Ministry for Primary Industries  
Regulation and Assurance  
Animal & Animal Products  
Animal Imports Team  
PO Box 2526, Wellington 6140  
animalimports@mpi.govt.nz  
 
Risk Management Proposal  
 
Pig Semen  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
Ministry for Primary Industries  
Te Manat ū Ahu Atua 
Pastoral House  
25 The Terrace  
P O Box 2526  
Wellington  
New Zealand  
 
 
 
Telephone: +64 4 894 0100  
Facsimile:   +64 4 894 0 733 
Internet : http://www.mpi.govt.nz  
 
 
Regulation and Assurance  Branch  
 
 
RISK MANAGEMENT PROPOSAL  
Importation of Pig Semen  
 
 
2016  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Howard Pharo  
Manager Import and Export  Animals  
Ministry for Primary Industries  
  
Risk Management Proposal for Pig Semen  XX 2016  i Contents  
Purpose  3 
Background  3 
Objective  4 
Options assessment  4 
General requirements  4 
Recommendations for identified risk organisms  5 
African swine fever (ASF) virus  5 
Aujeszky’s disease (AD) virus  6 
Blue eye disease virus 8 
Bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) virus  9 
Classical swine fever (CSF) virus  10 
Foot and mouth disease (FMD) virus  12 
Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus  15 
Porcine myocarditis (Bungowannah) virus  16 
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus  18 
Swine vesicular disease (SVD) virus  22 
Transmissible gastroenteritis virus  23 
Brucella suis  25 
Leptospira  spp. 26 
Salmonella spp. 27 
  
Risk Management Proposal for Pig Semen  July 2012  3 
 Purpose  
The purpose of this document is to:  
 present the risks associated with pig semen  
 outline options cons idered for managing those risks  
 show how t he options have been assessed  
 provid e recommendations for import requirements to be included in the 
import health standard  (IHS).   
Background  
Pig semen is considered a risk commodity, with the potential to harbour exotic viral 
and bacterial diseases that could establish  in New Zealand . 
 
In March 2012, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) released  a draft IHS for the 
importation of pig semen into  New Zealand from all countries  for consultation . This 
was developed from the 2011 draft import risk analysis (IRA) fo r pig semen from 
Australi a, the United States of America  (USA) , Canada, the European Union  and 
Norway. The 2011 dra ft IRA identified six organisms of potential concern in porcine 
semen (blue eye disease virus , foot and mouth disease virus, Nipah virus, 
Teschovirus  serotype 1, Venezuelan encephalitis  virus, and vesicular exanthema 
virus) but did not assess the risk due to these since Australia , the U SA, Canada, the 
European Union  and Norway claim freedom from these diseases.  At the time, the 
thought was that countri es other than the ones specified in the 2011 draft IRA 
requesting approval under the generic IHS would either need to be free from these 
diseases or be subject to a formal risk assessment.  
 
This approach however, was not in line with MPI’s strategy to cre ate a fully generic 
approach (i.e. all hazards, all countries). The subsequent IRA Pig Semen (IRA 2012) 
included the additional risk organisms not addressed in the 2011 draft IRA.  
 
Based on the IRA 2012, a  generic IHS for Pig Semen  (PIGSEMIC.GEN ) was issued 
in 2013.   
 
To date , no veterinary certificates have been issued  under PIGSEMIC.GEN  and 
current trade in pig semen is only possible  under existing IHSs : 
 
 IHS for Porcine  Semen into New Zealand from Australia  (PIGSEMIC.AUS 
dated 23 July 1998)  
 IHS for Pig Semen from Canada or the United States of America  
(PIGSEMIC.NAM dated 26 January 2011)  
 IHS for Pig Semen from New Caledonia  (PIGSEMIC.NCA dated 5 March 
1999)  
 IHS for Pig Semen from Norway  (PIGSEMIC.NOR dated 12 January 1998)  
 
An amendment to PIGSEMIC.G EN is considered necessary due to changes  to the  
World Organisation for Animal Health ( OIE) Terrestrial Animal Health Code  (the 
Code ) for swine vesicular disease and Brucella  spp., and specific concerns with 
regard to risk management measures for bovine viral diarrhoea  virus . These 
changes are discussed under the section for Recommendations for Identified Risk 
Organisms  below.  
 
Furthermore, the general requirements in PIGSEMIC.GEN have been revised  to 
align with the Code  chapters on General Hygiene in Semen Collection and  
Risk Management Proposal for Pig Semen  XX 2016  4 Processing Centres and Collection  and Processing of Bovine, Small Ruminant and 
Porcine Semen .  
Objective  
The objective is to effectively manage biosecurity risks a ssociated with the 
importation of pig semen, consistent with New Zealand’s domestic legislation and 
international obligations . 
Options assessment                                                                                       
Under Article 3.3 of the  World Trade Organi zation Agreement on the Application of 
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (the SPS Agreement), risk management 
measures which provide a level of protection greater than provided by international 
standards may be imposed only when they c an be scientifically justified on the basis 
of a risk assessment.  
 
For a detailed assessment  of hazards and their risks, refer to the IRA and rapid risk 
assessment (RRA) below, which contains the relevant risk assessments and 
management options for each ri sk organism . 
 
 IRA: Pig Semen , December 2012 (IRA 2012)  
 RRA : Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus Testing Requirements for Bovine and 
Porcine Germplasm Imports from the European Union , July 2014  (RRA 2014)  
 
The IRA 2012 assessed the risk associated with pig semen imported from all 
countries. This IRA 2012  identifie d 12 organisms that may warrant risk management 
measures .  
 
 Aujeszky’s disease  (AD) virus  
 Blue eye disease virus  
 Bovine viral diarrhoea  (BVD) virus  [Reassessed as a negligible risk  2016 ] 
 Classical swine fever  (CSF) virus  
 Foot and mouth disease  (FMD) virus   
 Japanese encephalitis  (JE) virus  
 Porcine myocarditis/Bungowannah virus  
 Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome  (PRRS) virus  
 Swine vesicular disease  (SVD) virus [No longer an OIE listed disease  and 
measures revised 2016 ] 
 Brucella suis [Measures revised 2016 ] 
 Leptospira  spp.  
 Salmonella  spp. 
 
African swine fever (ASF) virus and transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) virus were 
not assessed to be risks in semen in the IRA 2012. However , the Code has specific 
measures for the safe trade of semen for these two diseases . Measures for  ASF and 
TGE were included in PIGSEMIC.GEN to align New Zealand’s standards with the  
Code . This risk management proposal (RMP) has not proposed any changes from 
PIGSEMIC.GEN for ASF and TGE.  
 
Risk management measures for Salmonella  spp. were not included in  
PIGSEMIC.GEN in line with New Zealand ’s IHS for Bovine Semen  dated 27 June 
2011 .  
General requirements   
The general requirements in PIGSEMIC.GEN have been revised  to align with the 
Code  chapters on General Hygiene in Semen Collection and Processing Centres  
Risk Management Proposal for Pig Semen  XX 2016  5 and Collection  and Processing of Bovine, Small Ruminant and Porcine Semen . 
Additional requirements have been included where these are  not explicitly stated  or 
covered  in the Code chapters.  
 
Requirements for stor age of semen in a third country  and transfer of donors  between 
approved semen collection centres have been included. Th ese changes have been 
added to facilitate trade and semen collection practices, and are consistent with the 
IHS for Semen and Embryos from Sheep (Ovis aries) and Goats (Capra hircus)  
dated 22 June 2015.  
Recommendations for identified risk organisms  
African  swine fever (ASF) virus   
Options p resented in the IRA Pig Semen 2012  
ASF virus was not identified as a hazard in pig semen.  
Code  recommendations (201 6) 
Recommendations for importation from ASF free countries, zones or 
compartments  
For semen of domestic pigs 
 
Veterinary Authorities  should require the presentation of an international veterinary 
certificate  attesting that:  
 
1. the donor animals:  
a. were kept in an ASF free country, zone  or compartment  since birth or for 
at least 40  days prior to collection;  
b. showed no clinical sign of ASF on the day of collection of the semen;  
2. the semen was collected, processed and stored in accordance with 
Chapters  4.5. and 4.6. 
 
Recommendations for importation from countries or zones considered 
infected with ASF  
For semen of domestic  pigs 
 
Veterinary Authorities  should require the presentation of an international veterinary 
certificate  attesting that:  
 
1. the donor animals:  
a. were kept in an ASF free compartment  since birth or for at least 40  days 
prior to collection;  
b. showed no clinical sign of ASF on the day of collection of the semen and 
for the following 40  days;  
2. the semen was colle cted, processed and stored in accordance with 
Chapters  4.5. and 4.6. 
Discussion  (2016)  
No changes are proposed to t he import requirements from PIGSEMIC.GEN for ASF.  
Recommendation (2016)  
1. Donors  meet  the Code  recommendations  for importation from ASF free 
countries, zones or compartments ; or 
2. Donors meet the Code  recommendations for importation from countries or 
zones considered infected with ASF.  
  
Risk Management Proposal for Pig Semen  XX 2016  6 ASF discussion from RMP 2012  
 Option 1  
Semen originating from donor boars that have lived their entire lives in 
countries or zones free from ASF (in accordance with the OIE Code) could be 
imported without further sanitary measures.  
 Option 2  
Semen originating from collection centres certified as compliant with OIE 
Code Chapters 4.5 an d 4.6 could be considered suitable for importation.  
 
The import risk analysis for pig  semen identified that African swine f ever (ASF) was a 
preliminary hazard. After further risk assessment it was concluded not to be a hazard 
requiring any risk mitigation measures.  
 
In contrast the OIE Code has recommended measures for the importation of semen 
for ASF.  
 
Chapters 4.5 and 4.6 of the OIE Code are the current internationally recognised 
standards for managing the risk of ASF in pig semen.  
 
Chapter 4.6 of the O IE Code contains requirements for ASF for boars resident in 
semen collection centres.  
 
Given the existence of international standards for ASF -free (Article 15.1.8 of the OIE 
Code) and ASF -infected countries (Article 15.1.9 of the OIE code) the most 
appropriate measures for risk management here would be to accept these Code 
articles for importation of pig semen.  
 
MPI will seek to influence the OIE to reassess the risk basis of ASF but in the 
interests of expedience, at this point in time measures that  are in line with the OIE 
Code for ASF will remain in the IHS.  
 
Both options described above are considered to effectively manage the risk of ASF 
in imported pig semen.  
 
Aujeszky’s disease (AD) virus  
Options presented in the IRA Pig Semen 2012  
1. Aliquots of each batch of semen to be imported could be tested by PCR for 
the presence of virus. Importation of semen giving positive results could be 
prohibited.  
2. Semen originating from collection centres certified as compliant with OIE 
Code  Chapters 4.5 and 4.6 could be considered suitable for importation.  
3. Semen for export to New Zealand could come from donor boars that were 
kept in  an establishment or artificial insemination centre  located in an AD -free 
country or zone at the time of semen collection.  
Code  recommendations (2016)  
Recommendations for importation from AD free countries or zones  
For semen of pigs  
Veterinary Authorities  should require the presentation of an international veterinary 
certificate  attesting that:  
1. the donor animals:  
a. showed no clinical sign of AD on the day of collection of the semen;   
Risk Management Proposal for Pig Semen  XX 2016  7 b. were kept in an establishment  or artificial insemination centre  located in 
an AD free country or zone  at the time of semen collection;  
2. the semen was collected, processed and stored in accordance with 
Chapters  4.5. and 4.6. 
 
Recommendations for importation from AD provisionally free countries or 
zones  
For semen of pigs  
 
Veterinary Authorities  should require the presentation of an international veterinary 
certificate  attesting that:  
 
1. the donor animals:  
a. have been kept for at least four  months prior to semen collection in an 
artificial insemination centre  which has the status of AD free  
establishment , and where all boars are subjected to a serological test to 
the whole AD  virus, with negative results, every four  months;  
b. showed no clinical sign of AD on the day of collection;  
2. the semen was collected, processed and stored in accordance with 
Chapters  4.5. and 4.6. 
 
Recommendations for importation from AD infected countries or zones  
For semen of pigs  
 
Veterinary Authorities  should require the presentation of an international veterinary 
certificate  attesting that:  
 
1. the donor animals:  
a. were kept in an AD  free establishment  for at least six  months prior to 
entering the artificial insemination centre ; 
b. have been kept for at least four  months prior to semen collection in the 
artificial insemination centre  which has the status of AD free  
establishment , and where all boars are subjected to a serological test to 
the whol e AD virus, with negative results, every four  months;  
c. were subjected to a serological test to the whole AD virus, with negative 
results, within 10  days prior to or 21  days after semen collection;  
d. showed no clinical sign of AD on the day of collection;  
the semen was collected, processed and stored in accordance with 
Chapters  4.5. and 4.6. 
Discuss ion (2016)  
Chapter 4.6 of the Code  contains AD requirements for boars standing at semen 
collection centres in relation  to AD status o f a country or zone. The Code  chapter for 
AD defines AD free country  or zone, AD provis ionally free country or zone  and AD 
free establishment . Countries or zones which do not meet the conditions to be 
considered free from AD are considered infected. MPI co nsiders the measures 
outlined in the Code  for AD (options 2 and 3 above) to effectively manage the risk of 
AD virus in imported semen.    
 
No changes are proposed to the i mport requirements from PIGSEMIC.GEN for AD.  
Recommendation (2016)  
1. Donors  meet the Code  recommendations for importation from  one of the 
following : 
a) AD free countries or zones  
b) AD provisionally free countries or zones  
c) AD infected countries or zones .  
Risk Management Proposal for Pig Semen  XX 2016  8  
AD discussion from RMP 2012  
 Option 1  
Semen for export to New Zealand could come from donor boars that were 
kept in an establishment or semen collection centre located in an AD -free 
country or zone (in accordance with the requirements of the OIE Code) at the 
time of semen collection.  
 Option 2  
Semen originating from collection centres certified as  compliant with OIE 
Code Chapters 4.5 and 4.6 could be considered suitable for importation.  
 Option 3  
Aliquots of each batch of semen to be imported could be tested by a MPI 
approved PCR test for the presence of virus. Importation of semen giving 
positive r esults could be prohibited.   
 
PCR tests provide a rapid and highly sensitive method for detecting AD virus in pig 
semen, however the option for PCR testing alone was subsequently removed from 
the IHS due to a stakeholder submission. The explanation and the  MPI response for 
not having this option as a measure in the IHS is in point 2.4 in the Review of 
Submissions .  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
Chapter 4.6 of the OIE Code contains requirements for AD for boars resident in 
semen collection centres. Chapters 4.5 and 4.6 of the OIE Code are the current 
internationally recognised standard for managi ng the risk of AD in pig semen.  
Given the existence of international standards for AD -free (8.2.13) and AD -infected 
countries (8.2.15) the most appropriate measures for risk management here would 
be to accept these Code articles for importation of pig seme n.  
 
Options 2 and 3 are considered to effectively manage the risk of Aujeszky’s disease 
(AD) virus in imported semen.  
Blue eye d isease  virus  
Options presented in the IRA Pig Semen 2012  
1. Semen for export to New Zealand could come from donor boars that were 
kept in an establishment or artificial insemination centre located in a porcine 
rubulavirus ( PoRV )-free country or zone at the time of semen collection.  
2. Donor boars could be subject to s erological testing with negative results.  
Code  recommendations (2016)  
There are no Code recommendations for blue eye disease .  
Discussion  (2016)  
No changes are proposed to the import requirements from PIGSEMIC.GEN for blue 
eye disease . 
Recommendation (2016)  
1. Donors  have lived their entire lives in a cou ntry free from blue eye disease; or  
2. Donors have been subject ed to a serological test listed in MPI -STD-TVTL , 
with negative results.  
 
Blue eye disease discussion from RMP 2012  
The final version of the risk  analysis (December 2012)  was amended so that it 
includes chapters assessing the risks associated with blue eye disease virus, f oot 
and mouth disease virus, Nipah virus, Teschovirus serotype 1, Vene zuelan  
Risk Management Proposal for Pig Semen  XX 2016  9 encephalitis virus, and vesicular e xanthema virus. Blue eye disease was concluded 
to pose a risk in porcine semen.  
 
Blue eye disease , also known as La -Piedad Michoacan paramyxovirus disease or 
porcine rubulavirus (PoRV) , has only been described in Mexico so sanitary 
measures are not require d for imports of porcine semen originating from pigs in any 
country other than Mexico.  
 
Both option 1 and option 2 are considered to effectively manage the risk.  
 
Bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) virus  
Options presented in the IRA Pig Semen 2012  
1. Semen originating from collection centres certified as compliant with OIE 
Code  Chapters 4.5 and 4.6 could be considered suitable for importation.  
2. Every batch of semen to be imported could be tested by a group -specific 
reverse transcriptase PCR test that de tects all relevant pestiviruses. A 
positive test on any batch of semen could result in disqualification of that 
semen.  
3. Donor boars could have lived their entire lives in countries that are free from 
both CSFV and BVDV -2. 
Code recommendations (2016)  
There a re no Code recommendations for BVD in pig semen.  
Discussion  (2016)  
The IRA 2012  concluded that risk management measures for BVDV -2 were justified 
for the importation of pig semen. This was based on the assumption that infected 
pigs excrete BVD  virus  in their semen which is  known to occur with classical swine 
fever  (also a pestivirus ), and BVD  virus  is excreted in bull semen. However, d irect 
evidence for BVD virus  in pig semen is provided by a single  study in which BVD virus 
was isolated from a  viraem ic and BVD immunotolerant  boar.  The infected semen 
samples however, did not contain spermatozoa.  
 
Congenitally infected pigs appear to excrete large amounts of virus and it would be 
expected that if BVD  virus  was associated with pig semen it would be more  readily 
reported in the literature. Experience  from the international trade in pig semen has 
shown that BVD virus does not appear to be a risk in this commodity. On 
consideration of these observations and the absence of  Code recommendations for 
BVD, the RRA 2014 concluded that BVD is not a  risk in pig semen . 
 
In countries where BVD is present, c attle are considered to be the main source of 
infection for pigs as they  may co -habit the same farms. The amended IHS will 
specify that semen donors must be com pliant with the Code  chapter  General 
Hygiene in Semen Collection and Processing Centres , which requires segregation 
from other species of livestock.   
 
Recommendation (2016)  
No specific measures are proposed other than those in Part 1 General Requirements 
of the IHS.  
 
BVD discussion in RMP 2012  
 Option 1  
Donor boars could have lived their entire lives in coun tries that are free from 
BVD-2.  
Risk Management Proposal for Pig Semen  XX 2016  10  Option 2  
Donor boars could be required to be tested for antibody to BVD -2 virus by a MPI 
approved test at least 21 days after collection of the semen batch for export, with 
negative results.  
 
Classi cal swine fever (CSF) virus and bovine viral d iarrhoea (BVD) virus have been 
listed as two separate diseases in this RMP as opposed to the integrated approach 
in the IRA.  
 
Some stakeholders raised concerns during targeted consultation in 2011 that there 
should be no testing for BVD -2 virus as it is not a listed disease of pigs in the OIE 
Code.  
 
However, New Zealand is free of BVD -2 (Horner 2000; Vilcek et al 1998; OIE 
2008b). Inv estigations of suspected BVD -2 in cattle have not detected any BVD -2 in 
ruminants in New Zealand. The only isolates of BVD -2 recorded in New Zealand 
were from two commercial serum samples of overseas origin in 1997.  
 
As the IRA states, field infection to b oars can occur and result in persistent testicular 
infections with BVD -2, and transmission via semen to New Zealand pigs could occur. 
Whilst the consequences are likely to be low to the New Zealand pig population, the 
consequences of any infection to the N ew Zealand cattle industry could be high.  
 
Measures to prevent transmission of BVD -2 virus are already in place for importation 
of bovine semen. Risk management measures for BVD -2 virus in pig semen are 
therefore justified.  
 
Both options described above are considered to effectively manage the risk of BVD -2 
virus in imported semen.  
 
Classical swine fever (CSF) virus  
Options presented in the IRA Pig Semen 2012  
1. Semen originating from collection centres certified as compliant with OIE 
Code  Chapters 4.5 and 4 .6 could be considered suitable for importation.  
2. Every batch of semen to be imported could be tested by a group -specific 
reverse transcriptase PCR test that detects all relevant pestiviruses. A 
positive test on any batch of semen could result in disqualifi cation of that 
semen.  
3. Donor boars could have lived their entire lives in countries that are free from 
both CSFV and BVDV -2. 
Code recommendations (2016)  
Recommendations for importation from countries, zones or compartments free 
from CSF  
For semen of domestic and captive wild pigs  
 
Veterinary Authorities  should require the presentation of an international veterinary 
certificate  attesting that:  
 
1. the donor animals:  
a. were kept in a country, zone  or compartment  free from CSF since birth or 
for at least three  months prior to collection;  
b. showed no clinical sign of CSF on the day o f collection of the semen;  
2. the semen was collected, processed and stored in accordance with 
Chapters  4.5. and 4.6. 
  
Risk Management Proposal for Pig Semen  XX 2016  11 Recommendations for importation from countries or zones considered 
infected with CSFV  
For semen of domestic and captive wild pigs  
 
Veterinary Authorities  should require the presentation of an international veterinary 
certificate  attesting that:  
 
1. the donor animals:  
a. were kept in a compartment  free from CSF since birth or for at least 
three  months prior to collection;  
b. showed no clinical sign of CSF on the day of collection of the semen and 
for the following 40  days;  
c. met one of  the following conditions:  
i. have not been vaccinated against CSF and were subjected to a 
serological test performed at least 21  days after collection, with 
negative results; or  
ii. have been vaccinated against CSF and were subjected to a 
serological test perfor med at least 21  days after collection and it 
has been conclusively demonstrated that any antibody is due to 
the vaccine; or  
iii. have been vaccinated against CSF and were subjected to a 
virological test performed on a sample taken on the day of 
collection and i t has been conclusively demonstrated that the boar 
is negative for virus genome;  
2. the semen was collected, processed and stored in accordance with 
Chapters  4.5. and 4.6. 
Discussion  (2016)  
No changes are proposed to the import requirements from PIGSEMIC.GEN for CSF. 
Recommendation (2016)  
1. Donors  meet  the Code  recommendations for importation from countries, 
zones or compartments free from CSF ; or 
2. Donors meet the Code  recommendations for importation from countries or 
zones considered infected with CSF . 
 
CSF discussion from RMP 2012  
 Option 1  
Donor boars could have lived their entire lives in countries that are free from CSF 
(in accordance with the requirements of the OIE Code).  
 Option 2  
Semen originating from collection centres certified as compliant with OIE  Code 
Chapters 4.5 and 4.6 could be considered suitable for importation.  
 Option 3  
Every batch of semen to be imported could be tested by a MPI approved reverse 
transcriptase (RT) PCR test. A positive test on any batch of semen could result 
in disqualificat ion of that semen.  
 
Chapter 4.6 of the OIE Code contains requirements for CSF for boars resident in 
semen collection centres. Chapters 4.5 and 4.6 of the OIE Code are the current 
internationally recognised standard for managing the risk of CSF in pig semen.  
 
Options 1 and 2 are considered to effectively manage the risk of classical swine 
fever (CSF) in imported pig semen.  
  
Risk Management Proposal for Pig Semen  XX 2016  12 Given the existence of international standards for CSF -free (8.2.13) and CSF -
infected countries (8.2.15) the most appropriate measures for risk management here 
would be to accept these Code articles for importation of pig semen.  
 
The option for PCR testin g alone was removed from the IHS due to a stakeholder 
submission. The MPI response to this submission is point 2.5 in the Review of 
Submissions.  
Foot and mouth disease (FMD) virus  
Options presented in the IRA Pig Semen 2012  
1. The international standards described in articles 8.5.15 to 8.5.18. of the OIE 
Code could be adopted to effectively manage the risk associated with FMDV 
in porcine semen.  
2. In addition to the measures described in Option 1, MPI may also require 
approval of e ach semen collection and processing and storage facility/ies in 
the exporting country intended to be used during the preparation of an export 
consignment to New Zealand. This approval may be dependent on the 
facility, its location and operating standards a nd that the verification systems 
of the Veterinary Authority achieve a very high level of risk management for 
FMD. The process for MPI approval may include site inspection. MPI may 
also reserve the right to supervise collection, require the use of New Zeal and 
approved semen collection personnel, or require any other measures 
deemed necessary to ensure compliance with facility and operating 
standards upon which the approval is based.  
3. Imports of porcine semen could be limited to countries recognised to be fre e 
of FMDV without vaccination.  
Code recommendations (2016)  
Recommendations for importation from FMD free countries or zones where 
vaccination is not practised or FMD free compartments  
For fresh semen of domestic ruminants and pigs  
 
Veterinary Authorities  should require the presentation of an international veterinary 
certificate  attesting that:  
 
1. the donor males:  
a. showed no clinical sign of FMD on the day of collection of the semen;  
b. were kept for at least three months prior to collection in a FMD free 
countr y or zone  where vaccination  is not practised  or FMD free 
compartments ; 
c. were kept in an artificial insemination centre  where none of the animals 
had a history of infection  with FMDV;  
2. the semen was collected, processed and stored in accordance with Chapters 
4.5. and 4.6. 
 
Recommendations for importation from FMD free countries or zones where 
vaccination is not practised or FMD free compartments  
For frozen semen of domestic ruminants and pigs  
 
Veterinary Authorities  should require the presentation of an international veterinary 
certificate  attesting that:  
 
1. the donor males:  
a. showed no clinical sign of FMD on the day of collection of the semen and 
for the following 30 days;   
Risk Management Proposal for Pig Semen  XX 2016  13 b. were kept for at least three months prior to collection in a FMD free 
country or zone  where vaccination  is not practised or FMD free 
compartments ; 
2. the semen was collected, processed and stored in accordance w ith Chapters 
4.5. and 4.6. 
 
Recommendations for importation from FMD free countries or zones where 
vaccination is practised  
For frozen semen of domestic ruminants and pigs 
 
Veterinary Authorities  should require the presentation of an international veterinary 
certificate  attesting that:  
1. the donor males:  
a. showed no clinical sign of FMD on the day of collection of the  semen and 
for the following 30 days;  
b. were kept for at least three months prior to collection in a FMD free 
country or zone  where vaccination  is practised;  
c. either  
i. have been vaccinated at least twice, with the last vaccination  not 
less than one month and not more than six months prior to 
collection, unless protective immunity has been demonstrated for 
more than six months; or  
ii. were subjected, not less than 21 days after collection of the 
semen, to tests for antib odies against FMDV, with negative 
results;  
2. the semen:  
a. was collected, processed and stored in accordance with Chapters 4.5. 
and 4.6.; 
b. was stored in the country of origin for a period of at least one month 
following collection, and during this period no animal on th e establishment  
where the donor animals were kept showed any sign of FMD.  
 
Recommendations for importation from FMD infected countries or zones  
For frozen  semen of domestic ruminants and pigs  
 
Veterinary Authorities  should require the presentation of an international veterinary 
certificate  attesting that:  
 
1. the donor males:  
a. showed no clinical sign of FMD on the day of collection of the semen and 
for the following 30 days;  
b. were kept in an artificial insemination centre  where no animal had been 
added in the 30 days before collection, and that FMD has not  occurred 
within a 10 kilometre radius of the artificial insemination centre  for the 30 
days before and after collection;  
c. either  
i. have been vaccinated at least twice, with the last vaccination  not 
less than one month and not more than six months prior to 
collection, unless protective immunity has been demonstrated for 
more than six months; or  
ii. were subjected, not less than 21 days after collection of the 
semen, to tests for antibodies against FMDV, with negative 
results;  
2. the semen:  
a. was collected, processed and stored in accordance with  Chapters 4.5. 
and 4.6.; 
b. was subjected, with negative results, to a test for evidence of FMDV if the 
donor male has been vaccinated within the 12 months prior to collection;   
Risk Management Proposal for Pig Semen  XX 2016  14 c. was stored in the country of origin for a period of at least one month 
following collectio n, and that during this period no animal on the 
establishment  where the donor males were kept showed any sign of 
FMD.  
Discussion (2016)  
The IRA 2012 considered the Code recommendations for FMD could effectively 
manage the risk associated with FMD (option 1). For countries or zones presenting a 
risk of FMD (i.e. FMD free countries or zones with vaccination and FMD infected 
countries or zone s), PIGSEMIC.GEN required that the semen collection centre be 
approved by MPI specifically. On reflection, MPI considers the specific wording in 
PIGSEMIC.GEN with regard to semen collection, processing and storage facility 
(option 2(b)  from FMD discussion from RMP  2012  below ) will be addressed durin g 
the country recognition  process.   
 
Option 2(b) from FMD discussion from RMP  2012  will be removed from the IHS. This 
change is consistent with the FMD requirements in the IHS for Semen and Embryos 
from Sheep ( Ovis aries) and Goats (Capra hircus) . 
 
Recommendation (2016)  
1. For fresh semen , donors  meet the Code  recommendations for importation 
from FMD free countries or zones where vaccination is not prac tised, or FMD 
free compartments; or  
2. For frozen semen, donors meet the Code  recommendations for importation 
from one of the following : 
a) FMD free countries or zones where vaccination is not practised, or FMD 
free compa rtments  
b) FMD free countries or zones  where vaccination is practised  
c) FMD infected countries or zones . 
  
FMD discussion from RMP 2012  
 Option 1  
Donors were resident for at least the 3 months before semen collection in a 
country or zone that is free from FMD without vaccination (in accordance with the 
OIE Code).  
 Option 2  
a. The herds of origin, semen collection centre, donor animals and semen for 
export must comply with OIE Code recommendations for export of pig semen 
from countries or zones presenting a risk of FMD.  
AND  
b. Each semen collection, processing and storage facility in the exporting 
country intended to be used during the preparation of an export consignment 
to New Zealand must be approved by MPI. The approval will be depend ent 
on the facility, its location and operating standards, and that the verification 
systems of the veterinary authority achieve a very high level of risk 
management for FMD. The process for MPI approval may include site 
inspection. MPI reserves the right to supervise collection, require the use of 
New Zealand approved semen collection personnel, or require any other 
measures deemed necessary to ensure compliance with facility and 
operating standards upon which the approval is based.  
 
Chapter 4.6 of the OIE Code contains requirements for FMD for boars resident in 
semen collection centres. Chapters 4.5  and 4.6 of the OIE Code are the current 
internationally recognised standard for managing the risk of FMD in pig semen.  
  
Risk Management Proposal for Pig Semen  XX 2016  15 Because of the extreme seriousness of the disease and the catastrophic 
consequences that would result from its introduction, it was con cluded that 
importation of pig semen should be limited to countries or zones that are free of FMD 
virus in accordance with the OIE Code , or countries or zones in which compliance 
with measures in accordance with the recommendations of the OIE Code for impo rt 
of semen from FMD infected countries or zones has been reviewed and accepted by 
MPI. 
 
Both options described above are considered to effectively manage the risk of FMD 
in imported pig semen.  
Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus  
Options presented in the IRA Pig Semen 2012  
1. Semen donors could be tested for presence of antibody at the time of 
collection and again 30 days after collection of semen. Importation of semen 
from donors that were positive at the time of collection could be permitted on 
the basis that s eropositive animals are not viraemic. Semen from boars that 
were negative at the time of collection and negative 30 days later could be 
permitted while semen from donors that were negative at collection and 
positive 30 days later could be prohibited on the  basis that they may have 
been viraemic at the time of semen collection.  
2. Importation could be restricted to semen collected from donors resident in 
regions that are free from JEV.  
Code recommendations (2016)  
There are no Code recommendations for JE in semen from any species.  
Discussion  (2016)  
No changes are proposed to the import requirements from PIGSEMIC.GEN for JE.  
Recommendation (2016)  
1. Donors  have lived their entire lives in a country or zone that is free from JE 
virus.  
 
JE discussion from RMP 2012  
 Option 1  
Semen donors could be tested for presence of antibody by a MPI approved test 
at the time of collection and again 30 days after collection of semen. Importation 
of semen from donors that were positive at the time of collection could be 
permitted on the basi s that seropositive animals are not viraemic. Semen from 
boars that were negative at the time of collection and negative 30 days later 
could be permitted while semen from donors that were negative at collection and 
positive 30 days later could be prohibite d on the basis that they may have been 
viraemic a t the time of semen collection.  
 Option 2  
Importation could be restricted to semen collected from donors resident in 
regions that are free from JE virus.  
 
Option 2 is considered to be the most appropriate mea sure to manage the risk of JE 
virus in imported semen. The OIE Code does not include recommendations for 
managing the risk of JE virus in semen of any species. JE occurs very rarely in some 
parts of Northern Australia and those regions of Australia conside red to be at risk 
from JE virus infection are likely to be remote from commercial pigs.  
  
Risk Management Proposal for Pig Semen  XX 2016  16 Due to a stakeholder submission, the term “region” has been replaced with “zones”. 
The MPI response to this submission is contained in 3.7 of the Review of 
Submission s. 
 
Option 2 is considered to effectively manage the risk of JE in imported porcine 
semen.   
 
Porcine myocarditis (Bungowannah ) virus  
Options presented in the IRA Pig Semen 2012  
1. Porcine semen could be imported from countries other than Australia without 
sanitary measures.  
2. Semen originating from Australian studs which can be certified as not 
including individuals from properties where porcine myocarditis has been 
identified could imported without any further sanitary measures.  
3. Donor boars originating from properties where porcine myocarditis has been 
recognised should be isolated and tested to demonstrate they are 
seropositive and negative for Bungowannah virus RNA before entering the 
collection centre.  
Code recommendations (2016)  
There are no Code recommen dations for porcine myocarditis.  
Discussion  (2016)  
No changes are proposed to the import requirements from PIGSEMIC.GEN for 
porcine myocarditis.  
Recommendation (2016)  
1. Donors  have lived their entire lives in a country, zone or compartment that is 
free from porcine myocarditis virus; or  
2. Donors originating from properties where porcine myocarditis has been 
diagnosed were isolated and subjected to tests listed  in MPI -STD-TVTL to 
demonstrate they were seropositive for porcine myocarditis virus and 
negative  for porcine myocarditis virus RNA before entering the semen 
collection centre ; and  
a. An aliquot of each batch of semen for export was subjected to a RT -PCR 
test listed  in MPI -STD-TVTL , with negative results.  
 
Porcine myocarditis discussion from RMP 2012  
 Option 1  
Pig semen could be imported from countries that are free from porcine 
myocarditis v irus without sanitary measures.  
 Option 2  
Semen originating from Australian semen collection centres which can be 
certified as not including individuals from propert ies where porcine myocarditis 
has been identified could be imported without  any further sanitary measures.  
 Option 3  
Donor boars originating from properties where porcine myocarditis has been 
recognised should be isolated and tested to demonstrate they are seropositive 
for porcine myocarditis virus, but negative for porcine myocarditis virus RNA 
before entering the semen collection centre.  
 
Porcine myocarditis is confined to a single enterprise composed of a number of small 
properties in New South Wales, Aus tralia. There have been no other reports of the 
disease outside this enterprise. This enterprise includes an artificial insemination 
facility which uses boars from the positive site after testing with a protocol to ensure  
Risk Management Proposal for Pig Semen  XX 2016  17 they are antibody positive and ant igen negative for porcine myocarditis virus.  Since 
this enterprise was placed under quarantine in 2003, approximately 275,000 semen 
doses have been used to inseminate 50,000 sows annually in both the positive site 
and in negative farms with no further spr ead of this disease.  Considering there has 
been no further spread of the virus, it is reasonable to conclude that these current 
measures are effectively managing the risk of spread in pig semen.  
 
A peroxidise -linked assay to detect antibodies to porcine m yocarditis virus and an 
RT-PCR test to detect porcine myocarditis virus RNA have been described.  
 
Public consultation resulted into further consideration of the proposed measures.  
 
The  draft IRA states: “Although the disease occurs extremely rarely and t here is no 
evidence suggesting that long -term carriers of virus occur, given that the 
Bungowannah virus has been identified as a Pestivirus, it is assumed that there is a 
non-negligible likelihood of transmission in semen (see Chapter 10)”.  A recent 
public ation (Finlaison et al. 2012. Experimental Bungowannah virus infections in 
weaner pigs and pregnant sows – virology and serology studies. Proceedings 22nd 
International Pig Veterinary Society Congress 2012) shows long term carriage is 
more likely than assu med in the draft IRA. Furthermore, it illustrates that PMV can be 
considered very similar in behaviour to other pestiviruses (eg. BVD, CSF). Taking 
this new scientific information into account, a more cautious approach is justified.  
 
MPI recognises that there has been limited surveillance to demonstrate freedom 
from Bungowannah virus in proper ties not linked to the infected 
enterprise.  Furthermore, the failure to eradicate this disease and the reported 
disease breakdown on a site where  eradication had been previously achieved 
indicate ongoing biosecurity lapses. MPI also notes that animals from the infected 
enterprise in New South Wales are sent to Victoria for growing out and slaughter with 
no restrictions being placed on these Victori an properties.  
 
Reflecting these concerns, Option 2 is considered not to effectively manage the risk 
of introducing porcine myocarditis virus in imported pig semen, and adding an 
additional testing option to option 3 is recommended.  
 
Option 3 will now rea d:  
 
Donor boars originating from properties where porcine myocarditis has been 
recognised should be isolated and tested with an MPI approved test to 
demonstrate they are seropositive for porcine myocarditis virus, but negative for 
porcine myocarditis viru s RNA before entering the semen collection centre  
 
AND  
 
Every batch of semen to be imported was tested by a MPI approved RT -PCR 
test, with negative results.  
 
Please refer to 2.6, 3.8 , 6.2 and 7.1 in the R eview of Submissions for further 
discussion.  
 
Either  options 1 or 3 are considered to effectively manage the risk of introducing 
porcine myocarditis virus in imported pig semen.  
  
Risk Management Proposal for Pig Semen  XX 2016  18 Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus  
Options presented in the IRA Pig Semen 2012  
1. Pig semen could be importe d from countries that are recognised as free from 
PRRS without sanitary measures.  
2. Boars should be sourced from donor herds that do not vaccinate against 
PRRSv, and be shown to be negative for PRRSv before entering the stud as 
described in Chapters 4.5 and 4.6 of the Code ; and  
a. Individual donor boars should be tested by serum PCR each day of 
collection with negative results ; and  
b. During each day of the collection period, all boars on the stud should be 
tested for PRRSv by serum PCR, with the number of boars sa mpled 
sufficient to give a 95% confidence of detecting a 5% prevalence rate; 
and 
c. 30 to 50 days after the final sample collection, boars on the stud should 
be tested by a multi -valent serum ELISA for PRRSv that uses both 
European and American strain antigen s, with the number of boars 
sampled sufficient to give a 95% confidence of detecting a 5% prevalence 
rate. 
3. Boars should be sourced from donor herds that do not vaccinate against 
PRRSv, and be shown to be negative for PRRSv before entering the stud as 
descr ibed in Chapters 4.5 and 4.6 of the Code ; and  
a. Individual donor boars should be tested by serum PCR each day of 
collection with negative results; and  
b. During each day of the collection period, all boars on the stud should be 
tested for PRRSv  by serum PCR, with the number of boars sampled 
sufficient to give a 95% confidence of detecting a 5% prevalence rate; 
and 
c. 30 to 50 days after the final sample collection, boars on the stud should 
be tested by a multi -valent serum ELISA for PRRSv that uses  both 
European and American strain antigens, with the number of boars 
sampled sufficient to give a 95% confidence of detecting a 5% prevalence 
rate; and  
d. Semen should be accompanied by certification that during the three 
months since the last collection da te there has been no clinical or 
serological evidence of PRRS in the donor herds or the stud itself.  
4. The semen collection centre could be required to have a documented 
absence from PRRS. All pigs entering the semen collection centre must 
originate from her ds which have never recorded a clinical case of PRRS; and  
a. The semen collection centre could be required to have never used a 
modified live PRRS virus vaccine nor introduced pigs from herds that 
have used a modified live PRRS virus vaccine; and  
b. All pigs in  the semen collection centre could be required to have 
completed a 5 week period of isolation. While undergoing this 5 week 
isolation period the pigs must be exposed throughout the isolation period 
to direct contact with at least an equal number of sentine l grower pigs and 
the total number of pigs in the semen collection centre undergoing 
isolation could be required to be at least ten at all times; and  
c. The sentinel grower pigs used could be required to be between 12 and 24 
weeks of age and derived from 3 or  more herds which have been shown 
by an approved multi -valent ELISA to be free of PRRS within two months 
prior to the commencement of the isolation period; and  
d. During the isolation period, all pigs undergoing isolation could be tested 
for PRRS using an ap proved multi -valent ELISA test, on two occasions at 
the start and finish of the isolation period, with a negative result in each 
case; and   
Risk Management Proposal for Pig Semen  XX 2016  19 e. Semen collected from donor boars during the 5 week period of isolation 
(either during approval of the semen collecti on centre or prior to entry of a 
donor boar onto an approved semen collection centre) could become 
eligible for export to New Zealand upon successful completion of isolation 
(i.e. no positive test for PRRS in any donor boar or sentinel 
simultaneously under going isolation).  
5. Reflecting that breakdowns in boar studs still occur despite intensive 
monitoring, the importation of pig semen from countries with PRRSv could be 
prohibite d.  
 
Note  the option for testing  in PIGSEMIC.GEN was not described in the  IRA 2012 and 
consequently has not been listed above. For a discussion  of how the testing option in 
PIGSEMIC.GEN was developed , refer to the section below for PRRS discussion 
from RMP 2012 .  
Code  recommendations  (2016)  
Chapter 4.6 of the Code  contains requirements for PRRS for boars resident in 
semen collection centres.  Currently, there is no Code  chapter for PRRS.  
Discussion  (2016)   
No changes are proposed to the import requirements from PIGSEMIC.GEN for 
PRRS.    
Recommendation (2016)  
1. Donors  have lived their entire li ves in a country free from PRRS; or  
2. Donors were sourced from herds that are not vaccinated against PRRS, and 
were tested using a multivalent serum ELISA for PRRS antibodies that uses 
both European and American strain antigens listed in MPI -STD-TVTL,  with 
negative results before entering the semen collection centre; and  
a. On two occasions, the first occasion at the start of the collection period 
and the second occasion no less than 30 days subsequent to the first 
occasion , donors wer e tested for PRRS virus using a serum PCR test 
listed  in MPI -STD-TVTL, with negative results ; and  
b. Twenty -one to 50 days after the final sample collection, donors were 
tested by a multivalent serum ELISA for PRRS antibodies that uses both 
European and Amer ican strain antigens listed  in MPI -STD-TVTL, with 
negative results . 
 
PRRS discussion from RMP 2012  
 Option 1  
Pig semen could be imported from countries that are recognised as free from 
PRRS without sanitary measures.  
 Option 2  
The semen collection centre has  remained free of PRRS for the collection period 
and 21 days after the end of the collection period by the following ways:  
a. Boars were sourced from donor herds that do not vaccinate against PRRS,  
and were  tested by a multivalent serum ELISA for PRRS antibo dies that uses 
both European and American strain antigens with negative results before 
entering the semen collection centre.   
AND  
b. At the start of the collection period and no less than 30 days subsequently, 
donor boars were tested for PRRS virus by serum PCR, with negative results  
AND  
c. 21 to 50 days after the final sample collection, donor boars were tested by a  
multivalent serum ELISA for PRRS antibodies that uses both European and 
American strain antigens, with negative results.   
Risk Management Proposal for Pig Semen  XX 2016  20  Option 3  
a. Boars should be sourced from donor herds that do not vaccinate against 
PRRS, and be shown to be negative for PRRS before entering the semen 
collection centre as described in Chapter 4.6 of the OIE Code  
AND  
b. Individual donor boars should be tested by serum PCR each day of c ollection 
with negative results.  
AND  
c. During each day of the collection period, boars in the semen collection centre 
should be tested for PRRS virus by serum PCR, with the number of boars 
sampled sufficient to give a 95% confidence of detecting a 5% prevale nce 
rate 
AND  
d. 30 to 50 days after the final sample collection, boars in the semen collection 
centre should be tested by a multivalent serum ELISA for PRRS antibodies  
that uses both European and American strain antigens , with the number of 
boars sampled sufficient to give a 95% confidence of detecting a 5% 
prevalence rate.  
 Option 4  
a. Boars should be sourced from donor herds that do not vaccinate against 
PRRS, and be shown to be negative for PRRS before entering the stud as 
described in Chapter 4.6 of the OI E Code  
AND  
b. Individual donor boars should be tested for PRRS virus by serum PCR each 
day of collection with negative results.  
AND  
c. During each day of the collection period, boars in the semen collection centre 
should be tested for PRRS virus by serum PCR, with the number of boars 
sampled sufficient to give a 95% confidence of detecting a 5% prevalence 
rate 
AND  
d. 30 to 50 days after the final sample collection, boars in the semen collection 
centre should be tested by a multivalent serum ELISA for PRRS  antibodi es 
that uses both European and American strain antigens , with the number of 
boars sampled sufficient to give a 95% confidence of detecting a 5% 
prevalence rate.  
AND  
e. Semen should be accompanied by certification that during the three months 
since the last co llection date there has been no clinical or serological 
evidence of PRRS in the donor herds or the semen collection centre itself  
 Option 5  
a. The semen collection centre could be required to have a documented 
absence from PRRS. All pigs entering the semen col lection centre must 
originate from herds which have never recorded a clinical case of PRRS.  
AND  
b. The semen collection centre could be required to have never used a modified 
live PRRS virus vaccine nor introduced pigs from herds that have used a 
modified liv e PRRS virus vaccine  
AND  
c. All pigs in the semen collection centre could be required to have completed a 
5 week period of isolation.  While undergoing this 5 week isolation period the 
pigs must be exposed throughout the isolation period to direct contact wit h at 
least an equal number of sentinel grower pigs and the total number of pigs in 
the semen collection centre undergoing isolation could be required to be at 
least ten at all times  
AND  
d. The sentinel grower pigs used could be required to be between 12 and 24 
weeks of age and derived from 3 or more herds which have been shown by  
Risk Management Proposal for Pig Semen  XX 2016  21 an approved multivalent ELISA to be free of PRRS within two months prior to 
the commencement of the isolation per iod 
AND  
e. During the isolation period, all pigs undergoing isolation could be tested for 
PRRS using an approved multivalent ELISA test, on two occasions at the 
start and finish of the isolation period, with a negative result in each case.  
AND  
f. Semen collected  from donor boars during the 5 week period of isolation 
(either during approval of the semen collection centre or prior to entry of a 
donor boar onto an approved semen collection centre) could become eligible 
for export to New Zealand upon successful compl etion of isolation (i.e. no 
positive test for PRRS in any donor boar or sentinel simultaneously 
undergoing isolation).  
 Option 6  
Reflecting that breakdowns in semen collection centres still occur despite 
intensive monitoring, the importation of pig semen f rom countries with PRRS 
could be prohibited.  
 
Chapter 4.6 of the OIE Code contains requirements for PRRS for boars resident in 
semen collection centres. Chapters 4.5 and 4.6 of the Code provide some assurance 
that infected boars are not introduced into a semen collection centre, although 
ensuring a ce ntre remains free from infection is recognised to be challenging.  
Additional requirements over and above the measures of the OIE Code are therefore  
suggested to meet New Zealand’s appropriate level of protection for PRRS in pig 
semen.  
 
Option 2 was added to this chapter after MPI received feedback during targeted 
consultation (2011). This option balances different views in regards to compliance to 
the OIE Code, frequency and interval of testing of the donor boars while in the 
semen collection centre and co nsideration of possible seroconversion post 
collection.  
 
Generally, it was perceived that daily testing of the entire semen collection centre 
population during collection was impractical and was aiming for an unnecessarily 
high level of protection (Option s 3 and 4).  
 
Stakeholders have stated in their submissions on the draft import risk analysis from 
2009 that very few semen collection centres or the isolation units supplying a semen 
collection centre are designed to handle sentinel pigs, so would be unable  and 
unwilling to accommodate Option 5 in any way without compromising their own 
biosecurity or animal welfare. Also, semen collection centres are mostly sourced 
from a single breeding herd or at least a few herds with a similar health status.   
Customers of a semen collection centre (including importers within the New Zealand 
industry) would not be willing to add to the risk of disease introduction by agreeing to 
further sources of pigs coming into proximity with donor boars, especially from 
completely sep arate sources. Improvements in the understanding of PRRS 
monitoring in semen collection centres, the recognition of serum testing as being 
more sensitive than semen testing to detect PRRS, and the wide availability of 
molecular diagnostic techniques now me an that the risk of introducing PRRS virus in 
imported semen can now be effectively managed without the use of sentinel pigs in 
semen collection centres (Option 5).  
 
Stakeholders have also indicated in their 2009 submissions that they believe it would 
be desirable to require semen to be held for a period of three months after collection 
and only released if accompanied by certification that during the three months since 
the last collection date there has been no clinical or serological evidence of PRRS in 
the donor herd. Option 2 requires semen to be held for at least 21 days ( due to  
Risk Management Proposal for Pig Semen  XX 2016  22 possible seroconversion occurring 14 to 21 days post infection)  before the donor 
serology is undertaken to demonstrate freedom from PRRS. Further requirements to 
demonstrate fre edom from exposure beyond this and in the donor herd are 
considered unnecessarily trade restrictive.  
 
Option 1  would limit pig semen imports to countries that are free of PRRS.  
 
Background  
 
Of all the OIE -listed porcine diseases that are considered to be a  risk in semen, 
PRRS is unique in that no  OIE Code chapter has been written to outline standards 
for sanitary measures to manage the risk of international transmission of this 
disease.  New Zealand has traditionally taken a very cautious position regarding the 
requirements for managing the risk of PRRS virus.  
 
Historically PCR testing of semen has been used in do nor boars to monitor for 
PRRS. However, serum PCR (using either a TaqMan  PCR test or a nested PCR 
test) is more sensitive than semen PCR for PRRS virus detection during the first six 
days following infection and boars can be detected as PRRS -positive by serum PCR 
before semen PCR. Serum is currently considered to be the prefer red sample to use 
as PRRS virus is present in much higher levels in serum than in semen and is 
detectable at least 1-2 days sooner. PCR testing of pooled serum samples has been 
shown to be as effective as testing individual samples for detection of PRRS vi rus in 
donor boars.  Due to viral mutation, some strains of PRRS virus may be undetected 
by PCR testing, so post collection testing of boars by serum ELISA is also 
recommended.  
 
Either options 1 or 2 are considered to effectively manage the risk of introduc ing 
PRRS virus in imported pig semen.  
 
Please refer to 1.6, 2.7, 3.9 of the Review of Submissions for further discussion.  
 
Swine vesicular disease (SVD) virus  
Options presented in IRA Pig Semen  2012  
1. Semen originating from donor boars that have lived their entire lives in 
countries free from SVD could be imported without further sanitary measures.  
2. Semen originating from donor boars from countries considered infected with 
SVD could be required to comply with the recommendations contained in 
15.4.10 of the OIE  Code , including compliance with Chapters 4.5 and 4.6 of 
the Code . 
3. Every batch of semen to be imported could be tested by PCR as described 
by van Rijn et al. (2004). A positive test on any batch of semen could result in 
disqualification of that semen.  
Code recommendations  (2016)  
There are no Code recommendations for SVD.  
Discussion  (2016)  
Although SVD virus is shed in semen, artificial insemination of sows using SVD 
virus -infected semen failed to transmit disease. Further, SVD is not associated with 
significant morbidity and mortality in domestic and wild pigs . Consequently, SVD has 
been delisted by the OIE and the Code no longer includes recommendations for SVD 
in pig semen.  
 
Because SVD may be clinically i ndistinguishable from FMD, the IRA 2012 
considered clinical SVD infection would likely trigger a massive FMD response . For  
Risk Management Proposal for Pig Semen  XX 2016  23 this reason, MPI considered that measures for SVD may be justified despite the 
disease being delisted.  On further reflection,  a labor atory confirmation of viral 
aetiology would be required before a full FMD response would be initiated, and such  
laboratory  confirmation could be attained within one day. SVD measures  are no 
longer justifiable .  
Recommendation (2016)  
No specific measures are proposed other than those in Part 1 General Requirements 
of the IHS.  
 
SVD discussion from RMP 2012  
 Option 1  
Semen originating from donor boars that have lived their entire lives in countries 
free from SVD (in accordance with the requirements of the OIE  Code) could be 
imported without further sanitary measures.  
 Option 2  
Semen originating from donor boars from countries considered infected with SVD 
could be required to comply with the recommendations contained in 15.4.10 of 
the OIE Code, including compliance with Chapters 4.5 and 4.6 of the Code.  
 Option 3  
Every batch of semen to be imported could be tested by a MPI approved PCR. A 
positive test on any batch of semen could result in disqualification of that semen.  
  
Historically, virus isolation has been considered an insensitive test for pig semen due 
to the toxicity of semen to tissue culture. However, the development of molecular 
techniques provides a rapid and highly sensitive test for the detection of SVD virus in 
pig semen.  The option for PCR te sting alone was removed from the IHS due to a 
stakeholder submission. The MPI response to this submission is point 2.8 in the 
Review of Submissions.  
 
Chapter 4.6 of the OIE Code contain requirements for SVD for boars resident in 
semen collection centres. Chapters 4.5 and 4.6 of the OIE Code are the current 
internationally recognised standard for managing the ris k of SVD virus in pig semen.  
Given the ex istence of international standards for SVD free countries (15.4.9) and 
SVD-infected countries (15.4.10) th e most appropriate measures for risk 
management here would be to accept these Code articles for importation of pig 
semen.  
 
Options 1 and 2 only are considered to effectively manage the risk of Swine vesicular 
disease (SVD) in imported pig semen.  
Transmissible gastroenteritis  virus  
Options presented in the IRA Pig Semen  2012  
TGE was not identified as a hazard in pig semen.  
Code recommendations  (2016)  
Recommendations for the importation of semen of pigs  
 
Veterinary Authorities  of importing countries  should require the presentation of an 
international veterinary certificate  attesting that:  
 
1. the donor animals showed no clinical sign of TGE on the day of collection 
of the semen;  
2. either;  
a. the donor animals have been resident for at least 40  days on an 
artificial insemination centre , and all the pigs on this artificial  
Risk Management Proposal for Pig Semen  XX 2016  24 insemination centre  were free from clinical signs of TGE during the 
12 months prior to collect ion;  
i. for fresh semen, the donor animals were subjected to a 
diagnostic test for TGE with negative results during the 
30 days prior to collection;  
ii. for frozen semen, the donor animals were subjected to a 
diagnostic test for TGE with negative results at lea st 14  days 
after collection;  
b. the donor animals have been resident since birth in a country in which 
TGE is officially notifiable and no clinical case  has been recorded in 
the previous three  years;  
3. the semen was collected, processed and stored in accordance with 
Chapters  4.5. and 4.6. 
Discussion  (2016)  
No changes are proposed to the import requirements from PIGSEMIC.GEN for TGE.  
Recommendation (2016)  
1. Donors meet the Code  recommendations for the importation of semen.  
 
TGE discussion from RMP 2012  
 Option 1  
Semen originates from donor boars that have been resident since birth in a 
country in which TGE is officially notifiable and no clinical case has bee n 
recorded in the previous three  years;   
AND  
the semen was collected, processed and stored in conformity with the provisions 
of Chapters  4.5. and 4.6.  
 Option 2  
The donor boars showed no clinical sign of TGE on the day of collection of the 
semen;  
AND  
the donor boars  have been resident for at least 40  days on a semen collection 
centre, and all the pigs on this semen collection centre were free from clinical 
signs of TGE during the 12  months prior to collection;  
AND  
for fresh semen, the donor boars were subjected to a diagnostic test for TGE 
with negative results during the 30 days prior to collection;  
for frozen semen, the donor boars were subjected to a diagnostic test for TGE 
with negative results at least 14  days after collection;  
AND  
The semen was collected, processed and stored in conformity with the 
provisions of Chapters  4.5 and 4.6. 
 
The import risk analysis  for pig semen identified that t ransmissible gastroenteritis 
(TGE) was a preliminary hazard. After further risk assessment it was concluded not 
to be a hazard requiring any risk mitigation measures. In contrast the OIE Code has 
recommended measures for the importation of semen for TGE.  
 
Chapters 4.5 and 4.6 of the OIE Code are the current internationally recognised 
standards for managing the risk of TGE in pig semen. Chapter 4.6 of the OIE Code 
contains requirements for TGE for boars resident in semen collection centres.  
 
Given the existence of international standards for recommendations for the 
importation of porcine semen with regard to TGE (Article 15.5.4 of the OIE Code) the 
most appropriate measures for risk management here  would be to accept these 
Code articles for importation of pig semen.   
Risk Management Proposal for Pig Semen  XX 2016  25  
MPI will seek to influence the OIE to reassess the risk basis of TGE but in the 
interests of expedience, at this point in time measures that are in line with the OIE 
Code for TGE will r emain in the IHS  
 
Please also see point 3.11 in the Review of Submissions.  
 
Either option 1 or 2 are considered to effectively manage the risk of TGE  in imported 
pig semen.  
 
Brucella suis  
Options in the IRA Pig Semen  2012  
1. The requirements of Article 15.3.5. (including compliance with Chapters 4.5 
and 4.6) would ensure that imported semen was free from B. suis . 
2. Semen from donor boars that have lived their entire lives in countries that are 
free from B. suis could be imported  without restrictions.  
Code recommendations (2016)  
Recommendations for the importation of semen  
 
Veterinary Authorities  of importing countries  should require the presentation of an 
international veterinary certificate  attesting that:  
 
1. the donor animals showed no clinical sign of infection  with Brucella  on the 
day of collection of the semen;  
2. the donor animals were not vaccinated against infection  with Brucella  and 
either:  
a. were kept in an artificial insemination centre  complying with Chapter 4.5. 
and the semen was collected and processed in accordance with Chapter 4.6.; 
b. were kept in a herd or flock free from infection  with Brucella  and tested 
every six months for infection  with Brucella  with negative res ults, and the 
semen was collected, processed and stored in accordance with Articles 4.5.3.  
to 4.5.5.  and Articles 4.6.5.  to 4.6.7.  
Discussion  (2016)  
The Code chapter for  Brucella has been revised . The option  for country freedom  in 
PIGSEMIC.GEN is inconsistent with the Code because t he Code only describes herd 
freedom from infection with Brucella  in pigs and not country freedom.  
 
One of the criteria to qualify for herd freedom is that no pigs in the herd have been 
vaccinated for Brucella  for at le ast the past three years. Thus, semen originating 
from donors that meet the general requirements of the IHS (i.e. no clinical signs of 
disease transmissible in semen and compliance with chapters 4.5 and 4.6 of the 
Code) and the new Code  recommendations  for importation of semen (i.e. have not 
been vaccinated against infection with Brucella ) would be eligible for importation , 
making the option of herd freedom unnecessary .  
Recommendation (2016)  
1. Donors meet the Code  recommendations for the importation of semen.  
 
Brucella discussion from RMP 2012  
 Option 1  
Pig semen could be imported from countries that are free from B. suis  without 
sanitary measures.   
Risk Management Proposal for Pig Semen  XX 2016  26  Option 2  
The requirements of Article 15.3.5 (including compliance with Chapters 4.5 and 
4.6) would ensure that imported semen was free from B. suis . 
 
Chapter 4.6 of the OIE Code contains requirements for B. suis  for boars resident in 
semen collection centres. Chapt ers 4.5 and 4.6 of the OIE Code are the current 
internationally recognised standard for managing the risk of B. suis  in pig semen.   
 
Either option 1 or option 2 are considered to effectively manage the risk of 
introducing B. suis  in imported pig semen.  
 
Leptospira  spp. 
Options presented in the IRA Pig Semen 2012  
1. The disease could be considered to be of negligible risk to human or animal 
health, and trade without restrictions could be permitted.  
2. Donor boars could be tested serologically with a variety of a ntigens that occur 
in the exporting country and not in New Zealand, with negative results.  
3. Donor boars could be treated with effective antibiotics within one week of 
semen collection. Streptomycin is the antibiotic of choice although it may not 
be available in all countries.  
4. Semen diluents containing antibiotics that are effective against Leptospira 
spp. could be used in the preparation of the semen.  
Code recommendations (2016)  
There are no specific Code recommendations for infection from Leptospira  spp.  
Discussion  (2016)  
No changes are proposed to the import requirements for Leptospira  spp. 
Recommendation (2016)  
1. Antibiotics effective against Leptospira spp. as listed  in MPI -STD-TVTL, were 
added to the semen.  
 
Leptospira discussion from RMP 2012  
 Option 1  
The disease could be considered to be of negligible risk to human or animal 
health, and trade without restrictions could be permitted.  
 Option 2  
Donor boars could be tested serologically with a variety of antigens that occur in 
the exporting countr y and not in New Zealand, with negative results.  
 Option 3  
Donor boars could be treated with effective antibiotics within one week of semen 
collection.  Streptomycin is the antibiotic of choice although it may not be 
available in all countries.  
 Option 4  
Semen diluents containing antibiotics that are effective against Leptospira  spp. 
could be used in the preparation of the semen.  
 
Because of the occurrence of long -term carriers of infection, quarantine is not a 
suitable option.  
 
Diagnosis in donor boars by means of serology is complex to perform and the results 
are difficult to interpret because of the many serovars and the difficulty in interpreting 
cross reactions and low -titre reactions.  
  
Risk Management Proposal for Pig Semen  XX 2016  27 Testing of semen samples by culture or  PCR is problematic because isolation of 
organisms is difficult and selection of primers for PCR that will recognise all serovars 
has not yet been achieved.  
 
Leptospira  are sensitive to a variety of antibiotics, and treatment of animals or 
inclusion of an tibiotics in prepared semen has traditionally been used to prevent 
dissemination of Leptospira  spp. by international trade.  
 
The limited availability of streptomycin in a number of countries limits the usefulness 
of option 3.  
 
The recent IHS for bovine sem en considered the use of antibiotics in semen diluents 
to be sufficient to manage the  risk of Leptospires in semen. Consistent with this 
position, option 4 would be the most appropriate measure for pig semen.  
 
Option 4 is considered to effectively manage t he risk of introducing exotic  Leptospira 
spp. in imported pig semen . 
Salmonella spp. 
Options presented in the IRA Pig Semen  2012  
1. Semen from healthy pigs not showing clinical signs of salmonellosis and 
housed on an artificial insemination centre could be imported without 
restriction.  
2. Faecal samples from donor boars could be cultured using suitable pre -
enrichment and enrichment media (Davies 2008), on at least 3 occasions, 
twice in the 3 weeks prior to semen collection and once within 1 week of the 
completi on date of collection of semen. All isolated Salmonella spp. could be 
identified to serotype and for S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis to phage type. 
The results could be reported to the director of Biosecurity New Zealand. 
Semen from boars carrying exotic  Salmonella spp. could be prohibited from 
importation. The decision whether to import semen from boars infected with 
endemic species could be made by the importer.  
3. An aliquot of semen from each batch could be cultured using suitable pre -
enrichment and enri chment media (Davies 2008). When culturing processed 
semen it could be assumed that if Salmonella spp. are not isolated they are 
not present or have been inactivated by the antibiotics used in preparation of 
the semen. Culturing from processed semen sample s could therefore be 
recommended. Any isolated Salmonella spp. could be fully identified to 
serotype, and to phage type for S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis, and the 
results reported to the director of Biosecurity New Zealand. Semen infected 
with exotic Salmonella spp. could be prohibited from importation. The 
decision whether to import semen infected with an endemic Salmonella spp. 
could be made by the importer.  
Code recommendations (2016)  
There are no specific Code recommendations for infection from Salmonella  spp. 
Discussion  (2016)  
Salmonella  spp. were  assessed  in the IRA as a potential risk in pig semen. However, 
requirements for managing the risk of transmission of Salmonella  spp. were removed 
in line with New Zealand ’s IHS for Bovine Semen . 
Recommendation (2016)  
No specific measures are proposed other than those in Part 1 General Requirements 
of the IHS.