Risk Management Proposal:  
Zoo Rhinoceroses  
ZOORHINO.SPE  
 
 
 
 
 
Prepared for public consultation  
by Animal Imports  
Animal and Plant Health Directorate  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 2023 
 
 
Disclaimer  
 
While every effort has been made to ensure the information in this publication is 
accurate, the Ministry for Primary Industries does not accept any responsibility or 
liability for error of fact, omission, interpretation , or opinion that may be present, nor 
for the consequences o f any decisions based on this information.  
 
This publication is also available on the Ministry for Primary Industries  website at  
http://www.mpi.govt.nz/news -and-resources/publications/   
 
 
© Crown Copyright - Ministry for Primary Industries   
i Contents  Page 
 
Submissions  1 
1 General information  3 
1.1 Purpose  3 
1.2 Background  3 
1.3 Timing and consultation  4 
1.4 Background and context of consultation  4 
2 Biosecurity risks associated with zoo rhinoceroses  4 
3 Proposed risk mitigation measures  5 
3.1 General requirements for all importations of zoo rhinoceroses  5 
3.2 Specific requirements for risk organisms  5 
4 Rationale for the proposed measures  6 
4.1 General requirements for all importations for zoo rhinoceroses  6 
4.2 Specific requirements for all importations for zoo rhinoceroses  6 
5 References  16 
    
Ministry for Primary Industries   RMP: Zoo Rhinoceroses  • 1 Submissions  
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) invites comment from interested parties on 
the proposed  Import Health Standard: Zoo Rhinoceroses .  
An import health standard  “specifies requirements to be met for the effective 
management of risks associated with importing risk goods, including risks arising 
because importing the goods involves or might involve an incidentally imported new 
organism.” (section 22 Biosecurity Act 1993)  
MPI would like feedback on the proposed risk management measures f or the 
importation of zoo r hinoceroses.  
 
Include the following in your submission:  
• The title of the consultation document in the subject line of your email  
• Your name and title  
• Your organisation’s name (if applicable)  
Send submissions to animalimports@mpi.govt.nz  by 28 April 2023 . 
Feel free to include any technical information you have that supports your 
submission. While we prefer email, if you would like to send your submission by post, 
you can mail it to:  
Animal Imports  
Animal and Plant Health Directorate  
Biosecurity New Zealand  
Ministry for Primary Industries  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
New Zealand  
If we receive your submission by  28 April 2023 , we will consider your feedback as we  
develop the  final standard. If we receive your s ubmission  after the closing date , we 
will hold it on  file for consideration when  we next review  the issued standard.  
  2 • RMP: Zoo Rhinoceroses  Ministry for Primary Industries  Official Information Act 1982  
Note that your submission is public information, and it is MPI policy to publish 
submissions and the review of submissions on the MPI website. Submissions may 
also be the subject of requests for information under the Official Information Act 1982 
(OIA). The OIA specifies that information is to be made available to requesters 
unless there are sufficient grounds for withholding it, as set out in the OIA. Submitters 
may wish to indicate grounds for withholding specific information contained in their 
submission, such as information being commercially sensitive or personal. Any 
decis ion to withhold information requested under the OIA is reviewable by the 
Ombudsman.  
   
Ministry for Primary Industries   RMP: Zoo Rhinoceroses  • 3 1 General information  
1.1 Purpose  
 The purpose of this document is to:    
a) Outline the proposed risk management measures for the importation of 
zoo r hinoceroses ;   
b) Provide the  rationale  for the proposed risk management measures and 
explain how they manage risk; and  
c) Ask for feedback on the proposed standard.  
1.2 Background  
 The Zoo and Aquarium Association asked MPI to develop a standard  that 
would allow them to import zoo rhinoceroses from specified countries into 
New Zealand zoos.  
 Although there are two existing standards for zoo rhinoceroses, they are old 
and are not based on current risk information . The y do not cover  all countries 
requested by the zoo s and do not  reflect current zoo operational practi ces. 
 Rhinoceroses  are a risk commodity with the potential to harbour exotic viral 
and bacterial diseases. In December 2022 , MPI completed a draft import risk 
analysis for zoo rhinoceroses . On 26 January 2023, we began  developing a 
generic i mport health standard for  zoo rhinoc eroses  based on that analysis.  
 Rhinoceroses  are currently imported using the  following import health 
standards . The new standard  will replace these standards . 
a) Import Health Standard for White Rhinoceros from Australia  
(ZOORHIIC.AUS ), 25 May 2011  
b) Import Hea lth Standard for the  Importation of White Rhinoceroses into 
New Zealand from the Republic of South Africa  (ZOORHIC.SAF ), 
15 July 1999  
 The standard  contains generic import requirements. These requirements 
manage the biosecurity risk of importing  zoo rhinoceroses  from Australia, the 
European Union, Singapore, South Africa, the United Kingdom , and the United 
States of America . Once the generic standa rd is ready, MPI and our 
counterparts  in the exporting countries can begin negotiating.  
 Negotiations take into account the verifiable health status of the exporting 
country, the national systems, legislation and import standards  in the exporting 
country for regulatory oversight of the  zoo industry, and the capabilities and 
preferences of the exporting country’s competent authority. The assessments 
will be based on the World Organisation for Animal Health Terrestrial Animal 
Health Code  (the Code ) section 3, “Quality of Veterinary Services ”. 
 Once MPI is satisfied with the exporting country’s export systems , we can 
agree on a country -specific veterinary certificate that will be used to import zoo 
rhinoceroses . MPI also issues a guidance document, which  has commodity -
specific information and examples of country -specific veterinary certificat es for 
trade in  zoo rhinoceroses . 4 • RMP: Zoo Rhinoceroses  Ministry for Primary Industries  1.3 Timing and consultation  
 The proposed standard was  released for consultation on 30 March 2023 and 
will remain open for consultation unt il 28 April 2023 . 
1.4 Background  and context of consultation  
1.4.1 International regulation of risk goods  
 “The World Trade Organization Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and 
Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) sets in place rules that protect 
each country’ s sovereign right to take the measures necessary to protect the 
life or health of its people , animals, and plants, while at the same time 
facilitating trade. It embodies and promotes the use of science -based risk 
assessments to manage the risks associated with the international movement 
of goods. The SPS Agreement guides how New Zealand sets standards and 
makes decisions related to biosecurity.” (MAF et al., 2009, p. 1)  
 “In particular , [it is] important to maintain the standards of transparency and 
scientific rigour required by the SPS Agreement and to make decisions as 
quickly as possible. This will encourage other countries to comply with the 
rules of the SPS Agreement and also demon strate that New Zealand’s strict 
controls are justified to countries that challenge them.” (MAF et al., 2009, p. 
13) 
1.4.2 Domestic regulation of risk goods  
 The New Zealand biosecurity system is regulated through the Biosecurity Act 
1993 (the Act). Section 22 de scribes an import health standard  and requires 
all risk goods entering New Zealand to be managed by one.  MPI is the 
New Zealand government ministry responsible for maintaining biosecurity 
standards that effective ly manage risks associated with import ing risk goods 
and craft into New Zealand (Part 3, Biosecurity Act 1993). We are  committed 
to the principles of transparency and evidence -based technical justification for 
all sanitary measures  we impose on importing pathways, whether new or 
amended. We periodic ally review all biosecurity  standards  and related 
documents so that the legal requirements are clear and  so that  information is 
consistently presented and as easy as possible to understand.  
2 Biosecurity risk s associated with  zoo rhinoceroses  
 We analysed the  biosecurity risks associated with  zoo rhinoceroses . Importers 
can safely bring zoo rhinoceroses  into New Zealand if we apply  measures to 
manage the following risks. 
a) Rabies (rabies virus)  
b) Rift Valley fever (Rift Valley fever virus)  
c) Q fever ( Coxiella burnet ii) 
d) Tuberculosis ( Mycobacterium bovis ) 
e) Trypanosomosis ( Trypanosoma vivax ) 
f) External parasites   
g) Old world screwworm ( Chrysomya bezziana ) 
  
Ministry for Primary Industries   RMP: Zoo Rhinoceroses  • 5 
 We are also proposing  risk management measures  for internal parasites and 
seeds.  
 To get our full import risk analysis , please contact the Animal I mports  team 
animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz . This analysis  contains detailed  assessment s of 
each risk organism and the measures available to manage them . 
3 Proposed risk mitiga tion measures  
3.1 General requirements for all importations of zoo rhinoceroses  
 The a nimals must be resident in one or more approved, licensed , or registered 
zoos or wildlife parks in the exporting country since birth or for at least the 12 
months immediately before  export .  
 The premises of origin (zoo or wildlife park) must provide separation from 
animal populations not of an equivalent health s tatus, be under veterinary 
supervision , and have a documented health monitoring programme that would 
be effective in monitoring for diseases of biosecurity concern.  
 The a nimals must be in pre -export isolation (PEI) for 30 days  immediately 
before  export,  isolated from all other animals not eligible for export to New 
Zealand.  
 The animals must show no signs of infectious or contagious disease during 
PEI and on the day of shipment.  
 The a nimals must be transported to a transitional facility and containment 
facility in New Zealand. The transitional facility must meet the requirements of 
Facility Standard: Zoo Animals Transitional Facilities  (MPI-STD-ZOO ) (MPI 
2018 ). The containment facility must meet the requirements of Standard for 
Zoo Containment Facilities  (EPA 2018 ). 
3.2 Specific requirements for risk organisms  
 As well as the general requirements, we propose requiring:   
a) For r abies (rabies virus) : country freedom  from the virus , or separation 
from wildlife maintenance hosts ;  
b) For R ift Valley fever (Rift Valley fever virus) : no clinical signs of illness ; 
c) For Q fever ( Coxiella burnetii ): premises freedom  from the bacterium and 
approved testing ; 
d) For tuberculosis ( Mycobacterium bovis ): country freedom from the  
bacterium , or a documented control programme, or approved test ing;  
e) For trypanosomosis ( Trypanosoma vivax ): country freedom from the 
protozoa, or approved testing ; 
f) For external parasites : approved treatment regime , and examination of 
each animal for ticks in pre -export isolation ; 
g) For o ld world screwworm ( Chrysomya be zziana ): an approved treatment 
regime for external parasites ; 
h) For seeds : controls on feed and bedding and examination of each animal 
for seeds in pre -export isolation ; and  
i) For internal parasites: an approved treatment regime . 6 • RMP: Zoo Rhinoceroses  Ministry for Primary Industries  4 Rationale for the proposed measures  
4.1 General requirements for all importations for zoo rhinoceroses  
 Zoo rhinoceroses must originate from registered zoos or wildlife parks, 
operating  under documented health programmes that would quickly identify 
any diseases of concern to New Zealand, so making these animals inelig ible 
for export . 
 During the pre -export is olation period, the animals are under complete 
isolation from all other animals  not of an equivalent health status , with strict  
biosecurity controls  that would identify animals that do not meet the health 
requirements for export .  
 The imported animals are new organisms, meaning they can only be imported 
into licenced New Zealand zoos  that are operated under strict controls as 
containment facilities . This further reduces the likelihood that the animals 
could introduce any diseases of concern to New Zealand.  
4.2 Specific requirements for all importations for zoo rhinoceroses  
 This section sets out the measures  we considered during our risk analysis 
process and explains why we chose the measures we are now proposing.  
4.2.1 Rabies (rabies virus)  
 We considered these measur es during risk analysis . 
Option 1: Follow the World Organisation for Animal Health  (WOAH)  Code 
recommendations  
Recommendations for importation of domestic and captive wild mammals from 
countries or zones free from infection with rabies virus (Article 8.14.5)  
Veterinary Authorities should require the presentation of an international 
veterinary certificate attesting that the animals:  
1) showed no clinical sign of rabies the day prior to or on the day of shipment 
and either:  
a. were kept since birth or  at least six months prior to shipment in a free 
country or zone ; or 
b. were imported in accordance with Articles 8.14.7., 8.14.8., 8.14.9. or 
8.14.10.  
Recommendations for importation of wildlife from countries considered infected with 
rabies (Article 8.14.10 ) 
Veterinary Authorities should require the presentation of an international 
veterinary certificate attesting that the animals:  
1) showed no clinical sign of rabies the day prior to or on the day of shipment;  
2) were kept for the six months prior to shipment in an establishment where 
separation from susceptible animals was maintained and where there has 
been no case of rabies for at leas t 12 months prior to shipment.  
  
Ministry for Primary Industries   RMP: Zoo Rhinoceroses  • 7 Option 2: Apply  the measures from MPI’s standard for zoo Bovidae, Giraffidae and 
Tragulidae  
1) Each animal has resided since birth or for at least 6 months in a rabies -free 
county as agreed by MPI and showed no clinical signs of rabies on the day of 
shipment; or  
2)  For the 6 months prior to shipment each animal was kept at zoo premises 
where separation from susceptible animals was maintained and where there 
was no case of rabies for at least 12 months prior to shipment; and  
a. Showed no clinical signs of rabies on the day of shipment.  
 
 
 Some of the exporting countries for this proposed standard have rabies and 
some do not . We are proposing  one set of measures  for rhinoceroses  from 
countries with rabies and  another set of measures  for rhinoceroses  from 
countries without rabies . 
 In countries that have rabies, i t is not feasible to s eparat e zoo rhinoceroses  
from all susceptible animals for six months. However, it is possible to s eparate 
rhinoceroses  from wildlife maintenance hosts, which is where r abies is usually 
maintained. This is consistent with MPI’s Import Health Standard: Zoo 
Carnivora  (14 December 2022) . Requiring rhinoceroses  to be separated from 
wildlife , and the exporti ng zoo  to have no cases of rabies for 12 months will 
meet  New Zealand’s acceptable  level of protection.  
 The measures  we are proposing  are: 
a) Each animal has been resident since birth or for at least six months before  
shipment in a rabies -free country as agreed by MPI and showed no 
clinical signs of rabies on the day of shipment;  
or 
b) Each animal has  been kept for the six months before shipment i n 
premises where separation from wildlife maintenance hosts was 
maintained  and where there has been no case of rabies for at least 12 
months immediately before  shipment; and  
c) Each  animal showed no clinical signs of rabies on the day before  or on 
the day of shipment.  
4.2.2 Rift Valley fever (Rift Valley fever virus)  
 We considered these measures during risk analysis.  
Option 1 : Apply the measures from MPI’s standard for zoo Bovidae , Giraffidae  and 
Tragulidae  
1) Each animal has been resident since birth or for at least 14 days prior to 
shipment in an RVF -free country as agreed by MPI and showed no clinical 
signs of RVF on the day of shipment; or  
2) Each animal:  
a. Showed no clinical signs of RVF during pre-export isolation and on the 
day of shipment.  
b. Does not originate from an are of the epizootic; and  8 • RMP: Zoo Rhinoceroses  Ministry for Primary Industries  c. Was held at least 14 days prior to export in vector protected pre -export 
isolation. The premises must be located in an area of demonstrated low 
vector ac tivity;  and 
3) If transit of animals is through a country experiencing a RVF epizootic, the 
animals must be in a vector  protected crate.  
 
 
 Of the countries included in the  standard, only South Africa has sporadically 
reported  Rift Valley fever  virus . The dis ease goes through cycles of apparent 
infection.  
 Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a vector -borne disease transmitted mainly by Aedes  
and Culex  mosquitoes.  
 None of the mosquito es that vector  RVF virus  are present in New Zealand. 
The New Zealand climate is also considered unfavourable for the disease and 
its vectors to thrive.  
 There are no WOAH recommendations for RVF  virus  for rhinoceroses , but 
there are also no reports of clinical RVF disease or viraemia in zoo 
rhinoceroses .  
 The general measure of being clinically healthy during the pre-export isolation 
period  effectively mitigate s any risk of RVF  virus  in zoo rhinoceroses . This is  
the same measure for RVF  virus that we used in our  recently published Import 
Health Standard: Zoo Bovidae, Giraffidae and Tragulidae  (MPI 2022).  
 The measure we are proposing is : 
a) The animals must remain clinically healthy during the pre -export isolation 
period.  
4.2.3 Q fever ( Coxiella burn etii) 
 We considered these measures during risk analysis.  
Option 1: Apply the measures from MPI’s standard for zoo Bovidae, Giraffidae and 
Tragulidae  
1) Each animal has been resident since birth in a Q fever -free country as agreed 
by MPI and showed no clinical signs of Q fever on the day of shipment; or  
2) Each animal:  
a. Was resident for at least the 12 months prior to shipment at zoo premises 
where no clinical, epidemiological or other evidence of Q fever h as 
occurred in any animal species during the previ ous 2 years ; and  
b. Was tested for Q fever within the 30 days prior to export, with an MPI -
approved test with negative results.   
 
 
 The likelihood of Q fever entering New Zealand through  imported zoo 
rhinoceroses  is low, but there will be moderate consequences if an infected 
rhinoceroses  enter s New Zealand.   
Ministry for Primary Industries   RMP: Zoo Rhinoceroses  • 9 
 Rhinoceroses  are likely to be imported into New Zealand infrequently in small 
numbers. They will be imported from approved registered zoos and wildlife 
parks with a high standard of care.  
 We are proposing requiring rhinoceroses  to be tested for C. burnetii . However, 
there are no validated t ests for C. burnetii for rhinoceroses . MPI will approve 
tests for C. burnetii for rhinoceroses  on a case -by-case basis in discussion 
with the exporting country and the importing zoo.  We will also require  no 
evidence of disease on the  premises for two years and the rhinoceroses  to be 
held in the premises for at least 12 months before  shipment . This combination 
of measures  will provide an acceptable  level of protection for New Zealand.  
 The measures  we are proposing are: 
a) Each animal has been resident since birth in a Q fever -free country as 
recognised by MPI and showed no clinical signs of Q fever on the day of 
shipment;  
or 
b) Each animal  was resident for at least the 12 months before  shipment at 
zoo premises where no clinical, epidemiologi cal, or other evidence of Q 
fever has occurred in any animal species during the previous 2 years; and  
c) Each animal  was tested for Q fever within the 30 days before  shipment, 
with an MPI -approved test with negative results.  
4.2.4 Tuberculosis: Mycobacterium bovis  
 We considered these measures during risk analysis.  
Option 1: Apply the measures from MPI’s standard for zoo Bovidae, Giraffidae and 
Tragulidae  
1) Each animal has been resident since birth in a Mycobacterium bovis -free 
country as agreed by MPI and showed no clinical signs of bovine tuberculosis 
on the day of shipment; or  
2) For the 12 months prior to shipment, each animal resided at zoo premises 
where no clinical, epid emiological or other evidence of Mycobacterium bovis 
has occurred in the previous 5 years. During this time the animals have been 
protected from contact with any reservoir of Mycobacterium bovis and 
showed no clinical signs of bovine tuberculosis on the da y of shipment; or  
3) During pre -export isolation each animal destined for export was subjected to 
MPI-approved testing for Mycobacterium bovis with negative results . 
 
 
 Mycobacterium bovis  is an endemic organism that is subject to an official 
control programm e in New Zealand. MPI cannot impose biosecurity measures 
that are more restrictive than our domestic controls. The increase in risk from 
tuberculosis posed by small numbers of importations of zoo animals into a 
containment facility is very small.  
 To mitigate any small risk associated with the importation of zoo rhinoceroses, 
we will  require a documented control programme to be in place at the 
exporting zoo for those countries where Mycobacterium bovis  is present. We 10 • RMP: Zoo Rhinoceroses  Ministry for Primary Industries  are also including t esting as an  alternative option. Any additional testing is for 
the importing zoo to decide on and arrange with the exporter.  
 The measures we are proposing  are: 
a) Each animal has been resident since birth in a Mycobacterium bovis -free 
country as agreed by MPI and showed no clinical signs of tuberculosis on 
the day of shipment;  
or 
b) For the 12 months before  shipment, each animal resided at zoo premises 
where no clinical, epidemiological , or other evidence of Mycobacterium 
bovis  has occurred in the previous 5 years. During t his time the animals 
have been protected from contact with any reservoir of Mycobacterium 
bovis  and showed no clinical signs of bovine tuberculosis on the day of 
shipment;  
or 
c) Each animal destined for export was subjected to MPI -approved testing 
for Mycobacterium bovis  with negative results.  
4.2.5 Trypanosomosis  (Trypanosoma vivax ) 
 We considered these measures during risk analysis.  
Option 1: Follow  the WOAH Code recommendations  
Recommendations for importation of susceptible animals from countries, zones or 
compartments free from infection with T.  brucei, T.  congolense, T.  simiae and 
T. vivax (Article 8.18.6):  
Veterinary Authorities should require the presentation of an international 
veterinary certificate attesting that the animals:  
1) showed no clinical signs of infection with T. brucei, T.  congolense, T.  simiae 
and T.  vivax on the day of shipment;  
2) were kept since birth in a free country, zone or compartment or wer e 
imported from a free country, zone or compartment ; 
3) did not transit through an infected zone during transportation to the place of 
shipment or were protected from vectors or any source of the pathogenic 
agent by the application of effective biosecurity du ring transportation to the 
place of shipment . 
 
Option 2 : Apply measures suggested in MPI’s 2022 live equid IRA  
The animals showed no clinical signs of infection with T. vivax on the day of 
shipment; and  
1) were kept since birth in a free country, zone or compartment or were 
imported from a free country, zone or compartment, did not transit through 
an infected zone during transportation to the place of shipment or were 
protected from vectors or any source of pathogenic agent by the application 
of effective biosecurity during the transportation to the place of shipment; or   
Ministry for Primary Industries   RMP: Zoo Rhinoceroses  • 11 2) were kept since birth or for at least the 60 days prior to export on premises 
where no case of infection with Trypanosoma vivax has been re ported during 
the previous year ; and  
a) were kept for a minimum of 30 days prior to export in pre -export 
isolation and protected from vectors at all times whilst in pre -export 
isolation and during transportation to the port of departure; and  
b) were subjected t o a serological and agent identification test for T. vivax 
with negative results, from samples collected upon entry into pre -export 
isolation and again 21 days later.  
c) Animals with seropositive but agent negative results showing stable or 
declining titers a re eligible for import.  
d) Animals with agent positive results can be subjected to treatment 
followed by monthly repeated tests with negative results to become 
eligible for import.  
 
Option 3:  Apply the measures from MPI’s standard for zoo Bovidae, Giraffidae and 
Tragulidae  
1) Each animal has been resident since birth in a surra and tsetse fly associated 
trypanosomosis -free countries as agreed by MPI and showed no clinical signs 
of trypanosomosis on the day of shipment; or  
2) Each animal:  
a) Was resident, for at least 6 months prior  to shipment, at zoo premises 
where no clinical, epidemiological or other evidence of surra or tsetse fly 
associated trypanosomosis has occurred in any animal species in the 
previous two years; and  
b) During the pre -export isolation, a blood sample was drawn from a 
peripheral vein of the animals and tested for Trypanosoma spp. using the 
haematocrit centrifuge technique, and a card agglutination test, with 
negative results . 
 
 
 Trypanosom osis is caused by several protozoan parasites of the 
genus  Trypanosom a. 
 Trypanosoma  species are transmitted mainly by tsetse flies, but also 
mechanically by several biting flies , including Stomoxys  which is present in 
New Zealand .   
 Only trypanosomosis caused by  T. vivax  is a risk associated with  zoo 
rhinoceroses . 
 We are pr oposing allowing  animals to be imported from a country, zone , or 
compartment  that is free of T. vivax , with  trans hipment through non -infected 
zone s or with additional measures for insect protection . Alternatively , animals 
can be imported from zoo premises that have no known history of T. vivax . In 
this case, t he premises of origin must be under veterinary supervision and the 
health of the animals monitored so that incidents of disease and death are 
identified promptly and T. vivax is excluded as the cause during the preceding 
two years.  12 • RMP: Zoo Rhinoceroses  Ministry for Primary Industries  
 During our risk analysis process, we considered requiring  the animals to be 
protected from vectors during pre -export isolation . However , holding zoo 
animals in a vector -protected facility is tec hnically challenging , and we have 
decided not to use this measure.  We are confident that t esting during pre -
export isolation in addition to having  a surveillance programme at the 
exporting zoo sufficiently mitigates the risk.  
 For animals that  transit  through an infected country  or zone, the general 
measures manage the risk.  
 The measures we are proposing  are: 
a) If transhipment occurs, this must only be through countries free from 
trypanosomes, or the crates must have MPI -approved insect 
protection ;and 
b) Each animal  has resided since birth in a T. vivax -free country, zone , or 
compartment , or was imported from a T. vivax-free country, zone , or 
compartment as agreed by MPI; and  
c) Each animal showed no clinical signs of trypanosomosis on the day of 
shipment;  
or 
d) Each animal was resident, for at least six months before  shipment, at zoo 
premises where no clinical, epidemiolo gical, or other evidence of T. vivax  
has occurred in any animal species in the previous two years; and  
e) Each animal showed no clinical signs of trypanosomosis on the day of 
shipment;  and 
f) During pre -export isolation, a blood sample was drawn from a peripheral 
vein of the animal; and  
i) tested for T. vivax  using an agent identification test and serological 
test, both tests with negative results; or  
ii) tested for T. vivax  using an agent identifica tion test, with negative 
result. If the result of the first serological test was positive for T. vivax , 
then a second blood sample was taken at least 21 days after the first 
test and showed no increase in titre . 
4.2.6 External parasites  
 We considered these measu res during risk analysis.  
Option 1: Apply the measures from MPI’s standard for zoo Bovidae, Giraffidae and 
Tragulidae  
Specific requirements for external parasites are presented in section 2.7.1:  
1) During pre -export isolation each animal was treated twice, at least 14 days 
apart, with an ectoparasiticide effective against ticks, mites, lice and fleas.  
2) Each animal was inspected and found to be free of external parasites prior to 
shipment . 
Ticks are also mentioned in section 1.6 (Pre -export isolation):  
1) Prior to the animals entering pre -export isolation, the premises must either:  
a) Be thoroughly cleaned and sprayed with an acaricide; and  
i) Bedding must be removed every 10 days; and   
Ministry for Primary Industries   RMP: Zoo Rhinoceroses  • 13 ii) The premises must be thor oughly cleaned and sprayed with 
acaricide each time the bedding is removed; or  
b) Be thoroughly cleaned and sprayed with a long lasting acaricide; and  
i) Bedding must be removed every 10 days . 
2) Feed used in pre -export isolation must be free from evidence of contamination 
with ticks and seeds.  
3) All bedding used in pre -export isolation must be clean and free from evidence 
of contamination with ticks and seeds.  
They are also mentioned in section 1.9  (Transport):  
1) All feed and bedding during transportation must be free from seeds and ticks . 
 
 
 The risk management measures we are proposing will reduce the risk of all 
external parasites  entering New Zealand , along with any diseases the 
parasites may be carrying.  
 We are proposing th ese measures : 
a) Each animal must  be treated twice with an external parasiticide effective  
against fleas, ticks, and lice  14 days apart, the pre -export isolation 
environment must  be ke pt free of external parasites, and each animal 
must  be examined and certified as being free from external parasite s 
before  leaving the pre -export isolation premises.  
 To avoid sedating rhinoceroses  more than necessary, we propose being 
flexible about when t he rhinoceroses  are examined for parasites. This  can be 
done at the same time as  other inspections  rather than as an additional 
examination . 
4.2.7 Old world screwworm ( Chrysomya bezziana ) 
 We considered these measures during risk analysis.  
Option 1: WOAH Code rec ommendations  
Recommendations for importation from countries considered infested with 
New World or Old World screwworm (Article 8.12.1)  
Veterinary Authorities should require the presentation of an international 
veterinary certificate attesting that:  
1) immediately prior to loading, the animals to be exported have been inspected, 
on the premises of origin, by an official veterinarian. After inspection for 
wounds with egg masses or larvae of New World or Old World screwworm, 
any infested animal has been re jected for export ; 
2) immediately prior to entering the quarantine pens in the exporting country :  
a. each animal has been thoroughly examined for infested wounds, under 
the direct supervision of an official veterinarian, and that no infestation 
has been found i n any animal; and  
b. any wounds have been prophylactically treated with an officially 
approved oily larvicide at the recommended dose; and  14 • RMP: Zoo Rhinoceroses  Ministry for Primary Industries  c. all animals have been dipped, sprayed, or otherwise treated, immediately 
after inspection, with a product officially app roved by the importing and 
exporting countries for the control of New World or Old World 
screwworm, under the supervision of an official veterinarian and in 
accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations ;  
3) at the end of the quarantine and immediately p rior to shipment for export : 
a. all animals have been re -examined for the presence of infestation and all 
animals have been found free of infestation ;  
b. all wounds have been prophylactically treated with an approved oily 
larvicide under the supervision of an o fficial veterinarian ;  
c. all animals have been prophylactically treated again by dipping or 
spraying as in point 2) above . 
Quarantine and transportation recommendations (Article 8.12.2)  
1) The floor of the quarantine area and the vehicles must be thoroughly spr ayed 
with an officially approved larvicide before and after each use.  
2) The transit route must be the most direct, with no stopover without prior 
permission of the importing country.  
Post importation inspection (Article 8.12.3)  
1) On arrival at the importation point, all animals must be thoroughly inspected 
for wounds and possible New World or Old World screwworm infestation 
under the supervision of an official veterinarian.  
2) The bedding material of the vehicle and the quarantine are a should 
immediately be gathered and burned following each consignment.  
 
Option 2: Apply the measures from MPI’s standard for zoo Bovidae, Giraffidae and 
Tragulidae  
The recently published Import Health Standard: Zoo Bovidae, Giraffidae and 
Tragulidae (Live  Animals and Semen) (MPI, 2022a)  has no specific measures for 
managing the risk of screwworm flies but has general measures for external 
parasites that would reduce the likelihood of screwworms entering New Zealand.  
 
 
 Visual detection of fly eggs and application of some therapeutic or prophylactic 
treatments requires close contact with zoo rhinoceroses. Some of the 
interventions in Option 1 , such as examining or treating the animal for fly eggs, 
will require the animal  to be sedated . It is not desirable to sedate the animals 
immediately before export or on arrival.   
 Although all species of mammals are susceptible to infestation by screwworm 
larvae, we did not  find reports of screwworm infestation in zoo rhinoceroses  
during our risk analysis . 
 There is no evidence that screwworms have a different epidemiology in 
Bovidae  and Rhinocerotidae , and the standard for Bovidae does not include 
measures for screwworms .   
Ministry for Primary Industries   RMP: Zoo Rhinoceroses  • 15 
 The general measures for external parasites are adequate to manage the risk 
of screwworms entering New Zealand.  
4.2.8 Internal parasites  
 We did not identify any internal parasites as a hazard in zoo rhinoceroses  
during our risk analysis. However,  the measures  in MPI’s current standards for 
horses, sheep , and zoo species are good biosecurity practice and are  
appropriate for zoo rhinoceroses . 
 We are proposing : 
a) An efficacious treatment against cestodes, nematodes , and trematodes 
must be given twice during the pre -export isolation period, with an interval 
of not less than 14 days.  
4.2.9 Seeds  
 We considered t hese points when drafting options to manage the risks of 
seeds : 
a) Seeds could enter New Zealand  by arriving attached t o a rhinoceros ’s 
hair, in skin folds or in faeces.  
b) Seeds are likely to be able to survive harsh environmental conditions.  
c) Seeds are unlikely to be on the animal’s hair or in their faeces unless 
seeds were  in the premises where the rhino ceroses  was held before 
shipment or if they were in food eaten by the rhino ceroses  before  
shipment.  
d) The examination of the zoo rhino ceros’s  skin for the presence of seeds 
may require the administration of a tranquilli ser or anaesthetic. This is 
likely to be stressful and comp romise the animal’s welfare, so the timing of 
the examination should be flexible to minimise the need for repeated 
anaesthesia.  
 We are proposing these  measures : 
a) Feed and bedding material in pre -export isolation must be free from 
evidence of seeds.  
b) Before  departure to New Zealand , each animal must be certified as  being  
free from visible contamination with plant material.  
c) On arrival in New Zealand , the animals must be held in a transitional 
facility for one week, during which time all dung must be  collected and 
destroyed.  
 The timing of the examination to certify that the rhino ceroses  is free of plant 
material will be flexible to minimise the need fo r repeated anaesthesia.  
  16 • RMP: Zoo Rhinoceroses  Ministry for Primary Industries  5 References  
EPA (2018) Standard for Zoo Containment Facilities . Environmental Protection 
Authority; Wellington, NZ. https://www.epa.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/Documents/New -
Organisms/Guidance/5f8909f6f3/2018 -Zoo-Containment -Standard -FINAL.pdf  
MAF; MFAT; FSA (2009) Balance in Trade. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and  Trade, New Zealand, Food Safety Authority; 
Wellington, NZ. https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/12576 -balance -in-trade  
MPI (2018)  Facility Standard: Zoo Animals Transitional Facilities . Ministry for Primary 
Industries; Wellington, NZ.  https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/32662 -zoo-
animals -transitional -facilities -facility -standard  
MPI (2022) Import Health Standard: Zoo Bovidae, Giraffidae and Tragulidae . Ministry 
for Primary Industries; Wellington, NZ.  https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/51775 -
Zoo-Bovidae -Giraffidae -and-Tragulidae -Live-Animals -and-Semen -Import -Health -
Standard   
MPI (2023) Import Risk Analysis: Zoo Rhinoceroses . Ministry for Primary Industries; 
Wellington, NZ.