Import Health Standard  
 
Semen from Dogs (Canis 
familiaris)  
DOGSEMEN.GEN  
22 October 2015  
 
An import health standard issued under  the Biosecurity Act 1993  Import Health Standard :  Semen from Dogs ( Canis familiaris ) 
 . 22 October 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  1 of 18 TITLE  
Import Health Standard :  Semen from Dogs (Canis familiaris ) 
COMMENCEMEN T 
This import health standard  comes into force on  22 October 2015 . 
REVOCATION  
This Import Health Standard  revokes the following import health standards on 22 April 2016 .  
 Import Health Standard for Semen from dogs ( Canis familiaris ) from Australia, 19 September 2008  
 Import Health Standard for Frozen Semen from dogs ( Canis familiaris ) from Specified Countries, 
26 May 2008  
ISSUING AUTHORITY  
This import health standard  is issued under section 24A of the Biosecurity Act 1993  
 
Dated at Wellington this  22nd day of  October  2015 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Howard Pharo  
Manager, Import and Export Ani mals  
Ministry for Primary Industries  
(acting under delegated authority of the Director General)  
 
 
Contact for further information  
Ministry for Primary Industries  (MPI)  
Regulation and Assurance  Branch  
Animal Imports  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
Email:  animalimports@mpi.govt.nz  
 
 
 
 Import Health Standard :  Semen from Dogs ( Canis familiaris ) 
 . 22 October 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  2 of 18 Contents  Page 
Introduction  3 
Part 1:  General Requirements  5 
1.1 Application  5 
1.2 The outcome this IHS is seeking to achieve  5 
1.3 Incorporation of material by reference  5 
1.4 Definitions  6 
1.5 Exporting country systems and certification  6 
1.6 Diagnostic testing and treatment  8 
1.7 Donor requirements  8 
1.8 Semen collec tion, processing, storage and transport  9 
1.9 Import permit  10 
1.10  The documentation that must accompany goods  10 
Part 2:  Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  12 
2.1 Canine Brucellosis (Brucella canis)  12 
2.2 Leptospirosis (Leptospirosis interrogans serovar canicola)  12 
2.3 Rabies  12 
Appendix 1 - Model Veterinary Certifica te 13 
Schedule 1 - Document History  16 
Schedule 2 - Definitions  17 
 
 
 Import Health Standard :  Semen from Dogs ( Canis familiaris ) 
 . 22 October 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  3 of 18 Introduction  
This introduction is not part of the legal requirements of this import health standard (IHS) , but is intended to 
indicate its general effect.  
Purpose  
(1) This IHS specifies the minimum requirements that must be met when importing semen from dogs 
(Canis familiaris ). 
Backgro und 
(1) The Biosecurity Act 1993 (the Act) provides the legal basis for excluding, eradicating and effectively 
managing pests and unwanted organisms.  
(2) 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.  
(3) Refer to guidance boxes for information on how the requirements may b e met.  
Who should read this IHS? 
(1) Importers of  semen from dogs ( Canis familiaris ). 
Why is this important ? 
(1) 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 not comply with the 
requirements of this IHS may be re -shipped or destroyed under the Act or tested/treated in accordance 
with this IHS prior to release or equivalence determined. Importers are liable for all associated 
expenses . 
(2) The cost s to MPI in performing functions relating to the importation of semen from dogs ( Canis 
familiaris ) 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 biosecurity clearance must be 
covered by the importer or agent.  
Equivalence  
(1) 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 effectively manage r isks associated with the 
importation of these  goods. If an e quivalent 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.  
Document history  
(1) Refer to Schedule 1. 
Biosecurity Clearance  
(1) A biosecurity clearance, under section 26 of the Act, may be issued when the semen from dogs ( Canis 
familiaris ) meets all the requirements of this IHS, provided the applicable requirements in section 27 of 
the Act are met.  Import Health Standard :  Semen from Dogs ( Canis familiaris ) 
 . 22 October 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  4 of 18 Other information  
(1) 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.  
Dog Control Act 1996  
Section 30A, Dog Control Act 1996  
(2) Section 30A( 1) of the Dog Control  Act 1996 prohibits the importation into New Zealand of any dog that 
belongs wholly or predominantly to 1 or more of the breeds or type of dog listed in Schedule 4 of the 
Act.  
(3) Section 30A(2) of the  Dog Control  Act provides that no person may import a dog into New Zealand 
unless the dog is accompanied by —  
a) evidence of registration in New Zealand; or  
b) an exempting statutory declaration made in New Zealand by or on behalf of the importer of the 
dog (or the importer's agent) to the effect that, to the best of the knowledge and belief of the 
importer (or the importer's agent), the dog does not belong wholly or predominantly to 1 or more 
of the breeds or type of dog listed in Schedule 4 of the Dog Control Act.  
Exempting statutory declaration by or on behalf of i mporter of semen from dogs ( Canis familiaris ) 
(4) This declaration is to be made on arrival in New Zealand by the importer of the semen (or the 
importer’s agent).  
(5) A form will be provided and an authorised witness will be available at the port of entry.  
Banned breeds  
(6) The breeds and type of dog subject to the ban on importation into New Zealand listed in Schedule 4 of 
the Dog Control Act are :  
Breeds:  
Brazilian Fila  
Dogo Argentino  
Japanese Tosa  
Perro de Presa Canario  
Type:  
American Pit Bull Terrier  
(7) In this section , dog includes the embryo, ova, or semen of a dog that belongs wholly or predominantly 
to 1 or more breed or type of dog listed in Schedule 4  of the Dog Control Act . 
Inspection and verification  
(8) On arrival, all documentation accompanying the consignment will be verified by an inspector. The 
inspector may also inspect the consignment, or a sample of the consignment on arrival.  
(9) Inspectors are able to  inspect and verify due to their authorised powers under the Act . These 
requirements are independent of the IHS requirements.  Import Health Standard :  Semen from Dogs ( Canis familiaris ) 
 . 22 October 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  5 of 18 Part 1:  General Requirements  
1.1 Applicatio n 
(1) This IHS applies to frozen semen from domestic dogs (Canis familiaris ) to be imported into New 
Zealand.  
(2) This IHS does not apply to semen from:  
a) hybrids (dogs or offspring of dogs crossed with another species), or  
b) dogs that belong wholly or predominantly to the following breeds or type of dog : 
i) Breeds: Brazilian Fila, Dogo Arge ntino, Japanese Tosa, Perro de Presa Canario  
ii) Type: American Pit Bull Terrier . 
 
Guidance  1.1  
 This IHS  contains generic import requirements. These are the rules to manage the biosecurity risk of 
importing semen from dogs ( Canis familiaris ) from all countrie s that can meet the requirements of this 
IHS. 
 
 
1.2 The outcome this IHS is seeking to achieve  
(1) The outcome this IHS is seeking to achieve is the effective management of biosecurity risks associated 
with eligible consignments of semen from dogs ( Canis familiaris ).  
(2) The biosecurity risk organisms associated with semen from dogs ( Canis familiaris ) that are managed 
by the requirements of this IHS are:  
a) Brucella canis  
b) Leptospira interrogans  serovar canicola  
c) Classical rabies virus  
1.3 Incorporation of material by  reference  
(1) The following international standards are incorporated by reference in this IHS under section 142M of 
the Act:  
a) The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Manual  of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for 
Terrestrial Animals (the Manual ) (available at the OIE website:  
http://www.oie.int/international -standard -setting/terrestrial -manual/access -online/ ) 
b) The OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code  (the Code ) (available at the OIE website:  
http://www.oie.int/international -standard -setting/terrestrial -code/access -online/ ) 
(2) The following MPI material is  incorporated by reference in this IHS under sec tion 142M of the Act:  
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 ha s legal effect as part of these documents.  Import Health Standard :  Semen from Dogs ( Canis familiaris ) 
 . 22 October 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  6 of 18 Guidance  1.3 
 
 Incorporation by reference means that standards, guidelines or lists are incorporated into the IHS and 
they form part of the requirements. This is done because technical documents are too large or 
impractical to include in the IHS.  
 Where the IHS states that section 142O(1) of the Act does not apply, this means that importers need to 
refer to the most recent version of any standards, guidelines or lists that are incorporated by reference 
in the IHS.  
 
 
1.4 Definitions  
(1) For the purposes of this IHS 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.legislation.govt.nz/ .  
(2) See Schedule 2 for additional  definitions that apply.  
1.5 Exporting country systems and certification  
(1) Semen from dogs ( Canis familiaris ) to which this IHS applies may only be imported from a country 
where the Competent Authority has provided the following evidence to the satisfaction of the CTO:   
a) The verifiable animal health status of the canine population in the exporting country with respect 
to biosecurity risk organisms of concern . 
b) The national systems/programmes and standards in the exporting country for regulatory 
oversight of the canine population.   
c) The capabilities and preferences of the exporting country’s Competent Authority  with respect to 
achieving equivalent outcomes to requirements stated in this IHS.  
(2) Once s atisfied with the exporting country systems, MPI and the Competent Authority may commence 
negotiation of a country -specific veterinary certificate  (if required) . 
(3) Where equivalent measures have been negotiated and agreed with MPI, and a CTO has, prior to 
import, approved an equivalent measure under section 27(1 ) (d) of the Act that is different from those 
in this IHS in the form of a negotiated veterinary certificate, a country -specific veterinary certificate 
must accompany the consignment.  Import Health Standard :  Semen from Dogs ( Canis familiaris ) 
 . 22 October 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  7 of 18 Guidance  1.5 
Expo rting country systems  
 MPI recommends Competent Authorities that request the approval of their exporting systems refer to 
Section 3 of the Code  titled Quality of Ve terinary Services , to prepare evidence for MPI regarding 
capabilities and preferences of the exporting country’s Competent Authority.  
CTO assessed and approved e xporting country systems  
 The following countries or territories  have approved exporting country systems and can export dog 
semen to New Zealand : 
 
American Samoa  Falkland Islands  Lithuania  Serbia  
Antigua and Barbuda  Fiji Luxembourg  Seychelles  
Aruba  Finland  Macau  Singapore  
Australia  France  Malaysia (Peninsular, 
Sabah & Sarawak only)  Slovakia  
Austria   French Polynesia  Malta  Slovenia, Republic of  
Argentina  Germany  Marshall Islands  Solomon Islands  
Bahamas  Gibraltar  Mauritius  South Africa, Republic 
of 
Bahrain  Greece  Micronesia, Federated 
States  South Korea  
Balearic Islands  Greenland  Micronesia, Federated 
States  Spain  
Barbados  Guam  Monaco  St Kitt and Nevis  
Belgium  Guernsey  Montenegro   St Lucia  
Bermuda  Hawaii (USA)  Nauru  St Vincent and the 
Grenadines  
British Virgin Islands  Hong Kong  Netherlands, The  Sweden  
Brunei  Hungary  Netherlands Antilles  Switzerland  
Bulgaria  Iceland  New Caledonia  Taiwan  
Canada  Italy Niue Tonga, Kingdom of  
Canary Islands  Ireland  Norfolk Island  Trinidad and Tobago  
Cayman Islands  Isle of Man  Norway  Tuvalu  
Chile  Israel  Palau  United Arab Emirates  
Christmas Island  Jamaica  Papua New Guinea  United Kingdom  
Cocos (Keeling) Islands  Japan  Pitcairn Islands  Unites States (including 
Washington D.C., 
Northern Mariana 
Islands, Puerto Rico and 
US Virgin Islands)  
Cook Islands  Jersey  Poland  Uruguay  
Croatia, Republic of  Kiribati  Portugal  Vanuatu  
Cyprus, Republic of  Kuwait  Qatar  Wallis and Futuna  
Czech Republic  Latvia  Reunion   
Denmark  Liechtenstein  Samoa   
 Import Health Standard :  Semen from Dogs ( Canis familiaris ) 
 . 22 October 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  8 of 18 Agreed country -specific veterinary certificates  
 
 This IHS serves as the basis for country -to-country (b ilateral) negotiations, where MPI’s CTO will 
assess the exporting country systems and negotiate a country -specific veterinary certificate (if required) . 
 Country -specific veterinary certificates may be agreed between an exporting country’s  Competent 
Authority and MPI . Agreed certificates  are included in the table below : 
 
Country  S27 CTO direction #  Date agreed  Transition period ends  
    
 
 All other countries will certify the model veterinary certificate for trade in dog semen to New Zealand.  
 Requests from exporting countries to negotiate a country -specific veterinary certificat e will be prioritised 
according to MPI resources available at the time of application.  
 The m odel veterinary certificate  can be used by the Competent Authority as a reference for country -
specific veterinary certificate negotiation.  
 Country -specific veterina ry 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.  
 Newl y negotiated country -specific veterinary certificate s will replace current certificates once a 6 month 
transition period is complete. At that time previous veterinary certificates for that country can no longer 
be used.  
Audit  
 MPI reserves the right to perf orm an in -country or desk -top audit at any time, including prior to the first 
shipment of semen from dogs ( Canis familiaris ). 
 
1.6 Diagnostic test ing and treatment  
(1) Any laboratory conducting the pre -export testing as required by this IHS must be a laboratory 
recognised by the Competent Authority of a country approved to export dog semen to New Zealand.  
(2) Laboratory samples  must be collected, process ed, and stored in accordance with the 
recommendations in the Code  and/or the  Manual .  
(3) Diagnostic test(s) and treatments used must approved by MPI and listed in MPI -STD-TVTL.  
(4) All product names, manufacturer’s active ingredients (where applicable), dose and date of treatment 
must be recorded on the veterinary certificate.  
 
Guidance  1.6 
 
 MPI lists all approved diagnostic tests and treatments in MPI-STD-TVTL  found on the MPI website:  
http://www.mpi.govt.nz/document -vault/2040  
 
 More information about OIE recommended diagnostic tests and vaccines can be found in the Manual  
found on the OIE website : http://www.oie.int/en/international -standard -setting/terrestrial -manual/access -
online/  
 
1.7 Donor requirements  
(1) A microchip must be implanted in the donor.  Import Health Standard :  Semen from Dogs ( Canis familiaris ) 
 . 22 October 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  9 of 18 (2) The donor’s microchip must be scanned and the number recorded each time a test, treatment, 
examination, or semen collection for export is done.  
1.8 Semen collection, processing, storage and transport  
(1) Semen must be collected from the donor animal  in a country approved to export dog semen to New 
Zealand , by, or under the supervision of a registered or licensed veterinarian .  
(2) The veterinarian is responsible for ensuring that the donor is healthy and free from clinical evidence of 
infectious diseases transmissible in semen on the day(s) of semen collection  and for the semen 
collection and testing period.  
(3) The collection period must not exceed 30 days.  
(4) All semen extender components must be prepared under aseptic conditions.  
(5) Equipment used for collection, processing and storage of semen must be new or saniti sed and free 
from contamination.  
(6) The cryogenic agent  used in the freezing process, storage, and transport must not have been used 
previously in association with any other product of animal origin.  
(7) Dry ice and associated equipment to process semen  pellets m ust be managed to prevent 
contamination with semen of donors not of equivalent tested health status.  
(8) All straws and containers must be sealed and clearly and permanently marked with the donor’s 
microchip number and the date of collection.   
(9) The semen must only be stored with germplasm that is eligible for export to New Zealand.  
(10) Semen storage containers must be stored under registered or licensed veterinary supervision until 
export to New Zealand.  
(11) 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.  
(12) The transport container in which the semen is transported to New Zealand must be sealed, by either 
the veterinarian collecting the semen or an official veterinarian, using tamper evident seals. The seal 
number must be recorded on the veterinary certificate, and must be intact upon arrival.  
(13) Where semen is transferred from one transport container to another, the date of transfer, reason for 
transfer and veterinarian involved in the transfer must be recorded in the veterinary certificate.  
(14) Storage of semen in a third country (other than the country of origin) is permitted if the third count ry 
has met the requirements of 1.5 of this IHS. The consignment of semen must be accompanied by:  
a) a declaration from the Competent Authority of the third country, linking the semen from the 
country of origin to the semen being exported to New Zealand and c onfirming that the semen has 
been stored as required by the IHS, under registered or licensed veterinary supervision until 
export to New Zealand; and either  
i) the veterinary certificate (current version) certified by the country of origin to export to New 
Zealand; or  
ii) a letter from the country of origin’s Competent Authority indicating that the semen meets 
New Zealand’s current import requirements.  
 
Guidance 1. 8 (5) 
 Semen can be contained in various types of receptacles, such as a vial, goblet, ampoule, or s traw, as 
long as they are tamper -evident and separate semen from individual donors . Import Health Standard :  Semen from Dogs ( Canis familiaris ) 
 . 22 October 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  10 of 18 1.9 Import permit  
(1) An import permit under section 24D of the Act is required if a CTO has approved a n equivalent  
measure prior to import , different from th at set  in the IHS that may be applied to effectively manage 
risks.  
(2) An import permit is not required where a CTO has approved a n equivalent  measure prior to import , 
different from th at set  in the IHS in the form of a negotiated country -specific veterinary certificate.  
 
Guidance  1.9 
 
 An import  permit may be required where specific equivalence measures are approved by MPI . An 
import permit serves as evidence of equivalence decisions and will be written as specific notes in the 
special conditions section of the permit.  
 Import permit  application forms can be found on the MPI website at: http://www.mpi.govt.nz/document -
vault/3137  
 Completed applications are lodged with animal imports animalimports@mpi.govt.nz . 
 
1.10 The documentation that must accompany goods  
(1) The consignment must arrive in New Zealand with:  
a) A veterinary certificate, that must include all of the following:  
i) A unique consignment  identifier.  
ii) The breed and microchip number of donor animal . 
iii) The quantity of semen . 
iv) Name  and contact details  of the importer (cons ignee) and exporter (consignor) . 
v) Dates of collection . 
vi) Transport container seal number and disinfection information . 
vii) Name, sign ature and contact detai ls of the Official Veterinarian . 
viii) Certification and endorsements that the requirements outlined in Part 1 and Part 2 of this 
IHS have been met .  
b) Original laboratory reports; copies of laboratory reports endorsed by the Official Veterinarian 
must include:  
i) The microchip number of the donor animal, consistent with the veterinary certificate . 
ii) Date(s) 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.  
(3) The microchip number of the donor animal must be recorded on all the records, laboratory reports, 
certification, and semen containers.  
(4) All documents must:  
a) Be origin al, unless otherwise stated . 
b) Accompany the imported goods . 
c) Be in English or have an English translatio n that is clear and legible . 
d) Be endorsed on every page by the Official Veterinarian with their original stamp, signature and 
date on every page or be endo rsed in the space allocated and all pages have paper -based 
alternative security features  Import Health Standard :  Semen from Dogs ( Canis familiaris ) 
 . 22 October 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  11 of 18 (5) Documentation copies must be sent to the Biosecurity Inspector at the airport/port of arrival at least 
one working day in advance of importation.  
 
Guidance 1.1 0 (1)(a ) 
 The model veterinary certificate found in Appendix 1 meets the requirements of this IHS.  
 
 Import Health Standard :  Semen from Dogs ( Canis familiaris ) 
 . 22 October 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  12 of 18 Part 2:  Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  
(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 Canine Brucellosis (Brucella canis)  
(1) The exporting country must be recognised by the Compet ent Authority as free of Brucella canis ; or 
(2) The donor must be free from clinical signs of canine brucellosis on the day of collection and subjected 
to a test as listed in  MPI-STD-TVTL  for canine brucellosis, on a blood sample taken 3 to 6 weeks after 
the final semen collection, with negative results; or  
(3) An aliquot of semen  from the collection period, must be subjected to a PCR (polymerase chain 
reaction)  with negative results  for canine brucellosis . 
2.2 Leptospirosis (Leptospirosis interrogans serovar canicola)  
(1) The exporting country must be recognised by the Competent Authority as free of Leptospira 
interrogans  serovar canicola ; or 
(2) The semen must be prepared with antibiotics at a concentration effective against Leptospira  species; 
or 
(3) Donors must be treated with doxycycline at a therapeutic dose rate for 14 consecutive days, or a 
treatment listed in MPI -STD-TVTL, effective against Leptospira  species, in the 30 days prior to each 
collection; or  
(4) Donors must be tested with a test listed in MPI -STD-TVTL, on a sample t aken 3 to 6 weeks after the 
final semen collection, with negative results  for Leptospirosis  interrogans  serovar canicola . 
2.3 Rabies  
(1) The exporting country must be recognised by the Competent Authority as free of classical rabies virus ; 
or 
(2) The donor must be certified by a veterinarian as healthy and free of signs of infectious disease 
transmissible in semen for at least 15 days after the final semen collection . Import Health Standard :  Semen from Dogs ( Canis familiaris ) 
 . 22 October 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  13 of 18 Appendix  1 - Model Veterinary Certificate  
Country:   
Certificate reference number:  i) Import p ermit number (if applicable):  
1. Importer name:  
Address : 
 
E-mail:  
 
Phone:  
 
 2. Exporter name:  
Address:  
 
E-mail:  
 
Phone:  
3. Country of destination: New Zealand  4. Country  of origin : 
 
5. Transport Container:  
- New/disinfected (delete as appropriate)  
- Disinfectant used  
- Active chemical  
- Date of disinfection  6. Container seal number:  
7. Identification of semen from dogs (Canis familiaris) : 
 
Microchip Number of Donor  Breed  Date of collection  Units*  
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
   * Units: pellets, ampoules, straws or doses  
 
 
 
 
  Official Veterinarian signature, 
Official  stamp and date  Import Health Standard :  Semen from Dogs ( Canis familiaris ) 
 . 22 October 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  14 of 18 I,……………………………….., an official government veterinarian or a veterinarian authorised to provide export certification on behalf 
of the government veterinary service, certify that:  
(1) The donor’s microchip  number was scanned  at each test, treatment, examination, and collection of semen for export as 
………………………………………………………. and is recorded on all treatment records, laboratory results, and certification.  
(2) After due enquiry and inspection I am s atisfied that the donor:  
a) Has resided continuously in ………………………….(name of approved country(s) for the entire semen collection and 
testing period; and was not under any quarantine restric tion at the time of collection  
 
b) Does not  belong wholly or predominantl y to any of the following dog bree ds or types:  
 
Breeds     Type  
Brazilian Fila     American Pit Bull Terrier  
Dogo Argentino  
Japanese Tosa  
Perro de Presa Canario  
c) Is not a hybrid ( offspring of dog crossed with another species)  
General Requirements   
(3) All semen in this consignment is frozen.  
(4) Laboratory samples  were  collected, process ed, and stored in accordance with the recommendations in the Code , the Manual , 
and/or approved  by MPI.  
(5) The laboratory(s)  that conducted the pre -export testing is recognised by the competent authority of a country approved to export 
dog semen to New Zealand.  
(6) The semen was  collected by, or under the supervision of,  a registered  or licensed veterinarian.  
(7) A veterinarian ensured  that the donor was healthy and free from clinical evidence of infectious diseases transmissible in semen 
on the day(s) of semen collection, and at least 15 days after the final collection.  
(8) The semen collection period did not exceed 30 days.  
(9) Semen extender  components were prepared under aseptic conditions.  
(10) Equipment used for collection, processing and storage of semen was new or sanitis ed and free from contamination.  
(11) The cryogenic agent used in the freezing process, storage, and transport was not used prev iously in association with any other 
product of animal origin.  
(12) The use of dry ice and associated equipment to manufacture pellets was managed to prevent contamination with semen of 
donors not of equivalent tested health status.  
(13) All straws and semen  containers have been sealed and clearly and permanently marked with the donor’s microchip number and 
the date of collection.   
(14) The semen was only stored with germplasm  that is eligible for export to New Zealand.  
(15) The semen storage containers were stored u nder registered or licensed veterinary supervision until export to New Zealand.  
(16) Transport containers were eith er new or disinfected and free from contamination. If the transport container was not new, the 
disinfectant, its active chemical, and date of disi nfection are recorded on this veterinary certificate.  
(17) Semen was transferred from one transport container to another for further processing ( delete if semen was not transferred ). 
Transfer date, facility, and reason: …………………………………………………………………………………………………….  
(18) The transport container in which the semen will be  transported to New Zealand has been  sealed by either the veterinarian who 
collected  the semen or an official veterinarian, using tamper evident seals. The seal number(s) is …………………………. . 
(19) The semen in this co nsignment originates from a different country than <insert country of export > (delete as appropriate and 
initial ). The country of origin is currently approved to export to New Zealand and the semen is accompanied by : 
a)  a declaration from the competent autho rity of the third country  linking  the semen from the country of origin to the seme n 
being exported to New Zealand  and confirming that the semen has been stored at a facility under registered or li censed 
veterinary supervision; and either  
i) the veterinary certificate, certified by the country of origin to export to New Zealand requirements; or  
ii) a letter from the country of origin’s Competent Authority indicating that the semen meets New Zealand’s current 
import requirements.  Official Veterinarian signature, 
Official stamp and date  Import Health Standard :  Semen from Dogs ( Canis familiaris ) 
 . 22 October 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  15 of 18 Specified Requirements for Identi fied Risk Organisms  
(20) Canine Brucellosis ( Brucella canis ) (Circle one or delete as appropriate)          
a) The donor has been certified free from clinical signs of canine brucellosis on the day of semen collection and has been 
subjected to one of the following tests for Brucella canis  on a blood sample drawn 3 - 6 weeks after the final collection of 
semen:  
i) A rapid slide agglutination test (RSAT) with a negative result; or  
ii) A tube agglutination test (TAT) with a negative result; or  
iii) A cytoplasmic agar gel immunodif fusion test (CPAg -AGID) with a negative result; or  
iv) An immunofluore scent antibody test (IFAT) with a negative result; or  
v) The donor had a positive or inconclusive RSAT , TAT or IFAT  result and has been subjected to cytoplasmic agar gel 
immunodiffusion test (CPAg -AGID) with a negative result; or  
vi) Had an inconclusive TAT result and the test was repeated at least 30 to 42 days after the first test with a negative 
result . 
 
Sample collection date(s):   ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........................  ; or 
 
b) An aliquot of semen from the collection period was subjected to a polymerase chain reaction (P CR) test with a negative 
result for canine brucellosis.  
 
(21)  Leptospirosis ( Leptospira interrogans serovar  canicola ) (Circle one o r delete as appropriate)  
a) Semen diluents containing antibiotics effective against Leptospira species  were used in the preparation of the semen . 
 Antibiotics and concentration:   ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........................  ; or 
b) The donor was  treated with doxycycline at a therapeutic dose rate for 14 consecutive days within the 30 days prior to each 
collection.  
Product name: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….  
Dose and treatment dates:      ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  ; or 
c) The donor was  subjected to one of the f ollowing tests 3 – 6 weeks after the final semen collection:  
i) A microscopic agglutination test (MAT) for Leptospira interrogans serovar canicola  with a negative result;  
 
 Sample collection date:   ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................  ; or  
ii) The donor  had a positive MAT of 1:400 or less for Leptospira interrogans serovar canicola  and has been subjected to 
a second MAT for Leptospira interrogans  serovar canicola  at least 14 days after the first test and showed no increase 
above the titre of the first test.  
 
First sample collection date:   ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................   
          
Second sample collection date:   ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................   
 
Official Veterinarian:  
Printed n ame:  
Signature:  
Date:  Address:  
E-mail:  
Phone:  
 
 Official Veterinarian signature, 
Official stamp and date  Import Health Standard :  Semen from Dogs ( Canis familiaris ) 
 . 22 October 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  16 of 18 Schedule 1 - Document History  
Date First Issued  Title Shortcode  
22 October 2015  Import Health Standard: Semen from dogs 
(Canis familiaris ) DOGSEMEN.GEN  
Date of Issued Amendments  Title  Shortcode  
   
 Import Health Standard :  Semen from Dogs ( Canis familiaris ) 
 . 22 October 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  17 of 18 Schedule  2 - Definitions  
Biosecurity Clearance  
A clearance under section 26 of the Biosecurity Act (1993) for the entry of goods  into New Zealand.  
Note : Goods given a Biosecurity Clearance by an Inspector are released to the importer without r estriction . 
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 OIE Terrestrial Animal 
Health Code  in the whole territory . 
CTO Direction  
Chief Technical Officer (CTO) direction - equivalent measures recorded by number under section 27(1)d(iii) of 
the Act, to enable border staff to clear the goods and record the number in th e MPI database . 
Director -General  
The chief executive of the Ministry for Primary Industries . 
Import permit  
A permit issued by the Director General of MPI pursua nt to section 24D ( 2) of the Act .   
Inspector  
A person who is a ppointed an inspector under section 103 of the Act.  
Note : An Inspector is appointed to undertake administering and enforcing the 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 . 
Official Veterinarian  
A veterinarian authorised by the Competent Authority  of the country to perform certain designated official 
tasks associated with animal health and/or pub lic 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 . 
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 . 
 Import Health Standard :  Semen from Dogs ( Canis familiaris ) 
 . 22 October 2015  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  18 of 18 Veterinary Certificate  
A certificate, issued in conformity with the provisions of the  OIE Code  Chapter for certification procedures , 
describing the animal health and/or public health requirements which are fulfilled by the exported 
commodities .