Import Health Standard  
 
Poultry Hatching Eggs & 
Specific -Pathogen -Free 
Chicken Eggs  
COMEGIC.GEN  
10 October 2014  
 
An import health standard issued under  the Biosecurity Act 1993  Import Health Standard :  Poultry Hatching Eggs & Specific -Pathogen -Free Chicken Eggs  
 . 10 October 2014  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  1 of 19 TITLE  
Import Health Standard :  Poultry Hatching Eggs & Specific -Pathogen -Free Chicken Eggs  
COMMENCEMEN T 
This Import Health Standard  comes into force on 10 October 2014 . 
ISSUING AUTHORITY  
This import health standard is issued under section 24A of the Biosecurity Act 1993 . 
 
Dated at Wellington this  10th day of October  2014. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 & Assurance   
Animal Imports  
PO Box 2526   
Wellington 6140  
Email:  animalimports@mpi.govt.nz  
 
 
 
 Import Health Standard :  Poultry Hatching Eggs & Specific -Pathogen -Free Chicken Eggs  
 . 10 October 2014  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  2 of 19 Contents  Page 
Introduction  3 
Part 1:  General Requirements  4 
1.1 Application  4 
1.2 The outcome th is standard is seeking to achieve  4 
1.3 Incorporation of material by reference  5 
1.4 Definitions  5 
1.5 Exporting country systems and certification  5 
1.6 Approval of specific disease free compartments  5 
1.7 Diagnostic testing and vaccination  6 
1.8 Inspection  6 
1.9 Labelling and packaging  6 
1.10  Pre-export isolation  7 
1.11  Treatment requirements  7 
1.12  Transport  7 
1.13  The documentation that must accompany goods  7 
1.14  Biosecurity direction  8 
1.15  Post-arrival quarantine  9 
1.16  Biosecurity clearance  9 
Part 2 : Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  10 
2.1 Poultry hatching eggs and SPF chicken eggs  10 
Schedule 1 – Definitions  14 
Schedule 2 – Compartment Requirements  17 
Schedule 3 – Post -Arrival Quarantine  18 
 
 
 Import Health Standard :  Poultry Hatching Eggs & Specific -Pathogen -Free Chicken Eggs  
 . 10 October 2014  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  3 of 19 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  poultry hatching eggs 
and specific -pathogen -free chicken eggs.  
Backgro und 
(1) The Biosecurity Act 1993 (the Act) provides the legal basis for excluding, eradicating and effectively 
managing pests and unwanted organisms.  
(2) Import health standards  issued under the Act set out requirements to be met to effectively manage 
biosecurity risks associated with importing goods. They include requirements that must be met in the 
exporting country,  during transit, and during importation, before biosecurity clearance can be given.  
(3) A guidance document accompanies this standard providing information on how the requirements may 
be met.  
Who should read this import health standard ? 
(1) This IHS applies to  importers of eligible consignments of  poultry hatching eggs and specific -pathogen -
free chicken eggs.  
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 requ irements 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 accorda nce with 
this IHS prior to release or equivalence determined. Importers are liable for all associated expenses.  
Equivalence  
(1) The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) 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.  If an equivalent  measure is approved a 
import permit  may be issued under section 24D(2) of the Act, if the Director -General considers it 
appropriate to do so.  
See guidance document for more information about equivalence and permits  
Other information  
(1) This is not an exhaustive list of compliance requirements and it is the importer’s responsibility to be 
familiar with an d comply with all New Zealand laws . 
 Import Health Standard :  Poultry Hatching Eggs & Specific -Pathogen -Free Chicken Eggs  
 . 10 October 2014  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  4 of 19 Part 1:  General Requirements  
1.1 Application  
(1) This IHS applies to a ll importers of p oultry hatching eggs and specific -pathogen -free (SPF)  chicken 
eggs into New Zealand from all countries . 
(2) Eligibility is restricted to the following:  
a) Hatching eggs of chickens ( Gallus gallus ), turkeys ( Meleagr is gallopavo ) and ducks ( Anas 
platyrhynchos domesticus  and Cairina moschata ), sourced from poultry breeding flocks 
compliant with the standards described in the World Organisation for An imal Health (OIE) 
Terrestrial Animal Health Code  (the Code ), Chapter on Biosecurity Procedures in Poultry 
Production . 
b) SPF eggs of chickens ( Gallus gallus ) produced by flocks free from specified pathogens. The 
flocks supplying SPF eggs must be kept under secure biosecurity controls at least equivalent to 
those required for breeders in the Code  Chapter on Biosecurity in Poultry . 
1.2 The outcome this standard  is seeking to achieve  
(1) The outcome this IHS is seeking to achieve is the effective management of biosecurity risks associated 
with eligib le consignments. The biosecurity risk o rganisms associated with poultry hatching eggs and 
specific -pathogen -free chicken eggs that are managed by this IHS are:  
(2) For chicken hatching eggs:  
a) Notifiable avian influenza (NAI) viruses  
b) Type 1 avian paramyxoviruses (Newcastle disease virus)  
c) Salmonella  Gallinarum -Pullorum  
d) Salmo nella  Enteritidis and Salmonella  Typhimurium  
e) Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale  
(3) For turkey hatching eggs:  
a) Avian influenza viruses  
b) Type 1 avian paramyxoviruses (Newcastle disease virus)  
c) Salmonella  Gallinarum -Pullorum  
d) Salmonella  Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium  
e) Salmonella  arizonae  
f) Mycoplasma  iowae  
g) Mycoplasma  meleagridis  
h) Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale  
(4) For duck hatching eggs:  
a) Avian influenza viruses  
b) Type 1 avian paramyxoviruses (Newcastle disease virus)  
c) Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale  
d) Salmonella  Gallinarum -Pullorum  
e) Salmonella  Enteritidis and Salmonella  Typhimurium  
f) Duck virus enteritis (DVE) virus  
g) Goose and Muscovy duck parvoviruses (Muscovy ducks and their hybrid breeds only)  
h) Reovirus of Muscovy ducks (Muscovy ducks and their hybrid breeds only)  
i) Chlamydia psittaci  
 Import Health Standard :  Poultry Hatching Eggs & Specific -Pathogen -Free Chicken Eggs  
 . 10 October 2014  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  5 of 19 1.3 Incorporation of material by reference  
(1) The following international standards are incorporated by reference in this IHS under section 142M of 
the Act:  
a) The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Manual  of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for 
Terrestrial Animals  (the Manual ) (available at the OIE website : http://www.oie.int/international -
standard -setting/terrestrial -manual/access -online/ ). 
b) The OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code  (the Code ) (available at the OIE Website:  
http://www.oie.int/international -standard -setting/terrestrial -code/access -online/ ). 
c) The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulations (LAR) : a copy is 
available for reading, free of charge, at MPI, Pastoral House, 25 The Te rrace, Wellington.  
(2) The following MPI CTO  material is  incorporated by reference in this IHS under section 142M of the Act:  
a) MPI Approved Diagnostic Tests, Vaccines, Treatments and Post -arrival Testing Laboratories for 
Animal Import Health Standards (MPI -STD-TVTL).  
(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 incorpora tion by reference and section 142O(1).  
1.4 Definitions  
(1) For the purposes of this IHS and the attached guidance document, terms used that are defined in the 
Act have the meanings set out there. The Act is available at the following website: 
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/ .  
(2) See schedule 1  for specific definitions that apply .  
1.5 Exporting country systems and certification  
(1) Importers may import poultry hatching eggs of SPF hatching eggs only from a country where the 
Competent Authority has provided evidence to the satisfaction of a n MPI CTO of the following : 
a) The verifiable animal health status of poultry popu lations in the exporting country, zone  or 
compartment, with respec t to biosecurit y risk organisms of concern.   
b) The national systems/programmes and standards in the exporting country for regulatory 
oversig ht of the poultry industry.  
c) The capabilities and preferences of the exporting country’s Competent Authority with respe ct to 
achieving equivalent outcomes to requirements stated in this IHS.  
(2) Once satisfied, MPI and the Competent Authority may commence negotiation of country -specific 
veterinary certification.  
See guidance document for more information about exporting countr y systems and certification . 
In order to be satisfied with the evidence provided , an in -country or desk -top audit may be carried out  
by MPI  at any time, including prior to the first shipment of goods.  
1.6 Approval of specific disease free compartments  
(1) Requirements in Part 2 may be met by a specific disease free compartment endorsed by the 
Competent Authority.  Import Health Standard :  Poultry Hatching Eggs & Specific -Pathogen -Free Chicken Eggs  
 . 10 October 2014  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  6 of 19 (2) Specific disease free compartments must be approved by the exporting country’s Competent Authority 
and a biosecurity plan for t he compartment sub mitted to MPI  (See Schedule 2 ). 
(3) MPI approval of the compartment is required prior to an importer/exporter submitting an application for 
an import permit.  
1.7 Diagnostic testing and vaccination  
(1) Any laboratory conducting the pre -export and/or surveillance testin g as specified in the IHS must be 
approved by the Competent Authority of a country approved to export  the product  to New Zealand.  
(2) Where flock testing options are used to satisfy specified requirements for i dentified risk organisms 
(Part 2), sampling of bir ds for diagnostic testing must be randomised, and representative of the flock 
from which the product is derived. The  samples must be collected under the supervision of the Official 
Veterinarian. The sample size selected must be sufficiently large to give 9 5% confidence of detecting 
infection where there is  at least 5% prevalence in the flock , unless otherwise stated.  
(3) Laboratory samples from birds must be collected, processed, and stored in accordance with the 
recommendations in the Code , the Manual , and/or approved  by MPI.  
(4) Diagnostic test(s) and vaccines used must be approved by MPI and listed in MPI -STD-TVTL.  
See guidance document for more information about diagnostic tests and vaccines for international 
trade . 
1.8 Inspection  
(1) The pre -export inspection requirements for poultry hatching eggs are:  
a) The parent flock must be inspected by an Official Veterinarian within 28 days of commencement 
of collection of eggs for export. This inspection must be carried out once the birds are housed in 
the premise where e gg collection will take place.  
b) An officer approved by the Competent Authority must inspect the consignment within 48 hours 
pre-shipment and verify that the consignment and accompanying documentation meets all the 
requirements of the import health standard.  
c) Post-arrival inspection of packaging and document verification is required by an Inspector at the 
port of arrival. An Official Veterinarian must complete a full inspection of consignments of poultry 
hatching eggs and accompanying documentation once it is in the transitional facility.  
(2) The inspection requirements for SPF eggs are:  
a) The parent flock must have been held, under supervision of an Official Veterinarian, for at least 
28 days immediately prior to the scheduled date of export in isolation facilities approved by the 
exporting country’s Competent Authority.  
b) Any deaths or illnesses must have been investigated by an Official Veterinarian or by a 
registered veterinarian under the supervision of the Official Veterinarian.  
(3) Post-arrival inspection requirement s are:  
a) Veterinary certificat e inspection required by an I nspector at port of arrival in New Zealand.  
1.9 Labelling and packaging  
(1) Poultry hatching eggs:  
a) Must be placed in a spill proof container and sealed into clean and disinfected crates, using an 
official se al attached by an Official Veterinarian of the country of origin before departure . 
 Import Health Standard :  Poultry Hatching Eggs & Specific -Pathogen -Free Chicken Eggs  
 . 10 October 2014  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  7 of 19 (2) SPF eggs : 
a) The Official V eterinarian must confirm  after due enquiry that the eggs were placed into clean spill 
proof containers and sealed into clean and disinfected crates inside the facilities before dispatch.  
(3) The consignment must be clearly identified and identifiable to the veterinary certificate.  
1.10 Pre-export isolation  
(1) The parent flock must be kept in a country, zone or compartment free of the risk organisms, as 
described in Part 2 of this IHS, for at least 21 days prior to  collection of eggs for export.   
(2) Parent birds must be kept isolated from all other birds, as described in the Code Chapter on 
biosecurity procedures for poultry.  
1.11 Treatment requirements  
(1) The eggs must be cl ean when collected, unwashed and have intact (uncracked ) shells .  
(2) They must be collected separately from dirty and broken or cracked eggs .  
(3) Hatching eggs must be cleaned and sanitised as soon as possible after collection using an approved 
sanitising agent, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, or equivalent. Details of the 
treatment must be attached to the veterinary certificate.  
1.12 Transport  
(1) Details of transport and arrival times of the eggs must be supplied to an Inspector and/or Official 
Veterinarian at the port of entry not less than 7 days in advance of importation.  
(2) Transport containers must meet the design and species specifica tion published in the International Air 
Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulations (LAR),  unless otherwise agreed by MPI.  
(3) The vehicle which the  eggs are to be transported to the port of departure in must be cleaned and 
disinfected. The date of t reatment, the chemical(s) used, and the active ingredients must be appended 
to the veterinary certificate.  
(4) During transport to the port of departure, and during transit or stopovers en route to New Zealand, 
hatching eggs must only be transported or stored with animals of equivalent health status.  
(5) Eggs transiting a third country en route to New Zealand must receive MPI approval prior to export. MPI 
approval and any special conditions must be noted on the import permit .  
Containers made of timber must be inspected by an authorised Inspector at the arrival port and must 
comply with the IHS for Importing Wood Packaging Material from All Countries.  
1.13 The documentation that must accompany goods  
(1) The consignment must arrive in New Zealand with the following:   
a) A permit to import issued by MPI (copy acceptable) . The importer must supply the following 
information to obtain a permit:  
i) The n ame and address of exporter.  
ii) The n umber, sex, age, species and microchip transpond er identification of the animal.  
iii) The d ate of propo sed importation.  
iv) The n ame and address of the transitional  facility in New Zealand to which the consignment 
is to proceed following importation.  Import Health Standard :  Poultry Hatching Eggs & Specific -Pathogen -Free Chicken Eggs  
 . 10 October 2014  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  8 of 19 v) The p ort of arrival, and route and means of transp ort to the transitional  facility.  
vi) A letter from the authorised  Supervisor of the post -arrival quarantine, stating that the 
facility meets the facility approval requirements of MPI Standard  154.02.05 Standard for 
Avian Transitional Facilities and is able to accept the proposed number of hatching eggs to 
be imported on  the proposed import date.  
b) A veterinary certificate that accompanies a consignment which must include all of the following : 
i) A unique consignment identifier.  
ii) The d escription,  species, and number of eggs . 
iii) The name  and address of the importer (cons ignee) and exporter (consignor).  
iv) The name, signature and contact detai ls of the Official Veterinarian.  
v) Certification and endorsement that the general requirements outlined in Part 1 of this IHS 
have been met for diagnostic testing, inspection, labelling and packaging , pre-export 
requirements, treatment requirements, and transport.  
vi) Certification and endorsement that details how the s pecified requirements, outlined in Part 
2 of this IHS  have been met.  
vii) The name of diagnostic test(s), treatments and vaccines used to meet this IHS, and date 
of application to the parent  flock.  
c) A tabulated summary of laboratory tests conducted on parent flocks in accordance with the 
specific requirements in the veterinary certificate (indicating the relevant disease, the date/s, 
sampled, sample size, test undertaken, and the reported result); or  
i) Copies of labor atory reports for all tests.  
d) Details of any vaccination of the parent flock, including date of administration, name a nd nature 
of vaccine is attached to the veterinary certificate.  
(2) A separate veterinary certificate must be supplied for each parent  flock from which the eggs for export 
are sourced.  
(3) The exporting country’s Official Veterinarian must certify the consignment meets all the requirements 
of this IHS. Where equivalent measures have been negotiated and agreed with MPI, a country -specific 
veterinary certificate must be certified  and accompany the consignment .  
See guidance document for more information about the mod el certif icate and country -specific 
veterinary certificates that have been agreed for trade.  
(4) All documents  must:  
a) Be origin al, unless otherwise stated.  
b) Accompany the imported goods.  
c) Be in English or have an English translatio n 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  (except for the permit to import ). 
1.14 Biosecurity direction  
(1) Upon arrival in New Zealand, an Inspector must inspect the consignment to ensure the packaging is 
intact and the accompanying documentation is as described in clause  1.13. An Official Veterinarian will 
complete a full inspection of poultry hatching egg con signments and accompanying documentation 
once they are in the transitional facility.  
(2) Providing the documentation meets all requirements listed in clause  1.13, an MPI Inspector under 
section 25 of the Act, may give a biosecurity direction authorising the co nsignment to be moved to the 
approved avian or biological transitional facility named in the import permit . Import Health Standard :  Poultry Hatching Eggs & Specific -Pathogen -Free Chicken Eggs  
 . 10 October 2014  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  9 of 19 1.15 Post -arrival quarantine  
(1) Poultry hatching eggs must be incubated,  hatched and  the hatchlings be raised in a transitional facility 
approved and superv ised by the a uthorised Supervisor to MPI Standard 154.02.05 Standard fo r Avian 
Transitional Facilities . Consignments must comply with post -arrival quarantine (PAQ) requirements as 
described in Schedule 3 . 
(2) SPF eggs  may be used within a transitional facility approved to MPI Standard 154.02.17 Transitional 
Facilities for Biological Products ; and operate at a minimum phys ical containment level 2 (PC2). The 
eggs and any resultant chickens shall remain in the transitional facility and be destroyed at the 
conclusion of the work, t riple bagged and incinerated. Alternatively  SPF eggs may be hatched in an 
Avian Transitional Facility (154.02.05)  and released as per the requirements for poultry hatching eggs 
in (1) above.  
See gui dance document for more information about post -arrival quarantine sampling and testing 
protocols.  
1.16 Biosecurity clearance  
(1) A biosecurity clearance, under section 26 of the Act, may be issued when the poultry hatching eggs 
and SPF chicken eggs  meet all the requirements of this IHS, provided the applicable requirements of 
the section 27 of the Act are  met. 
(2) No clearance shall be issued for SPF eggs, products derived from those eggs or any resultant 
chickens held in a 154.02.17 Transitional Facili ties for Biological Products . 
 
 Import Health Standard :  Poultry Hatching Eggs & Specific -Pathogen -Free Chicken Eggs  
 . 10 October 2014  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  10 of 19 Part 2:  Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  
2.1 Poultry hatching eggs and SPF chicken eggs  
2.1.1 Clinical inspection [all poultry]  
(1) For poultry hatching eggs:  
a) Within the 28 days prior to the commencement of collection of the e ggs, the birds in the parent 
flock must have been inspected and found to be free of clinical evidence of infectious disease.  
b) The parent flock must be compliant with the standards described in the Code  Chapter on 
biosecurity procedures in poultry productio n.  
c) The inspection must be undertaken in the premise the birds will be housed in during the egg 
collection period.  
(2) For SPF eggs:  
a) The parent flock must have been held, under supervision of an Official Veterinarian, for at least 
28 days immediately prior to the scheduled date of export in isolation facilities approved by the 
exporting countries Competent Authority.  
b) Any deaths or illnesses must have been investigated by an Official Veterinarian.  
2.1.2 Avian influenza (AI) [all poultry]  
(1) The eggs for export must be d erived from parent flocks : 
a)  With a vaccination status of  either : 
i) Not vaccinated for avian influenza; or  
ii) Vaccinated for avian influenza in accordance with the provisions of the Manual  and the 
nature of the vaccine used and the date of vaccination have b een attached to the 
veterinary certificate; and  either  b) or c) must apply  
b) That have been resident for at least the 21 days before, and during, egg collection in a country, 
zone or compartment that was free from AI, with current Code  surveillance requirements being 
met for avian influenza; or 
c) Demonstrated to be free from infection with AI by testing a statistically valid sample, selected in 
accordance with the Code’s recommended Surveillance Strategies , with a test for AI listed in 
MPI-STD-TVTL, within the 21 days prior to commencement of egg collection and at a maximum 
of 21 day intervals during the egg collection period . 
2.1.3 Avian paramyxoviruses type 1 (APMV -1), Newcastle disease (ND) [all poultry]  
(1) The eggs for export must be derived fr om parent floc ks: 
a) With a vaccination status of  either : 
i) Not vaccinated for APMV -1; or 
ii) Vaccinated for APMV -1 using an inactivated vaccine; and/or 
iii) Vaccinated with a live, lentogenic, APMV -1 vaccine strain, in accordance with the 
provisions of the Manual , and the nature of the vaccine used and the date of vaccination 
have been attached to the veterinary certificate. The master seed virus for the vaccine 
used must have an intracerebral pathogenicity index (ICPI) <0.4 ; and either  b) or c) must 
apply  
b) That have bee n resident for at least the 21 days before, and during, egg collection in a country, 
zone or compartment that was free from Newcastle disease (as defined in the Code ) with current 
ND Code  surveillance requirements being met ; or Import Health Standard :  Poultry Hatching Eggs & Specific -Pathogen -Free Chicken Eggs  
 . 10 October 2014  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  11 of 19 c) Demonstrated to be free from infection with APMV -1 by carrying out testing on a statistically valid 
sample, selected in accordance with the Code ’s Surveillance Strategies , with a test listed in MPI -
STD-TVTL, within the 21 days prior to commencement of egg c ollection and at  a maximum of  21 
day intervals d uring the egg collection period . 
2.1.4 Salmonella enterica sub species enterica serovar Gallinarum -Pullorum, Salmonella 
Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium [all poultry]  
(1) The eggs for export must be derived from parent flocks in a country, zone or compartment free from 
Salmonella  Gallinarum -Pullorum, Salmonella  Enteritidis and Salmonella  Typhimurium as demonstrated 
by surveillance, conducted in accordance with the Code  requirements for monitoring poultry breeding 
flocks for Salmonella , and approved by  an MPI  CTO ; or 
(2) The eggs for export must be derived from a parent flock certified as free from Salmonella  Gallinarum -
Pullorum, Salmonella  Enteritidis and Salmonella  Typhimurium. Flock monitoring must have been 
carried out in accordance with the Code  requirements for monitoring poultry breeding flocks for 
Salmonella .  
2.1.5 Salmonella arizonae [turkeys only]  
(1) The turkey hatching eggs must be:  
a) Derived from parent flocks in a country, zone or compartment free from Salmonella  arizonae  as 
demonstrated by surveillance, conducted in accordance with the Code  requirements for 
monitoring poultry breeding flocks for Salmonella , and approved by an MPI  CTO ; or 
b) Derived from a parent flock certified free from Salmonella  arizonae . Flock monitoring must have 
been carried out in accordance with the Code  requirements for monitoring poultry breeding flocks 
for Salmonella ; or 
c) Derived from parent f locks demonstrated to be free from  Salmonella  arizonae  by testing a 
statistically valid, randomly selected  sample of turkeys  within the 7 day period before collection of 
the hatching eggs commenced with  an approved diagnostic test  listed in the MPI document  
MPI-STD-TVTL . 
2.1.6 Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale [all poultry]  
(1) The eggs for export must be derived from parent  flocks in a country where Ornithobacterium 
rhinotracheale  is not recognised  to be present ; or 
(2) The eggs for export must be derived from parent flocks demonstrated  to be  free from Ornithobacterium 
rhinotracheale  by carrying out  testing on a statistically valid, randomly selected sample with a test for 
Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale  listed in MPI -STD-TVTL  within the 21 days prior to collection of eggs ; 
or 
(3) The eggs for export must be derived from par ent flocks which have shown no clinical, laboratory or 
pathological evidence suggestive of Ornithobacterium rhinotrachaele  infection since hatching.  
2.1.7 Mycoplasma [turkeys only]  
(1) For Mycoplasma iowae : 
a) The eggs for export must be derived from parent flocks in a  country where Mycoplasma iowae is 
not recognised to be present; or  
b) Ten percent (10%) of the birds in the parent flock must be subjected , with negative results* in 
each case,   to cloacal swab culture for Mycoplasma iowae  within the 28 days prior to 
commenc ement of collection of eggs for export and the flock must have a negative test history  for 
Mycoplasma iowae ; or 
c) The turkey hatching eggs must be derived from a parent flock  demonstrated to be free from 
Mycoplasma iowae  by carrying out testing  on a statistically valid sample with a test listed in 
MPI-STD-TVTL  within the 2 8 days prior to commencement of collection of eggs for export.  Import Health Standard :  Poultry Hatching Eggs & Specific -Pathogen -Free Chicken Eggs  
 . 10 October 2014  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  12 of 19 (2) For Mycoplasma meleagridis : 
a) The eggs for export must be derived from parent flocks in a country where Mycoplasma 
mele agridis is not recognised to be present; or  
b) The turkey hatching eggs must be derived from a parent flock demonstrated to be free from 
Mycoplasma meleagridis  by testing a statistically valid sample of the flock with a test listed in 
MPI-STD-TVTL within the 28 days prior to commencement of collection of eggs for export; or  
c) The turkey hatching eggs must be derived from a parent flock  demonstrated to be free from 
Mycoplasma meleagridis with testing undertaken  in accordance with a Competent A uthority 
supervised poultry health scheme with consistently negative results for the past 12 months . 
Testing must be carried out on a statistically valid sample , with a test listed in MPI -STD-TVTL.  
 
*In the case of positive or inconclusive results, a further sample must be t aken and retested by a 
test listed in MPI -STD-TVTL at a Competent Authority approved laboratory. Any bird positive to 
this test must be subject to post mortem and bacteriological examination and show no evidence 
of Mycoplasma  infection . 
2.1.8  Duck virus enteritis (DVE) [ducks only]  
(1) The duck hatching eggs for export must be derived from a parent flock not vaccinated for DVE; and  
a) The duck hatching eggs must be derived from a parent flock in a country where DVE is not 
recognised; or  
b) The duck hatching eggs mu st be derived from parent flocks demonstrated free from DVE by 
testing a statistically valid sample of the flock with a test  for DVE  listed in MPI -STD-TVTL  within 
the 2 1 days prior to the commencement of collection of eggs for export.   
2.1.9 Goose parvovirus an d Muscovy duck parvovirus [ducks only]  
(1) The duck hatching eggs must be from breeds other than Muscovy duck ( Cairina moshata ) and their 
hybrids;  or 
(2) The Muscovy duck hatching eggs (or hybrid Muscovy duck hatching eggs) must be derived from a 
parent flock in a country where  Muscovy duck parvovirus and goose parvovirus  is not recognised; or   
(3) The Muscovy duck hatching eggs (or hybrid Muscovy duck hatching eggs) must be derived from an 
establishment that has maintained a closed flock with a  negative surveillance history  for goose 
parvovirus and Muscovy duck parvovirus for the past 3 years. The parent flock must be demonstrated 
free from goose parvovirus and Muscovy duck parvovirus by testing a statistically valid sample of the 
flock with a t est for goose parvovirus and Muscovy duck parvovirus listed in MPI -STD-TVTL  within the 
21 days  prior to the commencement of collection of eggs for export.  
2.1.10  Reovirus of Muscovy ducks [ducks only]  
(1) The duck hatching eggs must be from breeds other than Muscovy duck ( Cairina moshata ) and their 
hybrids; or  
(2) The Muscovy duck hatching eggs (or hybrid Muscovy duck hatching eggs) must be derived from a 
parent flock in a country where  duck reovirus (DRV ) has not been recognised; or  
(3) The Muscovy duck hatching eggs (or hybrid Muscovy duck hatching eggs) must be imported from an 
establishment that has maintained a closed flock with a negative surveillance history  for reovirus of 
Muscovy ducks for the past 3 years. The parent flock must be demonstrated free from reovirus o f 
Muscovy ducks by testing a statistically valid sample of the flock with a test for DRV listed in 
MPI-STD-TVTL within the 21 days prior to the commencement of collection of eggs for export.  
2.1.11  Avian chlamydiosis [ducks only]  
(1) The duck hatching eggs must be de rived from parent flocks in a country where Chlamydia psittaci 
(serovar C and E)  in ducks is not recognised; or  Import Health Standard :  Poultry Hatching Eggs & Specific -Pathogen -Free Chicken Eggs  
 . 10 October 2014  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  13 of 19 (2) The duck hatching eggs must be derived  from parent flocks  which are kept as closed flocks with a 
negative surveillance history for Chlamydia psi ttaci.  
a) The parent flock must be demonstrated free from Chlamydia psittaci  by testing a statistically valid 
sample of the flock with a test for Chlamydia psittaci  listed in MPI -STD-TVTL  within the 21 days 
prior to the commencement of collection of eggs for  export.  
b) The sample size must be sufficient to detect 10% prevalence with 99% confidence. Post arrival 
quarantine testing is required as per Schedule 3 . Import Health Standard :  Poultry Hatching Eggs & Specific -Pathogen -Free Chicken Eggs  
 . 10 October 2014  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  14 of 19 Schedule  1 – Definitions  
Approved Countries  
Countries from which New Zealand enables imports of a particular commodity. The countries must be 
included in the scope of the most recent import risk analysis/assessment for the commodity and be 
specifically approved by MPI . 
Biosecurity Authority  
Written authority from an I nspector, given under section 25 of  the Act, to move uncleared goods from a 
transitional facility, containment facility or biosecurity control area to another transitional facility, containment 
facility or biosecurity control area, or to export those goods from New Zealand . 
(Note: Goods giv en a Biosecurity Clearance by an Inspector are released to the importer without restriction) . 
Biosecurity Plan  
A plan that identifies potential pathways for the introduction and spread of disease in a zone  or compartment , 
and describes the measures which a re being or will be applied to mitigate the disease risks, if applicable, in 
accordance with the recommendations in the Code . A B iosecurity Manual  must comply with the Code 
Chapters on zoning and compartment alisation, and application of compartment alisation.  
Closed Flock 
A flock that is managed on an all -in, all -out basis, in a single epidemiological unit with no introductions of birds 
from different epidemiological units. A biosecurity plan as described in the Code  must be adhered to during 
the management of the flock.  
The Code  
The World Organisation for Animal Health Terrestrial Animal Health Code. Any reference in this standard to 
the Code  is to the most current as found on the OIE website . 
Compartment  
An animal s ubpopulation contained in one or more establishment s under a common biosecurity management 
system with a distinct health status with respect to a specific disease or specific diseases for which required 
surveillance , control and biosecurity measures have b een applied for the purpose of international trade.  
Competent Authority  
The Veterinary or other Governmental Authority of an OIE Member, that has the  responsibility and 
competence for ensuring or supervising the implementation of animal health and welfare  measures, 
international veterinary certification and other standards and recommendations in the Code  in the whole 
territory . 
 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 OIE Code  Chapter for certification procedures.  
OIE 
The World Organisation for Animal Health . 
 Import Health Standard :  Poultry Hatching Eggs & Specific -Pathogen -Free Chicken Eggs  
 . 10 October 2014  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  15 of 19 Parent Flock 
A group of birds of one species kept for producing fertile eggs, as a single epidemiological unit, in accordance 
with the Code Chapter  on biosecurity in poultry, recommendations applicable to the operation of poultry 
establishments and additional measures for breeders .  
Permit to Import  
A permit issued by the Director General of MPI pursuant to section 2 4(D)(2)  of the Act. 
Poultry Hatchin g Eggs  
Hatching eggs of chickens ( Gallus gallus ), turkeys ( Meleagris gallopavo ) or ducks ( Anas platyrhynchos 
domesticus  and Cairina moshata ), sourced from poultry breeding flocks compliant with the standards 
described in the Code chapter on biosecurity pro cedures in poultry production.  
Prescribed Diagnostic Test 
The diagnostic test(s) which can be used for international trade when the OIE Code  recommends a testing 
procedure for international trade in a commodity . 
Production Cycle  
The production cycle refers to all operations between and including the hatching, breeder farms and the egg 
handling facilities associated with a consignment for export to New Zealand.  
Specific -Pathogen -Free (SPF) Eggs 
Eggs produced by chicken flocks free  from specified pathogens. The flocks supplying SPF eggs must be kept 
under secure biosecurity controls at least equivalent to those required for breeders in the Code  Chapter on 
Biosecurity in Poultry . 
Supervisor   
As defined in the MPI Standard for Avian Transitional Facilities 154.02.05 , a registered veterinarian and 
inspector employed, or contracted by the supplier, who inspects the transitional facility and audits the 
operation of quarantine.  
Surveillance  
Competent Authority supervised systematic ongoing collection, collation, and analysis of information related to 
animal health and the timely dissemination of information so that action can be taken. For the purposes of this 
IHS, for risk organisms, where d isease specific surveillance recommendations are made in the Code , the 
Code  recommendations must be met. For other risk organisms, surveillance must meet the recommendations 
in the Code  Chapter for animal health surveillance.  
Transitional Facility  
(1) Any plac e approved as a transitional facility in accordance with section 39 of the Act  for the purpose of 
inspection, testing, storage, treatment, holding or destruction of uncleared goods; or  
(2) A part of a port declared to be a transitional facility in accordance with section 39 of the Act.  
The Manual   
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial 
Animals . 
 Import Health Standard :  Poultry Hatching Eggs & Specific -Pathogen -Free Chicken Eggs  
 . 10 October 2014  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  16 of 19 Veterinary Certificate  
A certificate, issued in conformity with the provisions of the OIE Code Chapter for certification procedures , 
describing the animal health and/or public health requirements which are fulfilled by the exported commodities  
Zone  
A clearly defined part of a territory containing an animal subpopulation with a distinct health status with 
respect to a specific disease for which required surveillance, control and biosecurity measures have been 
applied for the  purpose of international trade.  Import Health Standard :  Poultry Hatching Eggs & Specific -Pathogen -Free Chicken Eggs  
 . 10 October 2014  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  17 of 19 Schedule 2 – Compartment Requirements  
(1) If the option of importing  from a specified disease free compartme nt is selected for any of the identified 
risk organisms the following steps must be address ed prior to an application for an import permit : 
a) A biosecurity plan, according to the Code , and endorsed by the exporting country’s Competent 
Authority  is submitted to MPI. 
b) The biosecurity plan is approved by MPI as meeting requirements of a specific disease free 
compartment (this work will be prioritised by MPI and the timeline for completion will be subject to 
resource availability).  
c) Records of procedures and system s (including test results) of all establishments forming the 
compartment, for at least the 12 months preceding the application for an import permit,  must be 
available on request.  
d) Approval of the biosecurity plan by MPI may include the need for an in -countr y audit of exporting 
authority and exporter systems and site visits. (Expenses for such visits may be New Zealand 
crown -funded or industry funded. Arrangements to be concluded between MPI and counterpart 
authorities).  
(2) The following documents must be submit ted to MPI with an application for an import permit : 
a) Original letter dated, officially stamped and signed by the Competent Authority of the exporting 
country  stating that : 
i) The compartment’s b iosecurity plan under which trade is eligible to occur has been 
officially endorsed;  
ii) The surveillance and monitoring programme in place has been audited against the 
biosecurity plan and that the Competent Authority  is satisfied that it can verify that the 
compartment is free of the disease for which the compartment is formed.  
b) Original  letter dated, officially stamped and signed by the Competent Authority  of the exporting 
country:  
i) Certifying that the compartment has been maintained free of the disease for which the 
compartment is formed for at least the 12 months preceding the application for an import 
permit;  
ii) Stating that records of procedures and systems (including test results) of the 
establishment(s) forming the compartment, for at least the 12 months preceding the 
application for an import permit, are availabl e to MPI upon request;  
iii) Stating that all procedures, systems and characteristics of the establishment(s) forming the 
compartment have been maintained and are identical to those described in the approved 
biosecurity plan.  
c) An import permit from MPI serves as evidence of approval of the compartment. Once provided to 
the prospective importer/exporter the import permit  shall be valid for 12 months, after which there 
will be an annual reassessment of the compartment by the Competent Authority  of the exporting 
coun try and MPI.  
d) The exporting company must receive either a faxed copy, or a scanned and emailed copy, of the 
import permit , at least 21 days prior to commencing collection of eggs for  export to New Zealand.  
e) MPI reserves the right to audit facilities from c ountries approved to export hatching eggs  to New 
Zealand . 
  Import Health Standard :  Poultry Hatching Eggs & Specific -Pathogen -Free Chicken Eggs  
 . 10 October 2014  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  18 of 19 Schedule 3 – Post -Arrival Quarantine  
Requirements for poultry for hatching eggs  
(1) The post arrival quarantine (PAQ) facility must be approved by MPI as a transitional facility approved 
to MPI Standa rd 154.02.05 Standard for Avian Transitional Facilities  and be under the supervision of 
an authorised Supervisor.  
(2) Written approval/advice from the authorised Supervisor must be provided with the application for an 
import permit.  
(3) PAQ stay, testing, treatments and procedures must be undertaken under supervision of the Authorised 
Supervisor.  
(4) Regular inspections will be made by the authorised Supervisor, as set out in the MPI Standard 
154.02.05 Standard for Avian Transitional Facilities.  
(5) Any unusual dea ths, increase in mortality rate or illness must be  immediately reported to the 
Authorised Supervisor or the MPI hotline 0800 80 99 66 and carcasses retained for possible post -
mortem examination.  
(6) Any positive results must be reported to MPI s Investigation a nd Diagnostic Centre (I DC). Any APMV 
isolate must be identified to serotype  level, particularly for APMV -1, otherwise any APMV isolated will 
be assumed to be one of 9 APMV types (APMV1 - APMV 9) including NDV.  Any influenza A  isolate 
must be identified to haemagglutinin (HA) subtype, particularly for H5 or H7, otherwise any influenza A 
isolated will be assumed to be  one of 16 subtypes including  AI. 
(7) Testing must be conducted by laboratories approved by MPI to conduct the specific tests required. See 
additiona l details in the guidance document for laboratory approval requirements.  
(8) No compensation will be paid for any birds slaughtered as a result of testing for disease or for 
diagnosis.  
(9) MPI reserves the right to remove birds and or specimens for any tests that  may be desired at any time.  
(10) A person authorised under the Act shall issue biosecurity clearance once the consignment has met all 
of the conditions for import, including negative test results received for AI, ND and Chlamydia psittaci  
(where required).  
Testing requirements  
Newcastle disease (APMV -1) 
(1) The consignment must be tested negative for ND by one of the following options:  
a) MPI-approved PCR testing of a representative sample of hatch debris, dead -in-shell chicks, 
embryos and dead chicks; or  
b) Testing a representative sample of chicks at or after 21 days of hatching for ND by a MPI -
approved PCR test.  The sample size must be sufficient to confirm that the flock is free from 
infection with at least 9 5% confidence of detecting 5% prevalence; or  
c) Serological t esting of chicks for APMV at or after 28 days of hatching. The sample size must be 
sufficient to confirm that the flock is free from infection with at least 9 5% confidence of detecting 
5% prevalence. (Testing must be conducted after 28 days to avoid interf erence of maternal 
antibodies . If maternal antibodies are suspected in samples collected at or after 28 days,  the 
Authorised Supervisor must be notified immediately and  repeat testing must be carried out on or 
before 42 days of age or as agreed with MPI . Rising serum titres, or any clinical evidence of 
disease must be reported immediately in accordance with the requirements in the avian 
transitional facility standard )  
Note:  Option c ) cannot be used for ducks as serology is not reliable in this species.  Import Health Standard :  Poultry Hatching Eggs & Specific -Pathogen -Free Chicken Eggs  
 . 10 October 2014  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  19 of 19 Avian influenza  
(1) The consignment must be tested negative for AI by one of the following options:  
a) MPI-approved PCR testing of a representative sample of hatch debris, dead -in-shell chicks, 
embryos and dead chicks; or  
b) Testing a representative sample of chicks  at or after 21 days of hatching for AI by a MPI -
approved PCR test.  The sample size must be sufficient to confirm that the flock is free from 
infection with at least 9 5% confidence of detecting 5% prevalence; or  
c) Serological testing of chicks for AI at or a fter 28 days of hatching. The sample size must be 
sufficient to confirm that the flock is free of infection with at least 9 5% confidence of detecting 5% 
prevalence. (Testing must be conducted after 28 days to avoid interference of maternal 
antibodies.)  
Chlamydia psittaci  [ducks only]  
(1) When required in the IHS, a representative sample of dead hatchlings and dead in -shell chicks must 
be examined to detect the presence of C. psittaci  using histochemical staining of liver and spleen 
impression smears. The sample  size must be sufficient to detect with 99% confidence a prevalence of 
10%.