Import Health Standard  
Issued under the Biosecurity Act 1993   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Semen and Embryos from 
Sheep ( Ovis Aries ) and 
Goats ( Capra hircus ) 
OVCAGERM GEN  
[Document Date]  
 Import Health Standard : Semen and Embryos from Sheep ( Ovis Aries) and Goats (Capra hircus)   
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TITLE  
Import Health Standard : Semen and Embryos from Sheep (Ovis Aries) and Goats (Capra hircus)  
COMMENCEMEN T 
This Import Health Standard  comes into force on  [Effective Date]   
ISSUING AUTHORITY  
This Import Health Standard  is issued  under section 24A of the Biosecurity Act 1993.  
 
Dated at Wellington this       day of        2016. 
 
 
Howard Pharo  
(Acting) 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: animalimports @mpi.govt.nz  
 Import Health Standard : Semen and Embryos from Sheep ( Ovis Aries) and Goats (Capra hircus)   
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Contents  Page 
Introduction  3 
Part 1:  Requirements  4 
1.1 Application  4 
1.2 Outcome  4 
1.3 Incorporation by reference  4 
1.4 Definitions  5 
1.5 Exporting country systems  5 
1.6 Diagnostic testing, vaccination, and treatment  5 
1.7 Embryo collection team and flock/herd requirements  6 
1.8 Semen collection facility requirements  6 
1.9 Donor health status  6 
1.10  Collecting and processing  7 
1.11  Storage   7 
1.12  Transport  8 
1.13  Permit to import  8 
1.14  The documentation that must accompany goods  8 
1.15  Biosecurity Clearance  9 
Part 2:  Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  10 
2.1 Bluetongue virus (bluetongue)  10 
2.2 Foot and mouth disease virus (FMD)  10 
2.3 Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (ovine pulmonary adenomatosis)  10 
2.4 Maedi -visna virus (MV)  10 
2.5 Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPR)  11 
2.6 Rift Valley fever virus (RVF)  11 
2.7 Capripox virus (sheep and goat pox)  11 
2.8 Wesselsbron disease virus (Wesselsbron disease)  11 
2.9 Brucella melitensis (caprine and ovine brucellosis)  12 
2.10  Leptospira serovars (leptospirosis)  12 
2.11  Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae (contagious caprine 
pleuropneumonia)  12 
2.12  Mycoplasma agalactiae (contagious agalactia)  12 
2.13  Mycobacterium  caprae  12 
2.14  Chlamydia abortus (enzootic abortion of ewes)  13 
2.15  Coxiella burnetii (Q fever)  13 
2.16  Scrapie  13 
Schedule 1 – Document History  14 
Schedule 2 – Definitions  15 
 
 
 Import Health Standard : Semen and Embryos from Sheep ( Ovis Aries) and Goats (Capra hircus)   
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Introduction  
This introduction  is not part of the  Import Health Standard , but is intended to indicate its general effect.  
Purpose  
This IHS specifies the minimum requirements that must be met when importing semen and embryos from 
sheep (Ovis aries ) and goats ( Capra hircus ). 
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 importing goods. They include requirements that must be met in the 
exporting country, during transit, and during importation, before biosecurity clearance can be given.  
A guidan ce document accompanies this IHS providing information on how the requirements may be met  
Who should read this  Import Health Standard ? 
This IHS applies to importers of semen and embryos from sheep ( Ovis aries ) and goats ( Capra hircus ). 
Why is thi s 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 
information may be sought from i mporters. 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 expen ses. 
See guidance document for more information about importer responsibilities  
Equivalence  
The Chief Technical Officer (CTO) may approve measures under section 27(1)(d) of the Act, different from 
those set out in this IHS that may be applied to effect ively manage risks associated with the importation of 
these goods.   
See guidance document for more information about equivalence and permits.  
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.  
See guidance document for more information about inspection and verification of consignments.  Import Health Standard : Semen and Embryos from Sheep ( Ovis Aries) and Goats (Capra hircus)   
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Part 1:  Requirements  
1.1 Application  
(1) This import health sta ndard (IHS) applies to:  
a) semen from sheep ( Ovis aries ) and goats ( Capra hircus ) that is frozen and not genetically 
modified; and  
b) embryos from sheep ( Ovis aries ) and goats ( Capra hircus ) that are frozen, not genetically 
modified, in vivo  derived and non -cloned. 
(2) This IHS applies to imports of semen and embryos from all countries.  
1.2 Outcome  
(1) The outcome this IHS is seeking to achieve is the effective management of biosecurity risks associated 
with eligible consignments of semen and embryos from sheep ( Ovis aries ) and goats ( Capra hircus ).  
(2) The biosecurity risk organisms associated with semen and embryos from sheep ( Ovis aries ) and goats 
(Capra hircus ) that are managed by the requirements of this IHS are:  
a) Bluetongue virus  
b) Capripox virus  
c) Foot and mouth diseas e virus  
d) Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus  
e) Maedi -visna virus  
f) Peste des petits ruminants virus  
g) Rift Valley fever virus  
h) Wesselsbron disease virus  
i) Brucella melitensis  
j) Leptospira serovars  
k) Mycoplasma capricolum subsp capripneumoniae  
l) Mycoplasma agalactiae  
m) Mycobacteriu m caprae  
n) Chlamydophila spp . 
o) Coxiella burnetii  
p) Scrapie.  
1.3 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 OIE Manual ) (available at the OIE website: 
http://www.oie.int/international -standard -setting/terr estrial -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 from the IETS 
website: http://www.iets.org/ ). 
d) The International Committee for Animal Recording (ICAR) Recording Guidelines (available at the 
ICAR website: www.icar.org ). 
(2) The following MPI material is incorporated by reference in this IHS under section 142M of the Ac t: Import Health Standard : Semen and Embryos from Sheep ( Ovis Aries) and Goats (Capra hircus)   
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a) MPI Approved Diagnostic Tests, Vaccines, Treatments and Post -Arrival Testing Laboratories for 
Animal Import Health Standards ( MPI-STD-TVTL ) (available at the MPI website).  
(3) Under section 142O(3) of the Act it is declared that section 142O(1) does not apply, that is, a notice 
under section 142O(2) of the Act is not required to be published before material that amends or 
replaces the above listed standards, guideline or lists has legal effect as par t of these documents.  
See guidance document for more information about incorporation by reference and section 142O(1) . 
1.4 Definitions  
(1) For the purposes of this standard and the attached guidance document, terms used that are defined in 
the Act have the meanings set out there. The Act is available at the following website: 
http://www.legislat ion.govt.nz/ . 
(2) See Schedule 2 for additional definitions that apply.  
1.5 Exporting country systems  
(1) Semen and embryos to which this IHS applies may only be imported from a country where the 
Competent Authority has provided the following evidence to the satisfac tion of the CTO:  
a) The verifiable animal health status of ovine and caprine populations in the exporting country or 
zone, with respect to biosecurity risk organisms of concern.  
b) The national systems/programmes and standards in the exporting country for regula tory 
oversight of livestock and semen and embryo collection.  
c) The capabilities and preferences of the exporting country’s Competent Authority with respect to 
achieving equivalent outcomes to requirements stated in the IHS.  
(2) Once satisfied with the exporting country systems, MPI and the Competent Authority may commence 
negotiation of a country -specific veterinary certificate.  
MPI reserves the right to perform an in -country or desk -top audit at any time, including prior to the first 
shipment of semen or embryo s. 
See guidance document for more information about exporting country systems and certification.  
1.6 Diagnostic testing, vaccination, and treatment  
(1) Any laboratory conducting any pre -export or surveillance testing where required by this IHS must be 
approved by the Competent Authority of a country approved to export to New Zealand.   
(2) Laboratory samples must be collected, processed, and stored in accordance with the 
recommendations in the Code  and/or the Manual or as described in the MPI Approved Diagnostic 
Tests, Vaccines, Treatments and Post -Arrival Testing Laboratories for Animal Import Health Standards 
(MPI-STD-TVTL ).  
(3) Diagnostic test(s) used must be listed in and carried out in accordance with MPI-STD-TVTL . 
(4) All products and vaccinations administered to meet the  specific disease requirements in Part 2 must be 
administered according to the manufacturer’s instruction in a country approved to export to New 
Zealand.  All vaccinations were either the final dose of a primary course or the recommended booster 
to compleme nt the primary course.  
(5) All product names, manufacturers, active ingredients (where applicable), dose and date of treatment 
must be recorded on the veterinary certificate.  
(6) All vaccine names, whether they are inactivated or modified live virus, and the vir us types and strains 
included in the vaccine must be recorded on the veterinary certificate.  Import Health Standard : Semen and Embryos from Sheep ( Ovis Aries) and Goats (Capra hircus)   
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See guidance document for more information about diagnostic tests and vaccination.  
1.7 Embryo collection team and flock/herd requirements  
(1) At the time of collection of embryos for export to New Zealand, the embryo collection team must be 
approved by and registered with the Competent Authority to collect, process, and store embryos for 
export.  
(2) The Competent Authority must have knowledge of and authority over the embryo c ollection flock/herd 
until completion of collection and testing required by this IHS.  
1.8 Semen collection facility requirements  
(1) The semen collection facility must meet the conditions specified in the Code  Chapter on general 
hygiene in semen collection and pro cessing centres.  
(2) The semen collection facility must be:  
a) approved for export by the Competent Authority.  
b) subject to regular inspection, at least every 12 months, by an Official Veterinarian.  
c) under the supervision of a semen collection facility veterinarian  approved by the Competent 
Authority.   
(3) The name and approval number of the semen collection facility must be recorded on the veterinary 
certificate.  
(4) Donors may be transferred from one approved semen collection facility to another of equal health 
status wit hout isolation or testing if all of the following requirements are met:  
a) Donors must be examined, by the approved semen collection facility veterinarian, and show no 
clinical sign of disease on the day of entry into the facility.  
b) Transfer must be direct.  
c) Transfer must not be through a bluetongue or Rift Valley fever infected zone, or donors must be 
protected from insect attack during transit.  
d) Donors must not come into direct or indirect contact with animals of a lower health status.  
e) The means of transport mu st be disinfected before use.  
1.9 Donor health status  
(1) Embryo donors must not be situated in a herd/flock that is subject to veterinary restrictions for the 
identified risk organisms managed in Part 2 of this IHS for at least 28 days before the first embryo 
collection until completion of donor testing, where required by this IHS.  
(2) Semen donors must be isolated for at least 28 days at a place specifically approved for this purpose by 
the Competent Authority prior to admission to the semen collection facility. D uring this time semen 
donors must not be used for natural mating and must be isolated from animals not of equivalent health 
status.  
(3) The approved embryo collection team veterinarian or semen collection facility veterinarian must ensure 
that the donor is fre e from clinical evidence of infectious diseases transmissible in semen or embryos 
on the day of collection.  
(4) Where a specific requirement for a risk organism is met by pre -collection testing, embryo donors must 
be isolated from other sheep or goats not of a n equivalent tested health status, from the time of the 
pre-collection test until completion of embryo collection for export to New Zealand.  Import Health Standard : Semen and Embryos from Sheep ( Ovis Aries) and Goats (Capra hircus)   
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(5) Where a specific requirement of this IHS for a risk organism is met by monitoring for clinical signs for a 
specifie d time after collection, the semen or embryos must be stored for that amount of time prior to 
export.  
1.10 Collecting and processing  
(1) Embryos must be collected and processed in accordance with the recommendations in the Code 
Chapter on collection and processing  of in vivo derived embryos from livestock.  
(2) Semen must be collected and processed in accordance with the current recommendations of the Code 
Chapter on collection and processing of small ruminant semen, unless indicated otherwise in Part 2 of 
this IHS.  
(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 b e done according to the procedures described in 
the Code  and IETS Manual .  
(4) All media and solutions used to produce embryos must be either sterilised by approved methods set 
out in the IETS Manual  or commercially prepared. They must be handled in such a man ner as to 
ensure that sterility is maintained.  All biological products of animal origin used in the media and 
solutions must be free from pathogenic organisms including pestiviruses.   
(5) Antibiotics recommended by the Code  or IETS Manual  and listed in MPI-STD-TVTL must be added to 
embryo collection, processing, washing and storage media and to the semen diluent in accordance 
with the Code . The names of antibiotics added and their concentration must be stated on the 
veterinary certificate.  
1.11 Storage  
(1) 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.  
(2) Dry ice and associated equipment to process semen pellets must be managed to prevent 
contamina tion with semen of donors not of equivalent tested health status.  
(3) Semen and embryos must be in straws or sanitised containers which are sealed and tamper -evident, 
and clearly and permanently marked to identify the donor and the date(s) of collection. If a  code is 
used for this information, its decipher instructions must accompany the consignment. The marking 
must, in accordance with the Code , conform to the international standards of the IETS or to the 
international standards of the International Committee  for Animal Recording.  
See guidance document for more information about semen containers.  
(4) Semen and embryos must only be stored with semen or embryos that have been collected and 
processed in accordance with the Code . Containers must be held in a storage p lace approved by the 
Competent Authority of the exporting country until the time of export.  
(5) Semen and embryos may be stored in a third country (other than the country of origin) if the third 
country has met the requirements of section 1.5 of this IHS. The consignment of semen and embryos 
must be accompanied by:  
a) a declaration from the Competent Authority of the third country, linking the semen and embryos 
from the country of origin to the semen and embryos being exported to New Zealand and 
confirming that th e semen and embryos have been stored as required by the IHS, at a facility 
approved by the Competent Authority; and either  
i) the veterinary certificate (current version) certified by the country of origin to export to New 
Zealand; or  Import Health Standard : Semen and Embryos from Sheep ( Ovis Aries) and Goats (Capra hircus)   
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ii) a letter from the countr y of origin’s Competent Authority indicating that the semen and 
embryos meets New Zealand’s current import requirements.  
1.12 Transport  
(1) Transport containers must be disinfected and free of contamination. When the transport container is 
not new, the disinfectant, its active chemical and date of disinfection must be recorded on the 
veterinary certificate.  
(2) The transport container in which se men and embryos is transported to New Zealand must be sealed, 
by either the semen facility or embryo collection team veterinarian or an Official Veterinarian, using 
tamper -evident seals.  The seal number must be recorded on the veterinary certificate.  
(3) Where  semen or embryos are transferred from one transport container to another, the date of transfer, 
approved collection facility or flock/herd, reason for transfer, and name of veterinarian involved in the 
transfer must be recorded on the veterinary certifica te. 
1.13 Permit to import  
(1) A permit to import is required. Applications must be submitted to MPI prior to importation.  
(2) The importer must supply the following information to obtain a permit:  
a) the name and address of exporter  
b) the date of proposed importation  
c) name and address in New Zealand to which the semen and embryos is to proceed following 
biosecurity clearance  
d) port of arrival  
(3) Permit to import semen and embryos application  forms can be found on the MPI website.  
(4) Completed applications can be submitted to Animal Imports animalimports@mpi.govt.nz .  
1.14 The documentation that must accompany goods  
(1) The semen and embryos must arrive in New Zealand with:  
a) A permit to import (copy acceptable). A veterinary certificate, that must include all of the 
following:  
i) a unique consignment identifier  
ii) species, donor animal identification, quantity (semen/embryos)  
iii) dates of collection  
iv) collection facility name or embryo collection he rd/flock name, date of donor entry  
v) name and address of importer (consignee) and exporter (consignor)  
vi) certification and endorsements that the requirements outlined in Part 1 and Part 2 of this 
IHS have been met  
vii) transport container seal number and disinfecti on information  
viii) name, signature, and contact details of the Official Veterinarian  
ix) all diagnostic tests, including test type, date of sampling, and results must be clearly linked 
to each donor and in the form of either a tabulated summary or copies of laboratory reports  
x) all products and vaccines administered to meet specific disease import requirements, 
including the generic name, active ingredient, dose rate, and date of treatment  
c) Original laboratory reports; copies of laboratory reports endorsed by th e Official Veterinarian; or a 
tabulated summary of laboratory results endorsed by the Official Veterinarian must include:  
i) unique identification for each animal, consistent with the veterinary certificate  Import Health Standard : Semen and Embryos from Sheep ( Ovis Aries) and Goats (Capra hircus)   
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ii) dates of sample collection  
iii) test type  
iv) test result . 
(2) A country -specific veterinary certificate must accompany the consignment where equivalent measures 
have been negotiated and approved by a CTO under section 27(1)(d) of the Act.  
See guidance document for more information about equivalence and country -specifi c veterinary 
certificates.  
(3) All documents must:  
a) be original, unless otherwise stated  
b) accompany the imported goods  
c) be in English or have an English translation that is clear and legible  
d) be endorsed on every page by the Official Veterinarian with their origi nal stamp, signature and 
date or be endorsed in the space allocated and all pages have paper based alternative security 
features  
(4) Documentation copies must be sent to the Biosecurity Inspector at the airport/port of arrival at least 
one working day in advan ce of importation.  
1.15 Biosecurity Clearance  
(1) A biosecurity clearance, under section 26 of the Act 1993, may be issued when the semen and 
embryos from sheep and goats meet all the requirements of this IHS, provided the applicable 
requirements in section 27 of t he Act are met.  
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Part 2:  Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  
Note: requirements are for semen and embryo donors unless otherwise specified.  
(1) The Competent Authority of the exporting country is required to issue a signed, stamped and dated 
veterinary certificate containing declarations regarding the following diseases:  
2.1 Bluetongue virus (bluetongue)  
(1) Donors must:  
a) be resident in a BTV free country or zone in accordance with the requirements of the Code, for at 
least the 60 days prior to and dur ing collection; or  
b) be resident during the seasonally free period in a BTV seasonally free zone in accordance with 
the requirements of the Code , for at least the 60 days prior to collection; or  
c) be resident in a vector -proof facility for at least the 60 days  prior to collection and the facility must 
be regularly inspected and certified as being free from Culicoides spp.  throughout the period 
when the donors are resident; or  
d) be subjected to a BTV test in accordance with the Code  requirements and listed in MPI-STD-
TVTL , with negative results.  
2.2 Foot and mouth disease virus (FMD)  
(1) Semen and embryo imports must comply with the FMD recommendations for ruminant semen1 in the 
Code . 
2.3 Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (ovine pulmonary adenomatosis)  
(1) Semen donors must be resident since birth in countries where ovine pulmonary adenomatosis has not 
been recognised by the Competent Authority; or  
(2) Semen donors have only lived in herds/flocks that include animals older than 5 years; and  
a) The herd/flock has remained free from ovine pulmon ary adenomatosis based on the absence of 
clinical signs for at least the 5 years prior to collection and no sheep/goat from a flock/herd of 
inferior health status has been introduced during that period; or  
(3) Semen donors must be subjected to an ovine pulmona ry adenomatosis examination or test in 
accordance with MPI-STD-TVTL , with negative results.  
2.4 Maedi -visna virus (MV)  
(1) Donors must be resident since birth in countries where MV has not been recognised by the Competent 
Authority; or  
(2) Donors must only reside with  herds/flocks where MV has neither clinically nor serologically been 
diagnosed and where animals of inferior health status have not been introduced during the 3 years 
before collection for New Zealand; and  
a) Semen donors must comply with the Code Chapter on  collection and processing of small 
ruminant semen; or  
                                                             
1 The OIE Code does not currently provide FMD measures for ovine or caprine in vivo  embryo trade; however MPI requires the semen 
measures be applied to embryo imports .  Import Health Standard : Semen and Embryos from Sheep ( Ovis Aries) and Goats (Capra hircus)   
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b) Embryo donors must be subjected to a MV test in accordance with MPI-STD-TVTL . 
2.5 Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPR)  
(1) Donors must be resident in a PPR free country or zone in accordance with the Code for at least 21 
days prior to and during collection; or  
(2) Embryo donors must comply with the Code  recommendations for embryos of small ruminants from 
PRR infected countries; or  
(3) Semen donors must comply with the Code recommendations for semen of small ruminan ts from PPR 
infected countries; and either  
a) Donors vaccinated against PPR must have been vaccinated between 21 and 120 days prior to 
semen collection; or  
b) Unvaccinated donors must be tested for PPR in accordance with MPI-STD-TVTL . 
2.6 Rift Valley fever virus (RV F) 
(1) Donors must be resident in a RVF free country or zone in accordance with the Code for at least the 30 
days prior to collection; or  
(2) Donors from RVF infected countries or zones must comply with the Code recommendations for semen 
and in vivo derived rumina nt embryos; or  
(3) Donors must be held in a vector -proof facility for at least 30 days prior to and during collection and 
never show clinical signs of RVF. The facility must be inspected regularly and mosquito -free 
throughout the period when donors were reside nt. 
2.7 Capripox virus (sheep and goat pox)  
(1) Donors must be resident in a sheep and goat pox free country in accordance with the Code for at least 
the 21 days prior to collection; or  
(2) Donors from sheep and goat pox infected countries must comply with the Code re commendations for 
semen 2 from sheep and goats.  
2.8 Wesselsbron disease virus (Wesselsbron disease)  
(1) Donors must be resident in a country recognised by the Competent Authority as free from circulating 
Wesselsbron disease virus for at least the 21 days prior to c ollection; or  
(2) Donors must be resident in an establishment where Wesselsbron disease has not been recognised for 
at least the 21 days prior to collection; or  
(3) Donors must be tested for Wesselsbron disease in accordance with MPI-STD-TVTL .  
                                                             
2There are currently no Code  sheep and goatpox recommendations for ovine/caprine embryo importation; h owever MPI requires the 
semen measures be applied to embryo imports.  Import Health Standard : Semen and Embryos from Sheep ( Ovis Aries) and Goats (Capra hircus)   
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2.9 Brucella melitensis  (caprine and ovine brucellosis)  
(1) Donors must be resident in a country, zone, or flock/herd that is officially free from caprine and ovine 
brucellosis in accordance with the Code ; or 
(2) Embryo donors must comply with the caprine and ovine brucellosis recommend ations for importation 
of embryos/ova of sheep and goats in the  Code ; or 
(3) Semen donors must comply with the caprine and ovine brucellosis recommendations for importation of 
semen of sheep and goats in the Code.  
2.10 Leptospira serovars (leptospirosis)  
(1) Antibiotics must be added to semen and embryos in accordance with the Code, IETS Manual, and 
MPI-STD-TVTL . 
See guidance document for more information about antibiotics effective against leptospirosis.  
2.11 Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae (contagiou s 
caprine pleuropneumonia)  
(1) For goats only:  
a) Donors must be resident in a country that is free from contagious caprine pleuropneumonia 
(CCPP) in accordance with the Code ; or  
b) For at least the 45 days prior to collection,  donors did not reside in a CCPP infected zone, in 
accordance with the Code , and were not resident in a herd where CCPP had been officially 
reported during that time; and either  
i) Aliquots of semen or embryos/oocytes or collection/washing fluids from each co llection 
must be subjected to a CCPP test in accordance with MPI-STD-TVTL , with negative 
results; or  
ii) Donors must be subjected to CCPP test in accordance with the OIE Code and Manual.  
2.12 Mycoplasma agalactiae (contagious agalactia)  
(1) Donors must be resident in a country recognised by the Competent Authority as free from contagious 
agalactia for at least the 6 months prior to collection; or  
(2) Donors must be:  
a) resident for at least the 6 months prior to collection only at a premises where no case of 
contagious agalac tia is officially reported during that time; and  
b) tested for Mycoplasma agalactiae  in accordance with the Manual and MPI-STD-TVTL . 
2.13 Mycobacterium caprae  
(1) For goats only:  
a) Donors must be resident in a country recognised by the Competent Authority as free from 
tuberculosis in goats for at least the 3 years prior to collection; or  
b) Semen donors must comply with the Code Chapter on collection and processing of small 
ruminant semen; or  Import Health Standard : Semen and Embryos from Sheep ( Ovis Aries) and Goats (Capra hircus)   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  13 of 16 
c) Embryo donors must be subjected to a single comparative tuberculin test for tube rculosis prior to 
entry to the collection flock/herd, with negative results; and  
i) All animals in the embryo collection flock/herd must be tested prior to entry and at least 
annually, with negative results.  
2.14 Chlamydia abortus (enzootic abortion of ewes)  
(1) Donors must be resident in a country recognised by the Competent Authority as free from enzootic 
abortion of ewes (EAE) for at least the 2 years prior to collection; or  
(2) Donors must comply with the Code Chapter on EAE for the importation of sheep and goat s emen and 
embryos.  
2.15 Coxiella burnetii (Q fever)  
(1) Donors must never have been confirmed positive for Q fever; and either  
a) Donors must be subjected to a test for Q fever in accordance with MPI-STD-TVTL , with negative 
results; or  
b) Semen or embryos/oocytes or coll ection/washing fluids from each collection must be subjected to 
a Q fever test in accordance with MPI-STD-TVTL , with negative results.  
2.16 Scrapie  
(1) For goats only:  
a) Donors must be resident in a scrapie free country in accordance with the Code ; or 
b) Donors must be resident in an establishment that has been maintained free from scrapie from 
commencement until conclusion of collection, in accordance with the Code  recommendations for 
a scrapie free establishment; or  
c) Embryos must comply with the Code recommendations for  importation of in vivo  derived goat 
embryos from countries or zones not considered free from scrapie.  
Note: Semen donors must satisfy either a) or b).  
(2) For sheep semen only:  
a) Semen donors must be resident in a scrapie free country in accordance with the Code; or 
b) Semen donors must be resident in an establishment that has been maintained free from scrapie 
from commencement until conclusion of collection, in accordance with the Code  
recommendations for a scrapie free establishment; or  
c) Semen donors must have th e scrapie resistant genotypes – ARR/ARR, ARR/AHQ, ARR/ARH or 
ARR/ARQ. Laboratory evidence of the genotype is required.  
Note: Section 1.10 of this IHS manages the risk for sheep embryos.  
 Import Health Standard : Semen and Embryos from Sheep ( Ovis Aries) and Goats (Capra hircus)   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  14 of 16 
Schedule 1 – Document History  
Date First Issued  Title Shortcode  
22 June 2015  Import Health Standard: Semen and Embryos 
from Sheep ( Ovis aries ) and Goats ( Capra 
hircus ) OVCAGERM.GEN  
Date of Issued Amendments  Title Shortcode  
 Import Health Standard: Semen and Embryos 
from Sheep ( Ovis aries ) and Goats ( Capra 
hircus ) OVCAGERM.GEN  
   Import Health Standard : Semen and Embryos from Sheep ( Ovis Aries) and Goats (Capra hircus)   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  15 of 16 
Schedule 2 – Definitions  
Approved embryo collection team  
An embryo collection team demonstrated by the Competent Authority as having met the recommendations as 
described in the Code .  
Competent Authority  
The Veterinary or other Governmental Authority of an OIE Member, that has the  responsibility and 
competence f or 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.  
Donor(s)  
Female animal(s) from which embryos are collect ed, or male animal(s) from which semen was collected.  
Embryo collection flock/herd  
The flock/herd the embryo donor is resident in at the time of embryo collection.  
Inspection  
A visual examination by an MPI Inspector to detect the presence of pests and co ntamination. An inspection 
does not require magnification but may require additional lighting if the inspection is carried out at night or 
within a building.  
MPI 
Ministry for Primary Industries  
Official Veterinarian  
A veterinarian authorised by the Competent Authority of the country to perform certain designated official 
tasks associated with animal health and/or public health and inspections of commodities and, when 
appropriate, to certify in conformity with the prov isions of the Code  Chapter for certification procedures.  
OIE 
The World Organisation for Animal Health  
Permit to import  
A permit issued by the Director General of MPI pursuant to section 24 (D)(2) of the Act.  
Semen collection facility  
The place where semen is collected from an animal. A semen collection facility may be within an artificial 
insemination centre.  
The Code  
The OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code  as found on the OIE website.  Import Health Standard : Semen and Embryos from Sheep ( Ovis Aries) and Goats (Capra hircus)   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  16 of 16 
The IETS Manual  
The International Embryo Transfer Society (IETS) Manual  as found on the IETS website.  
The OIE Manual  
The OIE Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals  as found on the OIE website.  
Vector  
An insect or any living carrier that transports an infectious agent from an infected individual to a su sceptible 
individual or its food or immediate surroundings. The organism may or may not pass through a development 
cycle within the vector.  
Vector -proof  
For the purposes of this IHS vector -proof refer to a PEI facility which provides maximum protection fr om insect 
vectors. This should be a building, ideally a compartment within a building, which should be vector screened 
and have risk management strategies to protect animals and the facility from any potential vector.  
Veterinary certificate  
A certificate,  issued in conformity with the provisions of the Code  Chapter for certification procedures , 
describing the animal health and/or public health requirements which are fulfilled by the exported 
commodities.