Import Health Standard  
 
 
Semen and Embryos from 
Horses (Equidae)  
HORSSEMB.SPE  
. 
 
An import health standard issued under  the Biosecurity Act 1993  Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae)  
 Draft  for Consultation  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  1 of 14 TITLE  
Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae)  
COMMENCEMEN T 
This import health standard  comes into force on .. 
ISSUING AUTHORITY  
This import health standard  is issued  under section 24A of the Biosecurity Act 1993.   
 
Dated at Wellington this   ... day of   ......... 201 5 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Howard Pharo  
Manager, Import and Export Animals  
Ministry for Primary Industries  
(acting under delegated authority of the Director General)  
 
 
Contact for further information : 
Ministry for Primary Industries  (MPI)  
Regulation and Assurance  Branch  
Animal Imports  
PO Box  2526  
Wellington 6140  
Email:  animalimports@mpi.govt.nz  
 
 
 
 Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae)  
 Draft  for Consultation  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  2 of 14 Contents  Page 
Introduction  3 
Part 1:  Requirements  5 
1.1 Application  5 
1.2 The outcome this IHS is seeking to achieve  5 
1.3 Incorporation of material by reference  5 
1.4 Definitions  6 
1.5 Diagnostic  testing, vaccination and treatment  6 
1.6 Embryo requirements  6 
1.7 Semen requirements:  7 
1.8 Collection and processing  8 
1.9 Storage  8 
1.10  Transport  9 
1.11  Permit to import  9 
1.12  The documentation that must accompany goods  9 
Part 2:  Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  11 
2.1 Equine herpesvirus -1 (EHV -1) [abortigenic and paralytic forms]  11 
2.2 Equine infectious anaemia virus (EIA)  11 
2.3 Equine viral arteritis (EVA)  11 
2.4 Leptospira  species  11 
2.5 Taylorella species (contagious equine metritis, CEM)  11 
Schedule 1 - Document History  12 
Schedule 2 - Definitions  13 
 
 
 Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae)  
 Draft  for Consultation  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  3 of 14 Introduction  
This introduction is not part of the import health standard (IHS) , but is intended to indicate its general effect.  
Purpose  
(1) This IHS specifies the minimum requirements that must be met when importing semen and embryos  
from domestic horses ( Equidae ) from specified countries.  
Backgro und 
(1) The Biosecurity Act 1993 (the Act) provides the legal basis for excluding, eradicating and effectively 
managing pests and unwanted organisms.  
(2) Import health standards issued under the Act set out requirements to be met to effectively manage 
biosecurity risks associated with im porting goods. They include requirements that must be met in the 
exporting country, during transit, and during importation, before biosecurity clearance can be given.  
(3) A guidance document accompanies this IHS providing information on how the requirements ma y be 
met. 
Who should read this import health standard ? 
(1) Importers of semen and embryos from horses ( Equidae ) from specified countries . 
Why is this important ? 
(1) It is the importer’s responsibility to ensure the requirements of this IHS are met. Consignments that do 
not comply with the requirements of this IHS may not be cleared for entry into New Zealand and/or 
further information may be sought from importers. Consignments that do not comply with the 
requirements of this IHS may be re -shipped or destroyed under the Act or treated in accordance with 
this IHS prior to release or equivalence determined. Importers are liable for all associated expenses.  
See guidance document for more information about importer responsibilities . 
Equivalence  
(1) The Chief Technical Officer (CTO) may approve measures under section 27(1)(d) of the Act, different 
from those set out in this IHS that may be applied to effectively manage risks associated with the 
importation of  these goods.  
See guidance document for m ore information about equivalence and permits . 
Document History  
(1) Refer to Schedule 1.  
Biosecurity clearance  
(1) A biosecurity clearance, under section 26 of the Act 1993, may be issued when the semen and 
embryos from horses meet all the requirements of this IHS , provided the applicable requirements of 
section 27 in the Act are met.  
Other information  Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae)  
 Draft  for Consultation  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  4 of 14 (1) This is not an exhaustive list of compliance requirements and it is the importer’s responsibility to be 
familiar with and comply with all New Zealand laws.  
See gui dance document for more information about inspection and verification of consignments.  
 Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae)  
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Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  5 of 14 Part 1:  Requirements  
1.1 Application  
(1) This import health standard (IHS) applies to:  
a) semen from domestic horses ( Equidae ) that is fresh/chilled or frozen, in straws, ampoules or  
pellets and not genetically modified; and  
b) embryos from domestic horses ( Equidae ) that are frozen, not genetically modified, in vivo  derived 
and non -cloned.  
(2) This IHS applies to imports of semen and embryos from domestic horses ( Equidae ) from the following 
countries:  
a) Australia  
b) Canada  
c) European Union member countries  
d) Norway  
e) Switzerland  
f) USA  
See the guidance document for more information about specified countries . 
1.2 The outcome this IHS is seeking to achieve  
(1) The outcome this IHS is seeking to ach ieve is the effective management of biosecurity risks associated 
with eligible consignments of  semen and embryos from domestic horses ( Equidae ) from specified 
countries .  
(2) The biosecurity risk organisms associated with semen and embryos from domestic horses  (Equidae ) 
from specified countries  that are managed by the requirements of this IHS are:  
a) Equine herpesvirus -1 (EHV -1) 
b) Equine infectious anaemia virus (EIA)  
c) Equine viral arteritis (EVA)  
d) Leptospira  spp. 
e) Taylorella  spp. (contagious equine metritis , CEM ). 
1.3 Incorporation of material by reference  
(1) The following international standards are incorporated by reference in this IHS under section 142M of 
the Act:  
a) The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for 
Terrestrial Ani mals  (the OIE Manual ) (available at the OIE website: 
http://www.oie.int/international -standard -setting/terrestrial -manual/access -online/ ). 
b) The OIE Terrestri al Animal Health Code  (the Code ) (available at the OIE website: 
http://www.oie.int/international -standard -setting/terrestrial -code/access -online/ ). 
c) The International Embryo Transfer Society Manual  (the IETS  Manual ) (available from the IETS 
website: http://www.iets.org/ ). 
(2) The following MPI material is incorporated by reference in this IHS under section 142M of the Act:  Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae)  
 Draft  for Consultation  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  6 of 14 a) MPI Approved Diagnostic Tests, Vaccines, Treatments and Post-Arrival Testing Laboratories for 
Animal Import Health Standards ( MPI-STD-TVTL ) (available at the MPI website: 
http://www.mpi.govt.nz/document -vault/2040 ). 
(3) Under section 142O(3) of the Act it is declared that section 142O(1) does not apply, that is, a notice 
under section 142O(2) of the Act is not required to be published before material that amends or 
replaces the  above listed standards, guideline or lists has legal effect as part of these documents.  
See guidance document for more information about incorporation by reference and section 142O(1)  
1.4 Definitions  
(1) For the purposes of this IHS and the attached guidance do cument, terms used that are defined in the 
Act have the meanings set out there. The Act is available at the following website: 
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/ .   
(2) See Schedule 2 for additional definitions that  apply.  
1.5 Diagnostic testing, vaccination and treatment  
(1) Any laboratory conducting the pre -export or surveillance testing where required by this  IHS must be 
approved by the Competent Authority of a country approved to export to New Zealand.   
(2) Laboratory sampl es must be collected, processed, and stored in accordance with the 
recommendations in the Code  and/or the Manual  or as described in  MPI-STD-TVTL . 
(3) Diagnostic test(s) and vaccines used must be listed in and carried out in accordance with MPI-STD-
TVTL . 
(4) All products and vaccinations administered to meet the specific disease requirements in Part 2 must be 
administered according to the manufacturer’s instruction in a country approved to export to New 
Zealand.  All vaccinations were  either the final dose of a primary course or the recommended booster 
to complement the primary course.  
(5) All product names, manufacturers, active ingredients (where applicable), dose and date of treatment 
must be recorded on the veterinary certificate.  
(6) All vaccine names, whether t hey are inactivated or modified live virus, and the virus types and strains 
included in the vaccine must be recorded on the veterinary certificate  
See guidance document for more information about diagnostic tests and vaccination . 
1.6 Embryo requirements  
1.6.1 Embr yo collection team requirements  
(1) At the time of collection of embryos for export to New Zealand, the embryo collection team must be 
approved by and registered with the Competent Authority to collect, process, and store embryos for 
export according to the Code .   
(2) The approved embryo collection team veterinarian must ensure donors are free from clinical evidence 
of infectious diseases transmissible in embryos on the day of collection.  
1.6.2 Embryo donor requirements  
(1) The Competent Authority must have knowledge of and authority over the embryo donor(s) until 
completion of collection and testing required  by this IHS . Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae)  
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Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  7 of 14 (2) Embryo donors must not be situated on a premise/with other horses that is/are subject to veterinary 
restrictions for the identified risk organisms managed in Part 2 of this IHS for at least 28 days before 
the first embryo collection until completion of donor testing, where required by this IHS.  
(3) Where a specific requirement for a risk organism is met by pre -collection testing, embryo donors must 
be isolated from other horses not of an equivalent tested health status, from the time of the pre -
collection test until completion of embryo collection for export to New Zealand.   
(4) Where a specific requirement of this IH S for a risk organism is met by monitoring for clinical signs for a 
specified time after collection, the embryos must be stored for that amount of time prior to export.  
1.6.3 Fertilisation requirements  
(1) Embryos produced for the consignment must be fertilised fro m semen which  was either : 
a) Imported directly from New Zealand or is eligible for import into New Zealand; or  
b) Collected, processed, and stored at a semen collection facility that complies with the semen 
centre protocols of the exporting country (where MPI d eems this to be equivalent) ; or 
c) From dono rs that were  inspected, found free from clinical evidence of infectious diseases 
transmissible in semen , and  satisfied the  testing and isolat ion requirements of  this IHS . 
1.7 Semen requirements:  
1.7.1 Semen centre requirement s 
(1) The semen centre  must meet the conditions specified in the Code  Chapter on general hygiene in 
semen collection and processing centres.  
(2) The semen centre must be:  
a) Approved for export by the Competent Authority.  
b) Subject to regular inspection, at least ever y 12 months, by an Official Veterinarian.  
c) Under the supervision of a semen centre  veterinarian approved by the Competent Authority.   
(3) The name and approval numbers of the semen centre(s) must be recorded on the veterinary 
certificate.  
(4) Donors may be transferred from one approved centre to another of equal health status without 
isolation or testing if all of the following requirements are met:  
a) Dono rs must be examined by the semen centre veterinarian, and show no clinical sign of disease 
on the day of e ntry into the facility.  
b) Transfer must be direct.  
c) Donors must not come into direct or indirect contact with animals of a lower health status.  
d) The means of transport must be disinfected before use.  
1.7.2 Semen donor requirements  
(1) Semen donors must be isolated for at least 28 days at a place specifically approved for this purpose by 
the Competent Authority prior to admission to the semen centre . During this time semen donors  must 
not be used for natural mating and must be isolated from animals not of equivalent health status.  
(2) The semen centre  veterinarian must ensur e that the donor is free from clinical evidence of infectious 
diseases transmissible in semen on the day of coll ection.  
(3) Where a specific requirement of this IHS for a risk organism is met by monitoring for clinical signs for a 
specified time after collection, the semen must be stored for that amount of time prior to export.  Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae)  
 Draft  for Consultation  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  8 of 14 1.8 Collection and processing  
(1) Embryos must be  collected and processed in accordance with the recommendations in the Code  
Chapter on collection and processing of in vivo  derived embryos from equids.  
(2) Embryos must have an 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 .   
(3) All m edia and solutions u sed to produce embryos must be either sterilised by approved methods  in 
accordance with  the IETS Manual  or commercially prepared. They must be handled in such a manner 
as to ensure that sterility is maintained.  All biological products of animal origin use d in the media and 
solutions must be free from pathogenic organisms.   
(4) Semen must be collected and processed in accordance with the recommendations of the Code  Article 
4.6.6. for the conditions applicable to the collection of semen.  
See guidance document f or more information about semen collection and processing . 
(5) Antibiotics recommended in the Code  and IETS Manual and listed in MPI-STD-TVTL must be added to 
embryo collection, processing, washing and storage media and to the semen diluent in accordance 
with the Code . The names of antibiotics added and their concentration must be stated on the 
veterinary certificate.   
1.9 Storage  
(1) The cryogenic or cooling agent used in the freezing process, storage, and transport must not have 
been used previously in association w ith any other product of animal origin . 
(2) Dry ice and associated equipment to process semen pellets must be managed to prevent 
contamination with semen of donors not of equivalent tested health status.  
(3) Semen and embryos must straws or sanitised containers which are sealed and tamper -evident, and 
clearly and permanently marked to identify the donor and the date(s) of collection . If a code is used for 
this information, its decipher instructions must accompany the consignment. Th e marking must , in 
accordance with the Code , conform to the international standards of the IETS . 
See guidance document for more information about semen containers.  
(4) Semen and embryos may only be stored with semen or embryos that ha ve been collected and 
processed in compliance with the Code . Containers must be held in a storage place approved by the 
Competent Authority of the exporting country  until the time of export . 
(5) Semen and embryos may be stored in a third country (other than the country of origin) if the third 
country is a specified country listed in this IHS. The consignment of semen and embryos must be 
accompanied by:  
(6) Storage of semen and embryos in a third country (other than the country of origin) is permitted if the 
third cou ntry is a specified country listed in this IHS. The consignment of semen and embryos must be 
accompanied by:  
a) a declaration from the Competent Authority of the third country, linking the semen and embryos 
from the country of origin to the semen and embryos being exported to New Zealand and 
confirming that the semen and embryos has been stored as required by the IHS, at a facility 
approved by the Competent Authority; and either  
i) the veterinary certificate (current version) certified by the country of origin to  export to New 
Zealand; or  Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae)  
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Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  9 of 14 ii) a letter from the country of origin’s Competent Authority indicating that the semen and 
embryos meets New Zealand’s current import requirements.  
1.10 Transport  
(1) Transport containers must be sanitised and free of contamination. When the  transport container is not 
new, the disinfectant, its active chemical and date of disinfection must be recorded on the veterinary 
certificate.  
(2) The transport container in which semen and embryos  are transported to New Zealand must be sealed, 
by either the  semen centre or embryo collection team veterinarian or an Official Veterinarian, using 
tamper -evident seals. The seal number must be recorded on the veterinary certificate.  
(3) Where semen or embryos are transferred from one transport container to another, th e date of transfer, 
approved collection facility, reason for transfer, and name of veterinarian involved in the transfer must 
be recorded on the veterinary certificate.  
1.11 Permit to import  
(1) A permit to import under section 24D(2) of the Act is required if a CT O has approved an equivalent 
measure prior to import  under section 27(1)(d) of the Act , different from that set in this IHS that may be 
applied to effectively manage biosecurity risks.  
(2) A permit to import is not required where a CTO has approved an equivale nt measure prior to import  
under section 27(1)(d) of the Act , different from that set in the IHS in the form of a negotiated 
veterinary certificate.  
See the guidance document for more information about e quivalence and permits . 
1.12 The documentation that must a ccompany goods  
(1) The semen and embryos  must arrive in New Zealand with:  
a) A veterinary certificate,  that must include all of the following:  
i) a unique consignment identifier ; 
ii) species, donor animal identification, quant ity (semen/embryos) ; 
iii) dates of collection ; 
iv) collection centre  name and date of donor entry ; 
v) Name and address of importer (cons ignee) and exporter (consignor) ; 
vi) certification and endorsements that the requirements outlined in Part 1 and Part 2 of this 
IHS have been met ; 
vii) transport container seal numb er and disinfection information ; 
viii) name, signature, and contact detail s of the Official Veterinarian ; 
ix) all diagnostic tests,  including test type, date of sampling, and results must be clearly linked 
to each donor and in the form of either a tabulated summary or copies of laboratory 
reports ; 
x) all products and vaccines administered to meet specific disease import requirements, 
including the generic name, active ingredient, dose rate, and date of treatment ; 
xi) the name of the antibiotics and their concentration used to meet the requirements of this 
IHS; 
xii) where semen and embryos are transferred from one transport container to another, the 
date of transfer, approved collection facility, reason for transfer and name of the 
veterinarian involved in the transfer.  Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae)  
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Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  10 of 14 b) Original l aboratory reports ; copies of laboratory reports endorsed by the Official Veterinarian;  or a 
tabulated summary of laboratory results  endorsed by the Official Veterinarian must include : 
i) unique identification for each animal, consistent with the veterinary certi ficate ; 
ii) dates of sample collection ; 
iii) test type; 
iv) test result . 
(2) A country -specific veterinary certificate must accompany the consignment where equivalent measures 
have been negotiated and approved by a CTO under section 27(1)(d) of the Act.  
See guidance docume nt for more information about equivalence and country -specific veterinary 
certificates.  
(3) All documents must:  
a) be original, unless otherwise stated ; 
b) accompany the imported goods ; 
c) be in English or have an English translation that is clear and legible ; 
d) be endorsed on every page by the Official Veterinarian with their original stamp, signature and 
date or be endorsed in the space allocated and all pages have paper based alternative security 
features.  
(4) Documentation copies must be sent to the Biosecurity Inspe ctor at the airport/port of arrival at least 
one working day in advance of importation.  Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae)  
 Draft  for Consultation  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  11 of 14 Part 2:  Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  
Note: requirements are for semen and embryo donors unless otherwise specified.  
(1) The Competent Authority of the expor ting country is required to issue a signed, stamped and dated 
veterinary certificate containing declarations regarding the following diseases:  
2.1 Equine herpesvirus -1 (EHV -1) [abortigenic and paralytic forms]  
(1) Donor animals must  meet the Code  recommendations f or managing EHV -1 in horses.   
2.2 Equine infectious anaemia virus (EIA)  
(1) Donors must  meet the Code  recommendations for managing EIA in horses.  
2.3 Equine viral arteritis (EVA)  
2.3.1 Semen  
(1) Donors must meet the Code  recommendations for managing  EVA in equine semen.  
2.3.2 Embryo s 
(1) Donors must meet the Code  recommendations for managing EVA in in vivo  derived embryos.  
2.4 Leptospira  species  
(1) Semen and embryos must be prepared with antibiotics effective against Leptospira species  as listed in 
the document MPI -TVTL -STD. 
 See guidance document for more information about antibiotics effective against Leptospirosis.  
2.5 Taylorella species (contagious equine metritis , CEM ) 
(1) Donors must meet the Code  recommendations for managing CEM in  horses.  
  Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae)  
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Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  12 of 14 Schedule 1 - Document History  
 
Date First Issued  Title Shortcode  
TBA Semen and Embryos from Horses  (Equidae)  HORSSEMB.SPE  
Date of Issued A mendments  Title Shortcode  
   
   
 Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae)  
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Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  13 of 14 Schedule 2 - Definitions  
Artificial Insemination Centre (semen centre)  
A facility approved by the Competent Authority  and which meets the conditions set out in the Code  for the 
collection, processing and/or storage of semen.  
Competent Authority  
The Veterinary or other Governmental Authority of an OIE Member, that has the responsibility and 
competence for ensuring or supervising the implementatio n of animal health and welfare measures, 
international veterinary certification and other standards and recommendations in the Code  in the whole 
territory.  
Domestic Horse  
Equidae including horses ( Equus caballus ) and donkeys ( Equus asinus ), but excluding z ebras ( Equus 
quagga , Equus grevyi and Equus zebra ) and other zoo equidae (for example Equus przewalskii) . 
Donor  
Female animal from which embryos were collected, or male animal from which semen was collected.  
IETS  
The International Embryo Transfer Society   
In vivo  Derived Embryo  
Embryo recovered after fertilisation and development occurred in the reproductive tract of the donor female.  
The Manual  
The OIE Manual  of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals.  
Official Veterinarian  
A veterinarian authorised by the Competent Authority of the country to perform certain designated official 
tasks associated with animal health and/or public health and inspections of commodities and, when 
appropriate, to certify in conformity with the prov isions of the Code  Chapter for certification procedures.  
OIE 
The World Organisation for Animal Health.  
Permit to Import  
A permit issued by the Director General of MPI under section 24D(2) of the Act.  
Premises  
Area surrounding and including the facility.  
The Code  
The OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code , as found on the OIE website.  
 Import Health Standard :  Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae)  
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Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  14 of 14 Veterinary Certificate  
A certificate, issued in conformity with the provisions of the Code  Chapter for certification procedures, 
describing the animal health and/or public health requirements which are fulfilled by the exported 
commodities.