Risk Management Proposal  
 
Semen and Embryos from  Equids   
EQUIGERM .SPE  
 
 
 
 
[Document Date]   
 
 
Disclaimer  
This risk management proposal does not constitute,  and should not be regarded as, legal advice. While every 
effort has been made to ensure the information in this document is accurate, the Ministry for Primary Industries 
does not accept any responsibility or liability whatsoever for any error of fact, omi ssion, 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)  
Regulation & Assurance Branch  
Animal  Imports  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
Email: animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz  
Telephone:  04 890 0134  
 Risk Management Proposal:  Semen and Embryos from Equids  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 1 Contents  
1 Purpose  3 
2 Background  3 
3 Objective  3 
4 Options assessment  3 
5 General requirements for all importations of equine semen and embryos  4 
5.1 Application  4 
5.2 Diagnostic tests, vaccines, and treatments  4 
5.3 General donor requirements  5 
5.4 Semen requirements  5 
5.5 Embryo requirements  6 
5.6 Storage  6 
5.7 Transport  6 
6 Recommendations for identified risk organisms  6 
6.1 Borna disease virus  6 
6.2 Equine arteritis virus  7 
6.3 Equine herpesvirus -1 8 
6.4 Equine infectious anaemia virus  9 
6.5 Leptospira species  11 
6.6 Salmonella abortus equi  12 
6.7 Taylorella equigenitalis and Taylorella asinigenitalis (contagious equine metritis)  12 
6.8 Trypanosoma equiperdum (dourine)  14 
 
 Risk Management Proposal:  Semen and Embryos from Equids  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 3 1 Purpose  
 The purpose of this document is to:  
• Show how options for the management of risk o rganisms have been assessed.  
• Provide recommendations for import requirements.  
2 Background  
Equine semen and embryos  are considered  risk commodities , with the potent ial to harbour exotic viral, 
bacterial , and protozoal  diseases. In  December 2009 , the Ministry for Agriculture and Forestry (now the 
Ministry for Primary Ind ustries, MPI) completed the Import Risk Analysis  (IRA)  Equine Germplasm from 
Australia, Canada, the European Union and the USA . This import risk analysis (2009 IRA) forms the basis 
of the risk management measures in the proposed import health standard ( IHS). 
Norway requested inclusion into the new IHS  for semen and embryos from horses. A comparison of the 
Norwegian anim al health situation with that of EU member countries has supported the decision to allow 
imports of equine semen and embryos from Norway. Similarly, Switzerland was included after compar ing 
the animal health situation with that of other EU countries. See Table 1 for more information.  
The following IHSs for individual countrie s or groups of countries have been  consolidated into one IHS 
which will contain generic import req uirements for sem en and embryos from those approved countries:   
• Import Health Standard for Horse Semen from Australia, 10 November 2004  
• Import Health Standard for Horse Semen from Canada, 8 August 2005  
• Import Health Standard for Equine Semen from the European Union, 1 August 2007  
• Import Health Standard for Horse Semen from the USA, 12 February 2009.  
Where equids are required to meet  OIE Terrestrial Code  (Code ) recommendations in the IHS, the 
requirements reflect the current Code  as of 201 8. When Code  chapters are amende d, MPI will review 
these changes to ensure they continue to align with New Zealand’s appropriate level of protection. Where 
Code  recommendations no longer meet New Zealand’s appropriate level of protection, they will be 
replaced with risk -based MPI recomme ndations and the IHS will be amended. Otherwise the most recent 
version of the Code  should be referred to.  
The IHS contains import requirements  to manage the biosecurity risk of importing  equine semen and 
embryos  from Australia, Canada, the European Unio n, Norway, Switzerland, and the United States of 
America . The IHS serves as the basis for country to country (bilateral) negotiations of country specific 
veterinary certificates. A guidance document will be issued by MPI and this will provide commodity s pecific 
guidance information including samples of country specific bilaterally -agreed veterinary certification for 
trade in  equine semen and embryos.  
3 Objective  
The objective is to effectively manage biosecurity risks associated with the import of equine semen and 
embryos  consistent with New Zealand’s domestic legislation and international obligations.  
4 Options assessment  
Under Article 3.3 of the World Organisation  for Animal Health (OIE)  Agreement on the Application of 
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  (the SPS Agreement), risk management measures which 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.  Risk Management Proposal:  Semen and Embryos from Equids  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 4 For a detailed analysis of  potential hazards and their risks please refer to the supporting documents, 
Import Risk Analysis: Equine Germplasm from Australia, Canada, the European Union and the USA  which 
contains the relevant risk assessment and an analysis of management options for each risk organism.  
Of the potential hazards, the IRA Equine Germplasm from Australia, Canada, the European Union and the 
USA concluded that risk management measures were justified for the following hazards in imported 
equine semen and embryos:  
• Borna disease virus  
• Equine arteritis virus  (equine viral arteritis)  
• Equine herpesvirus -1 (abortigenic and paralytic forms)  
• Equine infectious anaemia virus  
• Leptospira spp (exotic serovars)  
• Salmonella abortus equi  
• Taylorella equigenitalis  and Taylorella asinigenitalis  (contagious equine metritis)  
Borna disease and equine salmonellosis were identified as potential hazards, but no measures for these 
diseases were warranted when importing semen and embryos of horses  and they were not included in the 
previous  IHS.  
Identified risk organisms that have been added in the 2018 major amendment to the IHS: Semen and 
Embryos from  Equids : 
• Trypanosoma equiperdum (dourine)  
Identified risk organisms that have been removed in the 2018 major amendment to the IHS Semen and 
Embryos from  Equids : 
• Leptospira spp 
 
5 General requirements for all importations of equine semen 
and embryos  
The general requirements section of the IHS includes risk management measures for semen or embryo 
donor s, regardless of the country’s disease freedom  claims. Where possible, t hese requirements align with 
the recommendations of the Code  and the International Embryo Technology  Society ( IETS) .  
5.1 Application  
(1) The scope of the commodity includes semen and embryos from horses ( Equus caballus ) and donkeys 
(Equu s asinus ). These are listed  in the IHS in Part 1 . 
(2) The IHS applies to equine  semen and embryos for import from  approved countries  into New Zealand  
which includes Australia , Canada, the European Un ion, Norway, Switzerland, and the USA . These  
countries  are listed in the IHS in Part 1 . 
5.2 Diagnostic tests, vaccines, and treatments  
(1) All testing required by the IHS must be conducted at a laboratory approved  to conduct export testing  by 
the Competent Authority  of an approved country . 
(2) MPI approved diagnostic tes ts must be either described in the OIE Manual of Diagnostic Tests and 
Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals (the Manual ) (http://www.oie.int/en/standard -setting/terrestrial -Risk Management Proposal:  Semen and Embryos from Equids  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 5 manual/access -online/ ) or will only be approved after consultation with MPI laboratory experts. When tests 
are not as per the Manual  they must be considered by the MPI Animal Health Laboratory (AHL) as valid 
for diagnostic purposes in equids  and must be a ppropriate for surveillance for the identified risk organism.  
(3) All diagnostic tests and vaccines must be approved by the CTO and listed in the document, Approved 
Diagnostic Tests, Vaccines, Treatments and Post -arrival Testing Laborato ries for Animal Import Health 
Standards (MPI -STD-TVTL) .   
(4) All products and vaccinations administered to meet the specific disease requirements in Part 2  of the IHS 
must be administered according to the  recommendations of the  manufacturer in a country that the CTO 
has agreed meets  the requirements for export to New Zealand. All vaccinations must be either the final 
dose of a primary vaccination course or the recommended booster to complement the primary course.  
(5) Organism  testin g for frozen semen can be  valid from the date of entry to the semen collection centre until 
a maximum of 180 days from the date the sample was collected for a single test, or the date of the final 
test in that series (e.g. CEM) provided : 
a) The donor  remains continuously resident at the semen collection centre ; 
b) The semen collection  centre remains under the supervision of the Competent Authority;  
c) All equids  at the semen collection centre remain free from evidence of infectious disease 
transmissible in equine germplasm;  
d) While resident at the semen collection centre, donor s have  only ha d contact with equids  of 
equivalent tested health status ; 
e) The donors have  not been mated by natural service after entering the semen collection ce ntre a nd 
during the collection period;  
f) If any of the above provisions cease to apply or if more than 180 days have passed since the sample 
collection date, the donors  and all in contact equids  at the semen collection centre must be re -tested 
in accordance the requirements of the IHS . 
5.3 General donor requirements  
(1) Donors must be isolated from other equids not of an equivalent tested health status from the 
commencement of testing until the completion of germplasm collection for export to New Zealand.  
(2) On the day of collection an appro ved veterinarian must perform an examination of the donor  and any 
teaser animals , including the external reproductive organs, to ensure the donor  and teaser animal is free 
from clinical evidence of infectious disease transmissible in germplasm . 
(3) Teaser animals used for the coll ection of semen must be of equivalent tested  health status to donor 
animals.  
5.4 Semen requirements  
(1) Semen must be non-genetically modified.  
(2) Semen collection and processing centres must meet the recommendations  of the relevant articles  of the 
Code chapter General Hygiene in Semen Collection and Processing C entres.  
(3) The semen must be collected in a semen collection centre that is approved by the Competent Authority 
prior to the start of each period of collection o f semen for export, or where the centre is used continuously, 
on an annual basis . Approval must be no more than 12 months before the last date of collection of semen 
in the consignment.  
(4) Semen collection, processing, and storage must be conducted at a standard equivalent to the general 
considerations for hygienic collection and handling of semen that is specified in the Code chapter 
Collection and Processing of Bovine, Small Ruminant and Porcine Semen . 
(5) The cryogenic or cooling agent used in the freez ing process, storage and transport must not have been 
used previously in association with any other product of animal origin.  Risk Management Proposal:  Semen and Embryos from Equids  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 6 (6) Semen must be in straws, or new or disinfected containers which are sealed and tamper -evident, and 
clearly and permanently marked to identify the donor and the date(s) of collection. If a code is used for this 
information, its decipher instructions must accompany the consignment.  
5.5 Embryo requirements  
(1) Embryo donors must not be situated on premises or with other equids that are subject to veterinary 
restrictions for the identified risk organisms managed in the IHS  for at least 28 days prior to the first 
embryo collection until completion of do nor testing . 
(2) Embryos must be in vivo derived, frozen, non -cloned, and non -genetically modified.  
(3) The embryo collection team must the recommendations of the  Code  chapter Collection and Processing of 
In-Vivo Derived Embryos from Livestock and Equids.  
(4) Embryo collection, processing, and storage must the recommendations of the  Code chapter Collection 
and Processing of In -Vivo Derived Embryos from Livestock and Equids.   
(5) Embryos must have an intact zona pellucida and be free of adherent material after the final wash when 
examined over its entire surface at not less than 50X magnification. If any micro -manipulation is done that 
causes a breach of the zona pellucida, it must  be done according to the procedures described in the Code  
and IETS Manual . 
(6) The cryogenic or cooling agent used in the freezing process, storage and transport must not have been 
used previously in association with any other product of animal origin.  
(7) Embry os must be in new or disinfected containers which are sealed and tamper -evident, and clearly and 
permanently marked to identify the donor and the date(s) of collection. The marking must conform to the 
international standards of the IETS. If a code is used for this information, its decipher instructions must 
accompany the consignment.  
(8) The semen used to artificially inseminate the donor mare must meet all semen requirements of this IHS.  
5.6 Storage  
(1) Semen and embryos may only be stored with semen or embryos  of eq uivalent health status and  that have 
been collected and processed in compliance with the Code  and the IETS. Containers must be held in a 
storage place approved by the Competent Authority of the exporting country until the time of export.  
(2) Storage of semen a nd embryos in a third country (other than the country of origin) is permitted if the third 
country is a specified country listed in this IHS.  
5.7 Transport  
(1) All transport containers in which semen or embryos are  transported to New Zealand must be new or 
disinfe cted and must be free of contamination . 
(2) The transport container in which semen and embryos are transported to New Zealand must be sealed, by 
either the approved  veterinarian or an Official Veterinarian, using tamper -evident seals.  
6 Recommendations for identified risk organisms  
6.1 Borna disease virus  
6.1.1 Risk management options presented in the IRA 2009  
 Option 1  Risk Management Proposal:  Semen and Embryos from Equids  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 7 (1) Both male and female donors could come from countries certified by the veterinary authority as free from 
the disease; or  
(2) In countries where the dise ase does occur, and in which the disease is notifiable, animals could be 
certified as having been resident for the previous 3 months on a property on which the disease has not 
occurred during the previous 12 months.  
 NB. this option is similar to the requirements in the current IHS for the importation of horses.  
 Option 2  
(1) Aliquots of semen or a sample of embryos and embryo washing solution from each batch of germplasm 
could be tested by RT -PCR for Borna disease virus  RNA, with negative results.  
NB. This test is not validated for this purpose but could be justified on the grounds of probable high 
sensitivity. However, it is unlikely to be available in most testing laboratories.  
 Option 3  
(1) Aliquots of semen or a sampl e of embryos and embryo washing fluid from each batch of germplasm could 
be cultured on cell cultures derived from embryonic rabbit or rat brain with negative results  
 NB. This method is unlikely to be available in many (possibly most) testing laboratorie s.  
 Option 4  
(1) Aliquots of semen and a sample of each batch of embryos could be tested by intracerebral inoculation of 
rabbits, with negative results.  
NB. This test may be unacceptable on animal ethics grounds and unlikely to be available in many  
laborato ries. 
6.1.2 Discussion  
Borna disease (BD) is an endemic, sporadically occurring disease caused by Borna disease virus (BDV). 
Borna disease is not an OIE listed disease. Clinically manifest BD is endemic in Central Europe (Germany, 
Switzerland, Austria, Liechtens tein), but infection has also been recognised in France and Sweden.  
There are no measures for Borna virus in the current or previous IHSs for equine germplasm . It is 
assumed that intranasal infection via the olfactory nerve is the natural route of infection . There is 
reasonable evidence that this disease is sprea d by direct contact with infected horses or fomites. There is 
no evidence that  BDV is transmitted venereally or  has ever been spread by internationally  traded  equine  
germplasm.  
6.1.3 Recommendati on 
 It is recommended that no specific measures ar e put in place for Borna disease virus . 
6.2 Equine arteritis virus  
6.2.1 Risk management options presented in the IRA 2009  
 For Semen  
(1) Donor stallions should conform to the recommendations  for the importation of equi ne semen in  the Code  
chapter for Infection with equine arteritis virus .  
 For Embryos   Risk Management Proposal:  Semen and Embryos from Equids  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 8  Option 1  
(1) Embryos could be imported provided that :  
a) male donors meet the requirements in the relevant Articles of the Code; and  
b) female donors have been vaccinated with an approved vaccine according to the manufacturer’s 
recommendations, at least 4 weeks before collection of embryos.  
 Option 2  
(1) Embryos could be imported provided that :  
a) male donors meet the requirements in the relev ant Articles of the Code; and   
b) female donors are subjected to a serological test 1 week before and 3 weeks after collection of 
embryos. Female donors would be suitable donors if both serological tests are negative or if positive 
titres are stable or decli ning.                       
6.2.2 Discussion  
Equine viral arteritis (EVA)  is an OIE listed disease and equine arteritis  virus is listed as an unwanted, 
notifiable organism in New Zealand. In 2014 New Zealand was recognised by the OIE as free from EVA. 
The virus is known to be shed in semen and stallions can remain carriers of the virus. The OIE Code  
recommendations for semen will effectively manage this  risk. An additional testing option has been 
included from the OIE Code recommendations  when importing  horses as  this will also manage the risk  
when importing equine germplasm . 
Transmission through embryos is unknown, and mares do not remain carriers of the virus.  However, since 
the 2009 IRA was written, the OIE Code  has recommended measu res for trade in equine emb ryos which 
are acceptable.  
6.2.3 Recommendation  
(1) Semen d onors :  
a) Must meet the recommendations for managing equine semen in the Code chapter Infection with 
Equine Arteritis Virus ; or 
b) Must be kept for the 28 days prior to semen collection on premises where no equid  has shown any 
clinical sign  of EVA during that period show no clinical sign of EVA on the day of semen collection; 
and  
i) Must b e subjected to a test for EVA carried out on a single blood sample collected not less 
than 21 days after entry i nto the semen col lection centre.  
(2) Embryo donors must meet the recommendations for managing in vivo -derived embryos in the Code 
chapter Infection with Equine Arteritis Virus.  
6.3 Equine herpesvirus -1 
6.3.1 Risk management options presented in the IRA 2009  
 For Semen  
 Option 1  
(1) Semen could be importe d provided that donor stallions:  
a) Were kept for the 21 days prior to semen collection in an establishment where no case of equine 
herpesvirus type 1 infection was reported during that period; and  
b) Showed no clinical signs of EHV -1 infection o n the day of collection and during at least the 21 days 
the semen is stored prior to shipment  Risk Management Proposal:  Semen and Embryos from Equids  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 9 NB This option is essentially the same as the recommendations for horses in the OIE Code, which does 
not provide any safeguard against importing semen from donors  that are latent carriers.   
 Option 2  
(1) Semen could be imported provided each batch of semen was tested by a RT -PCR test for the 
neuropathogenic mutant strain of EHV -1 with negative results. Identification of EHV -1 could be followed by 
more detailed examina tion to distinguish between EHV -1B and EHV -1P. Semen infected with EHV -1B 
could be disqualifief.  
 For Embryos  
(1) Under the assumption that trypsin washing will be effective in removing any EHV -1 from equine embryos, 
embryos could be imported provided trypsin  washing is used in addition to the existing International 
Embryo Transfer Society requirements for equine embryos.                                  
6.3.2 Discussion  
EHV-1 is an OIE listed disease. The Code  provides recommendations for EHV -1 (abortigenic and par alytic 
forms) for live equids only.  
Although EHV -1 and EHV -4 are present in New Zealand, measures are recommended to prevent the 
introduction of exotic, pathogenic strains of EHV -1.  EHV has been reported in both equine semen and 
embryos and no country app roved for export of semen and/or embryos to New Zealand is free of EHV -1. 
The current IHS for horses (2015 ) requires that the horses meet the measures recommended in the OIE 
Code . As imported horses pose a greater risk of introducing EHV -1 than semen and embryos, the risk 
associated with imported semen and embryos should be effectively managed when derived from donors 
that have complied with the OIE Code  requirements for live equi ds. Some studies have reported negative 
effects on equine embryos that have undergone trypsin washing, and there is little knowledge about its 
ability to mitigate risk for EHV -1. Furthermore, EHV -1 is endemic in New Zealand and hence the import 
measures im posed on germplasm should not be more stringent than those imposed on imported live 
horses to prevent the introduction of exotic pathogenic strains.  
6.3.3 Recommendation  
(1) Semen and embryos donors:  
a) Must be kept on premises where no case of EHV -1 (abortigenic and paralytic forms) has been 
reported in the 21 days prior to each collection; and  
b) Must show no clinical signs of EHV -1 infection on the day of collection and during the 21 days prior 
to collection.  
6.4 Equine infectious anaemia virus  
6.4.1 Risk management options pres ented in the IRA 2009  
 For Semen  
 Option 1  
(1) Semen could be imported provided that :  
a) donors show no clinical sign of EIA on the day of semen collection and for the 60 days after semen 
collection: and  
b) no case of EIA has been associated with any premises wh ere the animals were kept during the 3 
months prior to and the 60 days after semen collection.  
 Option 2  Risk Management Proposal:  Semen and Embryos from Equids  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 10 (1) Semen could be imported provided that:  
a) donors show no clinical sign of EIA on the day of semen collection; and  
b) no case of EIA has been associated w ith any premises where the donors were kept during the 3 
months prior to collection; and  
c) donors are subjected to an AGID test or ELISA for EIAV antibody not less than 21 days after entry 
onto the semen collection centre with a negative result.  
(Risk analysis subsequently recommended that the timing of the test be modified to not less than 30 days after 
entering the semen collection centre, to allow time for antibody development.)  
 Option 3  
(1) Semen could be imported provided that:  
a) donors show no  clinical sign of EIA on the day of semen collection and for the 60 days after semen 
collection; and  
b) no case of EIA has been associated with any premises where the animals were kept during the 3 
months prior to and the 60 days after semen collection; and  
c) donors are subjected to an AGID test or ELISA for EIAV antibody 30 -60 days after semen collection 
with negative results.  
NB. In most cases antibody can be detected by the AGID within 45 days of infection however, although 
rare, the period between exposure and antibody detection can be as long as 60 days.  
 For Embryos  
 Option 1  
(1) Embryos c ould be imported provided that:  
a) both male and female donors show no clinical sign of EIA on the day of semen collection and for the 
60 days after germplasm collection: and  
b) no case of EIA has been associated with any premises where the donor animals were kept during 
the 3 months prior to and  the 60 days after semen collection.  
 Option 2  
(1) Embryos could be imported provided that:  
a) both male and female donors show no clinical sign of EIA on the day of germplasm collections and 
for the 60 days after germplasm collection; and  
b) no case of EIA has been associated with any premises where the animals were kept during the 3 
months prior to and the 60 days after germplasm collection; and  
c) donors are subjected to an AGID test or ELISA for EIAV antibody 30 -60 days after germplasm 
collection with negative results .                                   
6.4.2 Discussion  
EIA is an OIE listed disease and the equine infectious anaemia virus  (EIAv)  is an unwanted, notifiable 
organism in New Zealand. The virus has been shown to be transmitted by semen. There is uncertainty 
regarding the risk of transmission via embryos. There are OIE Code  requirements  to ensure the safe 
international movement of  horses, but there are no recommendations made when trading equine  semen 
and embryos.  
Studies on other lentiviruses in regards to e mbryos show that the interaction of the virus with oocytes and 
the standard embryo processing procedures for in vitro  embryos (which are a higher risk commodity than 
in vivo  embryos) prevents lentivirus transmission ( https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.08.019 ).   Risk Management Proposal:  Semen and Embryos from Equids  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 11 The 2015 IHS for horses requires that samples for testing are collected in pre -export isolation or in the 21 
days prior to export if  PEI is not required. The application of premises freedom and testing no less than 21 
days after entry into the collection centre or within the 21 days prior to collection of embryos along with 
OIE-recommended  collection and processing protocols would be s ufficient to manage the risk of  
introducing  EIAv transmission in both semen and embryos.  
6.4.3 Recommendation  
(1) Semen  and embryo donors:  
a) Must be kept on premises where no case of EIA has been reported during the 90 days prior to each 
collection; and  
b) Must show no c linical sign of EIA on the day of each collection; and  
c) Must be tested for EIA not less than 21 days after entry into the collection centre  for semen or in the 
21 days prior to collection for embryos , with a negative result.  
6.5 Leptospira species  
6.5.1 Risk management options presented in the IRA 2009  
 Option 1  
(1) Donor horses could be tested serologically with a variety of antigens that occur in the exporting country 
and not in New Zealand, with negative results.  
 Option 2  
(1) Donor horses could be treated with effective antibiotics within one week prior to germplasm collection.  
 Option 3  
(1) Diluents containing antibiotics that are effective against Leptospira spp. could be used in the preparation 
of the semen and antibiotics  could be included in the solutions used in the preparation of embryos.  
NB: this reflects the recommendations of the IETS Manual and the current IHSs for horse semen from 
countries covered by this risk analysis.                                    
6.5.2 Discussion  
The OIE Code  does not make any recommendations for leptospirosis . At the OIE General Session in May 
2009, the International Committee accepted  the recommendation  that the empty Code  chapter on 
leptospirosis should be deleted .  
Leptospira spp. a re sensitive to a variety of antibiotics and treatment of the animal or inclusion of 
antibiotics in prepared semen has traditionally been used to prevent dissemination of Leptospira spp. by 
international trade. Treatment of embryos is also likely to be eff ective . No further requirements  are needed  
other than certification that germplasm has been collected and processed as per the Code and/or the 
IETS manual , and antibiotics have been added to the germplasm in generally accepted levels. Specific 
requirements  for Leptospira spp. are  not needed  as it does not provide any further risk reduction.  
Requirements for leptospirosis were removed from the live horse IHS in a previous amendment.  The 
import of live animals is associated with a greater risk than the impor t of germplasm, and therefore  specific  
leptospirosis requirements should also be removed for equine semen and embryos.  
6.5.3 Recommendation  
 It is recommended that no specific measures ar e put in place for leptospirosis . Risk Management Proposal:  Semen and Embryos from Equids  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 12 6.6 Salmonella abortus equi  
6.6.1 Risk management o ptions presented in the IRA 2009  
 Option 1  
(1) The donors were kept for the 3 months prior to collection on premises where salmonellosis has not 
occurred during that period; and  
(2) The horses were showing no clinical signs of salmonellosis on the day of collection.  
 NB: this option reflects the current import health standards for equine semen.  
 Option 2  
(1) Donors could be resident for at least 3 months on properties on which no cases of salmonellosis have 
been diagnosed during the previous 3 years; and  
(2) Faecal samples from donors could be cultured according to methods recommended in the OIE Manual of 
Diagnost ic Tests and Vaccines (Davies 2008), three times at weekly intervals immediately before 
germplasm collection, with negative results.  
NB. The 3 year property freedom period and the intervals and frequency of sampling are conservative, 
albeit arbitrary.  
Option 3  
(1) Aliquots of each semen and embryo batch to be imported could be cultured, using methods described in 
the OIE Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines, with negative results . 
6.6.2 Discussion  
Equine salmonellosis is not an OIE -listed and not many countries impose import measures mitigating the 
organism. This organism is rarely encountered in developed countries. Infected stallions exhibit clinical 
signs related to the male reproductive organs such as epididymitis and orchitis, and it would be very 
unlikely t hat a stallion with these clinical signs would be  certified as clinically healthy and accordingly 
eligible to be  utilised as a donor. There would also be potential issues with the viability and quality of the 
semen.  
While  S. abortus equi is thought to be transmitted venereally, the likelihood of introducing exotic 
salmonellae in equine  germplasm  collected  from clinically healthy donors and then processed following 
OIE Code recommendations , including the addition of antibiotics during processing , is considered rem ote. 
There is no evidence that equine s almonellosis has been transmitted via semen or embryos collected and 
processed in such a manner. Other than certification that germplasm has been collected and processed 
as per the Code and/or the IETS m anual, and antibiotics have been added to the germplasm in generally 
accepted levels , no further requirements are needed.  
6.6.3 Recommendation  
 It is recommended that no specific measures ar e put in place for Salmonella abortus equi . 
6.7 Taylorella equigenitalis  and Taylorella asinigenitalis  (contagious 
equine metritis)  
6.7.1 Risk management options presented in the IRA 2009  
 Option 1  Risk Management Proposal:  Semen and Embryos from Equids  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 13 (1) Donors of germplasm could be required to be resident for at least 2 months on a property that is not 
considered to be an infected establishment according to the Code definition .  
 Option 2  
(1) Donors of germplasm could be required to be resident for at least 2 months on a property that not 
considered to be an infected establishment according to the Code definition; and  
(2) Swabs from the donors could be tested, with negative results, by culturing or PCR on three occasions. 
Once within 7 days prior to germplasm collection and twice at weekly intervals during the 21 days after 
germplasm collection. The swabs could be collected from the prepu ce, urethral sinus and fossa glandis 
(including the diverticulum) of stallions and from the mucosal surface of the urethra, clitoral sinuses and 
clitoral fossa in the case of mares .  
 Option 3  
(1) Germplasm could be sourced from any donors provided semen dilue nts and solutions used for preparation 
of embryos contain antibiotics that are effective against Taylorella spp.  
Option 4  
(1) Germplasm could be imported from countries in which CEM occurs, but is notifiable, provided that donors 
have been resident for at leas t 3 months on a property on which no case of CEM has been found for at 
least 3 years . 
Option 5  
(1) Germplasm imports could be restricted to donors from countries that are considered free from CEM on the 
basis that the disease is notifiable and has not occurred  in the previous 3 years.                                     
6.7.2 Discussion  
Contagious equine metritis (CEM) is an OIE listed disease and the Code  makes recommendations for the 
safe importation of stallions and mares but not germplasm . As the organism is known  to be transmitted 
venereally, measures are justified . To align with the OIE Code where possible, the measures imposed on 
semen and embryos from horses should reflect the recommendations for importing horses as described in 
the Code . It also recommends an establishment can be declared free two months after the confirmation of 
the last case and after thorough cleaning and disinfection of the premises. The Manual  briefly describes 
characteristics of a control programme, based on import and export testing and testing for breeding 
populations.  
6.7.3 Recommendation  
It is recommended that semen and embryo donors meet the measures reflecting the Code 
recommendations for managing CEM in live equids:  
(1) Semen and embryo  donors must be kept, since birth or for at least the 60 days prior to collection, in a 
country recognised by the CTO  as free from CEM, where no case of CEM has been reported  in the 2 
years prior to export ; or 
(2) Semen and embryo donors must be kept, since birth or for at least 60 days prior to collection, on premises 
where no case of CEM has been reported during that time ; and  
a) Must have no direct or indirect contact with CEM during the 60 days  prior to collection; and  
b) Must not show no clinical sign of CEM on the day of each collection; and  
c) Must be subjected to a test for CEM listed in MPI -STD-TVTL not less than 7 days after entry into the 
collection centre  for semen , or in the 30 days prior to collection for embryos,  with negative results;  
i) Stallions must be  sampled  two times at intervals of  4-7 days. S wab sampling sites are the 
urethra; urethral fossa and its sinus; and the penile sheath.  
ii) Mares  must be sampled two times at intervals of 4 -7 days . Swab sampling sites are  the clitoral 
fossa and sinuses; and  Risk Management Proposal:  Semen and Embryos from Equids  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 14 d) Must not receive antibiotics in the 7  days (systemic treatment) or 21 days (local treatment) before the 
first sample collection or during the CEM sampling period; or  
(3) Donors that have  previously shown signs of CEM or have been in direct or indirect contact with CEM 
during the two months prior to collection : 
a) Must be treated for CEM; and  
b) After treatment, must be subjected to a test for CEM listed in MPI -STD-TVTL,  with negative results:  
i) Stallions must be sampled three times at intervals of at least 7 days (sampling sites are the 
urethra, urethral  fossa and its sinus, and the penile sheath). Thereafter, the first three mares 
mated or inseminated by the stallion are tested on clitoral swabs taken 3 times at intervals of 
at least 7 days, starting 2 days after mating or insemination.  
ii) Mares must be sam pled three times at intervals of at least 7 days (sampling sites are the 
clitoral fossa and sinuses), and 3 endometrial swabs taken during the next 3 oestrus periods. 
Maiden mares only require 1 endometrial swab ; and  
(4) Must be protected against any possibility of infection with CEM since the beginning of the tests.  
6.8 Trypanosoma equiperdum (dourine ) 
6.8.1 Risk management o ptions presented in the IRA 2000  
Trypanosoma equiperdum  was not considered in the IRA 2009. The risk manage ment options for horse 
semen in the IRA 2000 for horses and horse semen are as follows:  
 Option 1:  
(1) The donor stallions were kept since birth, or for the 6 months prior to collection, in a country that has been 
free from dourine for the past 6 months accord ing to the criteria within Article 3.4.2.2. of the OIE Code.  
 Option 2:  
(1) The donor stallions were kept for the 6 months prior to collection on premises where dourine has not 
occurred during that period; and  
(2) The donor stallions were subjected to the CFT or  c-ELISA for dourine with negative results: Either:  
a) prior to collection, and from the period 30 days prior to testing until collection has not naturally mated 
any mares not of the equivalent health status; Or:  
b) not less than 30 days following collection of semen for export; and  
(3) The donor stallions were showing no clinical sign of dourine on the day of collection; and  
(4) Semen for export has been examined microscopically prior to freezing and no trypanosomes were 
detected.                                 
6.8.2 Discussion  
Dourine is an OIE listed disease  caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma equiperdum . Equids are 
the reservoir host for dourine. The incubation period, severity and duration of disease vary considerably; it 
is often fatal, but spontaneous recoveries may occur and latent carriers exist. Further, subclinical 
infections also occur. There is no t reatment or vaccine for dourine.  
Unlike other trypanosomal infections, it is sexually transmitted duri ng natural mating or by artificial 
insemination (AI) with infected semen. Transmission from stallions to mares is more common, but mares 
can also transmit the disease to stallions . The organism can be found in the vaginal secretions of infected 
mares and t he seminal fluid, mucous exudate of the penis, and sheath of stallions. Male donkeys can be 
asymptomatic carriers and sexually immature animals that become infected can transmit the organism 
when they mature. Rarely, infected mares pa ss the infection to th eir foals . Risk Management Proposal:  Semen and Embryos from Equids  [Document Date ] 
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 15 Dourine was once widespread, and has been eradicated from many countries but is still seen in horses in 
Asia, Africa, South America, southern and eastern Europe, Mexico and Russia , and was reported in June 
2011 in Sicily and then just north of N aples, on the Italian mainland.  
Because there is no vaccine or treatment for dourine, freedom from disease is the only way to prevent the 
disease. The Code  recommends that semen  should either be imported from countries free from dourine, 
or if imported fro m endemic countries, the donor animals should be free from clinical signs of disease and 
test negative for dourine.  
6.8.3 Recommendation  
(1) Semen donors must meet the recommendations for managing equine semen in the Code chapter  Dourine . 
(2) Embryo donors must:  
a) Be kep t since birth, or for the 180 days prior to collection of the embryos in a country which has been 
free from dourine for not less than the past 180 days; or  
b) Be kept for the 180 days prior to collection of the embryos on premises where no case of dourine 
was reported during that period and subjected to a diagnostic test for dourine with negative results.