Guidance Document  
 
A guidance document issued by the Ministry for Primary Industries  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Bovine Germplasm  
BOVIGERM.GEN  
[Document Date]  
 Guidance Document : Bovine Germplasm  
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  1 of 19 
 
 
 Title 
Guidance Document : Bovine Germplasm . 
About this document  
This guidance document contains information about acceptable ways of ensuring compliance with the 
requirements in t he Import Health Standard ( IHS): Bovine Germplasm . 
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: Bovine 
Germplasm . 
Related Requirements  
Import Health Standard: Bovine Germplasm  
Document  history  
Refer to Appendix 1.  
Contact Details  
For further information and questions about this guidance document, please contact:  
 
Ministry for Primary Industries  
Agriculture and Investment Services   
Animal Imports  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
Email: animal.imports@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 for 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 under 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 attribu te the work to the Ministry for Primary 
Industries and abide by the other licence terms. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/nz/ . 
Please note that n o governmental emblem, logo or Coat of Arms may be used in any way which infringes any provision of the Flags, 
Emblems, and Names Protection Act 1981 or would infringe such provision if the relevant use occurred within New Zealand. 
Attribution to the Minis try for Primary Industries should be in written form and not by reproduction of any such emblem, logo or Coat of 
Arms.  
Guidance Document : Bovine Germplasm  
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 Contents  Page 
1 Purpose  3 
2 Background  3 
3 Definitions  3 
4 Importer Responsibilities  3 
5 Guidance  3 
5.1 Import Permit  3 
5.2 Equivalence  4 
5.3   Genetically modified (GM) and new organisms  4 
5.4 Incorporation of material by reference  4 
5.5 Harmonised system (HS) codes  4 
5.6 Exporting country system s and certification  5 
5.7 Diagnostic tests, vaccines and treatment  6 
5.8 Inspection and verification  6 
6 Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  7 
6.1 Model veterinary certificate  7 
Appendix 1 – Document History  19 
 
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 1 Purpose  
(1) This guidance document has been issued to accompany the IHS: Bovine Germplasm . This guidance 
document should be read in conjunction with that IHS.  
(2) This document includes:  
a) Countries with MPI -approved exporting systems to import  bovine semen and bovine embryos  
into New Zealand  
b) A model veterinary certificate  
c) Links to n egotiated country specific veterinary certificates  
2 Background  
(1) The IHS: Bovine Germplasm , which this guidance document accompanies, contains generic import 
requirements. These are the rules to manage the biosecurity  risk of importing  bovine semen and 
bovine embryos  from all countries that can meet the requirements of the IHS and in doing so meet 
New Zealand’s appropriate level of protection. The generic IHS serves as the basis for country -to-
country (bilateral) neg otiations. This guidance document contains a model veterinary certificate and the 
bilaterally -agreed veterinary certification for trade in  bovine semen and bovine embryos . This country -
specific veterinary certificate represents what will be certified pri or to exporting consignments of  bovine 
semen and bovine embryos  from the country specified.  
(2) General information about importing semen and embryos can be found here: 
http://mpi. govt.nz/importing/live -animals/semen -and-embryos/ . 
3 Definitions  
(1) Refer to Schedule 2 of the IHS: Bovine Germplasm . 
4 Importer Responsibilities  
(1) The costs to MPI in performing functions relating to the importation of  bovine semen and bovine 
embryos  will be r ecovered in accordance 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 must be covered by the importer or agent.  
(2) Consignments t hat do not comply with the requirements of the IHS may be re -shipped  or destroyed 
using an MPI -approved destruction method .  
(3) There are reporting obligations  for owners of imported semen and embryos from ruminants under the 
Biosecurity (Imported Animals, E mbryos, and Semen Information) Regulations 1999 : 
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/importing/live -animals/farm -animals/reporting -obligations -for-owners -of-
imported -ruminant -animals  
5 Guidance  
5.1 Import Permit  
(1) An import permit (copy acceptable) is required for all consignments of bovine semen and bovine 
embryos.  
(2) Completed applications can be submitted to Animal Imports animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz . 
(3) Application forms can be found on the MPI website at: Applica tion form Semen and Embryos . Guidance Document : Bovine Germplasm  
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 (4) The import  permit will provide  specific notes in the special conditions section if equivalence decisions 
are granted . 
5.2 Equivalence  
(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).  
(2) MPI’s preference is that the exporting country’s Competent Authority makes equivalence requests. 
Equivalence requests can be lodged with animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz . 
5.3  Genetically modified (GM) and new organisms  
(1) Under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996, a GM organism is 
considered a new organism.  
(2) GM organisms are organisms  whose genes or other genetic material have been modified by in vitro 
techniques.  
(3) Organisms that result solely  from artificial insemination, superovulation, embryo transfer, or embryo 
splitting are not considered to be GM organisms.  
(4) For more information please visit: https://www.epa.govt.nz/ind ustry -areas/new -organisms/   
(5) Bovinae species that are not already present in New Zealand also require HSNO approval, which must 
be presented to MPI at the time of application for an import permit.  
5.4 Incorporation of material by reference  
(1) Incorporation by re ference 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.  
(2) 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.  
5.5 Harmonised system (HS) codes  
(1) The harmonised system is an international produc t numbering classification developed by the World 
Customs Organisation (WCO). The New Zealand harmonised system is found here: 
http://aria.stats.govt.nz/aria/  
(2) Animal products imported using the IHS will be un der one of the following HS Codes:  
 
HS Code  Commodity Description  
051110 10 Bovine semen  
05119991  Bovine embryos  Guidance Document : Bovine Germplasm  
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 5.6 Exporting country systems and certification  
5.6.1 Approval for exporting systems  
(1) The table below lists those exporting countries whose exporting systems have already been approved.  
 
Countries with Approved 
Exporting Systems  Date Approved  
Canada  2012  
European Union  2012  
Australia  2013  
United States of America  2013  
Norway  2016  
Switzerland  2016  
(2) MPI recommends Competent Authorities that request the approval of their exporting systems refer to 
Section 3 of the Code  titled Quality of Veterinary Services , to prepare evidence for MPI regarding 
capabilities and preferences of the exporting country’s Competent Authority.  
(3) The import risk analysis work has already been done for all countries:  
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/2830 -Cattle -germplasm -from-all-countries -Final -import -risk-
analysis -February -2009   
5.6.2 Agreed country specific veterinary certificates  
(1) Requests from exporting countries to negotiate veterinary certification for the import of  bovine semen 
and bovine embryos  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 re ference for country -specific veterinary certificate negotiation.  
(3) All country -specific veterinary certificates agreed under BOV IGERM.GEN  between an exporting 
country’s Competent Authority and MPI are included in the table below:  
For semen:  
 
Country  Link to Certificate  S27 CTO Direction #  Date agreed  Date Applicable for Use 
     
For embryos:  
 
Country  Link to Certificate  S27 CTO Direction #  Date agreed  Date Applicable for Use 
     
(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. Using the measures before 
a new country -specific veterinary certificate is agreed can create challenges at the time of biosecurity 
clearance. MPI should be notified prior to their use in order to provide clarification to border staff.  
(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. MPI will Guidance Document : Bovine Germplasm  
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 advise the exporting country when the p revious vet erinary certificates for that country can no longer be 
used.  
5.7 Diagnostic tests , vaccines and treatment  
(1) MPI’s approval process includes consultation with the MPI Animal Health Laboratory (AHL) and the 
test must be deemed valid for diagnostic purposes in bovi nes. 
(2) MPI lists all approved diagnostic tests , vaccines , and treatments  in the MPI document: Approved 
Diagnostic Tests, Vaccines, Treatments and Post -Arrival Testing Laboratories for Animal Import Health 
Standards , MPI-STD-TVTL . That document is updated when new tests , treatments , and vaccines  are 
approved, such as when a  new veterinary certificate is agreed . It also updated when approvals are 
removed , such as w hen an import health standard is revoked.  
(3) 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/  
5.8 Inspection and verification  
(1) On arrival, all documentation accompanying the consignment will be verified by an insp ector. The 
inspector may also inspect the consignment, or a sample of the consignment on arrival.  
(2) Inspectors are able to inspect and verify due to their authorised powers under the Act.  
(3) Physical inspection and verification of 10% of germplasm imports (randomly selected) began in 2020.  
(4) These requirements  are independent of the IHS requirements.  
(5) For more information visit: www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/37973 -inspection -of-frozen -germplasm -pdf 
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 6 Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  
6.1 Model veterinary certificate  
(1) Below is a mo del veterinary certificate for trade in  bovine semen and bovine embryos . This model 
meets the requirements of the IHS.   
 
Part 1: Details of dispatched consignment  1.1.  Consignor (Exporter):  
Name:  
Address:  
 1.2.  Certificate reference number:  
 
1.3.  Competent Authority:  
 
1.4.  Consignee (Importer):  
Name:  
Address:  
 
 
1.5.  Country of origin:  
ISO Code*  1.6.  Zone or compartment of origin:**  
 
1.7.  Country of destination :  
ISO Code*  1.8.  Zone o r compartment of destination:**  
1.9.  Place of origin:  
Name:  
Address:  
1.10.  Place of shipment:  1.11.  Date of departure:  
1.12.  Means of transport:  
 
    Aeroplane           Ship  
 
Identification:  
 1.13.  Expected border post:  
1.14.  CITES permit No(s):**  
1.15.  Description of commodity:  
 1.16.  Commodity Code (ISO Code*):  
1.17.  Total number of:  
1.18.  Temperature of commodities for transport:  
 1.19.  Total number of packages:  
1.20.  Identification of container/serial (seal)  number:  
 1.21.  Type of packaging:  
1.22.  Identification of commodity:  
 
* Optional  
** If referenced in Part 2  
 
 
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  Part 2: Detail of donors  Country:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Certificate reference number:  
Embryo donor  information    
Donor 
identification  Date/s of collection  Date of entry into 
collection herd  Breed  Date of Birth  Country of Birth  Name of Owner  Address of Owner  
        
        
Semen donor informat ion  
Donor 
identification  Date/s of collection  Straw  identification  Number of 
Straws  Date of 
entry into 
semen 
collection 
facility  Name of 
semen 
collection 
facility  Address of semen collection facility  Semen collection 
facility approval 
number  Date of last 
inspection of 
semen 
facility  
         
         
Test information  
(Note that this information is to be amended as appropriate to the exporting country)  
 
 <Disease name>  <Disease name>  <Disease name>  <Disease name>  <Disease name>  <Disease name>  <Disease name>  
Donor 
identification  
Test sampling 
date 
Test type  
Result  
Test sampling 
date 
Test type  
Result  
Test sampling 
date 
Test type  
Result  
Test sampling 
date 
Test type  
Result  
Test sampling 
date 
Test type  
Result  
Test sampling 
date 
Test type  
Result  
Test sampling 
date 
Test type  
Result  
        
        
Other information  
<disease name> Vaccine  Product/treatment  Name of the 
vaccine  
Date 
administered  
Inactivated 
or modified 
live virus  
Virus types 
and strains  Name and 
Manufacturer 
of product  Date 
administered  Method of 
administration  Dose 
administered  
        
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 Part 3: Requirements  
 
I, the undersigned Official Veterinarian, certify that the product  described above satisfy the following requirements:   
(*Delete as appropriate and initial ) 
(1) Eligibility  
(a) *Frozen semen from the Bovinae subfamily; or  
(b) *Frozen , in vivo  derived embryos from the Bovinae subfamily.  
Note: The requirements below which are not applicable to the product selected above can be removed from the certificate.  
(2) Diagnostic tests, vaccines and treatment  
(a) All pre -export and/or surveillance testing required by this veterinary certificate  has been :  
(i) *conducted by a laboratory approved by the Competent Authority of the exporting country; or  
(ii) *conducted by a laboratory approved by the Competent Authority of any other country approved to export 
the specified type of germplasm to New Zealand.  
(b) All laboratory samples required by this veterinary certificate  have been collected, processed, and stored in 
accordance with the OIE’s recommendations or as described in Appro ved Diagnostic Tests, Vaccines, Treatments 
and Post -Arrival Testing Laboratories for Animal Import Health Standards, MPI-STD-TVTL , found here: 
https://w ww.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/2040/    
(c) All diagnostic test(s) and vaccines that are required below are those that have been approved by MPI for that 
purpose and documented in MPI-STD-TVTL .  
(d) All products and vaccinations required by this veterinary certificate  to be administered to meet the specific disease 
requirements below  have been administered according to the manufact urer’s instruction .  
(e) Any vaccine(s) administered to satisfy import requirements was/were either the final dose of a primary vaccination 
course has been administered or the recommended booster to complement the primary course.  
(3) Semen collection centre requi rements  
(a) The s emen  for export was c ollect ed in a semen collection centre that complies with the recommendations for 
centres in the OIE Code  chapter General Hygiene in Semen Collection and Processing Centres . 
(b) At the time of collection of this consignment for  New Zealand, t he semen collection centre  was: 
(i) approved for export by the Competent Authority;  
(ii) subjected to regular inspection, at least every 12 months, by an Official Veterinarian;  
(iii) under the supervision of a semen collection centre  veterinarian . 
(c) *Semen donors were transferred from one approved semen collection centre to another approved centre of equal 
health status without isolation or testing and the following requirements were met:  
(i) The d onors were  examined by the approved semen collection centre  veterinarian on the day of entry into 
the centre and show ed no evidence of infectious disease transmissible in semen.  
(ii) Transfer was direct.  
(iii) The d onors d id not come into direct or indirect contact with animals of lower health status.  Country:  Certificate reference number:  Guidance Document : Bovine Germplasm  
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 (iv) The means of transport was disinfected before use.  
(4) Donor requirements  
(a) The s emen donors met the requirements in the Code  chapter Collection and Processing of Bovine, Small 
Ruminant, and Porcine Semen , and the other specified requirements in this veteri nary certificate.  
(b) During the 28 days in which the semen donors  were  held in pre -entry isolation prior to entering the semen collection 
centre (as prescribed in the Code ), they were not used for natural mating and were  isolated from animals not of 
equivalent health status.  
(c) The e mbryo donors met the recommendations in the Code  chapter Collection and Processing of In Vivo Derived 
Embryos from Livestock and Equids , and the other specified requirements in this veterinary certificate.   
(d) The e mbryo donors were  resident in the embryo collection herd for at least 28 days prior t o embryo collection for 
export to New Zealand. While resident with the collection herd, the herd was not  subject to veterinary restrictions for 
organisms managed in this veterinary certificate .  
(e) Germplasm donors that were imported to the exporting country have only lived in approved countries  for at least the 
60 days  before germplasm collection.  
(f) On the day of germplasm collection, the embryo collection team veterinarian or semen collection centre veterinarian 
determine d that the donor s were free from clinic al evidence of infectious diseases transmissible in germplasm.  
(g) Where a specific requirement of this veterinary certificate  was met by pre -collection testing, the germplasm donors 
were  isolated from other animals not of equivalent tested health status, fro m the time of the test sample collection 
until completion of germplasm collection for export.  
(h) Where a specific requirement of this veterinary certificate  for a risk organism was met by monitoring the germplasm 
donors for clinical signs for a specified tim e after collection, the germplasm was stored for that amount of time prior 
to export.  
(5) Semen collection, processing and storag e 
(a) Semen collection, processing and storage compl ied with the sections relevant for bovine semen in the Code  
chapter Collection and Processing of Bovine, Small Ruminant, and Porcine Semen , unless stated otherwise in this 
veterinary certificate . 
(b) Where testing must be within a certain time period before or after semen collection:  
(i) Semen collection may be a time period o f up to 60 consecutive days.  
(ii) Test samples must have been collected within the specified period before the first day of the semen 
collection where testing is required before semen collection.  
(iii) Test samples must have been collected within the specified peri od after the last day of the semen collection 
period  where testing is required after semen collection .  
(c) The cryogenic or cooling agent used in the freezing process, storage and transport ha s not been used previously in 
association with any other product of  animal origin.  
(d) All straws have been  be sealed, and clearly and permanently marked to identify the donor and the date(s) of 
freezing. The markings conform to international standards of the International Committee for Animal Recording 
(ICAR). *If a code is  used for this information, its decipher instructions must accompany the consignment.  
(e) The s emen has only be en stored and transported with germplasm that has been collected and processed in 
accordance with the Code .  
(f) The s emen has been held in a storage place approved by the Competent Authority of the exporting country until the 
time of export.  
(g) Subject to ( h), the semen will be  imported directly from the country in which it was collected.  Guidance Document : Bovine Germplasm  
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 (h) *If the semen was collected in a country that has an agreed  veterinary certificate for bovine semen export to New 
Zealand  and stored in another country that also has an agr eed veterinary certificate for bovine semen export to 
New Zealand (country of storage), that semen is accompanied by:  
(i) A declaration from the Competent Authority of the country of storage that:  
1. identifies the semen from the country of origin as the semen being exported to New Zealand;  
2. certifies that the semen has been stored and transported in the country of storage in accordance 
with the requirements of veterinary certificate ;  
(ii) Evidence that the semen meets the rest of the  import  requirements in the form of either:  
1. *a veterinary certificate issued by the Competent Authority of the origin country; or  
2. *a letter from the Competent Authority of the origin country confirming the semen meets the 
requirements of th eir agreed veterinary certificate and indicatin g which requirements therein have 
been fulfilled . 
(6) Embryo collection, processing and storage  
(a) Embryos were  collected, washed, processed, stored and traceability maintained under the supervision of an 
embryo collection team veterinarian and in accordance with:  
(i) the recommendations in the OIE Code  chapter on Collection and Processing of In Vivo Derived Embryos 
from Livestock and Equids;  
(ii) the recommendations in the IETS Manual . 
(b) The embryo collection team operate d in accordance with the conditions listed in the OIE Code  chapter on 
Collection and Processing of In Vivo Derived Embryos from Livestock and Equids.    
(c) At the time of  embryo collection each embryo was examined over its entire surface at not less than 50X 
magnification and found to have an intact zona pellucida and be free of adherent material.  
(d) *If any embryo in the consignment underwent micro -manipulation that  cause d a breach of the zona pellucida it was 
performed  as per the procedures described in the OIE Code  chapter Collection and Processing of 
Micromanipulated Oocytes or Embryos from Livestock and Horses  and the IETS Manual .  
(e) All biological products of animal origin used in the media and solutions for collection, processing, washing or 
storage of the embryos were free of pathogenic organisms including pestiviruses and prions. Media and solutions 
were  sterilised by approved meth ods according to the IETS Manual  and handled in a manner that ensure d that 
sterility is maintained.  
(f) All straws  were  sealed, and clearly and permanently marked to identify the donor and the date(s) of freezing. The 
markings conform to international standar ds of the International Committee for Animal Recording (ICAR) and the 
IETS Manual . *If a code is used for this information, its decipher instructions accompany the consignment.  
(g) The e mbryos have  only be en stored and transported with germplasm that has been collected and processed in 
accordance with the OIE Code .  
(h) The e mbryos have  only be en held in a storage place approved by the Competent Authority of the exporting country 
until the time of export.  
(i) Subjec t to (j), the embryos are exported  directly from the country in which they were collected.  
(j) * If embryos were collected in a country that has an agreed veterinary certificate for bovine embryo export to New 
Zealand and stored in another country that also h as an agreed veterinary certificate for bovine embryos to New 
Zealand (country of storage) , the embryos are  accompanied by:  
(i) A declaration from the Competent Authority of the country of storage that:  Guidance Document : Bovine Germplasm  
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 1. identifies the embryos from the country of origin as th e embryos being exported to New Zealand;  
2. certifies that the embryos have been stored and transported in the country of storage in accordance 
with the requirements  of this veterinary certificate ;  
(ii) Evidence that the embryos meet the rest of the import requir ements in the form of either:  
1. *A veterinary certificate issued by the Competent Authority of the origin country; or  
2. *A letter from the Competent Authority of the origin country confirming the embryos meet the 
requirements of their agreed veterinary certi ficate and indicating which requirements therein have 
been fulfilled.  
(7) Transport  
(a) The transport container in which the germplasm  is to be  transported to New Zealand is new or disinfected and is 
free of contamination. *If the transport container has been  disinfected : 
(i) Disinfectant  (active chemical ) _________________________________   
(ii) Date of disinfection  _________________________________________  
(b) All transport containers in which germplasm  is transported to New Zealand have been sealed, by either the semen 
collection centre /herd  veterinarian or an Official Veterinarian, using tamper -evident seals that are positioned to 
ensure that no germplasm can be added after the transport container has been sealed .  
(c) *Where the germplasm is transferred from one transport container to another :  
(i) Date of transfer  ____________________________________________  
(ii) Name of approved collection centre/herd  ________________________  
(iii) Reason for transfer  _________________________________________  
(iv) Name of veterinarian involved in the transfer  _____________________  
Specified  Requirements  
(8) Bovine herpes virus 1.1 and 1.2a (Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis/Infectious Pustular Vulvovaginitis, IBR/IPV)  
(a) At the t ime of collection of semen for export to New Zealand, the exporting country was free from BHV 1.1 and BHV 
1.2a in accordance with the OIE Code ; or 
(b) The semen collection centre was free from BHV 1.1 and 1.2a from commencement until conclusion of semen 
collec tion for export to New Zealand, through compliance with the recommendations in the OIE Code  in relation to 
BHV, with the following modifications : 
(i) All cattle were tested  prior to pre -entry isolation for antibodies using a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , with 
negative results;   
(ii) All cattle were tested  in pre -entry isolation for antibodies  using a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , with negative 
results, or where an animal in a group has tested positive re -testing the remaining animals, with negative 
results, not less than 21 days after removal of the positive animal;  
(iii) *Thereafter, all cattle were re -tested annually for antibodies  using a  test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , with 
negative results; or  
(c) The semen donor was:  
(i) held in isolation for the 30 days following collection;  Guidance Document : Bovine Germplasm  
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 (ii) tested for BHV 1.1 and 1.2a using a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  at least 21 days after semen collection for 
export to New Zealand, with negative results; or  
(d) An aliquot of semen from each semen colle ction for export to New Zealand was tested for BHV  1.1 and 1.2a with a 
test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , with negative results.  
Note: there are no import requirements for embryos.  
(9) Bovine herpes virus 5 (BHV  5) 
(a) The semen donor’s centres of residence have had no cases of BHV  5 (suspected or diagnosed) in the year prior to 
semen collection for export to New Zealand .    
Note: there are no import requirements for embryos.  
(10) Bovine leukaemia virus (Enzoo tic Bovine Leukosis, EBL)  
(a) At the time of semen collection for export to New Zealand, the exporting country was free from EBL; or  
(b) The semen donor was resident at the time of semen collection in a herd certified as free from EBL by the 
Competent Authority; a nd 
(i) *The semen donor is less than two years of age and is  from a ‘uterine dam’ that has been subjected to 
serological test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL ; or 
(ii) The semen donor originates from a herd certified as free by the Competent Authority; or  
(iii) The semen donor was subjected to a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for EBL , with negative results, between 
30 days before and 30 days after collection of the semen; or  
(c) The semen donor was subjected to a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for EBL on two occasions , with negative results, 
the first test was carried out at least 30 days before and the second test at least 90 days after collection of the 
semen; or   
(d) The semen donor was subjected to a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for EBL with negative results, carried out at 
between 30 days before and 30 days after collection of the semen; and  
(i) the semen donor passed a breeding soundness exam, including manual rectal palpation or visible 
observation with rectal ultrasound of the seminal vesicles, conducted on the day of collection by a collection 
centre veterinarian; or  
(e) An aliquot of semen from each collection for export to New Zealand was tested for BLV with a test listed in MPI-
STD-TVTL , with negative results.   
Note: there are no import requirements for embryos.  
(11) Bovine viral diarrhoea virus genotype 2 (BVDV2)  
(a) At the time of germplasm collection for export to New Zealand, the export ing country was free from BVDV2; or  
Semen:  
(b) The semen collection centre was maintained free from BVDV2 from commencement until conclusion of semen 
collection for export to New Zealand, through compliance with the recommendations in the OIE Code  in relation to 
BVDV, with the following modifications :   
(i) All cattle were tested within 30 days prior to pre -entry isolation with a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL ;  
(ii) All cattle were t ested after 21 days isolation with a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL ; 
(iii) *If any animal seroconvert ed, all animals were kept  in pre -entry isolation until there was no more 
seroconversion for 3 weeks;   Guidance Document : Bovine Germplasm  
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Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  14 of 19 
 
 
 (iv) Only groups where pre -entry isolation results indicate d the absence of antigen -positive cattle  were 
approve d entry ;   
(v) *Thereafter, all sero -negative cattle were re -tested annually;  
(vi) *The donor was  seropositive, and its  semen was tested for BVDV with a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  with 
negative results, any time prior to this collection ; or 
(c) An aliquot of semen from each semen collection for export to New Zealand was tested for BVDV2 with a test listed 
in MPI-STD-TVTL , with negative results.  
Embryos:  
(d) A sample of the unfiltered collection fluid or an embryo from the collection for export to New Zealand was tested for 
BVDV2 in accordance with MPI-STD-TVTL  with negative results; or  
(e) The embryo donor was tested for persistent BVDV2 infection in accordance with MPI-STD-TVTL , with negative 
results; and the  
(i) The semen used to produce the embryo satisfies the requirements of an agreed veterinary certificate ;  
(ii) The embryo donor has not been vaccinated against BVDV2 in the last 30 days;  
(iii) The embryo donor was tested for acute BVDV2 infection in accordance with MPI-STD-TVTL , with negative 
results, in one of the following ways:  
1. with antigen capture ELISA immediately prior to an isolation period of at least 21 days before 
collection for New Zealand. Isolation must exclude cattle that were not tested negative for BVDV2 
upon entry to the collection herd, and throughout isolation the herd  showed no clinical signs 
consistent with BVDV2; or  
2. with virus isolation within 48 hours of collection for New Zealand; or  
3. serologically between 2 weeks and 6 months after collection.    
(12) Foot and mouth disease (FMD)  
Semen:  
(a) The donor was resident for at least the 3 months before the semen collection in a country or zone that was free 
from FMD without vaccination in accordance with the OIE Code ; or 
(b) The herd of origin, semen collection centre, donor animal and semen for export compl ied with OIE Code  
recommendations for export of bovine semen from countries or zones presenting a risk of FMD; and  
(i) Each semen collection, processing and storage facility in the exporting country intended to be used during 
the preparation of an export consignment to New Zealand was approved by a CTO.  
Embryos:  
(c) The donor was resident for at least the 3 months before embryo collection in a country or zone that was free from 
FMD without vaccination in accordance with the OIE Code ; or  
(d) The herd of origin, the embryo co llection herd where the donors were resident during embryo collection, the donor 
animal and the embryos for export compl ied with the OIE Code  FMD Article Recommendations for the Importation 
of In Vivo Derived Embryos of Cattle ; and  
(i) Each embryo collection, processing and storage facility in the exporting country, intended to be used during 
the preparation of an export consignment to New Zealand, was approved by a CTO.  
(13) Lumpy skin disease (LSD)  Guidance Document : Bovine Germplasm  
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Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  15 of 19 
 
 
 (a) The germplasm donor was resident for 6 months prior to germplasm collection in a country or zone that was free of 
LSD as defined by the OIE Code ; or 
(b) The germplasm donor was resident in an establishment that was free of clinical evidence of LSD during a period 
from at least 6 mon ths prior to commencement, until 28 days after conclusion of germplasm collection for export to 
New Zealand; or  
(c) An aliquot of semen or a sample of embryos/oocytes, collection fluids and/or washing fluids from each germplasm 
collection for export to New Zea land was tested for LSD with a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  with negative results.  
(14) Rift Valley fever virus (RVF)  
(a) The donor was resident, for at least the 30 days prior to, and during germplasm colle ction for export to New 
Zealand in a country or zone that was free from RVF in accordance with the OIE Code ; or 
(b) The donor showed no sign of RVF within the period from 14 days prior to and 14 days following germplasm 
collection; and either  
(i) the donor was vaccinated against RVF at least 14 days prior to collection; or  
(ii) the donor was demonstrated to be seropositive on the day of collection with a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL ; 
or 
(iii) testing of paired samples with a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  demonstrate d that seroconversion did not 
occur between germplasm  collection and 14 days after.  
(15) Brucella melitensis, and Brucella abortus (bovine brucellosis)  
(a) The semen donor was kept since birth in a country or zone that is free from Brucella in accordance with the OIE 
Code ; or 
(b) The semen collection centre was maintain ed free from Brucella  from commencement until conclusion of semen 
collection for export to New Zealand, through compliance with the recommendations in the OIE Code  in relation to 
Brucella , with the following modifications:  
(i) The donor was either from a *country , *zone , or *herd  that is free from Brucella in accordance with the *OIE 
Code  or *the Competent Authority ; 
(ii) During the 30 days prior to pre -entry isolation, the donor was tested with a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for 
Brucella , with negative results;  
(iii) All cattle in pre -entry isolation were  tested with a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for Brucella , with negative 
results;  
(iv) *At least annually all cattle resident in the semen collection centre were  tested with a test listed in MPI-STD-
TVTL  for Brucella, with negative results; or  
(c) The semen collection centre was maintained free  from Brucella from commencement until conclusion of semen 
collection for export to New Zealand, through compliance with the Competent Authority’s collection centre testing 
program in relation to Brucella . 
Note: there are no import requirements for embryos . 
(16) Brucella suis  
(a) The semen donor was kept since birth in a country or zone that was free from Brucella suis ; or 
(b) The semen collection centre was maintained free from Brucella suis  from commencement until conclusion of semen 
collection for export to New Zealand, through compliance with the Competent Authority’s collection centre testing 
program in relation to Brucella suis ; or 
(c) The donor was tested with a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for Brucella suis  between 2 weeks after entry into the 
collection centre and 90 days after collection, with negative results.  Guidance Document : Bovine Germplasm  
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  16 of 19 
 
 
 Note: there are no import requirements for embryos.  
(17) Campylobacter fetus  subspecies venerealis  (Cfv) (bovine genital campylobacteriosis, BGC)  
(a) The collection centre h ad a programme, approved by the *Competent Authority or *aligned with the OIE Code , to 
prevent Cfv infected animals from entering the collection  herd, and there ha d been no case of bovine genital 
campylobacteriosis reported in centre in the previous 1 year; or 
(b) The donor has had at least one culture of semen or preputial specimens in the last 6 months, and all cultures 
conducted in the last 6 months have been negative.  
Note: there are no import requirements for embryos.  
(18) Coxiella burnetii  (Q-fever)  
(a) The germplasm donor has never  been confirmed positive for Q fever; and either  
(i) The do nor was subjected to a serological test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for Q fever, on a sample collected 
between 21 and 120 days after each germplasm collection for export to New Zealand, with negative res ults; 
or 
(ii) An aliquot of semen or a sample of embryos/oocytes, collection fluids and/or washing fluids from each 
germplasm collection for export to New Zealand was tested for Q fever with a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , 
with negative results; or  
(iii) Within the 6 month period before or after germplasm collection for New Zealand, but before export, the 
embryo collection herd or semen collection centre herd was tested for Q fever,  using a test listed in MPI-
STD-TVTL , with negative results. The Q fever test must be:  
1. performed on either the whole herd or a random sample of at least 60 animals (whichever is the 
lesser number); and  
2. the herd was isolated for the period between semen collection and diagnostic sampling.  
(19) Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjoprajitno  (leptospirosis)  
(a) Antibiotics must be added to germplasm in accordance with MPI -STD-TVTL ; or 
(b) The donor must be serologically tested in accordance with MPI -STD-TVTL.  
(20) Mycobacterium tuberculosis  (bovine tuberculosis)  
Semen : 
(a) At the time of collection for New Zealand, t he semen collection centre was:  
(i) free from bovine tuberculosis in accordance with the *OIE Code  or the *Competent  Authority of  the 
exporting country;  
(ii) located in a country or zone that was free from bovine tuberculosis; or  
(b) The semen collection centre was maintained free from bovine tuberculosis from commencement until conclusion of 
semen collection for export to New Zealand, thro ugh compliance with the recommendations in the OIE Code  in 
relation to bovine tuberculosis; and  
(i) Prior to pre -entry isolation, donors were  from a herd free from bovine tuberculosis, either  in accordance with 
the *OIE Code  or the *Competent Authority of the exporting country;  
(ii) *At least annually all resident cattle were  tested with a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for bovine tuberculosis, 
with negative results.  
 
 Guidance Document : Bovine Germplasm  
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Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  17 of 19 
 
 
 Embryos:  
(c) No clinical signs of bovine tuberculosis were observed in the embryo collection herd during the 24 hours prior to 
embryo collection for export to New Zealand;  
(d) The donor was from an embryo collection herd that was free  at the time of collection for export to New Zealand  
from bovine tuberculosis in accordance with the *OIE Code  or the *Competent Authority of the exporting country;  
and either  
(i) from a country or zone free from bovine tuberculosis; or  
(ii) subjected to a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for bovine tuberculosis during the period between 30 days prior 
to and 12 months after embryo collection for export to New Zealand, with negative results.  
(21) Mycoplasma mycoides  subspecies mycoides SC  (contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, CBPP)  
(a) The germplasm donor was born in and ha d been continuously resident in a country free from CBPP; or  
(b) The germplasm donor had: 
(i) never been vaccinated for CBPP;  
(ii) been kept since birth, or for at least the 6 months prior to commencement until conclusion of germplasm 
collection for export to New Zealand in establishments where no case of CBPP ha d been reported, and 
which were  not situated in a CBPP infected zone, as defi ned by the OIE Code ; 
(iii) been serologically tested for CBPP, using a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  on two occasions 21 to 30 days 
apart, with the last test within 14 days prior to germplasm collection for  export to New Zealand, with 
negative results.  
(22) Mycoplasma bovis   
Semen:  
(a) Collection and processing of semen was in accordance with the recommendations of the OIE Code , with the 
following modifications :  
(i) The raw/neat semen for export  to New Zealand  had one of the following combinations added to it at the 
specified dose per mL of neat/raw semen:  
1. gentamicin ( 575 µg), tylosin (1 15 µg), lincomycin –spectinomycin (3 45/690 µg) (GTLS); or  
2. another MPI approved antibiotic combination, listed in MPI-STD-TVTL ;  
(ii) The antibiotics were  either:  
1. prepared and stored as separate stock solutions as described by the manufacturer to maintain 
potency; or  
2. premixed and used as indicated by the manufacturer to retain potency;  
(iii) The semen and antibiotic solution was not further diluted for at least 4 minutes;  
(iv) The semen remain ed at no less than 5°C for a minimum of 2 hours before being frozen in the antibiotic 
solution; or  
(b) The semen was subjected to another MPI approved method of processing, listed in MPI-STD-TVTL ; or 
(c) The semen donor was subjected to a test for M. bovis listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , with negative results; or  
(d) Each semen collection for export to New Zealand was tested with a validated PCR test for M. bovis  listed in MPI-
STD-TVTL , with negative results.  Guidance Document : Bovine Germplasm  
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  18 of 19 
 
 
 Embryos:  
(e) Collection and processing of embryos was in accordance with the recommendations of the OIE Code , except for:  
(i) The embryos were  subjected to the protocol described in the IETS Manual : tylosin (200 µg/mL) incubation 
at 37°C in the antibiotic treatment for a minimum of 4 hours after being washed 10 times; or  
(f) The embryos were  subjected to another MPI approved method of processing, listed in MPI-STD-TVTL ; or 
(g) The embryo donor were subjected to a test for M. bovis listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , with negative results; or  
(h) Each embryo collection for export to New Zealand was tested with a validated test for M. bovis  listed in MPI-STD-
TVTL , with negative results.  
 
 Official Veterinarian  
Name:  
Address:  
Email:  
  
Signature:   
Date:  
 
 
 
 
  
Official Veterinarian signature, 
Official stamp and date  Guidance Document : Bovine Germplasm  
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  19 of 19 
 
 
 Appendix 1 – Document History  
Date First Issued  Title Shortcode  
TBD Guidance Document:  Bovine Germplasm  BOVIGERM.GEN  
Date of Issued Amendments  Title Shortcode  
30 September 2020  
(Provisional Issue)  Guidance Document:  Bovine Germplasm  BOVIGERM.GEN  
15 March 2021  
(External Consultation)  Guidance Document:  Bovine Germplasm  BOVIGERM.GEN