority  
The Veterinary or other Governmental Authority of an OIE Member, that has the responsibility and 
competence for ensuring or supervising the implementation of animal health and welfare measures, 
international veterinary certification and other standards and  recommendations in the Code  in the whole 
territory.  
Domestic Horse  
Equidae including horses ( Equus caballus ) and donkeys ( Equus asinus ), but excluding zebras ( Equus 
quagga , Equus grevyi and Equus zebra ) and other zoo equidae (for example Equus przewalskii ). 
Donor  
Female animal from which embryos were collected, or male animal from which semen was collected.  
Genetically Modified  
As defined by the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996: any organism in which any 
of the genes or other genetic  material have been modified by in vitro techniques; or are inherited or otherwise 
derived, through any number of replications, from any genes or other genetic material which has been 
modified by in vitro techniques.  
IETS  
The International Embryo Transfe r Society  
In vivo  Derived Embryo  
Embryo recovered after fertilisation and development occurred in the reproductive tract of the donor female.  
The Manual  
The OIE Manual  of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals.  
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 under section 24D(2) of the Act.  
Premises  
Area surrounding and including the facility.  Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae)  
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Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  13 of 13 The Code  
The OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code , as found on the OIE website.  
 
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.