Ministry for Primary Industries  
Regulation & Assurance  
Animal & Animal Products  
PO Box 2526, Wellington 6140  
animalimports@mpi.govt.nz  
 
Review of Submission s 
 
 
Draft Import Health Standard : Semen and Embryos from 
Horses ( Equidae ) from Specified Countries  
 
Draft Import Risk Analysis : Equine Germplasm from 
Australia, Canada, the European Union and the USA  
 
Draft Risk Management Proposal : Semen and Embryos 
from Horses ( Equidae ) from Specified Countries  
 
 
 
 
 
 
November 2015  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
 
 
Ministry for Primary Industries  
Te Manat ū Ahu Atua  
Pastoral House  
25 The Terrace  
P O Box 2526  
Wellington  
New Zealand  
 
 
 
Telephone: +64 4 894 0100  
Facsimile:   +64 4 894 0733  
Internet : http://www.mpi.govt.nz  
 
 
Regulation & Assurance Branch  
 
 
REVIEW OF SUBMISSIONS  
 
Semen and Embryos from Horses ( Equidae ) from Specified Countries  
 
 
 
November  2015  
 
 
 
Approved for general release  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Howard Pharo  
Manager Import and Export Animals  
Ministry for Primary Industries  
 
   
 
 
  
Contents   
 
 
1 Introduction  1 
1.1 Acronyms Used in the Document  1 
2 Summary of Amendments  2 
2.1 Import Health Standard Amendments  2 
2.2 Guidance Document Amendments  4 
3 Internal Submissions  7 
3.1 Auckland International Airport and target evaluators  7 
3.2 Other amendments made by Animal Imports  8 
4 Review of Submissions  10 
4.1 Alabar (NZ) Ltd  10 
4.2 EquiBreed NZ Ltd  10 
4.3 Department of Agriculture; G/SPS/N/NZL/520  29 June 2015  10 
5 Appendix 1: Copies of Submissions  15 
5.1 Alabar (NZ) Ltd  15 
5.2 EquiBreed NZ Ltd  16 
5.3 Department of Agriculture, Australia  16 
  
 
Review of Submissions for HORSSEMB.SPE  November 2015  Page 1 of 21 1 Introduction  
 
The draft Import Health Standard : Semen and Embryos from Horses ( Equidae ) was notified for consultation on 23 
June 2015.  
 
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) received submissions from the following:  
 
Alabar (NZ) Ltd      6 August 2015  
 
EquiB reed NZ Ltd     17 August 2015  
 
Department of Agriculture , Australia    21 August 2015  
 
 
This document summarises the issues raised in the submissions, and presents the MPI response to each.  
 
 
1.1 Acronyms Used in the Document  
 
 
MPI Ministry for Primary Industries  IETS  International Embryo Transfer Society  
OIE World Organisation for Animal 
Health  SCC  Semen collection centre  
IRA Import Risk Analysis  CEM  Contagious equine metritis  
IHS Import health standard  EHV-1 Equine herpesvirus -1 
RMP  Risk management proposal  EIA Equine infectious anaemia  
GD Guidance document  EVA Equine viral arteritis  
 
 
   
 
Review of Submissions for HORSSEMB.SPE  November 2015  Page 2 of 21 2 Summary of Amendments  
 
As a result of submissions , the following amendments that have been  made to the Import Health Standard : 
Semen and Embryos from Horses (HORSSEMB.SPE)  and the associated Guidance Document .  
2.1 Import Health Standard Amendments  
Draft IHS  Provisional IHS  
Part 1: Requirements  Part 1: Requirements  
1.1 Application  1.1 Application  
(1) This import health s tandard (IHS) applies to: 
a) semen from domestic horses ( Equidae ) that is 
not genetically modified; and  
i. fresh /chilled  
ii. in screw top containers; or  
iii. frozen, in straws, 
ampoules or pellets; and  
(b) embryos from domestic horses ( Equidae ) that 
are frozen, not  genetically modified, in vivo derived 
and non -cloned.  (1) This import health standard (IHS) applies to:  
a) semen from domestic horses ( Equidae ) that is 
frozen/fresh -chilled and not genetically modified; 
and 
b) embryos from domestic horses ( Equidae ) that 
are frozen, not genetically modified, in vivo derived 
and non -cloned.  
1.5 Diagnostic testing, vaccination and treatment  1.5 Diagnostic testing, vaccination and treatment  
(1) Any laboratory conducting the pre -export or surveillance 
testing where required by this IHS must be approved by the 
Competent Authority of a country approved to export to 
New Zealand.  (1) Any laboratory conducting the pre -export or surveillance 
testing where required by this IHS must be approved by the 
Competent Authority of a country approved to export 
semen and embryos from horses  to New Zealand.   
1.6 Embryo requirements  1.6 Embryo requirements  
1.6.2 Embryo donor requirements  1.6.2 Embryo donor requirements  
 (1) The Competent Authority must have knowledge of and 
authority over the embryo donor(s) until completion of 
collection and testing required by this IHS.   (1) The embryo collection team  must have knowledge of 
and authority over the embryo donor(s) until completion of 
collection and testing required by this IHS.  
1.6.3  Fertilisation requirements  1.6.3  Fertilisation requirements  
 (1) Embryos produced for the consignment must be 
fertilised from semen which was  either:   (1) The semen used to produce  the embryo(s) for the 
consignment must be either:  
1.7 Semen requirements  1.7 Semen requirements  
1.7.2 Semen donor requirements  1.7.2  Semen donor requirements  
(1) Semen donors must be isolated  for at least 28 days at a 
place specifically approved for this purpose by the 
Competent Authority  prior to admission to  the semen 
centre .  (1) Semen donors must be resident for at least 28 
consecutive  days at the semen collection centre  prior to 
collection of the semen for export . 
1.9 Storage  1.9 Storage  
(3) Semen and embryos must straws or sanitised  
containers which are sealed and tamper -evident, and 
clearly and permanently marked to iden tify the donor and 
the date(s) of collection.  If a code is used for this 
information, its decipher instructions must accompany the 
consignment. The marking must, in accordance with the 
Code , conform to the international standards of the IETS . (3) Semen and embryos must be 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.  For 
embryos  the marking must, in accordanc e with the Code, 
conform to the international standards of the IETS.  
(5) Semen and embryos may be stored in a third country 
(other than the country of origin) if the third country is a 
specified country listed in this IHS. The consignment of 
semen and emb ryos must be accompanied by:  Deleted - duplication   
 
Review of Submissions for HORSSEMB.SPE  November 2015  Page 3 of 21 1.10 Transport  1.10 Transport  
(1) Transport containers must be sanitised  and free of 
contamination.  (1) Transport containers must be new or disinfected  and 
free of contamination.  
1.12 The documentation that must accompany goods  1.12 The documentation that must accompany goods  
(4) Documentation copies must be sent to the Biosecurity 
Inspector at the airport/port of arrival at least one working 
day in advance of importation.  (4) Documentation copies must be sent to the Biosecurity 
Inspector at the airport/port of arrival at least one working 
day in advance of importation. For fresh semen only, the 
documentation must be emailed to MPI within 24 hours 
prior to arrival.    
 
Review of Submissions for HORSSEMB.SPE  November 2015  Page 4 of 21 2.2 Guidance Document Amendments  
Draft GD Provisional GD  
5.6 Semen collection and processing  5.6 Semen collection and processing  
(2) Semen can be contained in various types of 
receptacles, such as a vial, goblet, ampoule, or straw, as 
long as they are tamper -evident and separate semen from 
individual donors.  (2) Semen can be contained in various 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.  
5.8 Antibiotics effective against L eptospirosis  5.8 Antibiotics effective against Leptospirosis  
(1) Antibiotics that can be added to the semen or embryos 
of horses ( Equidae ) for export to New Zealand include, but 
are not limited to:  
b) 500 IU per ml penicillin; or  (1) Antibiotics that can be added to the semen or embryos 
of horses ( Equidae ) for export to New Zealand include, but 
are not limited to:  
b) 500 IU per ml penicillin in conjunction with an 
aminoglycoside; or  
5.9 Model veterinary certificate for horse semen  5.9 Model veterinary cer tificate for horse semen  
3) The semen is contained in ( delete as appropriate ) 
a) Straws; or  
b) Ampoules; or  
c) Pellets.  (3) The semen is contained in ( delete as appropriate )  
a) Straws; or  
b) Ampoules; or  
c) Pellets; or  
d) Screw -top containers (applicable  to fresh semen only).  
(16) Semen is in new or sanitised containers, which are 
sealed and tamper evident, and clearly and permanently 
marked to identify the donor and the date(s) of collection.  (16) Semen is in 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.   
(19) Semen was placed in a container which is sanitised 
and free of contamination.  (19) Semen was placed in a conta iner which is disinfected  
and free of contamination.  
(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 
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), either *  
i Not l ess than 30 days after entry into the collection centre; 
or 
ii 30-60 days after collection; or  
iii Annually at the start of the breeding season,  
with negative results.  
(*Delete as applicable)  (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  
ii) Donors were subjected to a test listed in the 
MPI document: MPI Approved Dia gnostic Tests, 
Vaccines, Treatments and Post -arrival Testing 
Laboratories for Animal Import Health Standards 
(MPI -STD-TVTL) , within  30 days prior to 
collection , with negative results.   
 
(27) Taylorella  spp. (Contagious equine metritis, CEM) 
(delete as applicable)  
a) Donors were from a country or zone where no 
case of CEM has been reported by the 
Competent Authority of the exporting country; or  
b) Donors were from a country with an official 
control progr amme for CEM; 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 
either  (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 h ad 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  
 
Review of Submissions for HORSSEMB.SPE  November 2015  Page 5 of 21 i Twice with a 4 -7 day interval 
during the 30 days prior to 
the collection period;  or 
ii Annually at the start of the 
breeding season; and  
iii) Have been protected against any 
possibility of contagion since the 
beginning of the tests; and  
iv) Donors have not been treated with 
antibiotics for at least 7 days before 
commencing the testing  and 
throughout the sample collection 
period; or  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 commencing 
the testing and thro ughout 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, were 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))  
5.10 Model veterinary certificate for horse embryos  5.10 Model veterinary certificate for horse  embryos  
Embryo collection team and herd approval requirements  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.  (7) At the time of collection of embryos for export to New 
Zealand, the em bryo collection team was approved by and 
registered with the [ Competent Authority of the exporting 
country ].   
(8) The Competent Authority 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.  (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 i n this IHS.  
(17) Embryos are sealed 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 
its decipher accompanies the consignment (delete as 
appropriate and i nitial). The marking is in accordance with 
the OIE Code.  (17) Embryos are sealed 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 its decipher accompanies  the consignment (delete as 
appropriate and initial). The marking is in accordance with 
the IETS Standards.  
(19) Embryos were placed in a container which is sanitised  
and free of contamination.  
Disinfectant (active chemical) and date (delete and initial if 
container was new): 
_______________________________________________
______  (19) 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):   
_______ ________________________________________
______  
(24) Equine infectious anaemia (EIA)  (24) Equine infectious anaemia (EIA)  
a) Donors showed no clinical sign of EIA on the day of 
each collection; and  a) Donors showed no clinical sign of EIA on the day of 
each collection; and   
 
Review of Submissions for HORSSEMB.SPE  November 2015  Page 6 of 21 i) Donors were kept on premises where no case 
of EIA 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 Te sting 
Laboratories for Animal Import Health Standards 
(MPI -STD-TVTL), either * i Not less than 30 days 
after entry into the collection centre; or ii 30 -60 
days after collection; or iii Annually at the start of 
the breeding season, with negative results. 
(*Delete as applicable)  i) Donors were kept on premises where no case 
of EIA 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.  
(27) Taylorella  spp. (Contagious equine metritis, CEM) 
(delete as applicable)  
a) Donors were from a country or zone where no 
case of CEM has been reported by the 
Competent Authority of the exporting country; or  
b) Donors were from a country with an official  
control programme for CEM; 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 
either  
i Twice with a 4 -7 day interval 
during the 30 days prior to 
the coll ection period; or  
ii Annually at the start of the 
breeding season; and  
iii) Have been protected against any 
possibility of contagion since the 
beginning of the tests; and  
iv) Donors have not been treated with antibiotics for at least 
7 days before commencing the testing and throughout the 
sample collection period; or  (2) 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 b y 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 results 
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 ant ibiotics 
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 direct or indirect contact with CEM 
during the two months prior to collection; and  
i Were treated fo r CEM; and  
ii After treatment, were 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 per iods with negative results; 
and 
iii Have been protected against any 
possibility of contagion since the 
beginning of the tests.  
 
 
 
 
  
 
Review of Submissions for HORSSEMB.SPE  November 2015  Page 7 of 21 3 Internal Submissions  
 
According to MPI process an  internal review period is available to staff of MPI to commen t and recommend 
changes prior to public consultation on an import health standard. One internal submission  was received after the 
internal review deadline. The recommendations as a result of these submissions are included in this document.  
3.1 Auckland Internat ional Airport and target evaluators  
3.1.1 Section 1.12  
MPI staff pointed out that currently, one certificate per importer covering multiple donors from the same semen 
collection centre is allowed, rather than supplying a separate certificate for each donor. The requirement for a 
separate certificate for each donor was therefore removed.  
 
Draft IHS  Provisional IHS  
Part 1: Requirements  Part 1: Requirements  
1.12 The documentation that must accompany goods  1.12 The documentation that must accompany goods  
(1) The semen and embryos must arrive in New 
Zealand with:  
a) A veterinary certificate, that must include all 
of the following:  
i) a unique consignment identifier;  
ii) species, donor animal identification, 
quantity (semen/embryos);  
iii) dates of collection;  
iv) collection centr e name and date of 
donor entry;  
v) Name and address of importer 
(consignee) and exporter (consignor);  
vi) For each donor;  certification and 
endorsements that the requirements 
outlined in Part 1 and Part 2 of this 
IHS have been met;  
 (1) The semen and embryos must arr ive in New 
Zealand with:  
a) A veterinary certificate, that must include all 
of the following:  
i) a unique consignment identifier;  
ii) species, donor animal identification, 
quantity (semen/embryos);  
iii) dates of collection;  
iv) collection centre name and date of 
donor entry ; 
v) Name and address of importer 
(consignee) and exporter (consignor);  
vi) certification and endorsements that 
the requirements outlined in Part 1 
and Part 2 of this IHS have been met;  
 
 
It was also pointed out that whereas the IHS required originals or endorsed copies, or an endorsed tabulated 
summary of lab results, the GD model certificate only stipulated endorsed copies or endorsed tabulated results. 
“Original” was added to the model c ertificates for both semen and embryos.  
 
Draft GD  Provisional GD  
5.9 Model veterinary certificate for horse semen  5.9 Model veterinary certificate for horse semen  
(6) Copies of laboratory reports, or an endorsed, tabulated 
summary, including test date, type, and results for each 
donor, are attached to this veterinary certificate.  (6) Original or  copies of laboratory reports, or an endorsed, 
tabulated summary, including test date, type, and results 
for each donor, are attached to this veterinary certifica te.   
5.10 Model veterinary certificate for horse embryos  5.10 Model veterinary certificate for horse embryos  
(5) Copies of laboratory reports, or an endorsed, tabulated 
summary, including test date, type, and results for each 
donor, are attached to this  veterinary certificate.  (5) Original or  copies of laboratory reports, or an endorsed, 
tabulated summary, including test date, type, and results 
for each donor, are attached to this veterinary certificate.   
 
   
 
Review of Submissions for HORSSEMB.SPE  November 2015  Page 8 of 21 3.2 Other amendments  made by Animal Imports  
The requirement for embryo donors to have been resident at the place of embryo collection for 28 days was 
removed . Risks are mitigated by the disease -specific requirements.  The fertilisation requirements for embryos 
have been deleted, since for embryos, the r isk analyses assessed the risks associated with embryos, not oocytes 
plus semen. The assessment of risks identified the risks (and measures) necessary for embryos regardless of the 
health status of the semen used to make them.  
 
Since the OIE Terrestrial An imal Health Code  does not specify recommended measures for managing EIA in 
equine semen and embryos, and the IRA recommends adopting the Code  recommendations for live horses, the 
requirements were specified in the IHS (Part 2: Specified Requirements for Id entified Risk Organisms ).  
 
Because the OIE included recommended measures for managing glanders when importing equine semen and 
embryos in the 2015 amendment of the Code , generic glanders measures were added to the IHS and model 
certificate for semen.  
 
 
Draft IHS  Provisional IHS  
Part 1: Requirements  Part 1: Requirements  
1.6.3. Fertilisation requirements  1.6.3. Fertilisation requirements  
(1) The semen used to produce the embryo(s) for the 
consignment must be either:  
a) Imported directly from New Zealand or is 
eligible for import into New Zealand; or  
b) Collected, processed, and stored at a semen 
collection facility that complies with the 
semen centre protocols of the exporting 
country (where MPI deems this to be 
equivalent ); or 
From donors that were inspected, found free 
from clinical evidence of infectious diseases 
transmissible in semen, and satisfied the 
testing and isolation requirements of this 
IHS. 
 Deleted.  
(2) The semen centre veterinarian must ensure that the 
donor is free from clinical evidence of infectious diseases 
transmissible in semen on the day of collection.  (2) The semen centre veterinarian must ensure by clinical 
examination including that of the external reproductive 
organs  that the donor is free from c linical evidence of 
infectious diseases transmissible in semen on the day of 
collection.  
Part 2: Specified Requirements for Identified Risk 
Organisms  Part 2: Specified Requirements for Identified Risk 
Organisms  
2.2 Equine infectious anaemia virus (EIA)  2.2 Equine infectious anaemia virus (EIA)  
 (1) Donors must meet  the Code recommendations  for 
managing EIA in horses .  (1) Donors showed no clinical sign of EIA on the day of 
each collection; and  
a) Donors were kept on premises where no 
case of EIA has been repor ted during the 
90 days prior to each collection; and  
b) 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) , within 30 days prior to 
collection  with negative results.   
 
Review of Submissions for HORSSEMB.SPE  November 2015  Page 9 of 21  
For the cases where a tabulated summary for each consignment is not used, a table for recording donor and 
embryo information has been inserted at the top of the model certificate.  
 
Draft GD  Provisional GD  
5.10 Model veterinary certificate for horse semen/ 
embryos  5.10 Model veterinary certificate for horse 
semen/ embryos  
Part II: Specific Requirements  Part II: Specific Requirements  
 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  
 
 
   
 
Review of Submissions for HORSSEMB.SPE  November 2015  Page 10 of 21 4 Review of Submissions  
4.1 Alabar (NZ) Ltd  
4.1.1 Testing requirements for EIA  
Currently the donor stallions must be tested for EIA no less than 21 days after entering the semen 
collection centre. The new IHS proposes testing for EIA no less than 30 days after the donor stallion 
enters the collection centre. This would mean an inconvenience to New Zeala nd breeders and a major 
competitive disadvantage for [Alabar]. [Alabar] requests there be no changes to the current EIA testing 
requirements.  
 
MPI Response  
The proposed measures are in line with the OIE Code  for live horses and based on the IRA. Australia ’s 
Department of Agriculture has the option of proposing an equivalent measure when negotiating the 
veterinary certificate for semen and embryos from horses to New Zealand. This could include a different 
testing window for shuttle stallions that have been in quarantine for several weeks and tested several 
times prior to entering the SCC. The requirements in the IHS will remain in line with the Code  for live 
horses , but will be prescribed in the IHS .  
4.2 EquiBreed NZ Ltd  
4.2.1 GD clause 5.8  
Antibiotics effective agai nst leptospirosis  
[EquiBreed NZ’s]  understanding is that penicillin alone is not fully effective against Leptospirosis and 
therefore must be used in conjunction with an effective antibiotic.  
 
MPI Response  
The wording “in conjunction with an aminoglycoside” was added to “500 IU per ml penicillin” in the 
Guidance Document (clause 5.8.1) after consultation with Richard Clough, IDC Wallaceville. The MPI 
document, Approved Diagnostic Tests, Vaccines, Treatments and Post -Arrival Testing Laboratories for 
Animal Import Health Standards (MPI-STD-TVTL ) was also updated accordingly.  
 
4.3 Department of Agriculture; G/SPS/N/NZL/520  29 June 2015  
4.3.1 Application  
1.1.(a) semen from domestic horses (Equidae) that is fresh/chilled or frozen, in straws, ampoules or 
pellets and not genetically modified;  
 
Chilled semen is not typically transported in straws, ampoules or pellets as those are used for frozen 
semen. Fresh semen is usually transported in plastic screw top containers.  
 
The guidance document states that semen can be contained in various types of  receptacles, such as a 
vial, goblet, ampoule, or straw, as long as they are tamper -evident and separate semen from individual 
donors. Therefore is it possible to amend 1.1 a) to include these additional containers. Additionally these 
need to be amended in  the sample health certificate to allow for transport of chilled semen.  
 
MPI Response  
Clause 1.1. (a) was amended as follows:  
a) semen from domestic horses ( Equidae ) that is not genetically modified and  
a. fresh/chilled in screw top containers or      
b. frozen in s traws, ampoules or pellets . 
  
Additionally, the model certificate in the GD was amended as follows:   
 
Review of Submissions for HORSSEMB.SPE  November 2015  Page 11 of 21 (5) The semen is contained in (delete as appropriate)   
a) Straws; or  
b) Ampoules; or  
c) Pellets; or  
d) Screw -top containers (applicable to fresh semen only).  
 
Clause 5.6(2) of the GD has been amended as follows:  
Semen can be contained  in various 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.  
 
Clause 3 of the model certificate for semen has been amended as follows:  
The semen is contained in (delete as appropriate)   
i) Straws; or  
ii) Ampoules; or  
iii) Pellets; or  
iv) Screw -top containers (applicable to fresh semen only).  
 
4.3.2 Diagnostic testing, vaccination and treatment  
1.5.(1)  Any laboratory conducting the pre -export or surveillance testing where  required by this IHS 
must be approved by the Competent Authority of a country approved to export to New Zealand.  
 
The Department of Agriculture does not approve testing laboratories; certification of export testing is 
based on tests being performed at a laboratory that is accredited by Australia’s National Association of 
Testing Authorities (NATA). Therefore we suggest the following change:  
 
1.5.(1)  Any laboratory conduc ting the pre -export or surveillance testing where  required by this IHS 
must be approved  recognised  by the Competent  Authority of a country approved to export to New 
Zealand.  
 
MPI Response  
This could be incorporated as an equivalent measure when negotiatin g the veterinary certificate 
accompanying consignments  of equine germplasm from Australia to New Zealand . 
4.3.3 Embryo donor requirements  
1.6.2 (1)  The Competent Authority must have knowledge of and authority over the embryo donor(s) until 
completion of collection and testing required by this IHS.  
 
The Competent Authority will approve an embryo collection team. It seems most appropriate that the 
approved embryo collection team veterinarian has this knowledge and authority. Therefore we suggest 
the followi ng change:  
 
1.6.2 (1)  The Competent Authority  approved embryo collection team veterinarian   must have knowledge 
of and authority over the embryo donor(s) until completion of collection and testing required by this IHS.  
 
MPI Response  
The clause was amended as suggested in both the IHS and the GD.  
 
 
1.6.2 (2)  Embryo donors must not be situated on a premise /with other horses that is/are subject to 
veterinary restrictions for the identified risk organisms managed in Part 2 of this IHS for at least 28 days 
before the first embryo collection until  completion of donor testing, where required by this IHS.  
 
A ‘premise’ is not singular for premises. Therefore we suggest the following change:   
 
Review of Submissions for HORSSEMB.SPE  November 2015  Page 12 of 21  
1.6.2 (2)  Embryo donors must not be situated on a premise  premises /with other  horses that  … 
 
MPI Response  
The clause was amended as suggested.  
 
4.3.4 Fertilisation requirements  
1.6.3 (1)  Embryos produced for the consignment must be fertilised from semen which was either:  
 
Embryos are created when oocytes are fertilised by semen. Therefore we suggest the following change:  
 
1.6.3 (1)  Embryos produced  The semen used to produce the embryos  for the  consignment must be 
fertilised from semen which was either:  
 
MPI Response  
Clause 1.6.3(1)  in the IHS was amended as follows:  
The semen used  to produce the embryo(s) for the consignment must be either:  
 
The GD model certificate already had the suggested wording.  
 
4.3.5 Semen donor requirements  
1.7.2 (1)  Semen donors must be isolated for at least 28 days at a place specifically approved for this 
purpose by the Competent Authority prior to admission to the semen centre. During this time semen 
donors must not be used for natural mating and must be isolated from animals not of equivalent health 
status.  
 
Could the time required to be isolated in the actual semen collection centre be clarified as this is not 
clear in the IHS or guidance document. Are the donors required to do this initial 28 days in isolation 
before admission into the semen centre and then an additional 30 days before they are eligible  to donate 
semen?  
 
MPI Response  
The interpretation of this requirement was indeed be that semen donors have to be isolated 28 days 
prior to entry into the SCC .  
MPI acknowledges that no other trading partners have this requirement of 28 days isolation of equine 
semen donors prior to entering the SCC and has amended clause 1.7.2.1 as follows:  
i) Semen donors must be resident for at least 28 consecutive days at the semen collection 
centre prior to collection of the semen for export. During this time semen donors must not be 
used for natural mating and must be isolated from animals not of equivalent health status.  
 
4.3.6 Storage  
1.9.3   Semen and embryos must straws or sanitised c ontainers which ar e sealed and tamper -evident, 
and clearly and permanently marked to identify the donor and the date(s) of collection.  If a code is used for 
this information, its decipher instructions must accompany the consignment. The marking must, in  
accordance with the Code, conform to the international standards of the IETS.  
 
See guidance document for more information about semen containers.  
 
For fresh semen that is transported in screw top containers, will a label across the cap be considered 
appropriate for ‘tamper -evident’? If not could tamper -evident please be clarified. What does the sanitised 
container refer to, could this please be clarified? If the marking must conform to IETS standards, how does 
this apply to semen?   
 
Review of Submissions for HORSSEMB.SPE  November 2015  Page 13 of 21 There appears to be a typographical error, the  following change may be appropriate:  
 
Semen and embryos must be in  straws , ampoules, pellets  or sanitised containers …………  
MPI Response  
Tamper -evident would mean that the container cannot be opened  without the seal being broken  or 
otherwise visibly tampered with. This implies that a label across the top does not suffice, since it could 
potentially be peeled off in order to open the container and stuck back on. A circular adhesive band such 
as used as festival wristbands would be  an example of tamper -evident seals for such screw top containers 
for fresh semen.  
The term “sanitised” was inserted to allow various methods of  disinfection and  sterilisation to be applied to 
containers as required by the Code in the chapter on in vivo  derived embryos from livestock and equids. 
MPI acknowledges that the term “sanitation” is not generally used in biosecurity and is inappropriate.  
The IETS standard for marking only applies to embryos.  
 
The clause has been amended as follows, including c orrection of the typographical error:  
1.9.3.  Semen and embryos must be 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 . If a code is used for this information, its decipher instructions must 
accompany the consignment. For embryos the marking must, in accordance with the Code , 
conform to the international standards of the IETS.  
See guidance document for more information ab out semen containers.  
4.3.7 The documentation that must accompany goods  
1.12.4.   Documentation copies must be sent to the Biosecurity Inspector at the airport/port of arrival at 
least one working day in advance of importation.  
 
For fresh semen this is not practi cal – the product is collected and arrives in NZ within 20 hours. Could 
this clause be amended to manage fresh semen documents on a shorter timeframe?  
 
MPI Response  
The clause has been amended as follows:  
1.12.4.  Documentation copies must be sent to the Biosecurity Inspector at the airport/port of 
arrival at least one working day in advance of importation. For fresh semen only, the 
documentation must be emailed to MPI within 24 hours prior to arrival.  
 
From the guidance document (GD -HORSSEMB.SPE) : 
 
4.3.8 Equine infectious anaemia (EIA)  
24.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 c ollection; and 
 
Are donors able to reside at multiple premises as long as they meet the 90 day premises freedom 
requirement?  
 
MPI Response  
Yes.  
 
24.a.( 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), either *  
   i  Not less than 30 days after entry into the collection centre; or  
 
Review of Submissions for HORSSEMB.SPE  November 2015  Page 14 of 21  
What about the timing of semen collection in relation to this requirement or is it irrelevant?  
 
MPI Response  
Collection can commence 28 days after the stallion has entered the SCC. Testing has to be done at 
least 30 days after the stallion has entered the SCC.  
 
24.a. ii( ii)  30-60 days after collection; or 
  
Is the stallion required to still be in the semen collection centre?  
 
MPI Response  
No, the test is meant to ascertain that the donor stallion wasn’t infected with EIA at time of collection . 
 
   24.a.ii( iii)  Annually at the start of the breeding season, with negative results.  
 
Is this when the stallion is  in the collection centre and is it related to the timing of semen collection?  
 
MPI Response  
This option was added to accommodate the Australian situation whereby fresh semen donor stallions 
get approved for an entire breeding season, and consignments of t heir semen can be allowed clearance 
into New Zealand with one certificate rather than an increasing amount of documentation  without the 
need for a permit (which would have the equivalence decision added) . However, upon re -reading the 
correspondence between  then DAFF and MPI, it appeared that no equivalent measures for testing were 
agreed, only equivalent certification. The donors must still comply with all IHS requirements, meaning 
regular testing. The option for annual testing at the start of the breeding season has been removed and 
the same condition will be considered upon when negotiating the veterinary certificate.  
4.3.9 Equine viral arteritis (EVA )  
25.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  
 
Is this a single establishment or can this  include the time in pre -centre isolation?  
 
MPI Response  
This can include multiple establishments . The requirement for 28 days pre -SCC isolation has been 
removed. The clause has been amended as follows:  
 
25.a.  Donors were kept in an establishment (s) where no animals  have shown any signs of 
EVA for the 28  days prior to shipment . 
  
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 equid s not of equivalent health status for 14 days prior to blood sampling until the end of 
semen collection; or  
 
Could you please clarify if the test can be performed before the donor enters the collection centre during 
the 28 day pre -centre isolation period o r should the testing be performed once in the centre?  
 
MPI Response  
Testing can be done during the 28 -day stand -down period prior to collection. The requirement for 28 
days isolation prior to the stallion entering the SCC has been removed.     
 
Review of Submissions for HORSSEMB.SPE  November 2015  Page 15 of 21 5 Appendix 1: Copies of Submissions  
 
5.1 Alabar  (NZ) Ltd  
 
 
 
 
Review of Submissions for HORSSEMB.SPE  November 2015  Page 16 of 21 5.2 EquiBreed NZ Ltd  
 
Dear Anne,  
 
As discussed at our meeting on 25 June 2015, may I recommend that the list of approved antibiotics in semen 
extender be known to be effective against Leptospirosis. A microbiology labo ratory (NCDI?) will have the latest 
information and be able to provide confirmation, but my understanding is that penicillin alone is not fully effective 
against Leptospirosis and therefore must be used in conjunction with an effective antibiotic.  
 
Kind re gards  
Lee 
 
5.3 Department of Agriculture, Australia  
 
Department of Agriculture comments  
 
Draft Import Health Standard: Semen and Embryos from Horses ( Equidae ) from Specified Countries  
HORSSEMB.SPE  
 
G/SPS/N/NZL/520  29 June 2015  
 
1.1 Application  
 a) semen from  domestic horses (Equidae) that is fresh/chilled or    
 frozen, in straws, ampoules or pellets and not genetically modified;  
 
Chilled semen is not typically transported in straws, ampoules or pellets as those are used for frozen semen. 
Fresh semen is usua lly transported in plastic screw top containers.  
 
The guidance document states that semen can be contained in various types of receptacles, such as a vial, 
goblet, ampoule, or straw, as long as they are tamper -evident and separate semen from individual do nors. 
Therefore is it possible to amend 1.1 a) to include these additional containers. Additionally these need to be 
amended in the sample health certificate to allow for transport of chilled semen.  
 
1.5  Diagnostic testing, vaccination and treatment  
(1)  Any laboratory conducting the pre -export or surveillance testing where  required by this IHS must be 
approved by the Competent Authority of a country approved to export to New Zealand.  
 
The Department of Agriculture does not approve testing laboratories; c ertification of export testing is based on 
tests being performed at a laboratory that is accredited by Australia’s National Association of Testing Authorities 
(NATA). Therefore we suggest the following change:  
 
 (1)  Any laboratory conducting the pre -expor t or surveillance testing where  required by this IHS 
must be approved  recognised  by the Competent  Authority of a country approved to export to New 
Zealand.  
 
1.6.2  Embryo donor requirements  
(1)  The Competent Authority must have knowledge of and authority over the embryo donor(s) until 
completion of collection and testing required by this IHS.  
 
The Competent Authority will approve an embryo collection team. It seems most appropriate that the approved 
embryo collection team veterinarian has this knowledge an d authority. Therefore we suggest the following 
change:  
  
 
Review of Submissions for HORSSEMB.SPE  November 2015  Page 17 of 21 (1)  The Competent Authority  approved embryo collection team veterinarian   must have knowledge 
of and authority over the embryo donor(s) until  completion of collection and testing required by this I HS.
  
 
(2)  Embryo donors must not be situated on a premise/with other horses that is/are  subject to veterinary 
restrictions for the identified risk organisms managed in Part 2 of this IHS for at least 28 days before the first 
embryo collection until  compl etion of donor testing, where required by this IHS.  
 
A ‘premise’ is not singular for premises. Therefore we suggest the following change:  
 
(2)  Embryo donors must not be situated on a premise  premises /with other  horses that 
…………………..  
 
1.6.3  Fertilisation requirements  
 
(1)  Embryos produced for the consignment must be fertilised from semen which was either:  
 
Embryos are created when oocytes are fertilised by semen. Therefore we suggest the following change:  
 
(1)  Embryos produced  The semen used to produce t he embryos  for the  consignment must be 
fertilised from semen which was either:  
 
1.7 Semen requirements:  
 
1.7.2 Semen donor requirements  
 
(1)  Semen donors must be isolated for at least 28 days at a place specifically approved for this purpose by 
the Compet ent Authority prior to admission to the semen centre. During this time semen donors must not be used 
for natural mating and must be isolated from animals not of equivalent health status.  
 
Could the time required to be isolated in the actual semen collectio n centre be clarified as this is not clear in the 
IHS or guidance document. Are the donors required to do this initial 28 days in isolation before admission into the 
semen centre and then an additional 30 days before they are eligible to donate semen?  
 
From the guidance document (GD -HORSSEMB.SPE) : 
 
(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 
 
Are donors able to reside at multiple premises as long as they meet the 90 day premises freedom requirement?  
 
  ii)  Donors were subjected to a test listed in the MPI document: MPI   
 Approved Diag nostic Tests, Vaccines, Treatments and Post -arrival Testing Laboratories for Animal 
Import Health Standards (MPI -STD-TVTL), either *  
   i  Not less than 30 days after entry into the collection centre; or 
 
What about the timing of semen collection in relati on to this requirement or is it irrelevant?  
   ii  30-60 days after collection; or 
 
Is the stallion required to still be in the semen collection centre?  
   iii  Annually at the start of the breeding season, with negative   
  results.  
 
Is this when the stal lion is in the collection centre and is it related to the timing of semen collection?  
  
 
Review of Submissions for HORSSEMB.SPE  November 2015  Page 18 of 21  (*Delete as applicable)  
 
(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  
 
Is this a single establishment or can this include the time in pre -centre isolation?  
 
 iii)  Were subjected to a test for E VA 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 collectio n; or 
 
Could you please clarify if the test can be performed before the donor enters the collection centre during the 28 
day pre -centre isolation period or should the testing be performed once in the centre?  
 
1.9 Storage  
 
(3)  Semen and embryos must straws or sanitised containers which are sealed and  tamper -evident, and 
clearly and permanently marked to identify the donor and the date(s) of collection.  If a code is used for this 
information, its decipher instructions must accom pany the consignment. The marking must, in  accordance with 
the Code, conform to the international standards of the IETS.  
 
See guidance document for more information about semen containers.  
 
For fresh semen that is transported in screw top containers, will a label across the cap be considered appropriate 
for ‘tamper -evident’? If not could tamper -evident please be clarified. What does the sanitised container refer to, 
could this please be clarified? If the marking must conform to IETS standards, how does this  apply to semen?  
 
There appears to be a typographical error, the following change may be appropriate:  
 
(3)  Semen and embryos must be in  straws , ampoules, pellets  or sanitised  containers …………  
 
1.12  The documentation that must accompany goods  
 
(4)  Docume ntation copies must be sent to the Biosecurity Inspector at the airport/port of arrival at least one 
working day in advance of importation.  
 
For fresh semen this is not practical – the product is collected and arrives in NZ within 20 hours. Could this clau se 
be amended to manage fresh semen documents on a shorter timeframe?