A guidance document issued by  the Ministry for Primary Industries    
Guidance Document  
 
 
 
Semen and Embryos from 
Horses ( Equidae ) 
HORSSEMB.SPE  
. 
 
 
 Guidance Document :  Semen and Embryos from Horses ( Equidae ) 
 Final Draft Provisional  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries     Page  1 of 18 Title 
Guidance Document :  Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae)  
About this document  
This guidance document contains information about acceptable ways of ens uring compliance with the 
requirements in the  Import Health Standard (IHS):  Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae).  
Any guidance on how to comply with the applicable requirements may not be the only way to achieve 
compliance. Stakeholders are encouraged to discuss departures from the approaches outlined in this 
guidance document with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to avoid expending resources on the 
development of alternative approaches which may later be considered unsuitable.  
The term “must” is not typically used in guidance. In this particular document if the term “must” is used, it is 
used in the context of  quoting or paraphrasing the requirements set out in the related IHS: Semen and 
Embryos from Horses (Equidae ). 
Related requirements  
IHS: Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae).  
Document  history  
Refer to Appendix 1.  
Contact d etails  
For further information and questions about this gu idance document, please contact:  
 
Ministry for Primary Industries  
Regulation & Assurance   
Animal Imports  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
Email: animalimports@mpi.govt.nz  
Disclaimer  
This guidance does not constitute, and should not be regarded as, legal advice . While every effort has been 
made to ensure the information in this guidance is accurate, the Ministry f or Primary Industries does not 
accept any responsibility or liability whatsoever for any error of fact, omission, interpretation or opinion that 
may be present, however it may have occurred.  
Copyright  
Crown copyright ©. This copyright work is licensed und er the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 New Zealand 
licence. In essence, you are free to copy, distribute and adapt the work, as long as you attribute the work to the Ministry f or Primary 
Industries and abide by the other licence terms. To view a copy of t his licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/nz/ . 
Please note that no governmental emblem, logo or Coat of Arms may be used in any way which infringes any provision of the Fla gs, 
Emblems, and Names Protection Act 1981 or would infringe such provision if the relevant use occurred within New Zealand. 
Attribution to the Ministry for Primary Industries should be in written form and not by reproduction of any such emblem, logo  or Coa t of 
Arms.  
 
Guidance Document :  Semen and Embryos from Horses ( Equidae ) 
 Final Draft Provisional  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries     Page  2 of 18 Contents   Page 
1 Purpose  3 
2 Background  3 
3 Definitions  3 
4 Importer responsibilities  3 
5 Guidance  3 
5.1 Equivalence and permits  3 
5.2 Inspection and verif ication  4 
5.3 Specified countries  4 
5.4 Incorporation of material by reference  4 
5.5 Diagnostic tests and vaccines  4 
5.6 Semen collecti on and processing  4 
5.7 Agreed country -specific veterinary certificates  5 
5.8 Antibiotics effective against Leptospirosis  6 
5.9 Model veterinary certificate for horse semen  7 
5.10  Model veterinary certificate for horse embryos  13 
Appendix 1 – Document History  18 
 
 
 Guidance Document :  Semen and Embryos from Horses ( Equidae ) 
 Final Draft Provisional  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries     Page  3 of 18 1 Purpose  
(1) This guidance document has been issued to accompany the IHS: Semen and Embryos from Horses 
(Equidae) . This guidance document should be read in conjunction with that standard.  
(2) This document  includes:  
a) A table listing countries with MPI approved export systems to import equine semen and embryos 
into New Zealand.  
b) Model semen and embryo veterinary certificates.  
c) Links to the negotiated country -specific certificates.  
2 Background  
(1) The IHS: Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae) which this guidance document accompanies 
manages the biosecurity risk of importing semen and embryos from horses ( Equidae ) from those 
countries covered by the IHS (Australia, Canada, the EU, Switzerland, Norway and the USA) and in 
doing so meet New Zealand’s appropriate level of protection. This guidance document contains a 
model veterinary certificate and the links to the bilater ally agreed country -specific veterinary certificates 
to be used for trade in semen and embryos from horses  (Equidae) . The country -specific veterinary 
certificate represents what will be certified prior to exporting consignments of semen and embryos from 
horses (Equidae) from the country specified.  
(2) General information about importing semen and embryos can be found here: 
http://www.mpi.govt.nz/importing/live -animals/animal -germpl asm/   
3 Definitions  
(1) Refer to Schedule 2 of the IHS: Semen and Embryos from Horses (Equidae).  
4 Importer responsibilities  
(1) The costs to MPI in performing functions relating to the importation of semen and embryos from horses 
(Equidae ) will be recovered in accord ance with the Biosecurity Act 1993 (the Act) and any regulations 
made under that Act. All costs involved with documentation, transport, storage and obtaining a 
biosecurity clearance will be covered by the importer or agent.  
5 Guidance  
5.1 Equivalence and permits  
(1) MPI may accept an alternative method, system or process that can be shown to achieve the 
biosecurity requirements of the IHS (i.e. equivalence)  under section 27(1)(d) of the Act . 
(2) MPI’s preference is that the exporting country’s Competent Authority makes e quivalence requests. 
Equivalence requests can be lodged with animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz  
(3) A permit to import is not required to import semen and embryos from horses ( Equidae ) into New 
Zealand if the requirements of the IHS are met.  
(4) A permit may be required where specific equivalence measures are approved by MPI as per the 
equivalence clause in the IHS. A permit to import serves as evidence of equivalence decisions and will 
be written as specific notes  in the special conditions section of the permit.  Guidance Document :  Semen and Embryos from Horses ( Equidae ) 
 Final Draft Provisional  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries     Page  4 of 18 (5) Permit to import application forms can be found on the MPI website at: 
http://www.mpi.govt.nz/document -vault/3137 .  
(6) Completed applications are lodg ed with animal imports animalimports@mpi.govt.nz . 
5.2 Inspection and verification  
(1) On arrival, all documentation accompanying the consignment will be verified by an inspector. The 
inspector may also inspect the c onsignment, or a sample of the consignment on arrival.  
(2) Inspectors are able to inspect and verify due to their authorised powers under the Act.  
5.3 Specified countries  
(1) The IHS is for semen and embryos of  horses ( Equidae ) from specified countries. These countrie s are 
listed in the IHS. The IHS is based upon an import risk analysis (2009 IRA) written for specified 
countries which include Australia, Canada, the USA and the EU. Based on equivalent disease freedom 
status, Switzerland and Norway are included in the IH S. Full justification of measures in the IHS can be 
found in the risk management proposal (link to be inserted).  
(2) Competent Authorities of other countries must approach MPI for approval of their exporting systems to 
allow for imports of semen and embryos of horses into New Zealand. Approval will also require an 
expansion of the IRA to incorporate measures for these countries.  
5.4 Incorporation of material by reference  
(1) Incorporation by reference means that standards, guidelines or lists are incorporated into th e IHS and 
they form part of the requirements. This is done because technical documents are too large or 
impractical to include in the IHS.  
(2) Where the IHS states that section 142O(1) of the Biosecurity Act does not apply, this means that 
importers need to re fer to the most recent version of any standards, guidelines or lists that are 
incorporated by reference in the IHS.  
5.5 Diagnostic tests and vaccines  
(1) MPI lists all approved diagnostic tests, treatments and vaccines in the MPI document, Approved 
Diagnostic Test s, Vaccines, Treatments and Post -Arrival Testing Laboratories for Animal Import Health 
Standards (MPI-STD-TVTL ). 
(2) Where OIE recommended diagnostic tests and vaccines are listed, details can be found  in the  OIE 
Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines found on the OIE website: http://www.oie.int/en/international -
standard -setting/terrestrial -manual/ access -online/ . 
5.6 Semen collection and processing  
(1) The current recommendations of the OIE Code  Chapter 4.6.6. on the conditions applicable to the 
collection of equine semen:  
a) The floor of the mounting area should be clean and provide safe footing. A dusty floor should be 
avoided.  
b) The hindquarters of the teaser, whether a dummy or a live teaser animal, should be kept clean. A 
dummy should be cleaned completely after each period of collection. A teaser animal should 
have its hindquarters cleaned carefully bef ore each collecting session. The dummy or Guidance Document :  Semen and Embryos from Horses ( Equidae ) 
 Final Draft Provisional  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries     Page  5 of 18 hindquarters of the teaser animals should be sanitised after the collection of each ejaculate. 
Disposable plastic covers may be used.  
c) The hand of the person collecting the semen should not come into contact with th e animal’s 
penis. Disposable gloves should be worn by the collector and changed for each collection.  
d) The artificial vagina should be cleaned completely after each collection where relevant. It should 
be dismantled, it’s various parts washed, rinsed and dri ed, and kept protected from dust. The 
inside of the body of the device and the cone should be disinfected before re -assembly using 
approved disinfection techniques such as those involving the use of alcohol, ethylene oxide or 
steam. Once re -assembled, it s hould be kept in a cupboard which is regularly cleaned and 
disinfected.  
e) The lubricant used should be clean. The rod used to spread the lubricant should be clean and 
should not be exposed to dust between successive collections.  
f) The artificial vagina should not be shaken after ejaculation, otherwise lubricant and debris may 
pass down the cone to join the contents of the collecting tube.  
g) When successive ejaculates are being collected, a new artificial vagina should be used for each 
mounting. The vagina should also be changed when the animal has inserted its penis without 
ejaculating.  
h) The collecting tubes should be sterile, and either disposable or sterilised by autoclaving or 
heating in an oven at 180°C for at least 30 minutes. They should be kept sealed to pre vent 
exposure to the environment while awaiting use.  
i) After semen collection, the tube should be left attached to the cone and within its sleeve until it 
has been removed from the collection room for transfer to the laboratory.  
(2) Semen can be contained in var ious types of receptacles, such as a vial, goblet, ampoule, screw -top 
container or straw, as long as they are tamper -evident and separate semen from individual donors.  
5.7 Agreed country -specific veterinary certificates  
(1) Requests from exporting countries to neg otiate veterinary certification for the import of semen and 
embryos from horses  (Equidae ) into New Zealand will be prioritised according to MPI resources 
available at the time of application.  
(2) A model veterinary certificate is provided in this guidance document and can be used by the 
Competent Authority as a reference for country -specific veterinary certificate negotiation.  
(3) All country -specific veterinary certificates agreed between an exporting country’s Competent Authority 
and MPI are included in the following table:  
 
For Semen  
Country  Link to c ertificate  S27 CTO direction 
#  Date agreed  Date applicable 
for use  
     
     
     
     
 
For Embryos  
Country  Link to c ertificate  S27 CTO direction 
#  Date agreed  Date applicable 
for use  
     
     
     
     Guidance Document :  Semen and Embryos from Horses ( Equidae ) 
 Final Draft Provisional  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries     Page  6 of 18 (4) Country -specific veterinary certificates with equivalent measures will be recorded with a number 
relevant to a Chief Technical Officer (CTO) direction under section 27(1)d(iii) of the Act, to enable 
border staff to clear the goods and record the number  in the MPI database.  
(5) When a newly negotiated country -specific veterinary certificate replaces one which is currently in use, 
the application of new import conditions will apply according to the dates listed in the table. At that time 
previous veterinary certificates for that country can no longer be used.  
(6) After issue of the IHS, the measures may be used by countries which already have an agreed 
veterinary certificate. Using the measures before a new country -specific veterinary certificate is agreed 
can cr eate challenges at the time of biosecurity clearance. MPI should be notified prior to their use in 
order to provide clarification to border staff.  
(7) When a country -specific veterinary certificate is agreed, there will be a four -month transition period to 
allow donors to be prepared in accordance with the new conditions. During transition, both the old and 
the new import conditions are acceptable. After transition, the previous veterinary certificate for that 
country can no longer be used.  
(8) Currently there are  no country -specific veterinary certificates for semen and embryos from horses 
(Equidae ) imports into New Zealand under this IHS.  
5.8 Antibiotics effective against Leptospirosis  
(1) Antibiotics that can be added to the semen or embryos of horses (Equidae ) for expo rt to New Zealand 
include, but are not limited to:  
a) 500 IU per ml streptomycin; or  
b) 500 IU per ml penicillin  in conjunction with an aminoglycoside ; or  
c) 150 µg per ml lincomycin; or  
d) 300 µg per ml spectinomycin; or  
e) 50 µg per ml gentamycin ; or  
f) Minimally 1.0  mg per ml Ticarcillin and 0.5 mg  per ml Amikacin  (1,0mg/ml Timentin).  
(2) Refer to the MPI document, Approved Diagnostic Tests, Vaccines, Treatments and Post -Arrival 
Testing Laboratories for Animal Import Health Standards (MPI-STD-TVTL ) for a complete list of 
approved antibiotics.  
  Guidance Document :  Semen and Embryos from Horses ( Equidae ) 
 Final Draft Provisional  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries     Page  7 of 18 5.9 Model veterinary certificate for horse semen  
(1) Below is the model veterinary certificate for trade in semen from horses ( Equidae ). The model meets 
the requirements of the IHS.  
(2) The model veterinary certificate format is based on the Code  Chapter for model veterinary certificates 
for international trade in semen and embryos.  
 
Country : Part I: Details of dispatched consignment  I.1.   Consignor (Exporter):  
Name:  
Address:  
 I.2.  Certificate reference number:  
I.3.  Competent Authority:  
I.4.  Consignee (Importer):  
Name:  
Address:  
 
I.5. Country of origin :                
ISO Code* : 
  I.6.   Zone or compartment of origin**:  
I.7. Country of destination:                                      
ISO Code* : 
  I.8.   Zone or compartment of destination**:   
I.9.  Place of origin:  
Name:  
Address:  
 
I.10.  Place of shipment:  
 I.11. Date of departure:  
 I.12.  Means of transport:  
   Aeroplane                Ship     
 
Identification:  
 I.13.  Expected border post:  
I.14.  CITES permit No(s)**:    
I.15. Description of commodity:  I.16. Commodity code (HS Code):  
 
I.17. Total quantity:  
 
I.18.  Temperature of the product:       
 
  Chilled        Frozen    
 I.19.  Total number of packages:  
I.20.  Identification of container/seal number:  
 
 I.21. Type of packaging:  
I.22.  Commodities intended for use as:  
    Artificial Reproduction  
    Other  
                 
I.23. Not Applicable  
I.24. Identification of commodities:   Species (Scientific name):  Horse ( Equidae )  
  
 
* Optional.  
** If referenced in Part II.  
 Approval number of  
establishments  Net weight  Treatment type  Lot ID/Date code  
    
    
    
    Guidance Document :  Semen and Embryos from Horses ( Equidae ) 
 Final Draft Provisional  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries     Page  8 of 18 Part II: Specific Requirements  
Country:  Certificate reference number:  
 
Donor identification   
Breed   
Date of birth   
Country of birth   
Date(s) of collection   
Straw identification   
Number of straws   
*only to be filled out in case the tabulated summary of tests and results is not used  
 
I,……………………………….., the undersigned Official Veterinarian certifies that the semen described above satisfy(ies) the 
following requirements:  
Eligibility  
(1) The semen is from equids.  
(2) The semen is fresh -chilled/ frozen and non -genetically modified.  
Diagnostic  testing , vaccination, and treatment  
(3) All required laboratory testing was conducted at a laboratory approved to conduct export testing by the Competent Authority o f 
a country approved to export equine semen to New Zealand.  
(4) Original or c opies of laboratory reports, or an endorsed, tabulated su mmary, including test date, type, and results for each 
donor, are attached to this veterinary certificate.   
(5) All products and vaccinations administered to meet specific disease requirements were administered according to the 
manufacturer’s instruction in a  country approved to export to New Zealand. Vaccinations were either the final dose of a primary 
course or the recommended booster to complement the primary.  
a) Product name, manufacturer, active ingredient (where applicable)_________________________________ ___________ 
Dose and date of treatment_________________________________________________  
b) Vaccine name and virus type and strain: ___________________________________________________________ 
Inactivated or modified live virus (circle or delete as appropriate  and initial)  
(6) All products and vaccinations administered to donor animals for the purposes of meeting the specific disease requirements of 
this certificate were  administered according to the manufacturer’s instruction  in a country approved to export to Ne w Zealand. 
Vaccinations were either the final dose of a primary course or the recommended booster to complement the primary .     
Semen centre  requirements  
(7) The semen centre meets the conditions specified in the OIE Code  Chapter on general hygiene in semen c ollection and 
processing centres . 
(8) The semen centre  was: 
a) Approved for export by the Competent Authority . 
b) Subject to regular annual inspection by an Official Veterinarian . 
c) Under the supervisio n of a semen centre  veterinarian appr oved by the Competent Authority.   
(9) The name  and approval numbers  of the  semen centre(s)  are recorded in this veterinary certificate.   
(10) The donors were  transferred from one approved semen centre  to another of equal health status without isolation or testing  and 
the following occu rred:   
a) Donors were examined, by the approved semen collection facility  veterinarian, and showed no clinical sign of disease  on 
the day of entry into  the facility.  
b) Transfer was direct.  
c) Donors were not in direct or indirect contact with an imals of a lower h ealth status.  
d) The means of transport u sed was disinfected before use.  
(delete entire clause as appropriate)  
 Guidance Document :  Semen and Embryos from Horses ( Equidae ) 
 Final Draft Provisional  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries     Page  9 of 18 Semen donor requirements  
(11) The s emen donors were  resident  for at least 28 consecutive days at the semen centre prior to collection of the semen for 
export . During this time semen donors were  not be used for natural mating and were  isolated from animals not of equivalent 
health status.  
(12) On the day of collection the semen centre  veterinarian ensured  by clinical examination including that of the external 
reproductive organs that the donor  was free from clinical evidence of infectious diseases transmissible in semen.  
(13) The donor has been approved for the < enter years of breeding season> breeding season on < enter date>. (applicable to 
Australian stallions only; delete if not applicable ) 
Semen collection, processing, storage and transport  
(14) Semen was collected  and processed  in accordance with the current recommendations of the OIE Code .  
(15) None of the cryogenic or cooling agen t has been  previously used in associa tion with any other product of animal origin.  
(16) Semen and embryos are in straws, ampoules, pellets, or new or disinfected containers which are sealed and tamper -evident, 
and clearly and permanently marked to identify the donor and the date(s) of collection. A code is used for this information and 
its decipher accompanies the consignment (delete as appropriate and initial) . The marking is in accordance with the OIE Code . 
(17) Semen was only stored with semen/embryos that were co llected and processed in accordance with the Code . Containers were 
held until export in storage place approved by the Competent Authority of the exporting country.  
(18) Semen was stored in the same container only with semen from donors of equivalent health stat us. 
(19) Semen was placed in a transport container that is new or disinfected and free of contamination.  
Disinfectant (active chemical) and date  (delete and initial if the container was new) :  
_____________________________________________________  
(20) The transport container was sealed by either the semen centre  veterinarian or an Official V eterinarian , using tamper -evident 
seals.   
Seal number  __________________________________________  
(21) The semen was transferred from one transport container to another (delete if not applicable).  
Date of transfer ___________________________________  
Reason for transfer _______________________________________________________________________  
Facility __________________________________________  
Veterinarian (name and signature): __________________________________________________________  
(22) The semen in this consignment originates from < insert name of country of origin > (delete as appropriate and initial) , which is  
approved to export equine semen to New Zealand, and is accompanied by:  
a) a declaration from the < Insert the name of the Competent Au thority of the country of export > that links the semen to the 
semen being exported and confirms that the semen has been sto red as per New Zealand requirements at a facility 
approved by the Competent Authority of <insert name of country of export >; and either  
i a veterinary certificate, certified by the Competent Authority of <insert name of country of origin>  as meeting 
New Zea land’s requirements; or  
ii a letter from Competent Authority of <insert name of country of origin>  indicates that the semen meets New 
Zealand’s requirements.  
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR IDENTIFIED RISK ORGANISMS:  
(23) Equine herpesvirus -1 (EHV -1) [abortigenic and p aralytic forms]   
Donor animals  
a) Were  kept for the 21 days prior to collection in  an establishment where no case  of EHV -1 (abortigenic and paralytic forms) 
was reported during that period; and  
i) Showed no clinical signs of EHV -1 infection on the day of collec tion and during the 21 days prior to collection . 
(24) Equine infectious anaemia (EIA)  
a) Donors showed no clinical sign of EIA on the day of each collection; and  
i) Donors were kept on premises where no case of EIA has been reported during the 90 days prior to each collection; 
and Guidance Document :  Semen and Embryos from Horses ( Equidae ) 
 Final Draft Provisional  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries     Page  10 of 18 Donors were subjected to a test listed in the MPI document: MPI Approved Diagnostic Tests, Vaccines, Treatments 
and Post -arrival Testing Laboratories for Animal Import Health Standards (MPI -STD-TVTL) , not less than  30 days 
prior to collection  with negative results.  
(25) Equine viral arteritis (EVA) (delete as applicable)  
a) Donors were kept in an establishment where no equid has shown any clinical sign of EVA for the 28 days immediately 
prior to semen collection and showed no clinical sign of EVA on the day of semen collection; and  
i) Were subjected between 6 and 9 months of age to a test for EVA as prescribed in MPI -STD-TVTL, with either (delete 
as applicable)  
i A negative result, or  
ii A positive result, followed at least 14 days later by a second  test that showed a stable or decreasing titre; and 
were subsequently vaccinated against EVA and regularly vaccinated according to the recommendations of the 
manufacturer;  
Vaccine name:________________________________________  
Vaccination date: ____________ __________________________  
or 
ii) Were isolated and not earlier than seven days after commencing isolation, were subjected to a test for EVA as 
prescribed in MPI -STD-TVTL on a blood sample with negative results, vaccinated for EVA, kept for 21 days following 
vaccination separated from other equids and regularly revaccinated according to the recommendations of the 
manufacturer;  
Vaccine name:________________________________________  
        Vaccination date: ______________________________________  
or 
iii) Were subjected  to a test for EVA as prescribed in MPI -STD-TVTL on a blood sample with negative results within 14 
days prior to semen collection, and had been separated from other equids not of equivalent health status for 14 days 
prior to blood sampling until the end of  semen collection; or  
iv) Have been subjected to a test for EVA as prescribed in MPI -STD-TVTL on a blood sample with positive results and 
then either  
i Were subsequently test mated to two mares within 6 months prior to semen collection, which were subjected to 
two tests for EVA as prescribed in MPI -STD-TVTL with negative results on blood samples collected at the time 
of test mating and again 28 days after test mating; or  
ii Were subjected to a test for EVA as prescribed in MPI -STD-TVTL with negative results, carried  out on semen 
collected within 6 months prior to collection of the semen to be exported; or  
iii Were subjected to a test for EVA is prescribed in MPI -STD-TVTL with negative results, carried out on semen 
collected within six months after the blood sample was co llected then immediately vaccinated, and revaccinated 
regularly;  
Vaccine name:________________________________________  
Vaccination date: ______________________________________  
or 
v) For frozen semen, were subjected with negative results to either  
i A test for E VA as prescribed in MPI -STD-TVTL carried out on a blood sample taken not earlier than 14 days 
and not later than 12 months after the collection of the semen for export; or  
ii A test for EVA as prescribed in MPI -STD-TVTL carried out on an aliquot of the semen collected immediately 
prior to processing or on an aliquot of semen collected within 14 to 30 days after the first collection of the semen 
to be exported.  
(26) Leptospirosis  
a) Antibiotics effective against Leptospires  were added to collection, processing, washing  and storage media.   
Name and concentration of antibiotics:  
_______________________________  
_______________________________  
(27) Taylorella  spp. (Contagious equine metritis, CEM) (delete as applicable)  
a) Donors were from a country imposing control measures for CEM  as described in the Manual  or otherwise approved by 
MPI; and 
i) Have had no direct or indirect contact with CEM during the two months prior to collection; and  
i Showed no clinical sign of CEM on the day of each collection;  and  
ii Have been subjected to a test* listed in MPI -STD-TVTL  with negative results  twice with a 4 -7 day interval  during 
the 30  days prior to the collection period ; and Guidance Document :  Semen and Embryos from Horses ( Equidae ) 
 Final Draft Provisional  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries     Page  11 of 18 iii Have been protected against any possibility of contagion since the beginning of the tests; and  
iv Have not been treated with antibiotics for at least 7 days before commencing the testing and throughout the 
sample collection period; or  
ii) have previously shown signs of CEM or have been in d irect or indirect contact with  CEM  during the two months prior 
to collection ; and  
i Were treated for CEM; and  
ii After treatment, w ere subjected to an effective method of testing * listed in  MPI-STD-TVTL, with three swabs 
taken at 7 -day intervals with negative results followed by testing of the first three mares mated or inseminated 
by the stallion with negative results; and 
iii Have been protected against any possibility of contagion since the beginning of the tests.  
           (*Swabbing sites are the prepuce, the  urethral sinus and the fossa glandis (including its diverticulum))  
Semen Centre Veterinarian:  
Name:  
Address:                                                            
Date:                    
Signature:  Official Veterinarian:  
Name:  
Address:                                                            
Date:                    
Signature:  
Official Vet erinarian signature  
Official stamp  Guidance Document :  Semen and Embryos from Horses ( Equidae ) 
 Final Draft Provisional  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries     Page  12 of 18 This table accompanies the veterinary certificate with reference number: ___________________________________
Donor Information  
Name  Donor identification  Breed  Date of Birth  Country of Birth  Name of Owner  Address of Owner  
       
       
Semen information  
 
Donor 
identification  Date/s of 
collection  Straw identification  Number of 
Straws  Date of entry into semen 
collection centre  Name of semen 
collection centre  Address of semen  collection 
centre  Semen collection 
centre approval 
number  Date of last 
inspection of 
semen centre  
         
         
Test information  (Note that this information is to be amended as appropriate to the exporting country)  
 
Donor identification  Equine infectious anaemia virus  Equine viral arteritis virus  Taylorella spp (contagious equine metritis (CEM)  
 
 
Test 
sampling 
date 
 
Test type  
Result  
Test 
sampling 
date 
Test type  
Result  
Test 
sampling 
date 
Test type  
Result  
          
          
          Guidance Document :  Semen and Embryos from Horses ( Equidae ) 
 Final Draft Provisional  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries     Page  13 of 18 5.10 Model veterinary certificate for horse embryos  
(1) Below is a model veterinary certificate for trade in embryo s from horses ( Equidae ), this model meets 
the requirements of the IHS.  
(2) The model certificate format is based on the OIE Code  Chapter for model veterinary certificates for 
international trade in semen and embryos .   
 
Country : Part I: Details of dispatched  consignment  I.1.   Consignor (Exporter):  
Name:  
Address:  
 I.2.  Certificate reference number:  
I.3.  Competent Authority:  
I.4.  Consignee (Importer):  
Name:  
Address:  
 
I.5. Country of origin :                
ISO Code* : 
  I.6.   Zone or compartment of origin**:  
I.7. Country of destination:                                      
ISO Code* : 
  I.8.   Zone or compartment of destination**:   
I.9.  Place of origin:  
Name:  
Address:  
 
I.10.  Place of shipment:  
 I.11. Date of departure:  
 I.12.  Means of transport:  
   Aeroplane                Ship     
 
Identification:  
 I.13.  Expected border post:  
I.14.  CITES permit No(s)**:    
I.15. Description of commodity:  I.16. Commodity code (HS Code):  
 
I.17. Total quantity:  
 
I.18.  Temperature of the product:       
 
  Frozen    
 I.19.  Total number of packages:  
I.20.  Identification of container/seal number:  
 
 I.21. Type of packaging:  
I.22.  Commodities intended for use as:  
    Artificial Reproduction  
    Other  
                 
I.23. Not Applicable  
I.24. Identification of commodities:   Species (Scientific name):  Horse ( Equidae )  
  
 
* Optional.  
** If referenced in Part II.  Approval number of  
establishments  Net weight  Treatment type  Lot ID/Date code  
    
    
    
    Guidance Document :  Semen and Embryos from Horses ( Equidae ) 
 Final Draft Provisional  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries     Page  14 of 18 Part II: Specific Requirements  
Country:  Certificate reference number:  
 
Donor identification   
Breed   
Date of birth   
Country of birth   
Date(s) of collection   
Straw identification   
Number of straws   
*only to be filled out in case the tabulated summary of tests and results is not used  
 
I,……………………………….., a veterinarian authorised by the veterinary authority certify, after due enquiry that the semen described above 
satisfy(ies) the following requirements:  
Eligibility  
(1) The embryos  are from equids.  
(2) The embryos  are in vivo  derived,  frozen , non -cloned,  and non -genetically modified.  
Diagnostic  testing , vaccination, and treatment  
(3) All required laboratory testing was conducted at a laboratory approved to conduct export testing by the Competent Authority of a country 
approved to export equine embryos to New Zealand .   
(4) Tests used were listed in and carried out in accordance with the MPI document ; Approved Diagnostic Tests, Vaccines, Treatments and 
Post-Arrival Testing Laboratories for Animal Import Health Standards MPI -STD-TVTL.  
(5) Original or c opies of laborator y reports, or an endorsed, tabulated summary, including test date, type, and results for each donor, are 
attached to this veterinary certificate.   
(6) All products and vaccinations administered to meet specific disease requirements were administered according  to the manufacturer’s 
instruction  in a country approved to export to New Zealand. Vaccinations were either the final dose of a primary course or the 
recommended booster to complement the primary .     
Embryo collection team and herd approval requirements  
(7) At the time of collection of embryos for export to New Zealand, the embryo collection team was approved by and registered with  the 
[Competent Authority of the exporting country ].   
(8) The embryo collection team veterinarian  has knowledge of and authority over the embryo collection  herd until completion of collection and 
testing  of the embryo(s) exported to New Zealand  specified in this IHS. 
Donor and herd health status  
(9) Donors were isolated from other horses , not of an equivalent tested health status, from the time of the pre -collection test s until completion 
of collection of embryos for export to New Zealand . 
(10) On the day(s) of collection of the embryos, the approved embryo collection team veterinarian was resp onsible for monitoring the health 
status of each donor and record ed that the donor was free from clinical evidence of infectious diseases transmissible in embryos.  
Embryo collection, processing, storage and transport  
(11) Embryos were collected  and processed  under the supervision of an approved embryo collection team veterinarian and in accordance with 
the recommendations in the OIE Code  chapters on collection and processing of in vivo  derived embryos of livestock.  
(12) Embryo s had an intact zona pellucida and were  free of adherent material after the final wash when examined over its entire surface at not 
less than 50X magnification. Any micro -manipulation that caused a breach of the zona pellucida, was performed according to the 
procedures described in the OIE Code  and IETS Manual .   
(13) All biological products of animal origin used in the media and solutions for collection, processing, washing or storage of em bryos were  free 
from pathogenic organisms.   Guidance Document :  Semen and Embryos from Horses ( Equidae ) 
 Final Draft Provisional  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries     Page  15 of 18 (14) Media and solutions were either sterilised by approved methods accor ding to the IETS Manual  or commercially prepared sterile media 
were used.  These were handled in such a manner as to ensure t hat sterility was maintained.   
(15) None of the  cryogenic or cooling agent has been previously used in association with any other produ ct of animal origin.  
(16) Embryos are s ealed  in receptacles , which are clearly and permanently marked to identify the donor and the date(s) of collection.  A code is 
used for this information  and i ts decipher accompan ies the consignment  (delete as appropriate a nd initial).  The marking  is in accordance 
with the IETS Standards .  
(17) The embryo(s) for export has/have only been stored with embryos that have been collected and processed in compliance with the  OIE 
Code . Containers have been held until export in a storage place approved by the Competent Authority of the exporting country.  
(18) Embryos  were  placed in a container which is disinfected and free of contamination . 
Disinfectant (active chemical) and date  (delete and initial if container was new):   
_____________________________________________________  
(19) The transport container in which the embryos are transported to New Zealand was sealed  by either the embryo collection team 
veterinarian or an official veterinarian, using tamper evident seals.   
Seal n umber __________________________________________  
(20) The embryos were transferred from one container to another (delete if not applicable).  
Date of transfer ___________________________________  
Reason for transfer _______________________________________________ ________________________  
Facility __________________________________________  
Veterinarian (name and signature): __________________________________________________________  
(21) The embryos in this consignment originate from < insert name of country of origin > (delete as appropriate and initial) , which is  approved to 
export equine semen to New Zealand, and is accompanied by:  
a) a declaration from the < Insert the name of the Competent A uthority of the country of export > that links the embryos to the embryos 
being exp orted and confirms that the embryos have been stored as per New Zealand requirements at a facility approved by the 
Competent Authority of < insert name of country of export >; and either  
i a veterinary certificate, certified by the Competent Authority of < insert name of country of origin > as meeting New 
Zealand’s requirements; or  
ii a letter from Competent Authority of < insert name of country of origin > indicates that the embryos meet New Zealand’s 
requirements.  
 
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR IDENTIFIED RISK ORGANIS MS: 
  
(22) Equine herpesvirus -1 (EHV -1) [abortigenic and paralytic forms]   
Donor animals  
a) Have been kept for the 21 days prior to collection in  an establishment where no case  of EHV -1 (abortigenic and paralytic forms) was 
reported during that period.  
b) Showed no clinical signs of EHV -1 infection on the day of collection and during the 21 days prior to collection.  
(23) Equine infectious anaemia (EIA)   
a) Donors showed no clinical sign of EIA on the day of each collection; and  
i) Donors were kept on premises where no case of E IA has been reported during the 90 days prior to each collection; and  
ii) Donors were subjected to a test listed in the MPI document: MPI Approved Diagnostic Tests, Vaccines, Treatments and Post -
arrival Testing Laboratories for Animal Import Health Standards ( MPI-STD-TVTL) , 30 days prior to collection , with negative 
results . 
(24) Equine viral arteritis (EVA) (delete as applicable)  
a) Donors were  
i) kept in an establishme nt where no animals  have shown any signs of EVA for the 28  days prior to shipment; and  
i Were subjected to a test for EVA, as prescribed in MPI-STD-TVTL , carried  out on blood samples collected either once 
within 21 days prior to collection  with negative result, or on two occasions at least 14 days apart within 28 days prior to 
collection , which demonstrated stable or declining antibody titres; or  
ii Were regularly vaccinated according to the reco mmendations of the manufacturer.  
Vaccine: __________________________________________  
Date of vaccination: _______________________________  Guidance Document :  Semen and Embryos from Horses ( Equidae ) 
 Final Draft Provisional  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries     Page  16 of 18 Or 
ii) Donors were isolated for the 28 days prior to collection and during this period sho wed no sign of EVA.  
 
(25) Leptospirosis  
a) Antibiotics were added to collection, processing, washing and storage media.   
Name and concentration of antibiotics:  
_______________________________  
_______________________________  
 
(26) Taylorella  spp. (Contagious equine metritis, CEM) (delete as applicable)  
a) Donors were from a country imposing control measures for CEM  as described in the Manual  or otherwise  approved by MPI ; and 
i) Have had no direct or indirect contact with CEM during the two months prior to collection; and  
i Showed no clinical sign of CEM on the day of each collection;  and  
ii Have been subjected to a test1  listed in MPI -STD-TVTL  with negative res ults twice with a 4 -7 day interval  during the 
30 days prior to the collection period ; and 
iii Have been protected against any possibility of contagion since the beginning of the tests; and  
iv Have not been treated with antibiotics for at least 7 days before comme ncing the testing and throughout the sample 
collection period; or  
ii) have previously shown signs of CEM or have been in direct or indirect contact with  CEM  during the two months prior to 
collection ; and  
i Were treated for CEM; and  
ii After treatment, w ere subjected to an effective method of testing2 listed in  MPI-STD-TVTL, with three clitoral swabs taken at 
7-day intervals with negative results followed by testing of three endometrial swabs during the next three oestrus periods 
with negative results; and 
iii Have been protected against any possibility of contagion since the beginning of the tests.  
 
1 Swabbing sites are the clitoral fossa and sinuses; two swabs are required 4 -7 days apart.  
2 Swabbing sites are the clitoral fossa and sinuses; three swabs are requi red at weekly intervals.  
 
Embryo Collection Veterinarian:  
Name  
Address:  
 
Date:  
Signature:  Official Veterinarian:  
Name:  
Address:  
 
Date:  
Signature:  
 
Official Vet erinarian signature  
Official stamp  Guidance Document :  Semen and Embryos from Horses ( Equidae ) 
 Final Draft Provisional  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries     Page  17 of 18 This Table accompanies the veterinary certificate with reference number: __________________________  
Female donor information  
Name  Donor identification  Breed  
 Date of Birth  Country of Birth  Name of Owner  Address of Owner  
       
       
Male donor information  
Name  Donor identification  Breed  
 Date of Birth  Country of Birth  Name of Semen Centre  Address of Semen  
Centre  Semen Centre Number  
        
        
Embryo information  (Note that this information is to be amended as appropriate to the exporting country)  
 
Female donor 
identification  Date/s of collection  Identification  of embryos  Number of embryos  Date of entry into place of embryo collection  Embryo team approval 
number  Date of last inspections  
       
       
Test information  
 Equine infectious anaemia virus  Taylorella spp. (contagious equine metritis, CEM)  Equine viral arteritis (EVA)  
Female donor identification  
Test 
sampling 
date 
Test type  
Result  
Test 
sampling 
date 
Test type  
Result  
Test 
sampling 
date 
Test type  
Result  
          
          Guidance Document :  Semen and Embryos from Horses ( Equidae ) 
 Final Draft Provisional  . 
Ministry for Primary Industries     Page  18 of 18 Appendix 1 – Document History  
Date First Issued  Title Shortcode  
TBA Guidance Document: Semen and Embryos from 
Horses (Equidae)  HORSSEMB.SPE  
Date of Issued A mendments  Title Shortcode