Import Health Standard  
Issued under the Biosecurity Act 1993   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Semen and Embryos from 
Equids  
EQUIGERM.SPE  
[Document Date]  
 Import Health Standard : Semen and Embryos from Equids   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  1 of 15 
TITLE  
Import Health Standard : Semen and Embryos from Equids  
COMMENCEMEN T 
This Import Health Standard  comes into force on  [Effective Date ]  
REVOCATION  
This Import Health Standard revokes and replaces the following:  
a) Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae) , HORSSEMB.SPE, 18 July 2017  
ISSUING AUTHORITY  
This Import Health Standard  is issued under section 24A of the Biosecurity Act 1993.  
 
Dated at Wellington , [Document Date]  
 
 
Howard Pharo  
Manager , Import and Export Animals  
Ministry for Primary Industries  
(acting under dele gated authority of the Director -General)  
 
Contact for further information  
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)  
Regulation & Assurance Branch  
Animal Imports  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
 
Email: animal.imports@m pi.govt.nz  
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Contents  Page 
Introduction  3 
Part 1:  Requirements  5 
1.1 Application  5 
1.2 Incorporation by reference  5 
1.3 Definitions  5 
1.4 Requirements for clearance  5 
1.5 Diagnostic tests, vaccines and treatment  6 
1.6 Semen requirements  6 
1.7 Embryo requirements  7 
1.8 Transport  9 
1.9 Import permit  9 
1.10  The documentation that must accompany goods  9 
Part 2:  Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  11 
2.1 Equine arteritis virus (EVA)  11 
2.2 Equine herpesvirus -1 (abortigenic and paralytic forms) (EHV -1) 11 
2.3 Equine infectious anaemia virus (EIA)  11 
2.4 Taylorella equigenitalis and T. asinigenitalis (contagious equine metritis [CEM])  11 
2.5 Trypanosoma equiperdum  (dourine)  12 
Schedule 1 – Document History  13 
Schedule 2 – Definitions  14 
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Introduction  
This introduction  is not part of the  Import Health Standard  (IHS) , but is intended to indicate its general effect.  
Purpose  
This IHS specifies the minimum requirements that must be met when importing  equine semen and embryos  
into New Zealand . 
The identified  risk organisms associated with equine semen and embryos  that are managed by this IHS are:  
• Equine arteritis virus  (equine viral  arteritis ) 
• Equine herpesvirus -1 (abortigenic and paralytic forms)  
• Equine infectious anaemia virus  
• Taylorella equigenitalis  and Taylorella asinigenitalis  (contagious equine metritis)  
• Trypanosoma equiperdum  (dourine)  
Background  
The Biosecurity Act 1993 (the Act) provides the legal basis for excluding, eradicating and effectively managing 
pests and unwanted organisms.  
Import health standards issued under the Act set out requirements to be met to effectively manage biosecurity 
risks associated with importi ng goods. They include requirements that must be met in the exporting country, 
during transit, and before biosecurity clearance can be given.  
Guidance boxes are included within this IHS for explanatory purposes. The guidance included in these boxes 
is for information only and has no legal effect.  
A guidance document also accompanies this IHS providing information on how requirements may be met . 
Who should read this  Import Health Standard ? 
This IHS should be read by  importers of equine semen and embryos.  
Why is this important?  
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 
informa tion 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 tested/treated in accordance with this IHS prior to release or 
equivalence determined. Importers are liable  for all associated expenses.  
The costs to MPI in performing functions relating to the importation of equine semen and embryos  will be 
recovered in accordance with the Act and any regulations made under the Act. All costs involved with 
documentation, tra nsport, storage and obtaining a biosecurity clearance must be covered by the importer or 
agent.  
Equivalence  
The Chief Technical Officer (CTO) may issue a direction under section 27(1)(d) of the Act that measures 
different from those set out in this IHS  may be applied to effectively manage risks associated  with the 
importation of  these goods.  Import Health Standard : Semen and Embryos from Equids   
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If an equivalent measure is approved, an import permit may be issued under section 24D(2) of the Act if the 
CTO  considers it appropriate to do so.  The details of t he CTO direction on equivalence will be included as 
notes in the special conditions section of the permit to inform the inspector’s assessment of the commodity.  
MPI’s preference is that the exporting country’s Competent Authority makes equivalence requests . 
Equivalence requests can be lodged with animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz . 
Inspection  
On arrival, all documentation accompanying the consignment will be verified by an inspector.  The 
consignment may also be subj ect to inspection.   
Document History  
Refer to Schedule 1.  
Other information  
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 . 
Trade Single Window (TSW)  
All goods imported into New Zealand need to be cleared by the New Zealand Customs Service (Customs) 
and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). This is achieved by lodging required documentation in through 
the Trade Single Window (TSW) portal .  
For more information about TSW please visit https://www.customs.govt.nz/business/trade -single -window/ .  
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and new organisms  
Importers of new orga nisms must meet all requirements of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms 
(HSNO) Act 1996.  See guidance for more information.  
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Part 1:  Requirements  
1.1 Application  
(1) This IHS applies  to all imports  of semen and embryos from horses ( Equus caballus ) and donkeys 
(Equus asinus ) from Australia, Canada, European Union Member States, Norway, Switzerland or the 
United States of America .   
1.2 Incorporation 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 Embryo Transfer Society Manual  (the IETS Manual), available at the IETS 
website: http://www.iets.o rg/. 
(2) The following 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 standards, guideline or lists incorporated under clauses 1.2(1) and (2) above has legal 
effect as part of this IHS . 
 
Guidance  
• Incorporation by reference means that standards, guidelines or lists are incorporated into the IHS 
and they form part of the requirements . 
 
1.3 Definitions  
(1) For the purposes of this IHS and the associated guidance , terms used that are defined in the Act have 
the meanings set out there. The Act is available at http://www.legislation.govt.nz/ . 
(2) See Schedule 2 for additional definitions that apply . 
1.4 Requirements for cleara nce 
(1) In order to obtain biosecurity clearance, equine semen and embryos  must:  
a) Meet the requirements of clause s 1.5-1.8 of Part 1 , and Part 2 ; and 
b) Be accompanied by a veterinary certificate that meets the requirements of clause 1.10.1, has 
been agreed by the CTO, and details the measures in Part 1 and Part 2  that the importing 
country will meet; and  
c) Be accompanied by an import permit where required by clause 1.9. Import Health Standard : Semen and Embryos from Equids   
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1.5 Diagnostic tests , vaccines and treatment  
(1) All pre -export and/or survei llance testing required by this IHS must be:  
a) Conducted by a laboratory approved by the Competent Authority of the exporting country; or  
b) Conducted by a laboratory approved by the Competent Authority of any other country listed in 
clause 1. 1. 
(2) All laboratory  samples required by this IHS 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) All diagnostic test(s) and vaccines that are required to be used or undertaken by t his IHS must be 
those that have been approved by MPI for that purpose and documented in MPI-STD-TVTL . 
(4) All vaccinations required by this IHS to be administered to meet the specific disease requirements in 
Part 2  must have been administered according to the manufacturer’s instruction in a country listed in 
clause 1.1. 
(5) All requirements in this IHS for the administration of a vaccine require that either the final dose of a 
primary vaccination course has been adminis tered or the recommended booster to complement the 
primary course has been administered.  
(6) Where vaccines required by this IHS have been administered all vaccine names , virus types and 
strains included in the vaccine (where applicable) , and the date(s) of vaccination  must be recorded on 
the veterinary certificate.  
1.6 Semen requirements  
1.6.1 Semen collection centre requirements  
(1) Semen collection  and processing centres  must meet the recommendations of the relevant articles of 
the Code chapter General Hygiene in Semen Collection and Processing Centre s. 
(2) 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 of semen for export, or where the centre is used 
continuously, on an ann ual basis.  
(3) Semen may only be imported if it has been collected at a semen collection centre approved by the 
Competent Authority  no more than 12 months before the last date of collection of semen in the 
consignment.  
1.6.2 Semen donor requirements  
(1) Semen must only  be collected from donors that meet the following requirements:  
a) While resident at the semen collection centre, donors must only have contact with other equids of 
equivalent health status.  
b) Where Part 2  requires pre -collection testing, donors must be isolated from other equids not of an 
equivalent health status from the time of sample collection for the pre -collection test until 
completion of germplasm collection for export to New Zealand.  
c) The approved veterinarian must perform an examination of the donor, including inspection of the 
external reproductive organs, to ensure the donor  is free from clinical evidence of infectious 
disease transmissible in semen on the day of semen collection.   
d) Donors must not  be naturally mated after entry into the semen collection centre unless required 
by Part 2 . 
e) Semen donors may be transferred from one approved semen collection centre to another 
approved centre of equal health status without repeating the testing required b y Part 2 , if the 
Competent Authority ensures that all of the following requirements are met:  Import Health Standard : Semen and Embryos from Equids   
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i) Donors have been examined by the approved veterinarian on the day of entry into the 
centre and show no evidence of infectious disease transmissible in semen  
ii) Trans fer is direct  
iii) Donors do not come into direct or indirect contact with animals of lower health status  
iv) The means of transport is disinfected before use.  
1.6.3 Teaser animal requirements  
(1) If teaser animals are used in the collection of semen, the teaser animal : 
a) Must b e of equ ivalent health status to the donor; and  
b) Must be examined by an approved veterinarian , including the external reproductive organs, to 
ensure the teaser animal  is free from clinical evidence of infectious disease transmissible in 
semen on the day of semen collection.   
1.6.4 Semen  collection, processing and storage  
(1) Semen collection, processing , and storage must be conducted at a standard equivalent to the general 
consi derations for hygienic collection and handling of semen that is specified in the Code chapter  
Collection and Processing of Bovine, Small Ruminant and Porcine Semen . 
(2) The cryogenic or cooling agent used in the freezing process, storage or transport of semen must not 
have been used previously in association with any other product of animal origin.  
(3) 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 t he date(s) of collection. If a code is used for 
this information, its decipher instructions must accompany the consignment.  
(4) Semen must  only be stored with germplasm  that was collected and processed in accordance with the 
Code  and/or the IETS Manual , and is of equ ivalent health status . 
(5) Semen must be held in a storage place approved by the Competent Authority until the time of export.  
(6) Semen can only be imported into New Zealand  if the semen is imported directly from the coun try in 
which it was collected . 
(7) Notwithstanding ( 6), if semen is collected in a country  listed in clause 1. 1 (origin country)  and stored in 
another country listed in clause 1. 1 (exporting country) , that semen may be imported into New Zealand 
if the consignment is accompanied by:  
a) A declaration from the Competent Authority of the exporting country identifying the semen from 
the origin country as the semen being exported  to New Zealand; and  
b) A veterinary certificate from the Competent Authority of the exporting country that certifies that 
the semen has been stored and transported in the exporting country in accordance with the 
requi rements of this IHS ; and  
c) Evidence that the semen was collected, processed , and stored in the origin country in 
accordance with the requirements of this IHS  in the form of either : 
i) A veterinary certificate issued by the Competent Authority of the origin country  certifying 
that the semen meets the requirements of this IHS ; or 
ii) A letter from the Competent Authority of the origin country confirming the semen meets the 
requirements  of this IHS . 
1.7 Embryo requirements  
(1) Embryos must be in vivo -derived  and frozen.  Import Health Standard : Semen and Embryos from Equids   
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1.7.1 Embryo collection team requirements . 
(1) Embryos must be collected by an embryo collection team that complies with the recommendations of  
the Code  chapter Collection and Processing of In  Vivo Derived Embryos from Livestock and Equids.  
1.7.2 Embryo d onor requirements  
(1) Embryos must only be collected from donors that comply with the following requirements:  
a) 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 Part 2  of this IHS  for at least 
28 days prior to the first embryo collection until completion of donor testing, where required by 
this IHS . 
b) Where Part 2  requires  pre-collec tion testing, donors must be isolated from other equids not of an 
equivalent health status from the time of sample collection for the pre -collection test until 
completion of germplasm collection for export to New Zealand.  
c) The approved veterinarian  must perform an examination of the donor, including inspection of the 
external reproductive organs, to ensure the donor  is free from clinical evidence of infectious 
disease transmissible in embryos  on the day of embryo collection.  
(2) All semen used for artificial in semination of embryo donors  must meet the requirements of this IHS.  
 
1.7.3 Embryo collection, processing and storage  
(1) Embryo collection, processing, and storage must meet the recommendations  of the Code chapter 
Collection and Processing of In  Vivo Derived Embryos from Livestock and Equids.   
(2) The cryogenic or cooling agent used in the freezing process, storage, and transport of embryos must 
not have been used previously in association with any other product of animal origin.  
(3) 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 . 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.  
(4) Embryos  must be in new or cleaned and 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.   
(5) Embryos  must  only be stored with germplasm  that was collected and processed in accordance with the 
Code  and/or the IETS Manual , and is of equal health status . 
(6) Embryos m ust be held in a  storage place approved by the Competent Authority until the time of export.  
(7) Embryos can only be imported into New Zealand  if the embryos are  imported directly from the country 
in which it was collected . 
(8) Notwithstanding ( 7), if embryos are  collected in a country listed in clause 1. 1 (origin country) and 
stored in another country listed in clause 1. 1 (exporting country) , the embryos may be imported into 
New Zealand if the consignment is accompanied by:  
a) A declaration from the Competent Author ity of the exporting country identifying the embryos  from 
the origin country as the embryos  being imported in to New Zealand; and  
b) A veterinary certificate from the Competent Authority of the exporting country that certifies that 
the embryos  has been stored and transported in the exporting country in accordance with the 
requirements of this IHS ; and  
c) Evidence that the embryos were been collected, processed and (if applicable) stored in the origin 
country in accordance with the requirements of this IHS  in the f orm of either : Import Health Standard : Semen and Embryos from Equids   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  9 of 15 
i) A veterinary certificate issued by the Competent Authority of the origin country  certifying 
that the embryos meet the requirements of this IHS ; or 
ii) A letter from the Competent Authority of the origin country confirming that the embryos  
meet t he requirements  of this IHS . 
1.8 Transport  
(1) All transport containers in which semen or embryos are  transported to New Zealand must be new or  
cleaned and  disinfected , and must be free of contamination.  
(2) All transport containers in which semen  or embryos are  transported to New Zealand must be sealed, 
by either the approved  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 transp ort container to another, the date of transfer, 
approved collection centre  or storage facility , reason for transfer, and the name of veterinarian involved 
in the transfer must be recorded on the veterinary certificate.  
1.9 Import permit  
(1) An import permit under section 24D of the Act issued by the Director -General  is required if a CTO has 
approved an equivalent measure prior to import, different from that set in this  IHS that may be applied 
to effectively manage risks.  
(2) An import permit is not required where a CTO  has issued a direction under section 27(1)(d) for a 
measure that is different from that set in this IHS during negotiation of  a country -specific veterinary 
certificate and the equivalent measure is incorporated into that certificate . 
 
Guidance  
• Completed a pplications can be submitted to Animal Imports animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz  
Application forms can be found on the MPI website at: Application form for Semen and Embryos  
1.10 The documentation that must accompany goods  
(1) The consignment must arrive in New Zealand with the documentation that is spe cified in, and meets 
the requirements of, clauses 1.1 0.1 to 1.1 0.2 below.  
(2) All documentation that is required by this clause 1.1 0 to accompany equine semen and embryos  must, 
unless otherwise stated:  
a) Be original  
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  or electronic based 
alternative s ecurity features.  
 
Guidance  
• A Trade Single Window (TSW) lodgement is required to meet both MPI and Customs 
requirements.  For more information about TSW please visit: 
https://www.cust oms.govt.nz/business/trade -single -window/ .  Import Health Standard : Semen and Embryos from Equids   
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1.10.1  Veterinary certificate  
(1) A veterinary certificate from the exporting country’s Official Veterinarian. The veterinary certificate must 
include the following:  
a) A unique consignment identifier ; 
b) Species, donor identifi cation, quantity (semen/embryos) ; 
c) Dates of collection ; 
d) For semen , the name, address, and approval number of the semen collection centre, and date of 
donor entry ; 
e) For embryos, the approval number of the embryo collection team, and the date of entry into the 
embryo collection herd/centre, and address of the embryo collection herd/centre;  
f) Name of the approved veterinarian;  
g) Name and address of the importer (cons ignee)  and exporter (consignor);  
h) Transport container number seal number and disinfection information;  
i) All diagnostic tests, including test type, date of sampling, and results which must be clearly linked 
to each donor  and accompanied by copies of laboratory repo rts. A tabulated summary of 
laboratory results endorsed by the Official Veterinarian is also acceptable ; 
j) All vaccines administered to meet specific disease import requirements, including vaccine name ,  
the virus types and strains included in the vaccine  (where applicable) , and vaccination date(s).  
k) Name, signature and contact details of the Official Veterinarian.  
l) Where semen and embryos are transferred from one transport container to another, the date of 
trans fer, approved collection centre or storage facili ty, reason for transfer and name of the 
veterinarian involved in the transfer  
m) Certification and endorsement by the Official Veterinarian that the general requirements outlined 
in Part 1  of this IHS have been met.  
n) Certification and endorsement by the Offici al Veterinarian that the relevant  requirements outlined 
in Part 2  of this IHS have been met . 
 
Guidance  
• Where equivalent measures have been negotiated and agreed and a CTO has, prior to import, 
issued a direction under section 27(1)(d) of the Act that is di fferent from those in this standard in 
the form of a negotiated veterinary certificate, a country -specific veterinary certificate must 
accompany the consignment.  
• See guidance document for more information about equivalence and country -specific veterinary 
certificates.  
1.10.2  Laboratory  and vaccination  reports  
(1) Original laboratory reports; copies of laboratory reports endorsed by the Official Veterinarian; or a 
tabulated summary of laboratory results endorsed by the Official Veterinarian of all tests required by 
Part 2: Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  of this IHS, which must include:   
a) Unique  identification for each animal, consistent with the veterinary certificate.  
b) Dates of sample collection  or vaccination .  
c) Test/vaccine  type.  
d) Test result.  Import Health Standard : Semen and Embryos from Equids   
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Part 2:  Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  
(1) Semen and embryos  must comply with the following measures for identified risk organisms , where 
required . 
2.1 Equine arteritis virus  (EVA)  
(1) Semen donors:  
a) Must meet the recommendations for managing equine sem en 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 and show no clinical sign of EVA on the day of semen 
collection; and  
i) Must be 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  collection centre , with negative results . 
(2) Embryo donors  must meet the recommendations for managing in vivo -derived embryos in the Code 
chapter Infection with Equine Arteritis Virus.  
2.2 Equine herpesvirus -1 (abortigenic and paralytic forms) (EHV -1) 
(1) Semen and embryos  donor s: 
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.  
2.3 Equine infectious anaemia virus  (EIA)  
(1) Donors must:  
a) Be kept on premises where no case of EIA has been reported during the 90 days prior to each 
collection; and  
b) Show no clinical sign of EIA on the day of each collection; and  
c) Be test ed 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 . 
2.4 Taylorella equigenitalis and Taylorella  asinigenitalis (contagious 
equine metritis [CEM])  
(1) Semen and embryos donors must comply with (2), (3) or (4) below , and must compl y with (5) : 
(2) 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 . 
(3) Donors must be kept, since birth or for at le ast 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 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;  Import Health Standard : Semen and Embryos from Equids   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  12 of 15 
i) Stallions must be  sampled  two times at intervals of 4-7 days. Sw ab 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  
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 . 
(4) 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  
(5) Must be protected against any possibili ty of infection with CEM since the beginning of the tests.  
2.5 Trypanosoma equiperdum  (dourine)  
(1) Semen donor s must meet the recommendations for managing equine semen in the Code chapter 
Dourine . 
(2) Embryo donors must:  
a) Be kept 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.  Import Health Standard : Semen and Embryos from Equids   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  13 of 15 
Schedule  1 – Document History  
Date First Issued  Title Shortcode  
3 December 2015  Import Health Standard: Semen and Embryos 
from Horses ( Equidae ) HORSSEMB.SPE  
Date of Issued Amendments  Title Shortcode  
18 July 2017  Import Health Standard: Semen and Embryos 
from Horses ( Equidae ) HORSSEMB.SPE  
TBA Import Health Standard: Semen and Embryos  
from Equids  EQUIGERM.SPE  
 Import Health Standard : Semen and Embryos from Equids   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  14 of 15 
Schedule 2 – Definitions  
Approved Veterinarian  
A veterinarian approved by the relevant Competent Authority to collect semen or embryos for export to New 
Zealand.  
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.  
Director -General  
The chief executive of the Ministry for Primary Industries.  
Donor  
Female animal from which embryos were collected, or male animal from which semen was collected.  
Germplasm  
Ova, semen or embryos collected from animals that are eligible for importation under this import health 
standard.  
IETS  
International Embryo Transfer Society.  
IETS Manual  
Manual for embryo collection, processing and transfer as written by the IETS. Any references to this Manual 
are to the most current version.  
In vivo-derive d embryos  
Embryos recovered after incubation occurred in the reproductive tract  of the female donor.  
MPI 
Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand.  
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.  
The Code  
The OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code as found on the OIE website.  
The Manual   
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Manual of Dia gnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial 
Animals.  Import Health Standard : Semen and Embryos from Equids   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  15 of 15 
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 fu lfilled by the exported 
commodities.