Risk Management 
Proposal 
Cats and Dogs  
CATSDOGS.GEN  
 
   
 
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)  
Biosecurity New Zealand  
Animal Imports  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
Email: animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz
 
 
 Cats and Dogs  [Document Date ] 
 Contents  
1 Purpose  1 
2 Background  1 
3 Objective  1 
4 Options assessment  2 
5 General requirements for all importations of cats and dogs  2 
5.1 Application  2 
5.2 Diagnostic tests, vaccines and treatm ent 3 
5.3 Transport  3 
5.4 Transit and transhipment (air transport)  4 
5.5 New Zealand- origin cats and dogs overseas for 30 days or less  5 
5.6 Residency  5 
5.7 Assistance dogs  5 
5.8 Cats and dogs on vessels  6 
6 Recommendations for identified risk organisms  7 
6.1 Babesiosis ( Babesia spp.) (dogs only)  7 
6.2 Brucella ca nis (dogs only)  9 
6.3 Canine influenza virus (CIV)  12 
6.4 Canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT) (dogs only)  14 
6.5 Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis ) (dogs only)  14 
6.6 External parasites (fleas, leeches, lice, mites, sand flies, fly larvae [causing myiasis] and 
ticks)  15 
6.7 Internal parasites  20 
6.8 Leishmaniasis ( Leishmania spp.) (dogs only)  22 
6.9 Leptospirosis ( Leptospira spp.) (dogs only)  24 
6.10  Yersinia pestis  (plague)  26 
6.11  Coxiella burnetii  (Q Fever)  27 
6.12  Rabies  28 
6.13  Salmonellosis (Salmonella spp.) 30 
6.14  Trypanosoma evansi  (surra) 31 
  
Ministry for Primary Industries  1 1 Purpose  
(1) The purpose of this document is to:  
a) Show how options for the management of risk o rganisms have been assessed.  
b) Provide recommendations for import requirements.  
2 Background  
(1) Domestic c ats and dogs  are considered risk commodit ies, with the potential to harbour exotic viral, 
bacterial and  parasitic diseases, exotic external and internal parasites, and canine transmissible vener eal 
tumour (CTVT), which could become established in New Zealand.  
(2) In November 2009 , an i mport risk analysis of cats, dogs and canine semen  was completed by  the Ministry 
for Primary Industries (MPI , formerly MAF Biosecurity New Zealand) : 
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/2796- cats-dogs -and-canine- semen -from-all-countries -final-import -
risk-analysis- november -2009 .  Subsequently the Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs , and  Import 
Health Standard for Cats and Dogs (CATDOG.GEN)  were issued in 2011 , following public consultation. 
Since then a few minor amendments, and one urgent amendment ( related to canine i nfluenza  virus) have 
been made.  
(3) Although a new import risk analysis has not been developed , the import health standard needs to be 
amended to include the following : 
a) additio nal risk organisms identified since 2011  
b) updated measures due to advancement in treatment or testing , and/or upda ted scientific/technical 
advice  
c) some r outinely used chief technical officer  (CTO) directions or ‘equivalent ’ measures  
d) short-stay measures for N ew Zealand- origin dogs  
e) an additional pathw ay for cats and dogs from non- categorised  countries  
f) a treatment option for cat and dog bedding  
(4) In accordance with MPI processes, the import health standard  contains generic import requirements. 
These requirements manage the biosecurity risk of importing ca ts and dogs  from approved (category 1, 2 
and 3) countries . The generic import health standard  serves as the basis for country -to-country (bil ateral) 
negotiations of country -specific veterinary certificates. Guidance  boxes will provide information including  
model veterinary certificates  for the importation of  cats and dogs into New Zealand  relevant to the 
category of the exporting country . 
(5) MPI may  agree  on country -specific veterinary certificates with the exporting country ’s competent authority  
once MPI is satisfied with the exporting  country ’s export systems. Negotiations will take into account the 
verifiable health status of the exporting country , the national sys tems, legislation and import health 
standards  in the exporting country  for regulatory oversight of the cat and dog population , and the 
capabilities and prefer ences of the exporting country ’s competent authority. The assessments will be 
based on the World O rganisation for Animal Health  Code (the Code) section 3, Quality of Veterinary 
Services.  
(6) If a negotiated veterinary certificate has not been agreed  on between MPI and the approved exporting 
country , the model veterinary certificates included as guidance in  the import health standard , appropriate 
to the category of country  of export, may be used.  
3 Objective  
(1) The objective is to effectively manage biosecurity risks associated with the import of cats and dogs , 
consistent with New Zealand’s domestic legislation and international obligations.   
Ministry for Primary Industries  2 4 Options assessment  
(1) Under Article 3.3 of the World Trade Organisation ’s Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and 
Phytosanitary Measures (the SPS Agreement), 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.  
(2) For a detailed analysis of potential hazards and their risks please refer to the supporting document, Import 
Risk A nalysis: Cats, Dogs and Canine Semen  (2009) : https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/2796 -cats-
dogs -and-canine -semen -from-all-countries -final-import -risk-analysis- november -2009 . This document 
contains the relevant risk assessment and an analysis of management options for each risk organism.  
(3) Of the potential hazards, the  Import risk analysis:  Cats, Dogs and Canine Semen  (2009)  concluded that 
risk management measures were justified for the following hazards in imported cats and dogs : 
a) Babesiosis  (Babesia gibsoni  and B. rossi ) 
b) Brucella canis  
c) Canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT)  
d) External parasites (fleas, leeches, lice, mites, fly larvae (causing myiasis) and ticks  
e) Filariosis ( Dirofilaria immitis)  
f) Internal parasites ( cestodes, nematodes, acanthocephalans , trematodes ) 
g) Leishmania sis (Leishmania infantum ) 
h) Leptospirosis  (Leptospira interrogans  serovar c anicola ) 
i) Plague ( Yersinia pestis ) 
j) Q Fever ( Coxiella burnetii ) 
k) Rabies  
l) Salmonellosis ( Salmonella  spp.) 
m) Surra ( Trypanosoma evansi ) 
(4) In addition, it  has been concluded that additional risk management measures are justified for the following 
potential haz ard in dogs.   
a) Canine influenza  
5 General requirements for all importations of cats and dogs  
(1) The general requirements section of the import health standard  includes risk management measures for 
cats and  dogs regardless of a country ’s disease freedom claims.  
(2) Parts 1 and 2 of the import health standard  state the requirements for import ing cat s and dogs into New 
Zealand.  
5.1 Application 
(1) The import health standard  applies to all imports of the following animals from all countries, territories or 
regional entities1: 
a) Dome stic cats ( Felis catus) and domestic dogs ( Canis familiaris ). 
b) Bengal cats ( Felis catus x Prionailurus bengalensis ), and Bengal cats crossed with  domestic cats.  
c) Hereafter, collectively referred to as cats and dogs . 
d) Bedding2 that accompanies cats and dogs into New Zealand.  
 
1 ‘Countries, territories or regional entities’, hereafter referred to as ‘countries’.  
2 Refer to  Definitions  in Schedule 2.   
Ministry for Primary Industries  3 5.2 Diagnostic tests, vaccines and treatment  
(1) The microchip identification of each cat or dog must be verified and recorded at each required 
examination, test, vaccination, and/or treatment performed for impor t into New Zealand.  
(2) All pre -export and/or surveillance testing required by this IHS  must be conducted at:  
a) A laboratory approved by the competent a uthority of a category 1, 2 or 3 country; or  
b) A laboratory approved by the EU Commission  (for rabies  testing) ; or 
c) An OIE rabies reference laboratory (for rabies  testing).  
(3) All laboratory samples must be collected, processed, and stored in accordance with the recommendations 
in the Code  and/or the Manual or as described  in MPI -STD-TVTL ; and  
a) Must be taken in a country that the CTO has agreed meets the requirements of clause 1.6  Exporting 
Country Systems and Certification  of this IHS ; with the exception of the sample for the rabies 
neutralising antibody titration test (RNATT) taken in a non- categorised country for the purpose of 
import via a category 2 or 3 country as per clause 2.1.5 Rabies  of this IHS.  
(4) All diagnostic tests and vaccines that are required to be used or undertaken by this IHS must be those that 
have been approved by MPI for that purpose and documented in MPI -STD-TVTL . 
(5) Products and vaccinations required by the IHS are to be administered according to th e manufacturer’s 
instructions and as required by this IHS  to meet the specific disease requirements in Part 2: Specified 
Requirements  for Identif ied Risk Organisms . 
(6) All requirements in this IHS  for the administration of a vaccine entail either:  
a) the final dose of a primary vaccination course has been administered; or  
b) the recommended booster to complement the primary course has been administered.  
(7) Where products required by this IHS  have been adm inistered, the product name, manufacturer, active 
ingredients (where applicable), duration of immunity, and the dose and date of the treatment must be 
recorded on the veterinary certificate (where specified).  
5.3 Transport  
(1) In the case of transport by:  
a) Air: the transport facilities and arrangements must meet the relevant requirements published in the IATA Live Animal Regulations . 
b) Sea: the transport facilities and arrangements must have been inspected and meet the requirements of the Australian Marine Orders Part 43, Issue 6  (which is equivalent to the New Zealand Marine 
Rules Part 24C ).  
Refer to Clause 1.17 Cats and Dogs on Vessels  in the IHS  for further information . 
(2) Cats and dogs arriving by air must be transported as manifested cargo, except for dogs t hat are 
assistance dogs (if the airline agrees ). This includes dogs transiting  or transhipping New Zealand.   
a) Assistance dog  must be listed on the Import Permit or Permission to Transit or Tranship form.  
Refer to Clause 1.16 Assistance Dog s in the IHS for further information . 
(3) Cats and dogs  from category 1 and 2 countries (rabies -free) must travel in crates that have been  sealed 
securely with a government -approved seal  to ensure that biosecurity is maintained during the journey to 
New Zealand ; and  
a) Crates  must be resealed if opened during transhipment. The competent authority of the country of 
transhipment must provide an endorsed document that details the circumstance, as well as the 
original and new government -approved seal numbers.  
b) Any crates not intac t on arrival must be made secure before the consignment is moved to a 
transitional (quarantine) facility or forwarded for onward travel.   
Ministry for Primary Industries  4 (4) Bedding or any other material capable of harbouring external parasites (including eggs and larvae) must 
be: 
a) Destroyed on arrival at the place of first arrival (POFA) or transitional facility; or  
b) Subjected to direct drying (i.e. without washing or before washing) at a high temperature setting (at 
least 54 °C) for at least 45 minutes, with the following exceptions : 
i) If the bedding is soiled, it must be washed at a high temperature setting and then dried  at high 
heat (as stated above) for at least one hour.  
ii) If the bedding must be temporarily stored before direct drying and/or washing, 0.5% 
permethrin must be applied (following the product -specific instructions of the manufacturer).  
c) Free from seeds.  
(5) Straw or hay bedding is not permitted. Only inert bedding is permitted.  
5.4 Transit and transhipment  (air transport)  
5.4.1 En-route to New Zealand  
(1) Cats and dogs may transit (remain on the same aircraft) in all countries, including non -categorised 
countries.  
(2) Cats and dogs must only tranship (change aircraft) in category 1, 2 or 3 countries; and  
a) Must not come in contact with other animals; and  
b) Must not leave the international side of the air port; unless being transferred under the supervision of 
the competent authority in the country of transhipment to a government -approved quarantine facility 
for cats and dogs for the period of transhipment; and  
c) Must comply with  clause 1.8 (3)(a) Transport  of the  IHS for requirements on replacement of seals on 
crates.  
5.4.2 Through New Zealand 
(1) Cats and dogs may only transit or tranship from category 1, 2 or 3 countries and must meet the following 
requirements:  
a) Animals must be implanted with a microchip;  
b) Dogs must be t reated with a product for heartworm prevention as per clause 2.10 Heartworm  of the 
IHS; 
c) External parasite treatment : 
i) The cat or dog must be treated by a veterinarian in the four days before  the date of shipment 
to New Zealand with a product regist ered for the control of fleas and ticks at the 
manufacturer’s recommended dose and found to be free from visible signs of external parasites.  
d) Internal parasite treatment : 
i) The cat or dog must be treated by a veterinarian with a product (or combination of p roducts) 
registered for the control of nematodes (including Angiostrongylus vasorum  - dogs only) and 
cestodes ((including  Echinococcus spp.) at the manufacturer’s recommended dose in the four 
days before  transhipment through New Zealand.  
e) Rabies (from a ca tegory 3 country only):  
i) Comply with clause 2.1 Rabies  of the IHS or the rabies import requirements for entry into 
Australia.  
f) Be accompanied by:  
i) An MPI  Permission to Transit or Tranship form;  
ii) An import permit issued by the competent authority in the countr y of destination (where 
applicable) .  
Ministry for Primary Industries  5 iii) Health documentation issued in the country of origin and required by the country of final 
destination.  
g) Transhipment must occur within the validity period of the MPI Permission to Transit or Transhipment 
form.  
 
h) Transhipment must not exceed 48 hours , unless otherwise authorised by MPI.  
5.5 New Zealand- origin cats and dogs overseas for 30 days or less  
5.5.1 Discussion  
(1) A model short -stay certificate for cats and dogs in Australia for 10 days or less was previously included in  
the Guidance Document  to the import health standard . There were also chief technical officer directions 
(CTOds) in place to allow N ew Z ealand- origin cats and dogs to short -stay in category 1, 2 and 3 countries 
for a period of 30 days or less. Both the short -stay certificate and the 30 -days or less short -stay CTOd are 
regularly used. Therefore, requirements that differ from the standard requirem ents, and a short -stay 
certificate applicable to N ew Z ealand- origin cats and dogs overseas for 30 days or less has been added to 
the import health standard . 
a) The S hort-stay c ertificate: N ew Z ealand- origin cats and d ogs overseas for 30 days or l ess in Part 3  
of the import health standard  must be completed before  shipment  from the country  of export.  
b) Unless specific requirements with  the heading, ‘N ew Z ealand -origin cats and dogs overseas for 30 
days or less’ are stated under each clause in  Part 1: Requirements  and Part 2: Specified 
requirements for i dentified r isk organisms , the standard import requirements apply.  
5.6 Residency  
(1) Cats and dogs must be free from all quarantine restrictions before shipment from the country of export to 
New Zealand.  
(2) Cats and dogs from category 1 countries must be imported directly from a category 1 country.  
(3) Cats and dogs exported from category 2 countries must have only been reside nt in category 1 or 2 
countries;   
a) Since birth or direct importation from New Zealand; or  
b) For at least six months before the date of shipment; or  
c) If arriving on a vessel: for at least six months before the date of arrival in New Zealand; or  
d) Unless import into New Zealand is from a non -categ orised country via a category 2 or 3 country 
(refer to clause 5 below).  
(4) Cats and dogs from category  3 countries must have only been in category 1, 2 or 3 countries for at least 
six months before  the date of shipment  to New Zealand (or the date of arrival i n New Zealand if travelling 
by vessel), with the exception of cats and dogs imported from non- categorised countries via a category 2 
or 3 country as per clause 5 below.  
(5) Cats and dogs imported from non- categorised countries via a category 2 or 3 country mus t have remained 
continually resident in the category 2 or 3 country of export for at least 45 days before  the date of 
shipment  (or the date of arrival in New Zealand if travelling by vessel).  
(6) New Zealand -origin cats and dogs overseas for 30 days or less mu st have remained continuously resident 
in category 1, 2 or 3 countries only  whilst overseas . 
5.7 Assistance dogs  
5.7.1 Discussion  
(1) Assistance dogs from all countries except category 1 countries (Australia and Norfolk Island) were 
previously placed under a ‘home quara ntine agreement’ for at least 10 days  upon arrival. A  release  
Ministry for Primary Industries  6 inspection was  completed, and biosecurity clearance given. To ensure that all uncleared dogs are kept 
within the confines of a transitional facility or biosecurity control area as per the Act and to facilitate 
clearance, compliant assistance dogs from category 1, 2 and 3 countries that meet the MPI eligibility 
criteria for assistance dogs will now be given clearance upon arrival in New Zealand.  
(2) This section of the import health standard  has been  expanded to provide more clarity and guidan ce on the 
requirements to import an  assistance dog i nto New Zealand.   
(3) All assistance dogs now require an import permit before  entry.  An import permit for MPI -eligible assistance 
dogs  from all countries will help ensure the process for importing  of assistance dogs  is smooth  for both the 
handler and MPI verification services.   
5.8 Cats and dogs on vessels  
5.8.1 Discussion  
(1) The requirements for cats and dogs on vessels was previously contained in t he import health standard  as 
a schedule. The requirements have now been incorporated into the main body of the import health 
standard.   
(2) This section of the import health standard  has been expanded to provide more clarity and guidance on the 
requirements to  bring a cat or dog on a vessel into New Zealand.   
   
Ministry for Primary Industries  7 6 Recommendations for identified risk organisms  
6.1 Babesiosis (Babesia spp.) (dogs only)  
6.1.1 Risk management options in the 2009 import risk analysis   
(1) Dogs to be imported could be:  
a) Certified by a veterinarian as having been treated with an effective acaracide twice at 2 -week  
intervals during the 4- week  period before  export, and been found to be free from ticks and clinically 
healthy at each treatment; and  
b) Show no clinical signs of ba besiosis on the day of export; and  
c) Be subjected to measures for effective management of ticks ; and  
d) If ticks are detected on arrival in New Zealand the animal should be directed to a transitional facility 
and may require further testing and treatment for Babesia  spp. a nd should be treated to eliminate 
ticks.  
Note. Clause  1. Does not provide meaningful protection against the importation of B. gibsoni or B. canis 
except for the prevention of the importation of tick vectors ; or 
(2) Dogs to be imported could be:  
a) Subjected to the measures for tick control in Option 1; and  
b) Subjected to a serological test (IFAT or ELISA) for the Babesia  spp. t hat occur in the country  of 
origin and/or a Babesia  genus or species -specific PCR within 10 days of shipment; and  
i) Test negative dogs could be imported; and  
ii) B. canis  test positive dogs that are negative for B. gibsoni  could be treated with a single IM 
dose of 7.5 mg/kg imidocarb dipropionate no more than 28 days and no less than 21 days before shipment; and  
iii) Be subjected to the option selected for ticks to prevent their importation; and  
iv) B.gibsoni  test positive dogs could be disqualified; and  
v) Serologically positive but PCR negative dogs should be re -tested with the PCR after 30 days.  
6.1.2  Risk management proposal (2009)  
(1) Babesia can be transmitted by ticks so animals should be subjected to measures proposed for external 
parasites.  
(2) For practical reason s, the timing requirement was extended in the 2011 import risk analysis  to within 16 
days of shipment because  many importers reported that the 10 -day requirement was extremely difficult to 
meet. The blood smear was also elimina ted as a requirement  due to lack of sensitivity. PCR was offered 
as an alternative but two negative PCR tests on samples collected one month apart was required because  
the organism is not always found in the blood of chronically  infected dogs.  
(3) Effective treatment is available for B. canis so dogs imported from countries where B. canis  is endemic 
could be subjected to treatment. However, dogs treated for B. gibsoni infection may still carry the 
organism. Therefore, treatment for B. gibsoni  is not an adequat e risk management option, and dogs with 
any history of infection are not eligible for import.  
(4) Before the 2020 amendments, the requirements in the import health standard  were:  
Babesia gibsoni  
(5) The dog has been inspected  and found to be free of ticks and hea lthy before each of the two treatments 
required for external parasites; and either  
(6) The dog has been subjected to an indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) or ELISA test for Babesia gibsoni 
with a negative result within 16 days of shipment ; or 
(7) The dog has been subjected to two  PCR tests for Babesia  spp. or Babesia gibsoni  with negative results on 
samples collected 30- 37 days apart, with the second sample collected within 16 days of shipment.   
Ministry for Primary Industries  8 Note: Dogs diagnosed with Babesia gibsoni are not elig ible for import, regardless of treatment.  
Babesia canis (only for dogs that have ever travelled to or resided in South Africa ) 
(8) The dog has been inspected and found to be free of ticks and healthy before  each of the two treatments 
required for external para sites; and either  
(9) The dog has been given an approved treatment within 16 days of shipment; or  
(10) The dog has been subjected to an IFA or ELISA test for Babesia canis  within 16 days of shipment with a 
negative result ; or 
(11) The dog has been subjected to two negative PCR tests for Babesia spp. or Babesia canis  with negative 
results on samples collected 30 -37 days apart, with the second sample collected within 16 days of 
shipment.  
6.1.3 Discussion   
(1) Babesia  spp. are unwanted , notifiable organism s in New Zealand . 
(2) Although babesiosis is a n OIE -listed disease of B ovidae , the Code  makes no recommendations that would 
prevent Babesia  spp. being introduced into an import ing country  with cats and dogs , as Babesia  spp. 
specific to cats or dogs are not listed.   
(3) While the 2009 import risk analysis lists multiple  Babesia species related to cats and dogs, Babesia 
gibsoni  and Babesia rossi  have been specifically identified as risk organisms of concern because  the tick 
vectors associated with these organisms are from the Haemaphysalis  family. This is the same family of 
tick as New Zealand’s endemic cattle tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis. T he tick vectors for the other 
Babesia  species noted in the 2009 import risk analysis  are not present in New Zealand.  
Babesia rossi  (formerly Babesia canis rossi ) 
(4) In the 2011  import health standard , the requirements for Babesia canis were only applied to dogs  that had 
ever travelled to or resided in Sout h Africa as this virulent strain is transmitted by Haemaphysalis  elliptica , 
the same family of tick as  New Zealand’ s endemic cattle tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis .  
(5) Note: T he strains of Babesia canis are now considered three separate species: Babesia canis, Babesia 
vogeli and Babesia rossi.  The proposed requirements in this risk management proposal  are in relation to 
Babesia rossi (formerly Babesia canis rossi).  
(6) The 2009 import risk analysis referred  to dogs that have ever travelled to or resided in ‘Southern Africa’  
whilst the  2011 import health standard  stated South Africa . The requirements have been updated to apply 
to all dogs that have ever travelled to or resided in mainland Africa , rather than just South Africa.  
Babesia rossi  and gibsoni  
(7) The b abesiosis section of the 2009 import risk analysis  states, ‘By ensuring freedom from tick infestation 
for 30 days before  export, any recently infected animal will have sufficient time to seroconvert before  
testing’. The current treatment regimen in Option 1 of the 2009 risk management proposal 
recommendations  does not ensure that a dog remains tick free for 30 days before  import  because  the first 
external parasite treatment could be given as little as 16 days before  shipment . In addition, testing for 
babesiosis may occur before  the three -week  period of seroconversion of an infected animal. The 
timeframes  of external parasi te treatments for dogs and the b abesiosis test(s) ha ve been amended 
accordingly.  For pract ical reasons, t he testing/treatment timeframe has been extended from 16 to 20 days 
before shipment .  
(8) Advice from the MPI Animal Health Laboratory ( AHL) indicated that optimal diagnostic sensitivity will result  
from using both the IFAT and PCR concurrently when testing dogs for babesiosis. Using both tests will 
help ensure that early infection, subclinical infection and low parasitaemia  is picked up . The PCR test will 
detect dogs that may not have seroconverted enough to be picked up by serological (IFAT or ELISA) 
tests.  
(9) The option to have two negative PCR tests 30 -37 days apart has been removed due to concerns over the 
sensitivity of the PCR during chronic stages , and the transient nature of the parasitaemia.   
Ministry for Primary Industries  9 (10) A requirement for retesting when a positive, inc onclusive or suspicious Babesia gibsoni  test result has 
been added to ensure that an approved test is used within an acceptable timeframe.  
(11) Short -stay requirements for New Zealand- origin dogs  overseas for 30 days or less have been a dded  to the 
import health standard . These requirements are as per  a S27( 1)(d)(iii)  chief technical officer  direction, or 
‘equivalence’ that has been in place since 2013.  
6.1.4 Recommendation: Babesia rossi  (dogs that have ever resided in or travelled to  mainland 
Africa)  
(1) An owner declaration is required to confirm that the dog has never resided in or travelled to mainland 
Africa; or  
(2) The dog must be inspected by a veterinarian and found to be healthy and free of ticks before  each of the 
two treatments required for external parasites ; and either  
a) The dog must be treated by a veterinarian with a product and protocol listed in MPI -STD-TVTL  
effective against Babesia rossi , in the 20 days before  the date of shipment ; or 
b) The dog must be subjected to tests  listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for Babesia ross i with negative result s 
on sample s taken at least 21 days after the first external parasite treatm ent and in the 45 days 
before the date of shipment . 
New Zealand -origin dogs overseas  for 30 days or less (in South Africa  only)  
(3) No testing is required if the dog has met the requirements in clause 2.2.1 of the IHS : External parasite s for 
New Zealand- origin animals overseas for 30 days or less .  
6.1.5 Recommendation: Babesia gibsoni  
(1) The dog must be inspected by a veterinarian and found to be healthy and free of ticks before each of the 
two treatments required for external parasites ; and  
a) The dog must  be subjected to tests  listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for Babesia gibsoni with negative result s 
on sample s taken at least 21 days after the first external parasite treatment and in the 45 days 
before the date shipment .  
i) If a result is positive, inconclusive or suspicious, the dog must be subjected to tests for Babesia gibsoni  listed in MPI-STD-TVTL
 with negative results on sample s taken at least 21 -28 
days after the first  sample above and in the 20 days before the date of shipment.  
Note: Dogs diagnosed with Babesia gibsoni are not eligible for import, re gardless of treatment.  
New Zealand -origin dogs overseas f or 30 days or less  
(2) No testing is required if the dog has met the requirements of the IHS in clause 2.2.1 External parasite s: 
New Zealand -origin animals overseas for 30 days or less .  
6.2 Brucella canis (dogs only)  
6.2.1 Risk management o ptions in the 2009 import risk analysis   
(1) The Code makes no recommendations that would prevent  Brucella  canis being introduced into an 
importing country with dogs . 
(2) Within th e 7 days before  shipment, dogs could be serologically tested. The rapid slide agglutination test is 
highly sensitive but lacks specificity since reactions to other infecting bacterial organisms such as 
Pseudomonas  may occur. It could be used as a screening test. A positive result could be followed by 
either a tube agglutination test or agar gel immunodiffusion test. Any titre of 1:50 or greater in the tube 
agglutination test could be followed by a cytoplasmic agar gel immunodiffusion test which is highly 
specific. A negative result means the dog is probably not infected or is recently infected and not enough 
time has elapsed for an immune response to be detectable (Green & Carmichael 2006). A positive result 
could d isqualify the dog from importation.   
Ministry for Primary Industries  10 (3) If more stringent conditions are required, a genus specific PCR blood test could be added to the serology 
testing or alternatively the screening serology regime could be repeated after 30 days. This is because 
serologic  test results are often negative during the first 3 -4 weeks post -infection despite the presen ce of a 
bacteraemia within 2 weeks of infection. This option would more reliably detect dogs that have been 
recently infected comp ared to Option 1.  
Alternatively,  if less stringent measures are considered appropriate, then haemoculture or PCR without 
serology could be utilized. However, bacteraemia although sustained, can be absent  or intermittent in 
chronically infected animals and i n those treated with antibiotic s (Green and Carmichael 2006).  
Note: The timing requirement was changed from the import risk analaysis recommendation of 7 days to 16 
days before  the date of shipment  to allow adequate time to obtain  test results.  
A statement of the long -standing policy that positive dogs are not eligible for import was added to the  
import health standard , as treated dogs can still be carriers and potentially infect other dogs.  
Before the 2020 amendments, the requirements in the import health standard  were : 
a) The dog has been subjected to a rapid slide agglutination  test (RSAT) for Brucella canis  with a 
negative result within 16 days of shipment; or  
b) The dog had a positive or inconclusive RSAT result and has been subjected to a tube agglutination test (TAT) for Brucella canis with a negative result  within 16 days of shipment; or  
c) The dog had a positive or inconclusive RSAT or TAT result and has been sub jected to a cytoplasmic 
agar gel immunodiffusion test (CPAg -AGID) for Brucella canis  with a negative result within 16 days 
of shipment; or  
d) The dog had a suspicious TAT result and the test was repeated in 30 to 42 days with a negative result within 16 days of shipment.  
Note: Dogs diagnosed with Brucella canis are not eligible for import, regardless of treatment.  
6.2.2 Discussion   
(1) Brucella abortus , B. melitensis  and B. suis are OIE listed, and unwanted, notifiable organism s in New 
Zealand.  Brucella canis  is an unwanted, notifiable  organism  in New Zealand.  
(2) In December 2011, the risk management proposal  was updated to propose that the rapid slide 
agglutination test (RSAT), tube agglutination test (TAT), and cytoplasmic agar gel immunodiffusion test 
(CPAg -AGID) be used as initial screening tests. The  RISK MANAGEMENT PROPOSAL  stated that the 
2009 import risk analysis  did not provide any rationale for  the previous progression of tests and that as 
some countries do not have access to specific tests methods, and the three tests have high sensitivity, 
any of the tests are suitable  as a screening test. The import health standard  was update d accordingly  in 
December 2011 to amend  the testing regimen as follows:  
a) The dog has been subjected to a RSAT (rapid slide aggluti nation test) with a negative result in the 
16 day s before  the date of shipment ; or 
b) The dog has been subjected to a TAT (tube agglutination test) with a negative result in the 16 day s 
before  the date of shipment ; or 
c) The dog has been subjected to a CPAg -AGID  (cytoplasmic agar gel immunodiffusion test) with a 
negative result in the 16 days before the date of shi pment ; or 
d) The dog has had a suspicious RSAT or TAT result and has been subjected to a CPAg -AGID with a 
negative result, with the second sample collecte d in the 16 days before  the date of shipment;  or 
e) The dog had a suspicious TAT result and the test was repeated in 30 to 42 days after the first test 
with a negative result, with the second sample collected in the 16 day s before  the date of shipment . 
f) For en tire dogs only: After due enquiry and to the best of my knowledge, in the 44 days prior to the 
date of shipment, the dog did not naturally mate, unless to a dog of equal Brucella canis health 
status. Any artificial insemination was done with semen that meets the relevant New Zealand i mport 
health standard for semen . 
  Note: Dogs diagnosed with Brucella canis are not eligible for import, regardless of treatment.   
Ministry for Primary Industries  11 (3) Although there has been a  S27(1)(d)(iii) chief technical officer direction, or ‘equivalence’ to allow the use of 
the IFA test, recent advice from the MPI Animal Health Laboratory suggests that there is a lack of 
published data on the specificity and sensitivity of this test , and  this should not be used in place of the 
RSAT or TAT unless it is an emergency , for example, if there is a shortage of reagent as happened in 
2012.  
(4) Further a dvice from Animal Health Laboratory  since the update to the import health standard  in 2012  
states that the CPAg -AGID should not be used as  an initial screening test as it may not detect infection 
until 8 to 10 weeks post -infection.  The Animal Health Laboratory  also advised that the 2 -mercaptoethanol 
rapid slide agglutination and 2 -mercaptoethanol tube agglutination test s (2ME -RSAT  and 2ME -TAT) 
should not be used as sole initial screening tes ts due to their low sensitivity. These tests can be used in 
conjunction with the RSAT and TAT, or as an alternative test to help interpret the Brucella canis  status of a 
dog.  
(5) The timing of the serological tests has been extended from 16 to 20 days before  shipment for practical 
reasons.  In addition,  a 30  to 42 -day timeframe has bee n applied to all follow -up testing conducted when a 
dog has a positive, inconclusive or suspicious result. In the 2012 import health standard , the CPAg -AGID 
(cytoplasmic agar gel immunodiffusion) test can be done immediately after a positive, inconclusive or 
suspicious result is produced. Without this time frame between tests, the CPAg -AGID i s unlikely to detect 
early infection.  
(6) A requirement for retesting when a positive, inconclusive or suspicious Brucella canis test result has been 
added to ensure that an approved test is used within an acceptable timeframe.  
(7) Technical advice on Brucella canis  in desexed dogs from the Risk Team (March 2021) concluded that , 
‘While desexed dogs can be infected with Brucella canis  and the clinical manifestation in desexed dogs 
may vary with less frequent clinical signs, the likelihood of infected dogs infecting susceptible hos ts is 
assessed to be very low ’. Therefore, the requirement to test desexed dogs has been removed and a  
veteri nary record to show that a dog has been neutered/spayed must  be produced before  shipment.  
(8) Short -stay requirements for New Zealand- origin dogs overseas for 30 days or less have also been added. 
These requirements are as per a S27(1)(d)(iii) c hief technical  officer direction, or ‘equivalence’ that has 
been in place since 2013.  
6.2.3 Recommendation  
(1) The country of export is free from Brucella canis  as recognised by the competent authority and agreed by 
MPI; or  
(2) Male or  female entire dogs must be subjected to a test for Brucella canis  listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  with a 
negative result o n a sample taken in the 20 days before  the date of shipment.  
a) If the result is posit ive, inconclusive or suspicious, the dog must be subjected to a test for Brucella 
canis  listed in MPI -STD-TVTL  with a negative result on a sample taken at least 30 -42 days after the 
first sample and  in the 20 days before  the date of shipment.  
(3) In addition, a male or female entire dog:  
a) Must not be mated in the 45 days before  the date of shipment; or  
b) If naturally mated , it must be t o a dog that has been subjected to a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for 
Brucella canis with a negative result on a sample taken in the 20 days before  mating; or  
c) For a bitch : Any artificial insemination must be done with frozen semen that meets the current IHS 
for semen from dogs. ‘  
(4) For desexed dogs: A record, signed by a veterinarian, must show that the dog has been spayed or neutered.  
Note: Male and female dogs  diagnosed with  Brucella canis are not eligible for import, regardle ss of 
treatment.  
New Zealand -origin dogs overseas for 30 days or less  
(5) The country of export must not have had any cases of Brucella canis diagnosed before the date of 
shipment ; or  
Ministry for Primary Industries  12 (6) After due enquiry of the certifying veterinarian, a male or female entire do g:  
a) Must not naturally mated in the period between export from New Zealand and the date of shipment  
back to New Zealand, or  
b) Must be naturally mated to a dog that has been subjected to a test for Brucella canis  with a test 
listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , with a negative result on a sample taken in the 20 days before  mating; or  
c) For a bitch : Any artificial insemination with frozen semen was done with semen that meets the 
current IHS  for semen from dogs.  
(9) For desexed dogs: A record, signed by a veterinarian, must show that the dog has been spayed or 
neutered.  
Note: Male and female entire d ogs diagnosed with Brucella canis are not eligible f or import, regardless of 
treatment.  
6.3 Canine influenza virus (CIV)  
6.3.1  Risk management options in the 2009 import risk analysis (Orthomyxoviridae  section)  
(1) Since entry assessment is assessed to be negligible for H5N1, the risk from importing cats or dogs is 
estimated to be negligible. The risk of introducing exotic avian influenza viruses in imported cats or dogs 
has been estimated as negligible. Theref ore, risk management measures are not justified.  
6.3.2 Risk management options in the 2019 Rapid risk assessment   
(2) Option 1  
No case of canine influenza caused by CIV H3N8 and/or CIV H3N2 in cats or dogs has been diagnosed in 
the country  in the three months before the date of export.  
This option is particularly appropriate for cats and dogs originating in countries wit h no history of canine 
influenza infection. It is likely to be highly effective in managing the risk of canine influenza viruses 
entering New Zealand through importation of cats and dogs from countries, which have not reported CIV 
cases.  
(3) Option 2  
The dog was fully vaccinated against CIV H3N8 and CIV H3N2 with MPI approved vaccine product/s in the exporting country  as per the vaccine manufacturer’s instructions between 365 days (12 months) and 
14 days before the date of export.  
Canine vaccine products are available in some countries and this option is not applicable to all countries 
exporting dogs to New Zealand. Although vaccination may not completely prevent infection,  it reduces the 
severity of the disease and virus shedding, therefore the effectiveness of this option is likely to be ‘High’.  
(4) Option 3  
The cat or dog was tested with a negative result for CIV H3N8 and CIV H3N2 viral antigens with a MPI 
approved PCR test, conducted on a sample collected within the 5 days prior to export.   
Because viral shedd ing commences before the clinical signs appear, incubating and subclinically infected 
animals can be detected. The effectiveness of this option is likely to be ‘High’.  
(5) Option 4  
For at least 21 days prior to the date of shipment :  
a) The cat or dog was not kept in a place where there were cats or dogs showing clinical signs of 
respiratory disease; and  
b) The cat or dog showed no clinical signs of respiratory disease.  
This option is currently in place for all countries. Because it does no t prevent export of subclinically 
infected animals or recently exposed  animals, the effectiveness of this  option is likely to be ‘low’.    
Ministry for Primary Industries  13 6.3.3 Discussion   
(1) Equine influenza and avian influenza are OIE listed diseases.  
(2) The exotic avian and equine strains of i nfluenza A  and the H7 and H3 subtypes of i nfluenza A are 
unwanted organisms for New Zealand . Influenza A virus in birds, avian influenza, influenza A virus in 
animals of the family Equidae , and equine influenza are listed as notifiable organisms in New Zealand .   
(3) The 2009 import risk analysis mainly referred to the Type A H5N1 strain of influenza. While it recognised 
that e xotic strains of avian influenza virus type A infections had been reported in cats and dogs,  the risk 
was considered negligible. Subsequentl y, the subtypes H3N8 and H3N2 have become prevalent in dogs 
and to a lesser extent cats in several countries and  were identified as emerging risks in cats and dogs.  
(4) MPI’s  Rapid r isk assessment: Canine i nfluenza (H3N2)  in 2016  reconsidered the risk and concluded that, 
‘The routine veterinary inspection of animals prior and after export as well as post -export quarantine of 
animals in New Zealand, arriving from all countries apart from Australia, should control the import or 
release of sick and shedding animals. Therefore,  the risk of canine influenza virus is negligible’.  
(5) However, in 2018 canine influenza virus (CIV H3N2) was diagnosed in a dog imported from the USA in a 
New Zealand quarantine facility. The infection spread to se veral other animals in the quarantine. Cats and 
dogs in the quarantine facility remained in quarantine until clinical signs had resolved and all animals 
tested negative. This outbreak resulted in the following urgent amendment to the 2018 import health 
standard : 
a) For at least 21 days prior to shipment:  
i) The cat or dog was not kept in a place where there were cats or dogs showing clinical signs of 
infectious respiratory disease; and  
ii) The cat or dog showed no clinical signs of infectious respiratory disease.  
(6) Due to the  outbreak in the quarantine facility, a further rapid risk assessment was conducted to re -
examine the risks and risk management options available to manage canine influenza. The 2019 rapid risk 
assessment  states, ‘the risk posed by CIV H3N8 and CIV  H3N 2 in dogs imported into New Zealand is 
estimated to be ‘moderate’  and ‘the risk posed by CIV H3N8 and H3N2 in cats imported into New Zealand 
is estimated to be ‘low’ ’. 
(7) Several options are recommended in the 2019 rapid risk assessment. Exporting countri es that have not 
had any cases of canine influenza (H3N2) in the three months before  shipment of dogs could provide 
certification to attest to this. This certification would be in the form of a country - or territory -specific 
negotiated veterinary certifica te. In countries where canine influenza (H3N2) and/or  (H3N8) is endemic, an  
MPI-approved  vaccine could be given to, or a n MPI -approved test performed on the dog before  shipment.  
6.3.4 Recommendation  
(1) The country of export must not have had any cases of canine in fluenza diagnosed in the three months 
before the date of shipment ; or 
(2) The dog must be fully vaccinated against canine influenza  using a vaccine listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  
between 12 months and 14 days before the date of shipment; and  
a) The vaccination must remain valid for the entire post -arrival quarantine period; or  
(3) The dog must be subjected to a test list ed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for canine influenza viral antigens, with a 
negative result on a sample collected in the 5 days before  the date of shipment.  
(4) Based on a declaration from the owner , for at least 21 days before the date of shipment : 
a) The cat or dog has not been kept in a place where there were cats or dogs showing clinical signs of infectious respiratory disease; and  
b) The cat or dog has not shown clinical signs of infectious respiratory disease.   
Ministry for Primary Industries  14 6.4 Canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT)  (dogs only)  
6.4.1 Risk management o ptions in the import risk analysis 2009  
(1) General veterinary examination of the dog pre -export could be performed by a veterinarian within one 
week of travel; with the dog certified to have no lesions suggestive of CTVT.  
(2) Specific veterinary examination of genitalia of bitches by vaginal speculum in females and examination of 
the penis and prepuce in males could be done to ensure dogs are free of CTVT within 3 days of travel. 
Dogs showing  evidence of CTVT could be disqualified from travel.  
(3) Dogs to be imported could be de- sexed animals or entire adults that are certified as not having been 
mated in the 8 months prior to export of for their entire lives.  
(4) Dogs for import could be held in qua rantine for 6 months immediately prior to  shipment.  
6.4.2 Discussion   
(1) CTVT is not OIE-listed , or an unwanted or notifiable organism  in New Zealand. However, it is not 
recognised as endemic  in the New Zealand dog population and is therefore considered exotic.  
(2) The risk estimate for the entry, exposure and consequences of CTVT in entire male and female dogs is 
non-negligible. The tumour is therefore classified as a hazard .  
(3) Diagnosis  of CTVT is strongly suspected on the basis of the physical appearance of the tumour which is 
almost  always found on t he external genit alia. It is confirmed by microscopic examination of cells from the 
tumour.  
(4) Since infection is clinically obvious based on physica l appearance  of the tumour on the external genitalia , 
veterinary examination of entire animals prior to travel could markedly  decrease the likelihood that CTVT 
is introduced.  
(5) MPI proposes retaining the requirements in the import health standard  (2018).  
6.4.3 Recommendation  
(1) If the dog is an entire male or female, it must be subjected to an examination of the external genitalia (which in the case of a male dog includes examination of the extruded penis) and found to have no lesions 
suggestive of canine transmissi ble venereal tumour:  
a) In the two days before  the date of shipment; and  
b) On arrival in New Zealand.  
6.5 Heartworm  (Dirofilaria immitis ) (dogs only)  
6.5.1 Risk management options in the 2009 import risk analysis   
(1) Dogs could be certified as showing no clinical signs of heartworm on the day of shipment.  
(2) Dogs older than five months of age (earliest time post -infestation that heartworm antigen can be detected) 
on the scheduled date of export, could be subjected to an antigen ELISA with negative results within 1 
month of travel; and  
(3) Within 48 hours of departure all dogs could be treated with, either:  
a) Ivermectin at 6 mcg/kg; or  
b) Milbemycin at 0.5 mg/kg; or  
c) Moxidectin at 2 -4 mcg/kg; or  
d) Injectable sustained release formula tion moxidectin at the recommended dose rate; or  
e) Selamectin at 6 mg/kg  
6.5.2 Discussion   
(1) Dirofilaria immitis (canine heartworm) is listed as a notifiable, unwanted organism  in New Zealand.    
Ministry for Primary Industries  15 (2) Canine heartworm is widely distributed in Asia, Australia, Europe and the Americas. Despite infested dogs 
being imported into New Zealand before  safeguards were put in place in 1994, the organism has never 
established.  
(3) Dogs with adult heartworm infections are highly likely to be infectious to intermediate hosts (mosquitoes). 
Dogs with positive test results may be treated and are eligible for import once the antigen test resul ts are 
negative.  
(4) Antigen testing identifies adult female worm and does not identify immature worms. Therefore,  heartworm 
prevention should be used as a pre -export treatment to eliminate early infections.  
(5) The timing of the treatment was modified for pract ical reasons in the 2011 import health standard , and a 
current sustained -release injection was considered acceptable .  
(6) Short -stay requirements for cats and dogs overseas for 30 days or less have been added to the import 
health standard . The se requirements do not include a ntigen testing as it only detects adult female worms, 
not immature worms. The canine heartworm would not reach maturity during a short stay  visit but 
treatment with a product registered for heartworm prevention would be effective against de veloping larvae.  
These requirements are as per a S27(1)(d)(iii) c hief technical officer direction, or ‘equivalence’ that has 
been in place since 2013.   
(7) MPI proposes retaining the measures in the current 2018 import health standard  with the exception of the 
age of dogs to be tested changed from six months to seven months as per the current guidelines of the 
American Heartworm Society  which state, ‘ There is no need or justification for testing a dog for antigen 
and microfilariae prior to 7 months of age’.  
6.5.3 Recommendation  
(1) If seven  months of age or older on the date of shipment, the dog must be subjected to a test listed in MPI-
STD-TVTL  for heartworm, with a negative result on a sample taken in the 30 days before  the date of 
shipment, and  
(2) All dogs must be either:  
a) Treated by a veterinarian with a product for heartworm prevention listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , in the 
four days before  the date of shipment; or  
b) Up to date  with a su stained- release injection administered by a veterinarian and listed in MPI-STD-
TVTL  for heartworm prevention.  
New Zealand -origin dogs  overseas for 30 days or less  
(3) All dogs (regardless of age) must be treated by a veterinarian with a product listed in MPI -STD-TVTL  for 
heartworm prevention, in the five days before  export from New Zealand ; or 
a) The dog must be  up to date with a sustained -release i njection  listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for heartworm 
prevention  administered by a veterinarian .  
6.6 External parasites (fleas, leeches, lice, mites, sand flies, fly larvae 
[causing myiasis]  and ticks)  
6.6.1 Risk management options i n the import risk analysis 2009: fleas 
(1) Within the 3 days prior to travel, animals for export are to be treated with an effective insecticide.  
(2) Treatment as in option 1 and inspection, with certification that the anima l is free from fleas within 3 days of 
travel.  
(3) Treatment as in option 1 and be inspected and found to be free of fleas at the point of departure.  
(4) Treatment as in option 1 and be inspected and found to be free of fleas at the port of entry prior to  being 
given biosecurity clearance.  
(5) Treatment as in option 1  and be inspected and found to be free of fleas at the port of departure and be 
inspected and found to be free of fleas at the port of entry prior to  being given biosecurity clearance.   
Ministry for Primary Industries  16 6.6.2 Risk management options in the 2009 risk management proposal : fleas  
(1) The cat or dog was treated by a veterinarian twice with a topical product registered for the control of ticks 
and fleas at the manufacturer’s recommended dose and certified as free from external parasites at each 
treatment. The first treatment was given wi thin 30 days of shipment and at least 2 weeks prior to  the 
second treatment, and the second treatment was given within 2 days of shipment; and  
(2) The cat or dog was inspected and certified as  free of external parasites within 48 hours prior to shipment;  
and 
(3) The cat or dog was inspected and found to be free of external parasites post -arrival, prior to receiving 
biosecurity clearance.  
6.6.3 Discussion : fleas  
(1) Fleas are not OIE listed , or unwanted, notifiable organisms in New Zealand.  
Refer to Recommendation: External Parasites  at the end of this section.  
6.6.4 Risk management options in the import risk analysis 2009: leeches  
(1) Animals could be clinically examined prior to export to provide assurances of freedom from leeches to 
their gross visibility.  
(2) Further to option 1, point  of entry inspection could also be adopted as for ticks and myiasis. If any are 
found, treatment by applying ivermectin solution, topical anaesthetics or insecticides to paralyse leeches thereby facilitating removal could be performed.  
6.6.5 Risk management opt ions in the risk management proposal 2009 : leeches  
(1) The cat or dog was inspected and certified as free of external parasites within 48 hours prior to shipment; and 
(2) The cat or dog was inspected and found to be free of external parasites post -arrival, prior to receiving 
biosecurity clearance.  
6.6.6 Discussion : leeches  
(1) Leeches are not OIE listed,  and they are not  unwanted, notifiable organisms  in New Zealand.  
Refer to Recom mendation: External Parasites  at the end of this section.  
6.6.7 Risk Management options in the import risk analysis 2009: lice  
(1) Within the 3 days prior to travel, animals for export are to be treated with an effective insecticide.  
(2) Veterinary certification that the animal has undergone pre -export treatment with an effective insecticide 
within 3 days of travel and  been inspected and found to be free of lice at the point of departure.  
(3) Veterinary certification that the animal has under gone pre -export treatment with an effective insecticide 
within 3 days of travel and  been inspected and found to be free of lice at the point of departure.  
(4) Undergo option 3, and; be found to be free of lice upon inspection at the port of entry prior to  being given 
biosecurity clearance.  
(5) Treat with an effective insecticide at the port of entry prior to  being given biosecurity clearance.  
6.6.8 Risk management options in the risk management proposal  (2009) : lice  
(1) The cat or dog was inspected and certified as fre e of external parasites within 48 hours prior to shipment; 
and  
(2) The cat or dog was inspected and found to be free of external parasites post -arrival, prior to receiving 
biosecurity clearance.   
Ministry for Primary Industries  17 6.6.9 Discussion : lice 
(3) Lice are not OIE listed and they are not  unwan ted, notifiable organisms in New Zealand.  
Refer to Recommendation: External Parasites  at the end of this section.  
6.6.1 Risk management options in the import risk analysis 2009: mites  
(1) Certification that the animal has undergone pre -export treatment with an effective acaracide within 3 days 
or travel and  been inspected and found to be free of mites.  
(2) Certification that the animal has undergone pre -export treatment with an effective acarac ide within 3 days 
or travel, and; been inspected and found to be free of mites on the day of departure.  
(3) Certification that the animal has undergone pre -export treatment with an effective acaracide within 3 days 
or travel, and; been inspected and found to b e free of mites upon  inspection at the port of entry . 
(4) For countries where nasal mite is endemic, restrictions could be as for option 3. But additionally,  the 
animal could be examined by nasal endoscopy or treated by subcutaneous administration of ivermecti n at 
200 mcg/kg.  
6.6.2  Risk management options in the 2009 risk management proposal : mites  
(1) The cat or dog was treated by a veterinarian twice with a product registered for the control of ticks and 
fleas at the manufacturer’s recommended dose and certified as fr ee from external parasites at each 
treatment. The first treatment was given within 30 days of shipment and at least 2 weeks prior to  the 
second treatment, and the second treatment was given within 2 days of shipment; and 
(2) The cat or dog was inspected and ce rtified as free of external parasites within 48 hours prior to shipment;  
and 
(3) The cat or dog was inspected and found to be free of external parasites post -arrival, prior to receiving 
biosecurity clearance.  
6.6.3 Discussion : mites  
(1) Mites are not OIE listed, and they are not  unwanted, notifiable organism s in New Zealand . 
Refer to Recommendation: External Parasites  at the end of this section.  
6.6.4 Discussion : sand flies  
(1) Phlebotomine sand  flies (Diptera: Psychodidae ) are the natural vectors of Leishmania  spp.  
 Refer to Recommendation: External Parasites  at the end of this section . 
6.6.5 Risk management options in the  2009 import risk analysis : myiasis (fly larvae infestation):  
(1) When importing cats and dogs from countries considered infected with any of the following New -World or 
Old-World  screwworm, Dermatobia hominis , Lucilia  spp., Cordylobia anthropophaga, Cuterebra  or 
Wohlfahrtia  species:  
a) Animals for export could be subjected to a close inspection of the skin for wounds with egg masses 
or larvae immediately prior to shipment. Only animals that are free from infestation and that have a 
dry, unsoiled and unmated hair coat are eligible for shipment.  
(2) As for option 1. And in addition, the inspection could be repeat ed at the arrival point in New Zealand. This 
inspection could identify any infestation acquired en -route and be integrated with tick inspections.  
(3) As for option 2. And in addition, post -arrival quarantine with daily inspections for 30 days.  
6.6.6 Risk management  options in the 2009 r isk management proposal : myiasis  
(1) The cat or dog was inspected and certified as free of external parasites within 48 hours prior to shipment;  
and  
Ministry for Primary Industries  18 (2) The cat or dog was inspected and found to be free of external parasites post -arrival, pri or to receiving 
biosecurity clearance.  
6.6.7 Discussion : myiasis  
(1) New- World screw  worm fly ( Cochliomyia spp. ) and Old -World  screw worm fly ( Chrysomya spp ) are OIE 
listed, and unwanted, notifiable organisms in New Zealand.  
Refer to Recommendation: External Parasites  at the end of this section.  
6.6.8 Risk Management options in the  2009 import risk analysis : ticks  
(1) Treatment of dogs and cats to be exported with fipronil or other effective acaracides, within the 7 days 
immediately prior to export.  
(2) As for option 1. Bu t in addition, inspection by a trained MAFBNZ inspector at the point of entry. The 
inspection could be carried out to ensure that animals are well groomed and free from ticks; and  
a) The contents of the container in which the animal arrived is free from ticks.  
b) Animals found to be infected with ticks could be transferred to a transitional facility and treated with a different acaracide from that used previously. It could be held for 48  hours following treatment so as 
to allow the active ingredient to kill any undetected ticks. At the facility the container could be thoroughly steam cleaned to remove any remaining ticks. The container and bedding could then be 
destroyed or treated with a n acaracide. All ticks found could be sent to a laboratory for identification  
c) A biosecurity clearance could be given 48 hours after treatment when the inspector is satisfied that 
the animal and container are tick -free.  
d) Fractious, unmanageable  and dangerou s dogs or cats could be directed to a transitional facility for 
inspection by a veterinarian in the presence of the owner, after having been tranquilised if necessary. I f ticks were to be found, the animal could be held in the transitional facility and tre ated 
and inspected as described above.  
(3) As for option 2. but the pre -export treatment of cats and dogs could be the same as an option in the 
Babesiosis chapter for excluding ticks, the animal to be certified by a veterinarian as having  been treated 
with an effective acaracide twice at 2 week intervals during the 4 week period prior to export and found  to 
be free from ticks at each treatment.  
(4) Post-arrival quarantine.  
A quarantine period of a sufficient duration to allow the free -living  stages to detach and be captured would 
ensure that no ticks were introduced on imported dogs and cats. This  option may be regarded as 
excessively on trade between Australia and New Zealand. It would also require specialised facilities to ensure that ticks are captured and destroyed.  
6.6.9 Risk management option in the 2009 risk management proposal: ticks  
(1) The cat or dog was treated by a veterinarian twice with a product registered for the control of ticks and 
fleas at the manufacturer’s recommended dose and certif ied as free from external parasites at each 
treatment. The first treatment was given within 30 days of shipment and at least 2 weeks prior to  the 
second treatment, and the second treatment was given within 2 days of shipment; and 
(2) The cat or dog was inspect ed and certified as free of external parasites within 48 hours prior to shipment;  
and 
(3) The cat or dog was inspected and found to be free of external parasites post -arrival, prior to rec eiving 
biosecurity clearance;  and 
(4) A post -arrival quarantine period may b e required to allow detection of ticks. If ticks or fleas are found, the 
animal will not be given biosecurity clearance until all further treatment and/or testing requirements have been fulfilled.  
6.6.10  Discussion : ticks  
(1) Ticks are not OIE listed but several tick species are vectors for OIE -listed diseases.   
Ministry for Primary Industries  19 (2) Ambylomma  spp. Boophilus  spp., Ixodes  spp. (exotic)  and Rhipicephalus  spp, are unwanted, notifiable 
organisms in New Zealand. Dermacentor  spp. is unwanted but not notif iable in New Zealand.  
(3) In March 2019, the  Animal Imports team asked  the Risk team to provide scientific technical advice on the 
effectiveness of novel non- topical external parasiticides on ticks and fleas and the ability to block 
transmission of vector -borne diseases of significance. Th e advice received stated the following:  
(4) Canine babesiosis (caused by Babesia canis  or B. gibsoni ) is the only identified vector -borne disease of 
concern associated with importation of dogs  (import risk analysis 2009) . For thi s disease, the suggested 
risk mitigation options include tick control, testing for antibodies and/or antigens and appropriate 
chemotherapy.  
(5) Entry of other tick -borne pathogens (e.g.  Yersinia pestis, Coxiella burnetii, Rickettsia  spp.) into New 
Zealand is managed through certified freedom from external parasites pre -export and verified freedom 
from external parasites post arrival.  
(6) The overall conclusion of the advice is as follows:  
a) Treatment with novel, oral ectoparasiticides of isoxazaline class offer eff ective alternatives to topical 
ectoparasiticides for the prevention of external parasites (ticks and fleas) entering into New Zealand 
through imported dogs and cats.  
b) Ectoparasiticides of isoxazaline class could be used for preventing the transmission of B abesia  
species from infected ticks to dogs.  
(7) The b abesiosis section of the 2009 import risk analysis  states, ‘By ensuring freedom from tick infestation 
for 30 days prior to export, any recently infected animal will have sufficient time to seroconvert prior  to 
testing’. However, the treatment regimen in the 2018 import health standard taken from the  2009  risk 
management proposal  does not ensure that a dog remains tick free for 30 days before  import as the first 
external parasite treatment could be given in as little as 16 days before ship ment. In addition, testing for 
babesiosis may occur prior to the three -week  period of seroconversion of an infected animal. Therefore,  
the timeframe of the external parasi te treatments for dogs and the b abesiosis test(s) have been  amended 
accordingly.  The timeframe of external parasite treatments of cats has also been amended to align with 
dogs to help lower the number of visits to a veterinarian when a mixed consignment of cats and dogs is 
being prepared for export to New Zealand.  
(8) A short -stay requirement for New Zealand -origin animals overseas for 30 days or less has been added.  
These requirements are in line with a S27(1)(d)(iii) chief technical officer direction, or ‘equivalence’ that 
has been in place since 2013.   
6.6.11  Recommendation:  external parasites  
(1) The cat  must be treated by a veterinarian with a product listed in MPI -STD-TVTL  for the control of ticks 
and fleas : 
a) The treatment must be given in the 15 days before  the date of shipment.  
b) The cat must have continuous protection (as per the manufacturer’s directions) from tick s and fleas 
from the date of the first treatment to the date of shipment.  
c) The cat must be certified as free from visible signs of external parasites at the time of the treatment and in the two days before  the date of shipment.  
(2) The dog must be treated twice by a veterinarian with a product listed in MPI -STD-TVTL
 for the control of 
ticks and fleas : 
a) The first treatment must be given at least 21 days before  the date the blood sample  is taken for the 
Babesia gibsoni  test, (and the Babesia rossi test , if applicable).  
b) The second treatment must be given in the 15 days before the date of shipment.   
c) The dog must have continuous protection (as per the manufacturer’s directions) from ticks and fleas 
from the date of the first treatment to the date of shipment.  
d) The dog must be certified free from visible signs of external parasites at each treatment and in the 
two days before the date of shipment.   
Ministry for Primary Industries  20 (3) If the dog is being exported from a country that has had indigenous cases of leishmaniasis caused by 
Leishmania infantum , and established populations of competent vectors for leishmaniasis in the 12 
months before export :  
a) The dog must be treated by a veterinarian with a product listed in MPI -STD-TVTL  for the control of 
sand flies:  
b) The treatment must be given before  the date the blood sample is taken for the Leishmania infantum 
test in clause 2.11  Leishmaniasis in the  IHS and in the 30 days before the date of shipment . 
The dog must have continuous protection (as per the manufacturer’s directions) from the date of this 
treatment to the date of shipment.  
New Zealand -origin animals overseas for 30 days or less:  
(4) In the five da ys before  export from New Zealand the cat or dog must be treated by a veterinarian with a 
product (or combination of products) listed in MPI -STD-TVTL  for the control of ticks and fleas , and  
a) Cats an d dogs must have continuous protection (as per the manufacturer’s directions) from the date 
of the first treatment to the date of shipment back to New Zealand.  
b) A record of this treatment (refer to Appendix I  of the IHS ) listing the name of the product, active 
ingredient(s), and date of treatment must be signed and dated by a New Zealand veterinarian and must accompany the cat or dog during shipment back to New Zealand.  
(5) If the dog is being exported from a country that has had indigenous cases of leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum , and established populations of competent vectors for leishmaniasis in the during the 
12 months before  export :  
a) The dog must be treated by a veterinarian in the two days after arrival  in the overseas country w ith 
a product listed in MPI -STD-TVTL
 that is considered effective against sand flies and must have 
continuous protection (as per the manufacturer’s directions) until the date of shipment  back to New  
Zealand.  
(6) The cat or dog must be treated by a veterinarian with an product  listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for the control of 
ticks and fleas, in the 15 days before the date of shipment to New Zealand . 
a) The cat or dog must be certified free from visible signs of external parasites at treatment and in the 
two days before the date of shipment to New Zealand.  
6.7 Internal parasites  
6.7.1 Risk management optio ns in the  2009 import risk analysis  2009: nematodes and 
acantho cephalans  
(1) Treatment with an anthelmintic as recommended by the manufacturer that is efficacious against 
nematodes (such as ivermectin, fenbendazole, levamisole or pyrantel pamoate) within 7 days of shipment.  
(2) Examination of faecal samples, followed by treatment with  an efficacious anthelmintic and re -examination 
of faeces, 7- 10 days after treatment, to confirm that parasites have been eliminated. If parasites have not 
been eliminated, the treatment could be repeated as necessary until all parasites have been eliminat ed. 
Shipment could be within 7 days of a final negative faeces examination; or  
(3) As for option 2 but an additional treatment with anthelmintic 3 days prior to  shipment; or  
(4) As for options 2 or 3 but both faeces and urine could be tested for parasites and the eyes subjected to a 
physical examination for Thelazia  spp.  
(5) Animals could be held in quarantine while carrying out the procedures in options 2, 3 or 4.  
6.7.2 Discussion : nematodes and acanthocephalans  
(1) The 2009 import risk analysis 2009 lists the nematode parasit es that were identified in the preliminary 
hazard list. None of the species are OIE listed. All of the species listed were identified as species that do 
not occur in New Zealand.   
Ministry for Primary Industries  21 (2) The parasites considered in this section are generally not important pathoge ns. They are likely to be less 
pathogenic than parasites already established in New Zealand. Therefore, the consequences for cat and 
dog health are likely to be minimal. However, new parasites could be introduced and become established. 
These parasites cou ld cause rare cases of larva migrans in humans.  
(3) Occurrences of Angiostronglyus vasorum  have been increasingly reported overseas in the last few years, 
particularly in the United Kingdom. A. vasorum  or ‘French heartworm ’ is a parasite of foxes and dogs. The  
2009 import risk analysis  lists A. vasorum as a potential hazard and concludes that risk management 
measures are justified for imported dogs.  
(4) The current measure in the 2018 import health standard  may not adequately manage the risk of A. 
vasorum entering New Zealand for the following reasons:  
a) Many of the products used for the control of nematodes are intended for gastrointestinal stages of 
nematodes; and  
b) Although there are products that are considered effective against gastrointestinal nematodes and A. 
vasorum , the treatment protocols often  differ.  
(5) MPI proposes retaining the current measures in the 2018 impo rt health standard, with the addition of a 
separate measure for A. vasorum .  
6.7.3 Risk management options in the  2009 import risk analysis : trematodes  
(1) Since the parasites are unlikely to establish or cause serious diseases, cats and dogs could be imported 
without restrictions.  
(2) Since praziquantel is an effective agent for the treatment of trematode infestations, all cats and dogs to be 
imported could be treated with an effective regime of praziquantel treatment.  
(3) Cats and dogs could be treated with an effective dose of praziquant el, 3 weeks prior to  shipment; and  
a) 1 week after treatment a faecal sample could be examined by both sedimentation and floatation methods by a laboratory approved by th e veterinary authorit y of the exporting country , with negative 
results. Should trematode eggs be found, treatment could be repeated until a negative result is 
obtained.  
(4) Dogs for export could be held in quarantine while the recommendations of Option 3 are carried out.  
6.7.4 Discussion : trematodes  
(1) The 2009 import risk analysis lists a number of trem atodes parasites in the preliminary hazard list. All of 
which do not occur in New Zealand. None of the species are OIE listed.  
(2) The parasites considered in this section are generally not important pathogens. The lifecycles for many trematodes are complex a nd it is unlikely that the parasites would become estab lished as a viable self -
sustaining population when single or small numbers of cats or dogs are imported.  
(3) The dose and course of treatment required for eliminating trematodes with medications such as 
praziquantel or fenbenda zole is higher and longer than the dose and course of treatment required with 
these medications for control of more common endoparasites in cats and dogs. In other words,  standard 
‘deworming’ treatments do no eliminate trematodes.  
(4) Based on these considerations, the preferred option in the 2011 risk management proposal was option 1 
above.  
6.7.5 Risk management optio ns in the 2009 import risk analysis : cestodes  
(1) Treatment with an effective dose of praziquantel within the 7 days prior to shipment.  
(2) Examination of faeces within the 14 days prior to shipment by a laboratory approved by the veterinary authority of the exporting country  using both sedimentation and floatation methods and examination of 
faeces for tapeworm segments, with negativ e results.  
(3) Cats and dogs co uld be treated with an effective dose of praziquantel 3 weeks prior to  shipment; and   
Ministry for Primary Industries  22 a) One week after treatment a faecal sample could be examined by both sedimentation and floatation 
methods, and examination of faeces for tapeworm segments, by a laboratory approved by the 
veterinary authority of the exporting country , with negative results. Should evidence of cestodes 
infestation be found, treatment could be repeated until a negative test result is obtained. During the pre-export pe riod of treatment and testing dogs should not be fed ruminant offal.  
6.7.6 Discussion : cestodes  
(1) The 2009  import risk analysis lists several cestode  parasites in the preliminary hazard list.  
(2) Echinococcosis/hydatidosis is listed in the OIE Code . No other parasit es in the preliminary hazard list are 
listed.  
(3) Echinococcus  spp. are notifiable organisms (MPI 2018).  
(4) Cestodes all have similar complex life cycles. The consequences for cats and dogs are likely to be minor 
since infestation with adult tapeworms is generally of minimal clinical significance. However , since several 
of the parasites may accidentally infest humans or other species of animals, the consequences could be severe.  
(5) Praziquantel at the standard dose administered for deworming cats and dogs does not control  all species 
of tapeworm but is effective against many including Echinococcus, the species of greatest biosecurity 
concern. The 2009 risk management proposal  propose d a measure that required  an additional treatment 
to Option 1 and is similar to the current treatment requirements in the 2018 import health standard  (2018) 
for internal  parasites.  
(6) MPI proposes retaining the measures in the 2018 import health standard . However, the requirement to 
ensure that the treatment is effective against Echiniococcus spp. is made explicit.  
(7) A short -stay requirement for New Zealand -origin animals overseas for 30 days or less has been added.  
These requirements are in line with a S27(1)( d)(iii) chief technical officer direction, or ‘equivalence’ that 
has been in place since 2013.   
6.7.7 Recommendation: internal  parasites  
(1) The cat or dog has been treated twice by a veterinarian with a product (or combination of products) listed in MPI -STD-TVTL
, for the control of nematodes and cestodes (including Echinococcus  spp.).  
a) The first treatment must be given in the 30 days before the date of shipment and at least two weeks 
before the second treatment.  
b) The second treatment must be given in the four days before  the date of shipment.  
New Zealand -origin animals overseas for 30 days or less  
(2) If the cat or dog is overseas for two weeks or less, the animal  must be treated by a veterinarian with a 
product (or combination of products) listed in MPI -STD-TVTL  for the control of nema todes and cestodes 
(including  Echinococcus  spp.), in the two days before  the date of shipment back to New Zealand.  
(3) If the cats or dog is overseas for more  than two weeks, the standard requirements in clause 2.3 (1) 
Internal Parasite s of the IHS apply.  
6.7.8 Recommendation: Angiostrongylus vasorum  (dogs only)   
(1) The dog must be treated by a veterinarian with a product  as listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  effective against 
Angiostrongylus vasorum  with the final treatment  in the four days  before  the date of shipment.  
6.8 Leishmaniasis ( Leishmania spp.)  (dogs only)  
6.8.1 Risk management o ptions in the 2009 import risk analysis   
(1) Dogs could be certified as showing no clinical signs of leishmaniosis on the day of shipment.  
(2) Dogs could:   
Ministry for Primary Industries  23 a) Be subjected to a serological test with negative results within 10 days of travel; and  
b) Be subjected to the measures required to effectively manage the introductions of ticks.  
6.8.2 Risk management options in the 2016 Rapid risk assessment : Leishmaniasis in dogs  
(1) Imported dogs may be classified as low or high -risk dependant on country of birth, residence and travel 
history. Low risk areas are  non-endemic countries where vectors do not exist or where there are no 
reported populations of animals that appear to be maintaining active infection in the absence of known 
vectors. High risk countries are countries endemic for the phlebotomine vector an d Leishmania with 
reported clinical cases of Leishmania in animals and humans.  
(2) Dogs originating from low risk areas or countries (they were born and resided their entire live in non -
endemic country or animal population with no history of travel into endem ic areas) may be allowed to enter 
with no specific testing for L eishmania.  
(3) Dogs originating or having travelled or resided in high risk areas may be required to be healthy at time of 
export with no clinical signs (cutaneous or other underlying chronic dis ease) and could be tested 
serologically using an IFAT test where possible or secondarily an ELISA test. It is understood that h ealthy 
serologically negative animals can be infected. If deemed necessary PCR assays may be requested for  
these animals as a fur ther diagnostic step.  
(4) Animals that are positive on serology may be required to have a test done to exclude Trypanosoma cruzi  
infection to ensure there is no cross reaction.  
(5) Animals that return a low antibody titre on IFAT testing to leishmania may have been exposed but not 
infected or are in an incubatory period. Cytological examination of lesions or tissues may be advisable including bone marrow and lymph node. Where cytology and histology are negative then PCR testing may 
be advocated. If there are skin  lesions then cytology, histology, immunohistochemistry and PCR analysis 
of a skin biopsy may be recommended.  
(6) Animals with high antibody titres are likely to become sick and could be refused entry or they could be 
treated and allowed entry following treat ment with ongoing monitoring of antibody levels.  
(7) Where animals become ill while residing in New Zealand,  they do not represent a risk to their owners but 
during clinical illness can present a risk to in -contact dogs (possibly cats) and they are a risk to breeding 
animals. Following successful treatment for L. infantum  these animals can suffer recurrence of disease, so 
ongoing monitoring may be advisable. Therefore,  animals diagnosed as having L. infantum  may be 
neutered and not allowed to donate blood or semen nor be used for breeding purposes. In multi  pet 
households the owners could be made aware of possible risk to in contact dogs (possibly cats). Serologic 
monitoring of in contact dogs may be recommen ded.  
(8) Dogs originating or having travelled through high risk areas could not be allowed to act as blood donors for 
blood transfusion.  
6.8.1 Discussion  
(1) Leishmaniasis  is OIE -listed  but the Code  has no recommendations that would prevent Leishmania  spp. 
being intr oduced into an importing country  with dogs.  
(2) Leishmania  spp. are unwanted, notifiable organisms  in New Zealand.  
(3) Treatment  is not reliable in dogs and no effective vaccine is available. Since infection is chronic with an 
incubation period of up to several years’ possible, quarantine is not an option.  
(4) The 2009 import risk analysis states, ‘In the absence of a suitable vector, the risk of imported infected 
dogs transmitting the disease to humans is estimated to be negligible. The risk of dog -to-dog transmiss ion 
is however estimated to be non -negligible. As a result, the risk estimate for Leishmania  spp. is non -
negligible and it is classified as a hazard in the commodity. Therefore, risk management measures can be 
justified ’. The first option in the clause above  was adopted in the 2011 import health standard .  
(5) In 2016, a Rapid r isk assessment: Leishmaniasis in dogs  was written , which  stated, ‘There is no evidence 
to indicate the risk associated with l eishmania in imported dog s is any greater than when it was previously 
assessed by MPI in 2009 .’ Leishmania  infantum  was assessed to be a risk in imported do gs. This 
assessment also added that there were  increasing reports of animals testing positive for L. infantum  
Ministry for Primary Industries  24 through serology in non -endemic countries as well as cases of locally acquired  infection in animals with no 
known history of travel to endemic areas or contact with infected animals.  
(6) MPI proposes adding both the options in the rapid risk assessment to the import health standard .  
(7) MPI has added a requirement for retesting when a positive, inconclusive or suspicious Leishmania 
infantum  test result occurs to ensure that approved tests are done within acceptable timeframes. Dogs 
diagnosed with Leishmania infantum  will not be  eligible for import, due to the incurable nature of 
leishmaniasis.  
6.8.2 Recommendation  
(1) There have been no indigenous cases of leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum  and established 
populations of competent vectors for leishmaniasis in the country of export during the 12 months before  
export; and  
a) The dog has been continuously resident in the country of export since birth, or since it was imported from New Zealand; or  
(2) The dog must be subjected to test (s) listed in MPI-STD-TVTL
 for Leishmania infantum , with a negative 
result (s) on a sample taken in the 20 days before the date of shipment.  
a) If the result is positiv e, inconclusive or suspicious the dog must be subjected to test (s) for 
Leishmania infantum  listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  with negative result (s) in the 20 days before the date 
of shipment; and  
(3) The dog must be certified as showing no clinical signs of leishmania sis in the two days before  the date of 
shipment . 
Note: Dogs diagnosed with Leishmania infantum are not eligible for import, regardless of treatment.  
New Zealand -origin dogs  overseas for 30 days or less  
(4) In the 12 months before the date of shipment , the exporting country must not have had any  cases of 
leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantu m; or 
(5) The dog must comply with clause 2.2 .1 External parasites  of the IHS .  
(6) The dog must be certified as showing  no clinical signs of leishmania sis in the two days before  the date of 
shipment . 
6.9 Leptospir osis (Leptospira spp.) (dogs only)  
6.9.1 Risk management o ptions in the 2009 import risk analysis   
(1) The OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Standards Commission considers that international trade does not increase the risks to human or animal health in regards leptospirosis (OIE (2007).  
Diseased animals shed more organisms and are more important sources of in fection than chronic carriers 
(Horsh 1989). The diseased  dog would not be eligible for travel since they would not be certifiable as 
clinically healthy and free from infectious diseases.  
It could be appropriate to consider leptospirosis in clinically heal thy dogs to be of negligible risk to human 
or animal health and trade without restriction could be permitted.  
(2) The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) is the standard serological test for diagnosing leptospirosis. It is a serogroup specific assay and does not identify organisms at the serovar level. Screening with multiple 
antigens helps identify all serogroups  that may be present dependent on serovars known to be present in 
the exporting country that are able to infect dogs (Torten & Marshall 1994; Greene et al 2006).  
Cross reactivity between serovars confounds serovar -specific serological diagnosis. Nonetheless , 
negative serology probably provides a strong assurance that the dog is not cu rrently infected and 
therefore provides  a useful pre -export measure. A negative test (50% agglutination) at a 1:200 titre in the 
MAT provides the most appropriate  interpretation (Greene et al 2006).   
Ministry for Primary Industries  25 Previous infection or vaccination is usually associated with a MAT titre of less than 1:400. Higher 
vaccination titres are possible but they generally do not persist for longer than 3 months (Greene et al 
2006).  
Negative serology to a panel of antigens representing a wide range of serogroups could be justified , even 
though this measure may mean dogs infected with serovars endemic to New Zealand would be excluded 
on the basis of serology  as well as dogs with a recent vaccination history. For this reason, serologically 
positive dogs could still be eligible for importation after completi ng a treatment option for eliminating 
potential carrier s of the organism.  
Another serological test that could be applied as a pre -export screening test is the macroscopic slide 
agglutination test that has been developed for human diagnosis. This test is a vailable as a commercial 
screening kit that uses a broadly reactive leptospiral antigen. It has been used to detect recent or active 
infections in people and dogs without modification (Levett & Whittington 1998).  
(3) The carrier state in dogs can be treated w ith appropriate antibiotics, which are highly effective in 
preventing urinary shedding. Aminoglycosides and doxycycline are considered highly effective at clearing 
the renal carrier state (Greene et al 2006). Imported dogs could be treated with doxycycline  or another 
effective  antibiotic prior to  being shipped.  
6.9.2 2009 Risk management proposal   
(1) The dog has been treated with an approved course of treatment (see guidance document) within 30 days 
of shipment; or  
(2) The dog has been subjected to a microscopic agglut ination test (MAT) for L. canicola with a negative 
result within 30 days of shipment; or  
(3) The dog had a positive MAT of 1:400 or less for L. canicola  within 30 days of shipment and has been 
subjected to a second MAT for L. canicola  at least 14 days after the first test and showed no increase in 
titre.  
6.9.3 Discussion  
(1) Leptospirosis was removed from the OIE C ode in 2009 .  
(2) Leptospira  spp. (exotic species) are listed as unwanted organisms in New Zealand.   
(3) Dogs are known to be a maintenance host of L. canicola and this serovar is not present in New Zealand.  
(4) A MAF review in 2009 of leptospirosis measures in import health standard s recom mended antibiotic 
treatment as the option of choice for all species. However, option 2 above states that negative serology 
probably provides strong assurance that the dog is not currently infected and therefore provides a useful 
pre-export measure.  
(5) Clause  2 above states that a microscopic agglutination test ( MAT ) titre of <1:400 is most likely from a 
vaccinated animal or an animal that has been previously infected and recovered. Although the carrier state 
in dogs usually results in a MAT titre greater than  1:800, carrier dogs may also have MAT titres of less 
than 1:400 (Greene et al 2006). Carrier dogs shed fewer organisms and are less important sources of 
infection than clinically infected  animals (Horsh 1989). Hence, vaccinated, previously infected or car rier 
dogs with low MAT titres could be distinguished from recently infected dogs by repeating the MAT test in 
two weeks to establish there is not a rising titre.  
(6) The options of treatment or testing were included in the import health standard  (2011) to all ow veterinary 
discretion regarding an animal’s vaccination history, drug sensitivity, etc.  
(7) Dogs that have been vaccinated against leptospirosis up to several months prior to  testing often prod uce a 
low positive test result .  It has also been noted that re porting on leptospirosis by laboratories is not 
internationally consistent. Some laboratories will state positive at a serum dilution of 1:50 and negative at 
1:100, whilst others will only state negative at 1:100. The  2011 import health standard  requires  all dogs 
that have produced a positive result, regardless of titre, to be  either re -tested or treated.  For this reason, it 
is recommended that a negative result is now specified as less than 50% agglutination at a serum dilution 
of 1:100.   
Ministry for Primary Industries  26 6.9.4 Recommen dation  
(1) In the 12 months before the date of shipment there have been no cases of leptospirosis caused by 
Leptospira interrogans serovar  canicola in the country of export; or  
(2) The dog must be treated with a course of treatment listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for leptospirosis, in the 30 
days before  the date of shipment; or  
(3) The dog must be subjected to a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for Leptospira canicola , with a negative result 
on a sample taken in the 30 days before the date of shipment.  
a) The dog had a positive test result for Leptospira canicola  on a sample taken in the 30 days before 
the date of shipment; and either must be:  
i) Subjected to a second test l isted in MPI -STD-TVTL  for Leptospira canicola. The sample was 
taken at least 14 days after the first sample. The test result showed no increase above the titre 
of the first test; or  
ii) Treated with a c ourse of treatment listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , in the 30 days before  the date of 
shipment.  
New Zealand -origin dogs  overseas for 30 days or less  
(4) In the 12 months before the date of shipment , the country of export must not have had any cases of 
leptospirosis caused by Leptospira interrogans serovar  canicola ; or 
(5) The dog must comply with clause 2.12  Leptospirosis (2) or (3)  of this IHS, or  
(6) If the length of stay overseas doe s not allow testing or treatment for leptospirosis listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  
to be done before  return to New Zealand, the test or treatment can be completed in post -arrival 
quarantine.  
6.10 Yersinia pestis (plague)  
6.10.1  Risk management o ptions in the 2009 import risk analysis   
(1) Cats and dogs could be : 
a) Subjected to flea control as outlined in Exter nal Parasite section of the 2009 RMP l; and 
b) Clinically examined and found to be healthy on the day of shipment ; or 
(2) Cats and dogs could be : 
a) Certified by a veterinarian as having been treated with an effective acaracide twice at 2 -week  
intervals during the 4- week  period prior to  export; and  
b) Been found to be free from fleas and clinically healthy at each treatmen t; or 
(3) Cats and dogs could be : 
a) Held in a vermin -proof pre -export quarantine facility for 28 days with effective flea control; and  
b) Subjected to a serological test for Y. pestis  with negative results; and  
c) In the case of a positive result, subjected to a second serolo gical test 10 -14 days later. A rising titre 
could disqualify the animal from entry while a stable or declining titre could indicate that the animal 
could be imported ; or 
(4) Cats and dogs could be : 
a) Resident continuously for the 28 days prior to  shipment in a c ountry or zone that is free from Y. 
pestis ; and  
b) Subjected to the requirements in the option selected in the External Parasite section of this document.  
6.10.2  2009 Risk management options in the risk management proposal   
(1) The cat or dog was treated by a veterinar ian twice with a topical product registered for the control of ticks 
and fleas at the manufacturer’s recommended dose and certified as free from ectoparasites at each  
Ministry for Primary Industries  27 treatment. The first treatment was given within 30 days of shipment and at least 2 weeks prior to  the 
second treatment, and the second treatment was given within 2 days of shipment; and  
(2) The cat or dog was inspected and certified as free of external parasites within 48 hours of shipment; and  
(3) The cat or dog was inspected and certified as free of external parasites post -arrival prior to receiving 
biosecurity clearance.  
6.10.3  Discussion   
(1) Yersinia pestis is not listed in the OIE Code .  
(2) Y. pestis  is listed as an unwanted organism (MPI 2018).  
(3) The last case of Y. pestis  infection in humans in New Zeal and was reported in 1911.  
(4) Dogs are resistant to plague and clinically healthy dogs pose a negligible risk. Cats are susceptible. 
However, they are likely to be severely affected or die in a matter of days if infected. It is very unlikely that 
a clinically healthy cat would be incubating the disease at the time of import since the incubation period is 
only 1 -3 days. Therefore, pre- export certification that cats and dogs are clinically healthy on the day of 
travel is an important option.  
(5) Plague is primarily t ransmitted by fleas; therefore,  it is important that imported animals are not introducing 
potentially infected fleas. Fleas have been found on imported animals. Both the 2009 import risk analysis 
and a review of surveillance systems relating to vectors and  vector -borne diseases recommend ed having 
multiple ectoparasite treatments be applied by a veterinarian prior to  export.  These measures were 
adopted in the import health standard  (2011).  
6.10.4  Recommendation  
(1) MPI proposes retaining the  measures for external paras ite treatment and inspection for external parasites . 
Refer to External Parasite  section  of this risk management proposal . 
6.11 Coxiella burnet ii (Q Fever)  
6.11.1  Risk management o ptions in the  2009 import risk analysis  2009  
(1) Suitable measures could be implemented to prevent the importation of ticks on the commodity.  
Note: Clause  1 does not provide protection against the importation of C. burnetii except fo r the prevention 
of the importation of infected tick vectors  
(2) Unspayed f emales could be tested, by an ELISA, with negative results, within 10 days of shipment and be 
subjected to the measures required to effectively manage the introduction of ticks.  
6.11.2  Discussion  
(1) Q fever is listed in the OIE Code  but makes no recommendations th at would prevent C. burnetii  being 
introduced into an importing country  with cats and dogs.  
(2) Q fever is an unwanted, notifiable disease in New Zealand.  
(3) Q fever mainly affects cattle, sheep, goats and humans. Cats and dogs are rarely reported to be shedders;  
therefore,  it is considered unnecessary to impose restrictions on the importation of cats and dogs.  
6.11.3  Recommendation  
(1) It is recommended that measures for external parasite treatment and inspection for external parasites are 
retained. Refer to External Parasite  section  in this risk management proposal .  
Ministry for Primary Industries  28 6.12 Rabies 
6.12.1  Risk management options in the 2009 import risk analysis   
(1) Animal s from a rabies free country (as defined in the Code ) could be imported without restrictions.  
(2) Animals from rabies infected countries could be imported provided that:  
a) They are  free from clinical signs of rabies; and  
b) They have been vaccinated against rabie s with an inactivated virus vaccine or with a recombinant 
vaccine expressing the rabies virus glycoprotein  
i) Not less than 6 months and not more than one year prior to shipment in the case of primary 
vaccination, which should have  been carried out when the a nimals were at least 3 months old; 
or 
ii) Not more than one year prior to shipment in the case of a booster vaccination; and  
c) They were subjected not less than 3 months and not more than 24 months prior to shipment to an 
antibody test as prescribed in the Terre strial Manual with a positive result equivalent to at least 0.5 
IU/m L. 
Note:  This option  reflects the Code recommendations for the safe trade in cats and dogs.  
(3) If a higher level of protection than that achieved by application of international standard is considered 
necessary , post -arrival quarantine may be considered appropriate. The period of PAQ could be as short 
as 1 month or up to 6 months.  
6.12.2  OIE Code  recommendations (2020)  
Recommendation for importation of dogs, cats and ferrets from countr ies or zones infected with 
rabies  virus  
(1) Veterinary Authorities should require the presentation of an international veterinary certificate complying 
with the model Chapter 5.11. attesting that the animals:  
a) showed no clinical sign of rabies the day prior to or on the day of shipment;  
b) were permanently identified and their identification number stated in the certificate ; and either  
i) were vaccinated or revaccinated, in accordance with the rec ommendations of the 
manufacturer with a vaccine that was produced in accordance with the Terrestrial Manual  and 
were subjected not less than 3 months and not more than 12 months prior to shipment to an 
antibody titration test as prescribed in the Terrestrial Manual  with a positive result of at least 
0.5 IU/ml ; or 
ii) were kept in a quarantine station  for six months prior to export.  
6.12.3  Discussion  
(1) Rabies virus is an OIE listed disease of multiple species, and an unwanted, notifiable organism in New Zealand. The OIE Code  chapter on rabies makes recommendations relating to the safe importation of cats 
and dogs. 
 
(2) Rabies has a long incubation period, du ring which time animals may show no signs of infection. There are 
no reliable tests for infection with rabies that can be done on a living animal during the incubation period.  
(3) Vaccination has been proven to be highly effective for protecting animals again st rabies infection. In 
comparison to the number of animals receiving vaccination, an extremely small number of individual 
vaccine failures have been reported. Serological tests (titre tests) are available that reliably demonstrate if 
vaccination has been effective.  
(4) The OIE recommendation for the timeframe acceptable for the RNATT (rabies neutralising antibody titre 
testing) was reduced from 24 months to 12 months in 2011, shortly after the 2011 import health standard  
was issued . The Code  recommendation s which are based on vaccination and demonstration of a 
satisfactory titre , do not cover a 6 -month incubation period . There is also no guidance on the timeframe for 
vaccination, only the titre testing.   
Ministry for Primary Industries  29 (5) The recommended measures should be updated to include th e current  Code recommendations for the 
acceptable upper limit of the timeframe for titre testing from 24 to 12  months and to ensure that a six -
month incubation period continues to be  covered between either vaccination or date of sampling for the 
RNATT and shipment.  
(6) A second option is recommended for cats and dogs that  were not identified by microchip at the time of 
rabies vaccination. This option extends the period of time from the d ate the sample for the RNATT is taken 
to shipment from three months to six months  to cover the six -month incubation period that is required.  
(7) An option  to import from a non -categorised country  via a category 2 or 3 country  has been included. A 
non-categori sed country  is one that has not been assessed by MPI as per the Exporting Country  Systems  
and certification  section of the import health standard . This option allows animals to be imported  from a 
non-categorised country  via a category 2 or 3 country  without having to reside in a category 2 or 3 country  
for six months before  shipment. An additional RNATT  and rabies vaccination , whilst the animal is in a 
category 2 or 3 country , has been added to provide additional assurance that the dog has been vaccinated 
and has a satisfactory antibody response to the vaccination given in a non -approved country .  
(8) In addition, a n alternative  requirement to the standard rabies measures has been added for New Zealand -
origin  cats an d dogs returning from a category 3 country . These requirements are in line with a 
S27(1)(d)(iii) c hief technical officer direction, or ‘equivalence’ that has been in place since 2013.   
6.12.4  Recommendation  
From c ategory 1 and 2 countries  
(1) No cases of infection with rabies virus have occurred in the country of export (as defined by the Rabies 
chapter of the OIE  Code).  
From c ategory 1, 2 and 3 countries  
(2) The cat or dog  must be free from clinical signs of rabies in the two days before  the dat e of shipment.  
From c ategory 3 countries  (rabies absent or well -controlled)  
 Option 1  
(3) The cat or dog must be:  
a) Identifiable by microchip and the number verified and recorded at the time of both vaccination and 
sample collection for the rabies neutralising antibody titration test (RNATT); and  
b) Vaccinated or revaccinated by a veterinarian when the animal was at least 12 weeks of age, in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer with a vaccine listed MPI-STD-TVTL
. 
The vaccination(s) must remain continuously valid until shipment.  
c) In the case of a primary vaccination, the vaccine must be given not less than 6 months before  the 
date of shipment .  
(4) The cat or dog must be subjected to rabies neutr alising antibody titration test (RNATT) listed in MPI-STD-
TVTL  on a sample taken by a veterinarian not less than 3 months and not more than 12 months before  the 
date of shipment, with a result of at  least 0.5 IU/ mL                                      .  
 Option 2  
(5) Where a cat or dog was not identifiable by microchip (the number was not able to be verified and 
recorded) at the time of the vaccination before sample collection for the rabies neutralising antibody 
titration test (RNATT), the cat or dog must be:  
a) Identifiable by microchip and the number verified and recorded at the time of sample collection for the rabies neutralising antibody titration  test; the n  
b) Revaccinated  by a veterinarian , in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer with a 
vaccine listed MPI -STD-TVTL
. The vaccination(s) must remain continuously valid until shipment.   
Ministry for Primary Industries  30 (6) The cat or dog must be subjected to a rabies neutralising antibody titration test (RNATT) listed in MPI-
STD-TVTL , on a sample taken by a veterinarian not less than 6 months  and not more than 12 months  
before the date of shipment with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ mL.                                  .  
New Zealand -origin cats and dogs returni ng from a category 3 country  
(7) The rabies requirements from a category 3 country apply as per clause 2.1.3 : Rabies  in the IHS ; or 
(8) The cat or dog must be identifiable by microchip and the number verified and recorded at the time of both 
vaccination and sample collection  for the rabies neutralising antibody titration test  (RNATT) ; and  
a) Vaccinated or revaccinated by a veterinarian, before  export from New Zealand, when the animal 
was at least 12 weeks of age, in accordance with the recommendations of the man ufacturer, with a 
rabies virus vaccine listed in MPI-STD-TVTL . The vaccination(s) must remain  continuously valid 
between the dates of export from and shipment  back to New Zealand.  
b) Subjected to a rabies neutralising antibody titration test (RNATT) listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  on a 
sample taken by a veterinarian before  export from New Zealand and in the 12 months before  the 
date of shipment back to New Zealand with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ mL                                      . 
The RNATT  must remain continuously valid between the dates of export from and the date of 
shipment  back to New Zealand.  
Cats and dogs from non- categorised countries  via a category 2 or 3 country  
(9) The certifying veterinarian must sight rabies vaccination records and the rabies neutralising antibody 
titration test (RNATT) laboratory report from the non- categorised country and after due enquiry be satisfied 
that the cat or dog was:  
a) Identifiable by mic rochip at the time of vaccination or revaccination and at the time of sample 
collection for the rabies neutralising antibody titration test (RNATT); and  
b) Vaccinated or revaccinated when the animal was at least 12 weeks of age, in accordance with the recomme ndations of the manufacturer, at least 6 months before  the date of shipment to New 
Zealand, with a rabies virus vaccine listed in MPI -STD-TVTL
. The vaccination(s) must continuously 
valid until the d ate of shipment to New Zealand.  
c) Subjected to an initial neutralising antibody titration test (RNATT) listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  on a blood 
sample taken by a veterinarian with a result of at least 0.5 IU /mL. The sample arrived at the 
laboratory not less than 6 months and not more than 12 months before  the date of shipment  to New 
Zealand.  
(10) In the 45 days before the date of shipment to New Zealand, in a category 2 or 3 country, the cat or dog was:  
a) Identifi able by microchip and the number verified and recorded at the time of sample collection for 
the rabies neutralising antibody titration test (RNATT) and vaccination stated below; and  
b) Subjected to an additional rabies neutralising antibody titration test (RN ATT) listed in MPI-STD-TVTL
 
on a blood sample taken by a veterinarian with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ mL, and then  
c) Revaccinated by a veterinarian, in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer with a rabies virus vaccine listed in MPI-STD-TVTL
. 
6.13 Salmonellosis ( Salmonella spp.)  
6.13.1  Risk management options in the 2009 import risk analysis  
(1) Since many Salmonella  serovar s occur in New Zealand and cats and dogs are not regarded as important  
in the epidemiology of salmonellosis (mainly from food contamination from infected production anima ls), 
importation of clinically healthy dogs and cats could be allowed without restrictions.  
(2) Feeding of  raw meat could be prohibited during the 6 weeks immediately prior to  shipment.  
(3) Faecal samples could be collected twice within the 6 weeks before shipme nt with an interval of 3 weeks 
between sample collections. The sample could be cultured and any Salmonella isolated could be fully 
identified to serovar and in the case of S. Enteritiditis  and S. Typhimuirium  to phage type.   
Ministry for Primary Industries  31 6.13.2  Discussion  
(1) Salmonella  serovars, other than a few species -adapted serovars, are not OIE listed.  
(2) S. Abortus ovis , S. Dublin , and Salmonella spp. (exotic towards animals ) are unwanted organisms in New 
Zealand.  Salmonellae (exotic serovars and phage types) are notifiable diseases  in New Zealand.   
(3) Many common Salmonella  serovars already exist in New Zealand. The pathway of introduction of new 
Salmonella  serovars by healthy dogs and cats is likely to be insignificant when compared to other 
pathways, such as human travellers.  
(4) Dog ha ve not been implicated as playing an important role in the transmission of Salmonella  to humans, 
unlike contaminated animal products for human consumption. Dogs and cats can be carrier of infection but  
shedding of organisms is likely to be intermittent. Th ere are currently no measures in the import health 
standard  (2018) for imported cats and dogs.  
(5) The importation of clinically healthy dogs and cats that meet the commodity definition should be allowed 
without restrictions.  
6.14 Trypanosoma evansi  (surra)  
6.14.1  Risk management o ptions in the  2009 import risk analysis   
(1) Cats and dogs could be found to be clinically healthy on the day of export, showing no clinical signs of T. 
evansi  infection.  
(2) Within 2 days of departure, dogs and cats could undergo direct examination of the blood by a 
concentration method recommended by the OIE, with no parasites observed.  
(3) Dogs and cats could be tests for antibody by an OIE -described method and a direct examination of the 
blood by a concentration method with negative result s within the 10 days prior to departure.  
(4) Cats and dogs could be eligible for importation only from countries that are free from surra.  
6.14.2  Discussion   
(1) Surra is an OIE listed disease of multiple species caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma  evansi . 
Howe ver, there are no Code  recommendations for the import of animals.  
(2) Trypanosoma  spp. are listed as unwanted, notifiable organisms (MPI 2018).  
(3) For the 2011 standard, MPI adopted the re commendations of  the 2009 risk management proposal  for cats 
and dogs to be  certified as free from clinical signs of infectious disease and external parasite treatments  
but extended  the timeframe to two days before shipment instead of on the day of shipment for practical 
reasons.  
(4) Surra is a tropical disease principally vectored by Tabanus  spp. flies. The organism is unlikely to establish 
in New Zealand because the main  vectors  are not present. T. evansi  has never spread to temperate 
climate countries. There are currently no measures required for surra for imported cats and dogs.  
(5) It is recommended that the measures in the current import health standard  (2018) are retained.  
6.14.3  Recommendation  
(1) Cats and dogs must not show any clinical signs of infectious and contagious disease that may be caused by any of the i dentified risk organisms in the IHS ; and   
a) Measures  for external parasite treatment and inspection for external parasites are retained. Refer to 
External Parasite  section  of this risk management proposal .