Import Health Standard  
Issued under the Biosecurity Act 1993   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Zoo Asian Elephants  
ZOOASELE.SPE  
[Document Date]  
 Import Health Standard : Zoo Asian Elephants   
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TITLE  
Import Health Standard : Zoo Asian Elephants  
COMMENCEMEN T 
This Import Health Standard  comes into force on  [Effective Date]   
REVOCATION  
This Import Health Standard  revokes and replaces:  
 Import Health Standard: Zoo Asian Elephants from Sri Lanka and Australia, dated 19 June 2013.  
ISSUING AUTHORITY  
This Import Health Standard  is issued  under section 24A of the Biosecurity Act 1993.   
 
Dated at Wellington this  ... day of  .........  
 
 
Howard Pharo  
Manager , Import and Export Animals  
Ministry for Primary Industries  
(acting under dele gated authority of the Director -General)  
 
Contact for further information  
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)  
Regulation & Assurance Branch  
Animal Imports  
PO Box 2526   
Wellington 6140  
 
Email: animalimports@mpi.govt.nz  
 
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Contents  Page 
Introduction  3 
Part 1:  Requirements  6 
1.1 Application  6 
1.2 Incorporation by reference  6 
1.3 Definitions  6 
1.4 General requirements for import  6 
1.5 Pre-export isolation  7 
1.6 Diagnostic tests, vaccines and treatment  7 
1.7 Transport  8 
1.8 Import permit information  8 
1.9 The documentation that must accompany goods  8 
1.10  Transitional and containment facility  10 
Part 2:  Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  11 
2.1 Foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV)  11 
2.2 Rabies virus  11 
2.3 Surra ( Trypanosoma evansi ) 11 
2.4 External parasites  12 
2.5 Internal parasites  12 
Part 3:  Model Ve terinary Certificates  13 
Schedule 1 – Document History  22 
Schedule 2 – Definitions  23 
 
 
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Introduction  
This introduction  is not part of the  Import Health Standard (IHS) , but is intended to indicate its general effect.  
Purpose  
This IHS specifies the minimum requirements that must be met when importing zoo Asian elephants  (Elephas  
maximas ) into containment in  New Zealand.  
The identified risk organisms associated with zoo Asian elephants that are managed by this IHS are:  
a) Foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV)  
b) Rabies virus  
c) Surra  (Trypanosoma evansi)  
d) External parasites  
e) Internal parasites  
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 before biosecurity clearance can be given.  
Guidance boxes are included within this IHS for explanatory purposes. The guidance incl uded in these boxes 
is for information only and has no legal effect.  
Who should read this  Import Health Standard ? 
This IHS should be read by i mporters of zoo Asian elephants from Australia or Sri Lanka.  
Why is this important?  
It is the importer’s  responsibility to ensure the requirements of this IHS are met. Consignments that do not 
comply with the requirements of this IHS may not be cleared for entry into New Zealand and/or further 
information may be sought from importers. Consignments that do no t comply with the requirements of this IHS 
may be re -shipped or destroyed under the Act or tested/treated in accordance with this IHS prior to release or 
equivalence determined. Importers are liable for all associated expenses.  
The costs to MPI in performing functions relating to the importation of zoo Asian elephants will be recovered in 
accordance with the Act and any regulations made under that Act. All costs involved with documentation, 
transport, storage and obtaining a bios ecurity authorisation must be covered by the importer or agent . 
Equivalence  
The Chief Technical Officer (CTO) may issue a direction under section 27(1)(d) of the Act that measures 
different from those set out in this IHS may be applied to effectively m anage risks associated with the 
importation of these goods.  
If an equivalent measure is approved, an import permit may be issued under section 24D(2) of the Act if the 
Director -General considers it appropriate to do so. The details of the CTO direction on  equivalence will be Import Health Standard : Zoo Asian Elephants   
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included as notes in the special conditions section of the permit to inform the inspector’s assessment of the 
commodity.  
MPI’s preference is that the exporting country’s Competent Authority makes equivalence requests.  
Equivalence requ ests can be lodged with animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz .  
Transitional facility  
Any containers not intact on arrival will be required to be made secure before the consignment is moved to the 
transitional or co ntainment facility. Any material which has leaked from the container will be destroyed at the 
port of entry.  
Biosecurity authorisation  
A biosecurity authorisation may be given, by the Inspector , under section 2 5 of the Act,  authorising direction of 
the elephants  to the transitional facility named on the MPI import permit.  
Inspection  
On arrival, all documentation accompanying the consignment will be verified by an inspector.  
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.  
Import Health Standards  
Other relevant IHSs must also be complied with before biosecurity clearance will be issued . These may 
include but are not limited to the following:  
a) All equipment entering New Zealand with the commodity must comply with the Import Health 
Standard for the Importation into New Zeal and of Equipment Associated with Animals or Water .  
b) Containers made of timber must meet the requirements of the following: IHS: Woodware from All 
Countries . 
CITES  
It is the responsibility of  the importer to ensure that the consignment is accompanied by any permit(s) required 
to meet the legislation of the country of origin and the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered 
Species (CITES) http://w ww.cites.org . See the Department of Conservation for further details 
http://www.doc.govt.nz/about -doc/role/international/endangered -species/ .  
The importer is advised t o clarify the status of the species of animal in relation to international agreements on 
their trade, prior to export. Material arriving in New Zealand without the relevant CITES permits may be 
subject to seizure by the New Zealand Department of Conservati on.  Import Health Standard : Zoo Asian Elephants   
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Any requirement for CITES or other conservation -related documentation must be met by the 
exporter/importer.  
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and new organisms  
Importers of new organisms must meet all requirements of the Hazardous Substances a nd New Organisms 
(HSNO) Act 1996.  
Before an inspector can authorise a new organism to go to a containment facility, the EPA must have given 
approval for importation of that organism into containment in accordance with the HSNO Act.  
Harmonised System (HS) Codes  
The harmonised system is an international product numbering classification developed by the World Customs  
Organisation (WCO). The New Zealand harmonised system is found here:  
http://www.stats.govt.nz/methods/classifications -and-standards/classification -related -stats -
standards/harmonised -system -2012.aspx   
Animals imported using this IHS will be under the following HS Codes:  
 
HS Code  Commodity Description  
0106.19  Mammals; live, other than primates, whales, dolphins, porpoises (mammals of the order 
Cetacea); manatees, dugongs (mammals of the order Sirenia); seals; sea lions, walruses 
(mammals of the suborder Pinnipedia), camels, other camelids, rabbits and hares  
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Part 1:  Requirements  
1.1 Application  
(1) This IHS applies to all import s of zoo Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) from Australia or Sri Lanka 
into New Zealand.  
1.2 Incorporation by reference  
(1) The following i nternational standards are incorporated by reference in this IHS under section 142M of 
the Act:  
a) The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for 
Terrestrial Animals  (the Manual ), available at the OIE website: http://www.oie.int/international -
standard -setting/terrestrial -manual/access -online/ . 
b) The OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code  (the Code ), available at the OIE Website: 
http://www.oie.int/international -standard -setting/terrestrial -code/access -online/ . 
c) The International Air Transport Association ( IATA) Live Animals Regulations (LAR) : a copy is 
available for reading, free of charge, at MPI, Pastoral House, 25 The Terrace, Wellington.  
d) The Australian Marine Orders  Part 43, Issue 6 (equivalent to the New Zealand Marine Rules  Part 
24C), available free o f charge: http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2006L03643 . 
(2) The following material is incorporated by reference in this IHS under section 142M of the Act:  
a) MPI Approved Diagnostic Tests, Vaccines, Treatments and Post -arrival Testing Laboratories for 
Animal Import Health Standards , MPI-STD-TVTL . 
(3) Under section 142O(3) of the Act it is declared that section 142O(1) does not apply. That is, a notic e 
under section 142O(2) of the Act is not required to be published before material that amends or 
replaces the standards, guideline or lists incorporated under clauses 1.2(1) and (2) above has legal 
effect as part of this IHS.  
 
Guidance  
 Incorporation by re ference means that standards, guidelines or lists are incorporated into the IHS 
and they form part of the requirements.  
 
1.3 Definitions  
(1) For the purposes of this standard, terms used that are defined in the Act have the meanings set out 
there. The Act is available at the following website: http://www.legislation.govt.nz/ . 
(2) See Schedule 2  for ad ditional definitions that apply.  
1.4 General requirements for import  
(1) In order to obtain authorisation into containment, each elephant must:  
a) Have been resident in a government registered, or licensed, zoo or Wildlife Park  since birth . 
b) Originate from premises that are under permanent veterinary supervision, and follow a health 
monitoring programme including necropsies, and microbiological and parasitological testing . 
c) Not be in the last trimester of pregnancy on the date of export.  
d) Be mor e than 6 months old at departure and weaned, healthy and fit to travel.  Import Health Standard : Zoo Asian Elephants   
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e) Originate from  premises which have been free of quarantine restrictions for at least the 90 days 
prior to the date of export.  
f) Be identified with a microchip prior to export. The identi fication number must be recorded on the 
veterinary certificate accompanying the elephant; and  
g) Meet the requirements of 1.5 to 1.7  of Part 1 ; and  
h) Meet the specified requirements for identified risk organisms in Part 2  of this IHS; and  
i) Be accompanied by an i mport permit required by clause 1.8 that meets the requirements of 
clause 1.9.1; and  
j) Be accompanied by a veterinary certificate that meets the requirements of  clause 1.9.2; and  
k) Be accompanied by a laboratory report that meets the requirements of  clause 1.9 .3. 
1.5 Pre-export isolation  
(1) The elephants must be hel d in pre -export isolation (PEI), for a time period as required in Part 2  of this 
IHS, immediately prior to export.  
(2) The PEI premises must be approved and supervised by an Official Veterinarian, and must be pre -
approved by MPI.  
(3) The premises must be new, or prior to housing the elephants must be thoroughly cleaned with a high 
pressure hose followed by steam cleaning.  
(4) The PEI premises must be free of grass or other pasture.  
(5) The PEI premises must have a 2 metre high solid, or double outer livestock -proof perimeter fence or 
structure to ensure that the elephants are fully separated from all other animals not of tested equiv alent 
biosecurity status.  
(6) Prior to the start of PEI, the premises must be thoroughly sprayed with an acaricide.  
(7) Bedding must be removed and the facility must be thoroughly cleaned every 10 days.  
(8) Only approved personnel may enter the facility. These perso nnel must wear outer clothing and 
footwear used exclusively on the premises.  
(9) All equipment used in the facility must be new, or cleaned and disinfected prior to the entry of the 
animals, and be used only on the premises for the duration of the PEI.  
(10) All bed ding and feed must be clean and free from evidence of contamination with ticks and seeds.  
(11) Individual health records must be kept for animals on the premises during the PEI period and must be 
available to the Official Veterinarian. Any health problems duri ng the PEI period must be reported to 
MPI. 
(12) The transport crates must be new, or cleaned, disinfected, and treated with an acaracide prior to use.  
(13) Vehicles in which the animals are transported to the port of departure must be cleaned and disinfected 
prior to loading.  
(14) The elephants must be moved directly from PEI into approved crates for export, and be transferred for 
export in a manner that does not  compromise the biosecurity status of the elephants.  
1.6 Diagnostic tests,  vaccines and treatment  
(1) All pre -export and/or surveillance testing required by this IHS must be:  
a) Conducted by a laboratory approved by the Competent Authority of the exporting country; or  
b) Conducted by a laboratory approved by the Competent Authority of any other country approved 
under this IHS to export commodity to New Zealand.  Import Health Standard : Zoo Asian Elephants   
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(2) All laboratory samples required by this IHS must be collected, processed, and stored in accordance 
with the r ecommendations in the Code  and/or the Manual  or as described in MPI-STD-TVTL . 
(3) All diagnostic test(s) and vaccines that are required to be used or undertaken by this IHS must be 
those that have been approved by MPI for that purpose and documented in MPI-STD-TVTL .  
(4) All products and vaccinations required by this IHS to be administered to meet the specific disease 
requirements in Part 2: Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  must have been 
administered according to the manufacturer’s instruction in a country that the CTO has agreed meets 
the requirements of clause 1.5.  
(5) All requirements in this IHS for the administration of a vaccine require that either the final dose of a 
primary vaccination course has been administered or the recommended booster  to complement the 
primary course has been administered.  
(6) Where products required by this IHS have been administered, the product name, manufacturer, active 
ingredients (where applicable), and the dose and date of the treatment must be recorded on the 
veterinary certificate.  
(7) Where vaccines required by this IHS have been administered all vaccine names, whether they are 
inactivated or modified live virus, and the virus types and strains included in the vaccine must be 
recorded on the veterinary certificate.  
1.7 Transport  
(1) In the case of transport by:  
a) Air: the transport facilities and arrangements must meet the relevant requirements published in 
the IATA Live Animal Regulations . 
b) Sea: the transport facilities and arrangements must have been inspected and meet the 
requirements of the Australian Marine Orders Part 43, Issue 6  (which is equivalent to the New 
Zealand Marine Rules Part 24C ). 
(2) No animals other than those qualified for entry into New Zealand are permitted to be transported with 
the elephants on the aircraft  or ship.  
(3) Trans -shipment  in any third country may only occur if pre -approved by MPI  and recorded on an import 
permit under section 24D . 
 
Guidance  
 All feed and bedding during transporta tion must be free from seeds.  
1.8 Import permit  information  
(1) An import permit  under section 24D of the Act is required prior to the importation of consignments of 
zoo Asian elephants from Australia and Sri Lanka.  
1.9 The documentation that must accompany goods  
(1) The consignment must arrive in New Zealand wi th the following document ation  that is specified in, and 
meets the requirements of, clauses 1.9 .1 to 1.9.3 below . 
(2) All documentation that is requir ed by this clause 1.9  to accompany the zoo Asian elephants must, 
unless otherwise stated:  
a) Be original.  
b) Accompany the imported goods.  Import Health Standard : Zoo Asian Elephants   
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c) Be in English or have an English translation that is clear and legible.  
d) Be endorsed on every page by the Official Veterinarian with their original stamp, signature and 
date or be endorsed in the space allocated and all pages have paper based alternative sec urity 
features.  
 
Guidance  
 Copies of all documents that are required to accompany the goods should be submitted to the 
NZ Official Veterinarian at the airport/port of arrival as early as possible to avo id delays in border 
clearance. The recommended timeframe is at least 7 working day s in advance of arrival.   
 Please email the applicable arrival point:  
 Auckland:   liveanimalsauckland@mpi.govt.nz   
 Wellington:   liveanimalswellington@mpi.govt.nz    
 Christchurch:   liveanimalschristchurch@mpi.govt.nz   
1.9.1 Import permit  
(1) An import permit issued by MPI (copy acceptable) as required by clause 1.8.  The importer must apply 
to the Director -General for an import permit.  
 
Guidance  
 Application forms can be found on the MPI website at: Permit Application for Live Animals   
 Completed applications can be submitted to Animal Impo rts animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz  
 The importer should complete all information requested on the application form.  
1.9.2 Veterinary certificate  
(1) A veterinary certificate from the exporting country’s Official Veterin arian. The veterinary certificate must  
include the following:  
a) A unique consignment identifier.  
b) The d escription, species, number of elephants and microchip transponder number(s) for  each 
elephant . 
c) Name and address of the importer (consignee) and exporter (consignor).  
d) Name, signature and contact details of the Official Veterinarian.  
e) Certification and endorsement by the Official Veterinarian that the requirements outlined in Part 
1: Requirements  of this IHS have been met.  
f) Certification and endorsement by the  Official Veterinarian that the specified requirements 
outlined in Part 2 : Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  of this IHS have been 
met. 
 
Guidance  
 A model veterinary certificate is located in Part 3 of this document.  
1.9.3 Laboratory reports  
(1) Original laboratory reports; copies of laboratory reports endorsed by the Official Veterinarian; or a 
tabulated summary of laboratory results endorsed by the Official Veterinarian of all tests required by 
Part 2: Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  of this IHS, which must include:  
a) Unique microchip transponder number/ear tag/identifier identification for each animal, consistent 
with the veterinary certificate.  
b) Sample size.  
c) Dates of sample collection.  
d) Test type.  Import Health Standard : Zoo Asian Elephants   
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e) Test result.  
1.10 Transitional  and containment facility  
(1) Following biosecurity authorisation being given under section 2 5 of the Act, the elephants must  
proceed directly to the transitional facility named on the import permit approved to Facility Standard: 
Zoo Animals Transitional Facilities , using a transport method approved by the Official Veterinarian.  
(2) The documentation must  be checked to ensure it meets all requirements noted under general 
requirements in Part 1: Requirements  and specified requirements  (veterinary certification) in Part 2: 
Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms of this IHS.  
(3) Elephants that have been imported directly from PEI in Sri Lanka must undergo post -arrival quarantine 
for at lea st 30 days, and be subjected to diagnostic MPI -approved tests for evidence of FMDV infection  
with negative results at the beginning and end of the post -arrival quarantine period.  
(4) On satisfactory completion of the post -arrival quarantine period, the elephan ts will be authorised to 
move from the transitional facility to a containment facility, approved to the EPA Standard for Zoo 
Containment Facilitie s. 
(5) The crates must be cleaned and disinfected and stored until the end of quarantine. After completion of 
quarantine all feed, bedding material and faeces from the transitional facility and crate must be 
destroyed by an  MPI-approved method.  
(6) The elephants  and their offspring must remain permanently in a containment facility and may only be 
transferred to another containment facility with the prior biosecurity authority given under section 29 of 
the Biosecurity Act 1993.  
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Part 2:  Specified Requirements for Identified  Risk Organisms  
(1) Elephants must meet the following requirements for identified risk organisms prior to import.  
(2) Where treatments have  been carried out prior to import  for elephants from Australia , the registered 
veterinarian of t he Veterinary Authority of Australia is required to issue a signed, stamped and dated 
veterinary certificate containing declarations that the below requirements have been met regarding the 
applicable diseases listed below.  
(3) The official veterinarian must stamp and sign the veterinary certificate based on the attestation 
provided by the registered veterinarian.  
2.1 Foot and mouth disease virus (FMD V) 
(1) The e lephants have been resident since birth in an FMD -free country in accordance with the Code ; or  
(2) The e lephants were  not vaccinated; and  
a) The elephants under went  PEI in a  facility approved and supervised by an Official Veterinarian, 
where a blood test taken at least  21 days after entry to PEI was tested negative for evidence of 
FMDV  by MPI -approved diagnostic test ing; and  
b) The elephants under went a further 90 days  PEI in an FMD -free country, where a blood test taken 
at least 21 days after entry to PEI tested negative for evidence of FMDV  by MPI -approved 
diagnostic test ing; or 
(3) The elephants were  not vaccinated ; and  
a) The elephants were  kept in  an establishment where FMD has not occurred within a ten -kilomet re 
radius for the 90 days  prior to movement to PEI; and  
b) The elephants underwent  PEI in an MPI-approved facility  supervised by an Official Veterinarian  
for the 90 days  immediately prior to shipment, where a blood sample  taken not less than 21 days 
after entry to PEI , and a second blood sample taken not more than 21 days before the end of the 
PEI period, were tested negative for evidence of FMDV  by MPI -approved diagnostic test ing. 
 
Guidance  
 Elephants that have met 2.1 (3) a ) will be kept in post -arrival quarantine on arrival in New 
Zealand for an extended period for additional testing for FMD V. 
2.2 Rabies  virus  
(1) The elephants were kept since birth or for the 6 months immediately prior to export in an establishment 
where no case of rabies has occ urred in the last 12 months, or 
(2) The elephants were  vaccinated against rabies virus 6-12 months prior to exportation to New Zealand, 
when  the elephants were at least 3 months old ; and  
a) A blood sample from each elephant, taken between 3 and 24 months prior to export to New 
Zealand, was tested and had a rabies virus antibody titre of at least 0.5 IU/ml.  
2.3 Surra ( Trypanosoma evansi ) 
(1) A blood sample taken from each elephant  after arrival at PEI  is examined and found free  from 
T.evansi , and tested negative for T.evansi,  using an MPI -approved test.  Import Health Standard : Zoo Asian Elephants   
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2.4 External parasites  
(1) The elephants underwent PEI in a facility supervised by an Official Veterinarian  for at least the 21 days 
immediately prior to  shipment.  
(2) In the 3 days  prior to entering PEI, and repeated in the 3 days immediately prior to export to New 
Zealand, the elephants are sprayed to cover all the body surfaces with an efficacious ectoparasiticide.  
2.5 Internal parasites  
(1) In the 3 days  after arrival in PEI, and repeated in the 3 days immediately prior to export to New 
Zealand, the elephant s are  treated with an endoparasiticide efficacious against nematodes, cestodes, 
trematodes and bot -fly larvae.  
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Part 3:  Model Veterinary Certificates  
Guidan ce: model veterinary certificates  
Australia  
(1) Below is a model veterinary certificate for trade in zoo Asian elephants from Australia .  
(2) This model meets the requirements of the IHS.  
 
Part 1: Details of dispatched consignment  1.1. Consignor (Exporter):  
Name:  
Address:  
 1.2. Certificate reference number:  
 
1.3. Competent Authority:  
 
1.4. Consignee (Importer):  
Name:  
Address:  
 
 
1.5. Country of origin:   Australia               
  
1.7. Country of destination:                
1.9. Place of origin:  
Name:  
Address:  
1.10.  Place of shipment:  1.11.  Date of departure:  
1.12.  Means of transport:  
 
   Aeroplane       Ship      
    
Identification:  
 1.13.  Expected border post:  
1.14. CITES permit No(s):**  
1.15.  Description of commodity:  
 1.16.  Commodity Code (ISO Code*):  
1.20.  Identification of container/serial number:  
 
1.22.  Identification of commodity:   
 Species (Scientific Name)  ID Number/Details  Breed/Category  Age Quantity  ID System  
Elephas maximus       
      
      
      
      Import Health Standard : Zoo Asian Elephants   
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Part 2:  Veterinary Information  Country: Australia  Certificate reference number:  
I, ……………………………………………………. an Official Veterinarian authorised by the Competent Authority of 
Australia, certify after due enquiry, with respect to the elephants identified in this veterinary certificate, that:   
(1)         Exporting zoo premises  
a) Each elephant has been resident in a government registered or licensed zoo or wildlife park since birth.  
b) The government registered or licensed zoo or wildlife park in which each elephant for export resided is 
under permanent veterinary supervision, and a health monitoring programme was foll owed including 
necropsies, and microbiological and parasitological testing.  
c) The premises have been free of quarantine restrictions for the last 90 days prior to the date of export.  
 
(2)         Pre-export isolation, inspection and transport  
a) Each elephant spent the 21 days immediately prior to export in a PEI facility supervised by an Official 
Veterinarian.  
b) The premises were new or thoroughly cleaned with a high pressure hose and steam cleaning prior to 
housing the elephants.  
c) The premises were free of grass  or other pasture.  
d) During PEI each elephant was kept isolated fr om other animals not of an equivalent health status.  
e) Only approved personnel entered the premises and the approved personnel wore protective outer 
clothing and footwear that are used exclusively in the premises.  
f) All equipment used in the premises was new, or cleaned and disinfected prior to the entry of the 
elephants, and be used only in the premises for the duration of the PEI.  
g) Prior to start the PEI premises were thoroughly sprayed with an acaricide.  
h) During PEI bedding was removed every 10 days and the facility was thoroughly cleaned.  
i) During PEI and during transport to the port of departure, the elephants were isolated from all other 
animals not of an equivalent tested health status.  
j) During the PEI period all bedding and feed was clean and free from evidence of contamination with ticks 
and seeds.  
k) Individual health records were kept for each  elephant in PEI and any health problems during PEI were 
reported to MPI before export.  
l) Each ele phant was examined by an Official Veterinarian in the 24 hours immediately prior to leaving the 
PEI premises for the port of export, and was free from clinical evidence of infectious or contagious 
disease, external parasites, plant and seed contamination, and appeared to be healthy and fit to travel.  
m) The elephant is not in the last trimester of pregnancy on the date of export  
n) The elephant is more than 6 months old at departure and weaned.  
o) The crates or pens to be used for transporting the animals to New Ze aland are either new or if previously 
used will be cleaned and disinfected with an approved disinfectant.  
p) The vehicles in which the elephant(s)  will be transported to the port of departure were cleaned and 
disinfected prior to loading.  
q) During transport t o the port of departure, all feed provided will be free from contamination with ticks and 
weeds/weed seeds.  
r) All laboratory tests were previously approved by MPI, were conducted at a government -approved 
laboratory, and all results accompany this certificat ion. 
 
I have no reason to doubt the attestation provided by………………………………………………., the Australian registered 
veterinarian overseeing the care of the animal in (PEI), whose signature appears below, in regards to treatments and 
inspection with respect to the elephants in this consignment . 
I,……………………………………………………………., the registered veterinarian overs eeing the care of the animal in  
PEI, certify after due enquiry, with respect to each elephant identified in this veterinary certificate that:  
Treatment and test ing 
(3)         Internal parasites:  
a) In the 3 days after arrival in (PEI), and repeated in the 3 days immediately prior to export to New 
Zealand, each elephant was treated with an endoparasiticide/s efficacious against nematodes, cestodes, 
trematodes and bo t-fly larvae.  Import Health Standard : Zoo Asian Elephants   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  15 of 23 
 
Endoparasiticide/s used:    
Dose rate:    
Date of treatment 1:   
Date of treatment 2:   
 
(4)         External parasites:  
a) In the 3 days prior to entering PEI, and repeated in the 3 days immediately prior to export to New 
Zealand, each elephant was sprayed to cover all the body surfaces with an efficacious ectoparasiticide.  
 
Endoparasiticide/s used:    
Date of treatment 1:   
Date of treatment 2:  
 
 Official Veterinarian  
Name:  
Address:  
Email:  
Signature:  
Date:  Registered  Veterinarian  in charge of the 
elephants in PEI : 
Name:  
Veterinary Registration Number:  
State/Territory:  
Address:  
Signature:  
Date:  
 
 
  
Official Veterinarian signature, 
Official stamp and date  Import Health Standard : Zoo Asian Elephants   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  16 of 23 
Sri Lanka  
(1) Below is a model veterinary certificate for trade in zoo Asian elephants from Sri Lanka .  
(2) The model meets the requirements of the IHS.  
 
Part 1: Details of dispatched consignment  1.1. Consignor (Exporter):  
Name:  
Address:  
 1.2. Certificate reference number:  
 
1.3. Competent Authority:  
 
1.4. Consignee (Importer):  
Name:  
Address:  
 
 
1.5. Count ry of origin: Sri Lanka   
 
1.7. Country of destination:   
1.9. Place of origin:  
Name:  
Address:  
1.10.  Place of shipment:  1.11.  Date of departure:  
1.12.  Means of transport:  
 
   Aeroplane       Ship      
    
Identification:  
 1.13.  Expected border post:  
1.14. CITES permit No(s):**  
1.15.  Description of commodity:  
 1.16. Commodity Code (ISO Code*):  
1.20.  Identification of container/serial number:  
 
1.22.  Identification of commodity:   
 
 Species (Scientific Name)  ID Number/Details  Breed/Category  Age Quantity  ID System  
Elephas maximus       
      
      
      
      
 
 Import Health Standard : Zoo Asian Elephants   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  17 of 23 
 
Part 2:  Veterinary Information  Country: Sri Lanka   Certificate reference number:  
I, an Official Veterinarian authorised by the Competent Authority of Sri Lanka, certify after due enquiry, with respect to the 
elephants identified in this veterinary certificate, that:  
(1) Exporting zoo premises  
a) Each elephant  has been resident in a government registered or licensed zoo or wildlife park since birth.  
b) The government registered or licensed zoo or wildlife park in which each elephant for export resided is 
under permanent veterinary supervision, and a health monitor ing programme was followed including 
necropsies, and microbiological and parasitological testing.  
c) The premises have been free of quarantine restrictions for the last 90 days prior to the date of export.  
 
(2)         Pre-export isolation, inspection and transport  
a) Each elephant spent 90 days immediately prior to export in a PEI facility supervised by an Official 
Veterinarian.  
b) The premises were new or thoroughly cleaned with a high pressure hose and steam cleaning prior to 
housing the elephants.  
c) The premise s were free of grass or other pasture.  
d) During PEI each elephant was  kept isolated form other animals not of an equivalent health status.  
e) Only approved personnel entered the premises and the approved personnel wore protective outer 
clothing and footwear tha t are used exclusively in the premises.  
f) All equipment used in the premises was new, or cleaned and disinfected prior to the entry of the 
elephants, and be used only in the premises for the duration of the PEI.  
g) Prior to start the PEI premises were thorough ly sprayed with an acaricide.  
h) During PEI bedding was removed every 10 days and the facility was thoroughly cleaned.  
i) During PEI and during transport to the port of departure, each elephant was  isolated from all other 
animals not of an equivalent tested heal th status.  
j) During the PEI period all bedding and feed was clean and free from evidence of contamination with ticks 
and seeds.  
k) Individual health records were kept for  each elephant  in PEI and any health problems during PEI were 
reported to MPI before export . 
l) Each elephant was examined by an Official Veterinarian in the 24 hours immediately prior to leaving the 
PEI premises for the port of export, and was free from clinical evidence of infectious or contagious 
disease, external parasites, plant and seed conta mination, and appeared to be healthy and fit to travel.  
m) The elephant is not in the last trimester of pregnancy on the date of export  
n) The elephant is more than 6 months old at departure and weaned.  
o) The crates or pens to be used for transporting the animals  to New Zealand are either new or if previously 
used will be cleaned and disinfected with an approved disinfectant.  
p) The vehicles in which the elephant(s)  will be transported to the port of departure were cleaned and 
disinfected prior to loading.  
q) During t ransport to the port of departure, all feed provided will be free from contamination with ticks and 
weeds/weed seeds.  
r) All laboratory tests were previously approved by MPI, were conducted at a government -approved 
laboratory, and all results accompany this certification.  
Treatments and testing  
(3)         Foot and mouth disease (FMD)  
a) [For elephants that will be sent to an FMD -free country following PEI in Sri Lanka].  A blood sample taken 
from each elephant during PEI was tested negative for evidence of FMDV  by MPI -approved diagnostic 
testing ; 
or 
b) [For elephants that will be sent directly to New Zealand following PEI in Sri Lanka].  A blood sample taken 
not less than 21 days after entry to PEI, and a second blood sample taken not more than 21 days prior to 
the end of PEI, were tested negative for evidence of FMDV  by MPI -approved diagnostic testing . 
 
Dates of blood collection:  
FMD tests and results:  
 Import Health Standard : Zoo Asian Elephants   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  18 of 23 
(4)         Rabies  
a) Each elephant was kept since birth or for the 6 months immediately prior to export in an estab lishment 
where no case of rabies has occurred in the last 12 months, and  
b) Each elephant was  vaccinated against rabies 6 -12 months prior to exportation to New Zealand, when the 
elephants were at least 3 months old; and  
i) A blood sample from each elephant, take n between 3 and 24 months prior to export to New 
Zealand, had a rabies antibody titre of at least 0.5 IU/ml.  
 
Date and type of vaccination:    
Date of blood collection:   
Results of rabies titre:  
(5)         Surra (Trypanosoma evansi)  
a) A blood sample taken from each elephant after arrival at PEI was examined and found free from T.evansi , 
and tested negative for T.evansi,  using OIE -recommended methods.  
 
Date of blood collection:  
Surra test results:   
(6)         Internal parasites  
a) In the  3 days after arrival at PEI, and repeated in the 3 days immediately prior to export to New Zealand, 
each elephant was treated with an endoparasiticide/s efficacious against nematodes, cestodes, 
trematodes and bot -fly larvae.  
 
Endoparasiticide/s used:    
Dose rate:    
Date of treatment 1:   
Date of treatment 2:   
(7)         External parasites  
a) In the 3 days after arrival in PEI, and repeated in the 3 days immediately prior to export to New Zealand, 
each elephant  was sprayed  to cover all the body surfaces w ith an efficacious ectoparasiticide.  
 
Endoparasiticide/s used:    
Date of treatment 1:   
Date of treatment 2:  
  
 Official Veterinarian  
Name:  
Address:  
Email:  
  
Signature:   
Date:  
 
 
 
  
Official Veterinarian signature, 
Official stamp and date  Import Health Standard : Zoo Asian Elephants   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  19 of 23 
Pre-export isolation in a foot and mouth disease -free country  
(1) Below is a model veterinary certificate for trade in zoo Asian elephants from Sri Lanka, undergoing PEI in 
a FMD -free country .  
(2) This model meets the requirements of the IHS.  
 
Part 1: Details of dispatched consignment  1.1. Consignor (Exporter):  
Name:  
Address:  
 1.2. Certificate reference number:  
 
1.3. Competent Authority:  
 
1.4. Consignee (Importer):  
Name:  
Address:  
 
 
1.5. Count ry of origin:   
 
1.7. Country of destination:  
1.9. Place of origin:  
Name:  
Address:  
1.10.  Place of shipment:  1.11.  Date of departure:  
1.12.  Means of transport:  
 
   Aeroplane       Ship      
    
Identification:  
 1.13.  Expected border post:  
1.14. CITES permit No(s):**  
1.15.  Description of commodity:  
 1.16.  Commodity Code (ISO Code*):  
1.20.  Identification of container/serial number:  
 
1.22.  Identification of commodity:   
 
 Species (Scientific Name)  ID Number/Details  Breed/Category  Age Quantity  ID System  
Elephas maximus       
      
      
      
      
 Import Health Standard : Zoo Asian Elephants   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  20 of 23 
Part 2:  Veterinary Information  Country:  Certificate reference number:  
I, …………………………………….an Official Veterinarian authorised by the Competent Authority 
of……………………………………[FMD -free country where the elephant/s underwent  PEI] certify after due enquiry, with 
respect to the elephants identified in this veterinary certificate, that :  
Pre-export isolation, i nspection and transport  
a) Each elephant spent 90 days immediately prior to export in a PEI facility supervised by an Official 
Veterinarian.  
b) The premises were new or thoroughly cleaned with a high pressure hose and steam cleaning prior to 
housing the elephants.  
c) The premises were free of grass or other pasture.  
d) During PEI each elephant w as kept isolated form other animals not of an e quivalent health status.  
e) Only approved personnel entered the premises and the approved personnel wore protective outer 
clothing and footwear that are used exclusively in the premises.  
f) All equipment used in the premises was new, or cleaned and disinfected prior to the entry of the 
elephants, and be used only in the premises for the duration of the PEI.  
g) Prior to start the PEI premises were thoroughly sprayed with an acaricide.  
h) During PEI  bedding was removed every 10 days and the facility was thoroughly cleaned.  
i) During PEI and during transport to the port of departure, the elephants were isolated from all other 
animals not of an equivalent tested health status.  
j) During the PEI period all be dding and feed was clean and free from evidence of contamination with ticks 
and seeds.  
k) Individual health records were kept for each elephant in PEI and any health problems during PEI were 
reported to MPI before export.  
l) Each elephant was examined by an Offi cial Veterinarian in the 24 hours immediately prior to leaving the 
PEI premises for the port of export, and was free from clinical evidence of infectious or contagious 
disease, external parasites, plant and seed contamination, and appeared to be healthy an d fit to travel.  
m) The crates or pens to be used for transporting the elephant(s)  to New Zealand are either new or if 
previously used will be cleaned and disinfected with an approved disinfectant.  
n) The vehicles in which the animals will be transported to th e port of departure were cleaned and 
disinfected prior to loading.  
o) During transport to the port of departure, all feed provided will be free from contamination with ticks and 
weeds/weed seeds.  
p) All laboratory tests were previously approved by MPI, were co nducted at a government -approved 
laboratory, and all results accompany this certification.  
Treatments and testing in pre -export isolation in FMD -free country  
(1) Foot and mouth disease (FMD)  
a) A blood sample taken from each elephant during PEI tested negative for evidence of FMDV  by MPI -
approved diagnostic testing.  
 
Date of blood collection:  
FMD tests and results:  
(2)         Surra (Trypanosoma evansi)  
a) A blood sample taken from each elephant was examined and found free from T.evansi , and tested 
negative for T.evansi,  using OIE -recommended methods.  
 
Date of blood collection:  
Surra test results:   
(3)         Internal parasites  
a) In the 72 hours after arrival at PEI, and repeated in the 3 days immediately prior to export to New 
Zealand,  each elephant was treated with an endoparasiticide/s efficacious against nematodes, cestodes, 
trematodes and bot -fly larvae.  
 
Endoparasiticide/s used:    
Dose rate:    
Date of treatment 1:   
Date of treatment 2:   Import Health Standard : Zoo Asian Elephants   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  21 of 23 
 
 (4)         External parasites  
a) In the 72  hours after arrival in PEI, and repeated in the 3 days immediately prior to export to New 
Zealand, each elephant  was sprayed to cover all the body surfaces with an efficacious ectoparasiticide.  
 
Endoparasiticide/s used:    
Date of treatment 1:   
Date of treatment 2:  
  
 Official Veterinarian  
Name:  
Address:  
Email:  
  
Signature:   
Date:  
  
Official Veterinarian signature, 
Official stamp and date  Import Health Standard : Zoo Asian Elephants   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  22 of 23 
Schedule  1 – Document History  
Date First Issued  Title Shortcode  
19 June 2013  IHS Zoo Asian Elephants from Sri Lanka and 
Australia  ZOOASELE.SPE  
Date of Issued A mendments  Title Shortcode  
TBA IHS: Zoo Asian Elephants  ZOOASELE.SPE  
   
 Import Health Standard : Zoo Asian Elephants   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  23 of 23 
Schedule 2 – Definitions  
Competent Authority  
The Veterinary or other Governmental Authority of an OIE Member, that has the  responsibility and 
competence for ensuring or supervising the implementation of animal health and welfare measures, 
international veterinary certification and other standards and recommendations in the Code  in the whole 
territory.  
Director -General  
The chie f executive of the Ministry for Primary Industries.  
IATA  
The International Air Transport Association.  
Inspector  
A person who is appointed an inspector under section 103 of the Act.  
Note: An Inspector is appointed to undertake administering and enforcing t he provisions of the Act and 
controls imposed under the Hazardous Substances and New Organism Act 1996, and the Convention on the 
International Trade in Endangered Species.  
MPI 
Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand.  
Official Veterinarian  
A veterina rian 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 provisions of the OIE Code  Chapter for certification procedures.  
OIE 
The World Organisation for Animal Health.  
Registered Veterinarian  
A veterinarian suitably qualified and registered to practise veterinary medicine  in the exporting country.  
The Code  
The OIE Terrestrial  Animal Health Code as found on the OIE website.  
The Manual   
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial 
Animals.  
Veterinary Certificate  
A certificate, issued in conformity with the provisions of t he Code  Chapter for certification procedures, 
describing the animal health and/or public health requirements which are fulfilled by the exported 
commodities.  
Zoo  
A containment facility approved to the containment standard where live zoo animals are kept for the purposes 
of public exhibition, conservation, research or education.  
Explanatory n ote: A zoo includes for example, a circus, butterfly house, aquarium or an  oceanarium.