Risk Management Proposal:  
Cats and Dogs  
 
 
 
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand 
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry 
P.O Box 2526 
Wellington 6011 
New Zealand 
 
 
 
FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION  
18 January 2011 
  
  MAF Biosecurity New Zealand  
Pastoral House  
25 The Terrace  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6011  
New Zealand  
Tel: 64 4 894 0100  
Fax: 64 4 894 0733  
Biosecurity Standards  
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand  
Risk management proposal: Cats and Dogs  
FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION  
10 January 2011 
INDEX  
 
Item Description                                                                         Page Number  
 
Purpose and Background ……….…………………………………………………………  1 
 
Diseases and Parasites ………….……………………………………………………......  2 
 
Objective ………………………….………………………………………………………....  3 
 
Canine brucellosis (Brucella canis )…………………………….………………………. 4-5 
 
Leptospirosis ( Leptospira interrogans  serovar canicola)…………………………….. 6-7 
 
Plague (Yersinia pestis )………………………………………………………………... 8-10 
 
Q Fever ( Coxiella burnetii )………..……………………………………………………… 11 
 
Salmonellosis ( Salmonella  spp.) ……………………………………………………….... 12 
 
Babesiosis ( Babesia spp.) ……………………………………………………………. 13-15 
 
Filariosis (Canine heartworm, Dirofilia immitis )…………………………………….. 16-17 
 
Leishmaniosis ……………………………………………………………………………… 18 
 
Surra (Trypanosoma evansi )…………..………………………………………………… 19 
 
Fleas ……………………………………………………………………………………. 20-21 
 
Leeches ……………………………..……………………………………………………... 22 
 
Lice……………………………………………………………………………………… 23-24 
 
Mites …………………………………………………………………………………..… 25-26 
 
Myiasis (fly larvae infestation) …………..……………………………………………….  27 
 
Ticks………………………………………………………………………………..…… 28-30 
 
Nematodes and Acanthocephalans …………………………………………………. 31-32 
 
Trematodes …………………………………………………………………………….. 33-34 
 
Cestodes ……………………………………………………………………………….. 35-36 
 
Rabies ………………………………………………………………………………….. 37-38 
 
Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumour (CTVT)………………………………..… 39-40 
 
Biosecurity Clearance …………………..………………………………………………… 41 
 
  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 1Purpose  
The purpose of this document is to:  
• present the risks associated with cats and dogs,  
• outline potential options consi dered for managing those risks,  
• show how the options have been assessed, and,  
• provide recommendations for import requirements.  
We are looking for stakeholder f eedback on the assessment of these 
management options. 
The import health standard is developed und er Section 22 of the Biosecurity 
Act.   
For a detailed analysis of potential hazards and their risks refer to the Import 
Risk Analysis:  Cats, dogs and canine semen , 2 November 2009, which 
contains the relevant risk assessment s and analysis of potential management 
options against the identified biosecurity risks: 
http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/files/regs /imports/risk/cats-dogs-canine-semen-
ra.pdf
 
Background  
Cats and dogs are high risk commodities because they are known to be 
capable of transmitting some important exotic viral, bacterial, and parasitic diseases, as well as canine transmissible venereal tumour, which could 
become established in New Zeala nd. New Zealand has a history of 
importation of cats and dogs from approv ed countries, and continues to import 
under existing import health standards.  
 
In November 2009, MAFBNZ issued an im port risk analysis for cats, dogs and 
canine semen. The draft Import Health Standard for Cats and Dogs  reflects 
the risks and risk management options identified by this risk analysis, as well 
as practical considerations. In ac cordance with new MAF processes, all 
requirements to manage biosecurity risks associated with cats and dogs are included in one impor t health standard.  
 
A guidance document outlin ing which risk management measures apply to 
specific countries and model veterinary (zoosanitary) certification for cats and 
dogs from approved countries will be i ssued along with the import health 
standard.  
 
The 2009 import risk analysis identified the disease-ca using organisms likely 
to be associated with imported cats and dogs. Risk assessment processes then identified the organisms classi fied as hazards and requiring risk 
management measures.  
 
The risk analysis concludes that the fo llowing agents pose non-negligible risks 
in imported cats and dogs, and that sani tary measures can be justified for 
them:  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 2 
 
Bacterial diseases 
 
Canine brucellosis  
Leptospirosis  
Plague ( Yersinia pestis )  
Q fever ( Coxiella burnetii ) 
Salmonellosis ( Salmonella spp.) 
 
Blood parasites 
 
Babesiosis  
Filariosis ( Dirofilia immitis) 
Leishmaniosis  
Surra (Trypanosoma evansi) 
 
External parasites 
 
Fleas 
Leeches 
Lice 
Mites 
Myiasis 
Ticks 
 
Internal parasites 
 
Nematodes and Acanthocephalans 
Trematodes 
Cestodes 
 
Viral diseases 
 
Rabies 
 
Other infectious diseases 
 
Canine transmissible venereal tumour 
 
 
Objective  
The objective is to effectively manage all biosecurity risks associated with the 
importation of cats and dogs in a way t hat is consistent with New Zealand’s 
domestic legislation and in ternational obligations.  
 
Under Article 3.1 of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement on 
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  (the SPS Agreement), the measures 
adopted in an import health standard ar e to be based on international  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 3standards, guidelines and recommendations  where these exist, except as 
otherwise provided for under Article 3.3 (where measures providing a higher 
level of protection than international standards can be applied if there is 
scientific justification, or if there is a level of protection that the member 
country considers is more appropriate following a risk assessment).  
 
The recommended options for risk m anagement in the draft import health 
standard were developed through a process of internal and external consultation, following a public consultation on the import risk analysis.  Considerations in this process also  included alignment with international 
standards, acceptable levels of risk and practical applications. 
  
Internal consultation among MAF staff from  the directorates of International 
Coordination, Policy and Risk, and Border Standards resulted in the formulation of a set of preliminary options for mitigation of risks.   
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 4 
Canine brucellosis ( Brucella canis ) 
 
Options for management of risk presented in the 2009 Import Risk 
Analysis: cats, dogs and canine semen 
Option 1 
Within the 7 days prior to shipment, dogs could be serologically tested. The 
rapid slide agglutination te st is highly sensitive but lacks specificity since 
reactions to other infecting bacterial organisms such as Pseudomonas  may 
occur. It could be used as a screening test. A positive result could be followed 
by either a tube agglutination test or agar gel immunodiffusion test. Any titre of 
1:50 or greater in the tube agglutinat ion test could be followed by a 
cytoplasmic agar gel immunodiffusion test which is highly specific. A negative 
result means the dog is probably not infe cted or is recently infected and not 
enough time has elapsed for an immune re sponse to be detectable (Greene & 
Carmichael 2006). A positive result coul d disqualify the dog from importation. 
Option 2 
If more stringent conditions are requir ed, a genus specific PCR blood test 
could be added to the serology testing or  alternatively the screening serology 
regime could be repeated after 30 days. Th is is because serologic test results 
are often negative during the first 3- 4 weeks post-infection despite the 
presence of a bacteraemia within 2 weeks of infection. This option would more 
reliably detect dogs that have been recently infected compared to Option 1. 
 
Alternatively if less stringent meas ures are consider ed appropriate, then 
haemoculture or PCR without serology could be utilised. However, bacteraemia, although sustained, can be abs ent or intermittent in chronically 
infected animals and in those treated with antibiotics (Greene & Carmichael 
2006). 
 
 
Analysis 
 
The tests in Option 1 are similar to the requirements in the current IHS, which 
have provided an adequate leve l of protection.  Minor changes have been 
made based on test availability and timing.   
The timing requirement was changed fr om the risk analysis recommendation 
of 7 days to 14 days to allow adequate ti me for getting test results.  This 
documents the dog’s Brucella  status closer to shipm ent time than the “within 
30 days” currently required.  
 
A statement of the long-st anding policy that positive do gs are not eligible for 
import has been added to the IHS, as treated dogs can still be carriers and 
potentially infect other dogs. 
 
 
  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 5 
Proposal  
 
1. The dog has been subjected to a rapid slide agglutination test (RSAT) for 
Brucella canis  with a negative result within 14 days of shipment; 
 
OR 
 
2. The dog had a positive or inconclusive RSAT result and has been 
subjected to a tube agglut ination test (TAT) for Brucella canis  with a 
negative result within 14 days of shipment; 
 
OR 
 
3. The dog had a positive or inconclusi ve RSAT or TAT result and has been 
subjected to a cytoplasmic agar gel immunodiffusion test  (CPAg-AGID) for 
Brucella canis  with a negative result within 14 days of shipment; 
 
OR 
 
4. The dog had a suspicious TAT result and the test was repeated in 30 to 42 
days with a negative result. 
 
NOTE:  Dogs diagnosed with Brucella canis  are not eligible for import, 
regardless of treatment.  
  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 6Leptospirosis ( Leptospira interrogans serovar  canicola ) 
  
Options for management of risk presented in the 2009 Import Risk 
Analysis: cats, dogs and canine semen  
Option 1  
The OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Standards Commission  considers that 
international trade does not increase t he risks to human or animal health in 
regards leptospirosis (OIE 2007).  
 
Diseased animals shed more organisms and are more important sources of 
infection than chronic carriers (Horsh  1989). The diseased dog would not be 
eligible for travel since they would not  be certifiable as clinically healthy and 
free from infectious diseases. 
 
It could be appropriate to consider leptospi rosis in clinically healthy dogs to be 
of negligible risk to human or animal health and trade without restriction could be permitted. 
Option 2 
The microscopic agglutination test (MAT)  is the standard serological test for 
diagnosing leptospirosis. It is a ser ogroup specific assay and does not identify 
organisms at the serovar level. Screening with multiple antigens helps identify 
all serogroups that may be present  dependent on serovars known to be 
present in the exporting country that ar e able to infect dogs (Torten & Marshall 
1994; Greene et al 2006). 
 
Cross-reactivity between serovars confounds serovar-specific serological 
diagnosis. Nonetheless, negative sero logy probably provides a strong 
assurance that the dog is not current ly infected and therefore provides a 
useful pre-export measure. A negative test (50 % agglutination) at a 1:200 
titre in the MAT provides the most appr opriate interpretation (Greene et al 
2006).  
 
Previous infection or vaccination is usually associated with an MAT titre of 
less than 1:400. Higher vaccination titres  are possible but they generally do 
not persist for longer than 3 months (Greene et al 2006). 
 
Negative serology to a panel of ant igens representing a wide range of 
serogroups could be justified, even though this measure may mean dogs 
infected with serovars endemic to Ne w Zealand would be excluded on the 
basis of serology as well as dogs with a recent vaccination history. For this 
reason, serologically positive dogs could still be eligible for importation after completing a treatment option for e liminating potential carriers of the 
organism. 
 
Another serological test that could be appl ied as a pre-export screening test is 
the macroscopic slide aggl utination test that has been developed for human 
diagnosis. This test is available as a commercial screening kit that uses a  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 7broadly reactive leptospiral antigen. It has been used to detect recent or active 
infections in people and dogs without modification (Levett & Whittington 
1998). 
Option 3 
The carrier state in dogs can be treated with appropriate antibiotics, which are 
highly effective in preventing urinary shedding. Aminoglycosides and 
doxycycline are considered highly effectiv e at clearing the renal carrier state 
(Greene et al 2006). Imported dogs c ould be treated with doxycycline or 
another effective antibio tic before being shipped. 
 
 
Analysis 
Dogs are known to be a maintenance host of L. canicola and this serovar is 
not present in New Zealand.   
A MAF review of leptospirosis meas ures in Import Health Standards, June 
2009, recommended antibiotic treatment as  the option of choice for all 
species. However, Option 2 states t hat negative serology probably provides 
strong assurance that the dog is not currently infect ed and therefore provides 
a useful pre-export measure. The opti ons of treatment or testing have been 
included to allow veterinary discret ion regarding an animal’s vaccination 
history, drug sensitivity, etc.  These measures are c onsistent with the level of 
protection in the current Import Health Standard. 
 
 
Proposal  
 
1. The dog has been treated with an approv ed course of treatment (see 
Guidance Document) within 30 days of shipment; 
 
OR  
 
2. The dog has been subjected to a micr oscopic agglutination test (MAT) for 
L. canicola with a negative result wit hin 30 days of shipment; 
 
OR 
 
3. The dog had a positive MAT of 1:400 or less for L. canicola  within 30 days 
of shipment and has been subjected to a second MAT for L. canicola  at 
least 14 days after the first test and showed no increase in titre.  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 8Plague ( Yersinia pestis )  
 
Options for management of risk presented in the 2009 Import Risk 
Analysis: cats, dogs and canine semen  
Option 1 
Cats and dogs for export could be: 
1) subjected to flea control as out lined in Section 26.3 (from the Risk 
Analysis, copied below); and 
2) clinically examined and found to be healthy on the day of shipment 
Option 2 
Cats and dogs for export could be: 
1) certified by a veterinarian as having been treated with an effective 
acaricide twice at 2 week interval s during the 4 week period prior to 
export; and  
2) been found to be free from  fleas and clinically healthy at each treatment. 
Option 3 
Cats and dogs for export could be: 
1) held in vermin-proof pre-export quarantine facility for 28 days with 
effective flea control. 
Option 4 
Cats and dogs for export could be: 
1) held in vermin-proof pre-export quarantine for 28 days with effective flea 
control; and  
2) subjected to a serological test for Y. pestis  with negative results; and 
3) in the case of a positive result, su bjected to a second serological test 10-
14 days later. A rising titre could dis qualify the animal fr om entry while a 
stable or declining titre could indicate that the animal co uld be imported. 
Option 5 
Cats and dogs for export could be: 
1) resident continuously for the 28 days prior to shipment in a country or 
zone that is free from plague; and  
2) subjected to the flea control option selected for excluding fleas in Section 
26.3. 
Section 26.3 (Risk Analysis, page 104) 
Option 1 
Within the 3 days prior to travel, anima ls for export are to be treated with an 
effective insecticide.  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 9Option 2 
Treatment as in option 1 and inspection, with certific ation that the animal is 
free from fleas within 3 days of travel. 
Option 3 
Treatment as in option 1 and be inspected and found to be free of fleas at the 
point of departure. 
Option 4 
Treatment as in option 1 and be inspected and found to be free of fleas at the 
port of entry before being gi ven biosecurity clearance. 
Option 5 
Treatment as in option 1 and be inspected and found to be free of fleas at the 
point of departure and be inspected and found to be free of fleas at the port of 
entry before being given biosecurity clearance. 
 
 
Analysis 
Dogs are resistant to plagu e and clinically healthy dogs pose a negligible risk. 
Cats are susceptible, however they are likely to be severely affected or die in 
a matter of days if infected. It is very un likely that a clinically healthy cat would 
be incubating the disease at the time of  import since the incubation period is 
only 1-3 days. Therefore, pre-export certificati on that cats and dogs are 
clinically healthy on the day of travel is an important option. There are no 
testing requirements for plague in t he current Import Health Standard. 
Plague is primarily transmitted by fleas; therefore it is important that imported 
animals are not introducing potentially infected fleas.  Fleas have been found 
on imported animals, therefore more stri ngent ectoparasite requirements than 
those in the current Import Health Standard are recommended. Both the Risk 
Analysis and a review of surveillance systems relating to vectors and vector-
borne diseases recommend multiple ec toparasite treatments applied by a 
veterinarian prior to export.   
 
Specific ectoparasite products will not  be included in the IHS.  This will 
accommodate a wider range of treatment  options, variations in product 
availability, and potentia l changes in product effectiveness over time.  
 
Proposal (for external parasites) 
 
1. The cat or dog was treated by a veterinarian TWICE with a topical product 
registered for the control of ticks and fleas at the manufacturer’s 
recommended dose and certified as fr ee from ectoparasites at each 
treatment. The first treatment was giv en within 30 days of shipment and at 
least 2 weeks before the second treat ment, and the second treatment was 
given within 4 days of shipment;  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 10 
AND 
 
2.  The cat or dog was inspected and cert ified as free of external parasites 
within 24 hours prior to shipment; 
 
AND 
  
3.   The cat or dog was inspected and certif ied as free of external parasites 
post-arrival, prior to rece iving biosecurity clearance. 
 
   
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 11Q Fever ( Coxiella burnetii ) 
 
Options for management of risk presented in the 2009 Import Risk 
Analysis: cats, dogs and canine semen  
Option 1 
Suitable measures could be implemented to prevent the importation of ticks 
on the commodity. 
 
NB. Option 1 does not provide prot ection against the importation of C. burnetii 
except for the preventi on of the importation of infected tick vectors. 
Option 2 
Unspayed females could be tested by an ELISA, with negative results, within 
10 days of shipment and be subjected to the measures required to effectively 
manage the introduction of ticks.  
 
 
Analysis  
Q fever mainly affects cattle, sheep, goats and humans.  Cats and dogs are 
very rarely reported to be shedders, therefore it is considered unnecessary to 
impose restrictions on the importati on of cats and dogs.  There are no 
requirements for Q fever testing in t he current Import Health Standards for 
cats and dogs. 
Tick control measures are justified, as ticks can be infected and may transmit 
the disease.  
 
 
Proposals (for external parasites) 
 
1. The cat or dog was treated by a veterinarian TWICE with a topical product 
registered for the control of ticks and fleas at the manufacturer’s 
recommended dose and certified as fr ee from ectoparasites at each 
treatment. The first treatment was giv en within 30 days of shipment and at 
least 2 weeks before the second treat ment, and the second treatment was 
given within 4 days of shipment; 
 
AND 
 
2.  The cat or dog was inspected and cert ified as free of external parasites 
within 24 hours prior to shipment; 
 
AND 
  
3.   The cat or dog was inspected and certif ied as free of external parasites 
post-arrival, prior to rece iving biosecurity clearance. 
 
  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 12Salmonellosis ( Salmonella spp .) 
 
Options for management of risk presented in the 2009 Import Risk 
Analysis: cats, dogs and canine semen  
Option 1 
Since many Salmonella serovars occur in New Zealand and cats and dogs 
are not regarded as important in the epidemiology of salmonellosis (mainly 
from food contamination from infected production animals), importation of 
clinically healthy dogs and cats coul d be allowed without restrictions. 
Option 2 
Feeding of raw meat could be prohibit ed during the 6 weeks immediately prior 
to shipment. 
Option 3 
Faecal samples could be collected twice within the 6 weeks before shipment 
with an interval of 3 weeks between samp le collections. The samples could be 
cultured and any Salmonella  isolated could be fully identified to serovar and in 
the case of S. Enteritidis  and S. Typhimurium  to phage type.  
 
 
Analysis  
 
Many common Salmonella  serovars already  occur in New Z ealand. The pathway 
of introduction of new Salmonella  serovars by healthy dogs  and cats is likely to 
be insignificant when compar ed to other pathways, su ch as human travellers. 
  
Dogs have not been implicated as playing an import ant role in th e transmission 
of Salmonella  to humans, unlike contaminated animal products for human 
consumption. 
Dogs and cats can be carrie rs of infection, but shedding  of organisms is likely to 
be intermittent.  There are cu rrently no m easures for Salmonella  for imported 
dogs and cats. 
 
 
Proposal  
 
The importation of clinically healthy dogs and cats that meet the commodity 
definition should be allowed without restrictions. 
  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 13 Babesiosis ( Babesia spp .) 
 
Options for management of risk presented in the 2009 Import Risk 
Analysis: cats, dogs and canine semen  
 
Option 1 
Dogs to be imported could be:  
1) certified by a veterinarian as hav ing been treated with an effective acaricide 
twice at 2 week intervals during the 4 week period prior to export, and been 
found to be free from ticks and clinic ally healthy at each treatment; and 
2) show no clinical signs of babesiosis on the day of export; and 
3) be subjected to measures fo r effective management of ticks; and  
4) if ticks are detected on arrival in  New Zealand the animal should be 
directed to a transitional facility a nd may require further testing and 
treatment for Babesia  spp. and should be treated to eliminate ticks.  
 
NB. Option 1 does not provide meaningful protection against the importation 
of B. gibsoni  or B. canis except for the prevention of the importation of tick 
vectors. 
Option 2 
Dogs to be imported could be:  
1)  subjected to t he measures for tick control in Option 1; and 
2)  subjected to a serological test (IFAT or ELISA) for the Babesia  spp. that 
occur in the country of origin and/or a Babesia  genus or species specific 
PCR within 10 days of shipment; and 
a) test negative dogs could be imported; and 
b)  B. canis  test positive dogs that are negative for B. gibsoni could be 
treated with a single IM dose of 7. 5 mg/kg imidocarb dipropionate no 
more than 28 days and no less than 21 days before shipment; and 
c)  be subjected to the option se lected for ticks to prevent their 
importation; 
d)  B. gibsoni  test positive dogs could be disqualified; and 
e) serologically positive but PCR negative dogs should be retested with 
PCR after 30 days. 
 
 
Analysis  
Tick Control 
Babesia  can be transmitted by ticks, so animals should be subjected to 
measures proposed for external  parasites. See section XV. 
  
Testing 
 
For practical reasons the timing requirement has been extended to within 14 days of shipment, as many importers have reported that the current 10 day 
requirement is extremely difficult to meet.  The blood smear, one of the 
current requirements, has been eliminated due to lack of  sensitivity.  PCR has  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 14been offered as an alternative to the IF AT or ELISA, but two negative PCR 
tests on samples collected one month apar t will be required as  the organism 
is not always found in the blood of chronically infected dogs. 
Treatment 
Effective treatment is available for B. canis , so dogs imported from countries 
where B. canis  is endemic could be subjected to treatment.  However, dogs 
treated for B. gibsoni  infection  may still carry the organism.  Therefore 
treatment for B. gibsoni  is not an adequate risk management option, and dogs 
with any history of infection are not eligible for import. 
These recommendations are consistent  with the current requirements with 
some modification for practicality (t iming, testing options) and current 
treatment recommendations.  
 
Proposal  
 
Babesia gibsoni   
 
1. The dog has been inspected and found to be free of ticks and healthy prior 
to each of the two treatments r equired for external parasites; 
 
AND EITHER 
 
2. the dog has been subjected to an indi rect fluorescent antibody (IFA) or 
ELISA test for Babesia gibsoni  with a negative result within 14 days of 
shipment; 
 
OR 
 
3. if the IFA or ELISA test result was inconclusive, or if these tests were not 
available, the dog has been subjected to two PCR tests for Babesia spp . 
or Babesia gibsoni with negative results on samples collected 30-37days 
apart, with the second sample colle cted within 14 days of shipment. 
 
NOTE:  Dogs diagnosed with Babesia gibsoni  are not eligible for import, 
regardless of treatment. 
 
Babesia canis  
 
4. The dog has been inspected and found to  be free of ticks and healthy prior 
to each of the two treatments r equired for external parasites; 
 
AND EITHER 
 
5. the dog has been given an approved tr eatment  (see Guidance Document) 
between 21 and 28 days prior to shipment; 
 
OR  
  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 156. the dog has been subjected to an IFA or ELISA test for Babesia canis  
within 14 days of shipment with a negative result; 
 
OR  
    
7. if the IFA or ELISA test result wa s inconclusive, or these tests were not 
available, the dog has been subject ed to two negative PCR tests for 
Babesia spp . or Babesia canis with negative results on samples collected 
30-37days apart, with the second samp le collected within 14 days of 
shipment.  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 16Filariosis (Canine heartworm, Dirofilia immitis ) 
 
 
Options for management of risk presented in the 2009 Import Risk 
Analysis: cats, dogs and canine semen  
Option 1 
Dogs could be certified as showing no clinical signs of heartworm on the day 
of shipment. 
Option 2 
Dogs older than five months of age ( earliest time post-infestation that 
heartworm antigen can be detected) on the scheduled date of export,  could 
be subjected to 
an antigen ELISA with negative result s within 1 month of travel; and 
 
Within 48 hours of departure all dogs could be treated with: 
 
Either:   ivermectin at 6 mcg/kg 
 
Or;  milbemycin at 0.5 mg/kg 
 
Or;  moxidectin at 2-4 mcg/kg 
 
Or; injectable sustained release formulation 
moxidectin at the recommended dose rate 
 
  Or,   selamectin at 6 mg/kg 
 
 
Analysis 
 
Dogs with adult heartworm infections are highly likely to be infectious to 
intermediate hosts (mosquitoes). Dogs  with positive test results may be 
treated and are eligible for import once the antigen test  results are negative. 
 
Antigen testing identifies adult female worms and does not identify immature 
worms. Therefore heartworm prevention should be used as a pre-export 
treatment to eliminat e early infections.  
  
Option 2 is similar to the current requi rements.  The timi ng of the treatment 
recommendation has been modified slightly for practical reasons, and 
evidence of a current sustained-rel ease injection will be accepted.  
Treatments options will be listed in the Guidance Document, which can be 
updated easily. 
 
 
Proposal  
  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 171. If six months of age or older on t he date of shipment, the dog has been 
subjected to a heartworm antigen ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent 
assay) test with a negative resu lt within 30 days of shipment; 
 
AND 
 
2. ALL DOGS (regardless of age) have  been treated with a product registered 
for heartworm prevention (see Guidance Document) at the manufacturer’s 
recommended dose within 4 days of shipment, or have veterinary medical records documenting a current sustained-release injection.  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 18Leishmaniosis  
 
 
Options for management of risk presented in the 2009 Import Risk 
Analysis: cats, dogs and canine semen  
Option 1 
Dogs could be certified as showing no c linical signs of leishmaniosis on the 
day of shipment. 
Option 2 
Dogs could: 
 
1) be subjected to a serological test  with negative results within 10 days of 
travel; and  
2)  be subjected to t he measures required to effectively manage the 
introduction of ticks.  
 
 
Analysis  
 
Leishmania  is primarily transmitted by sand flies, and possibly transmitted by 
ticks, but not the types that occur in New Zealand. Therefore the likelihood of 
establishment is considered to be neg ligible since these vectors are not 
present in New Zealand. The disease has not established in countries that do 
not have competent vectors, such as the UK, Sweden or Switzerland, despite 
importing infected animals.   There are currently no measures required for 
Leishmania . 
 
Proposal 
 
Dogs must be certified as free from clinical signs of infectious disease and 
external parasites on the day of sh ipment, and meet all treatment and 
inspection requirements for external parasites. 
 
 
 
 
  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 19Surra (Trypanosoma evansi)  
 
Options for management of risk presented in the 2009 Import Risk 
Analysis: cats, dogs and canine semen  
 
Option 1 
Cats and dogs could be found to be clin ically healthy on the day of export, 
showing no clinical signs of T. evansi  infection.  
Option 2 
Within 2 days of departure, dogs and cats could undergo direct examination of 
the blood by a concentration method recommended by the OIE, with no 
parasites observed. 
Option 3 
Dogs and cats could be tested for antibody by an OIE described method and a direct examination of the blood by  a concentration method with negative 
results within the 10 days prior to departure. 
Option 4 
Cats and dogs could be eligible for impor tation only from countries that are 
free from surra. 
  
Analysis  
 
Surra is a tropical disease principally vectored by Tabanus  spp. flies. The 
organism is unlikely to establish in New Zealand because the main vectors 
are not present. T. evansi  has never spread to tem perate climate countries.  
There are currently no measures r equired for surra for imported dogs and 
cats. 
 
Proposal 
 
Cats and dogs must be certified as free from clinical signs of infectious 
disease and external parasit es on the day of shipment. 
 
 
 
  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 20Fleas  
 
Options for management of risk presented in the 2009 Import Risk 
Analysis: cats, dogs and canine semen  
Option 1 
Within the 3 days prior to travel, anima ls for export are to be treated with an 
effective insecticide. 
Option 2 
Treatment as in option 1 and inspection, with certific ation that the animal is 
free from fleas within 3 days of travel. 
Option 3 
Treatment as in option 1 and be inspected and found to be free of fleas at the 
point of departure. 
Option 4 
Treatment as in option 1 and be inspected and found to be free of fleas at the 
port of entry before being gi ven biosecurity clearance. 
Option 5 
Treatment as in option 1 and be inspected and found to be free of fleas at the 
point of departure and be inspected and found to be free of fleas at the port of 
entry before being given biosecurity clearance.  
 
Analysis  
 
Fleas can transmit infectious diseases, including some diseases that can 
infect humans. Safe and effective insecticides and insect growth regulators can be used to provide flea control.   
 
More stringent external parasite measures than those required in the current IHS are justified as fleas have been f ound on post-arrival inspections.  An 
additional pre-export treatment and inspection have been added to the 
certification. 
 
Proposal  
 
1. The cat or dog was treated by a veterinarian TWICE with a topical product 
registered for the control of ticks and fleas at the manufacturer’s 
recommended dose and certified as free from external parasites at each treatment. The first treatment was giv en within 30 days of shipment and at 
least 2 weeks before the second treat ment, and the second treatment was 
given within 4 days of shipment; 
 
AND 
  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 212.  The cat or dog was inspected and cert ified as free of external parasites 
within 24 hours prior to shipment; 
 
AND 
  
3.   The cat or dog was inspected and found to be free of external parasites 
post-arrival, prior to rece iving biosecurity clearance. 
 
 
  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 22Leeches  
 
Options for management of risk presented in the 2009 Import Risk 
Analysis: cats, dogs and canine semen  
 
Option  1
Animals could be clinically examined prio r to export to provide assurances of 
freedom from leeches due to their gross visibility.  
Option 2 
Further to option 1, point of entry inspection could also be adopted as for ticks 
and myiasis. If any are found, treatm ent by applying ivermectin solution, 
topical anaesthetics or insecticides to paralyse leeches thereby facilitating removal could be performed. 
 
 
Analysis  
 
Leeches are generally grossly visible and should be easily identified on 
inspection. There are currently no specific measures for leeches. 
 
 
Proposal  
 
 
1.  The cat or dog was inspected and cert ified as free of external parasites 
within 24 hours prior to shipment; 
 
AND 
  
2.   The cat or dog was inspected and found to be free of external parasites 
post-arrival, prior to rece iving biosecurity clearance. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 23Lice 
 
Options for management of risk presented in the 2009 Import Risk 
Analysis: cats, dogs and canine semen  
Option 1 
Within the 3 days prior to travel, anima ls for export are to be treated with an 
effective insecticide. 
Option 2 
Veterinary certification that the animal has under gone pre-export treatment 
with an effective insecticide within 3 days of travel, and been inspected and 
found to be free of lice. 
Option 3 
Veterinary certification that the animal has under gone pre-export treatment 
with an effective insecticide within 3 days of travel, and been inspected and 
found to be free of lice at the point of departure. 
Option 4 
Undergo option 3, and; be found to be free of lice upon  inspection at the port 
of entry before being given biosecurity clearance. 
Option 5  
Treat with an effective insecticide at  the port of entry  before being given 
biosecurity clearance.  
 
 
Analysis  
 
The consequences of lice entering New Zealand are minor, since there are no 
impacts for humans or the environment and only minor impacts on the 
animals themselves. Since there are a la rge number of effective, convenient 
insecticide treatments avail able to eliminate lice infe stations, imported animals 
could be treated in conjunction with other  treatments for external parasites.   
The current IHS requires ectoparasite tr eatment “capable of killing ticks, lice 
and fleas.”  This creates some confus ion as most products used for tick and 
flea control in cats and dogs are not labelled for lice, even though they may be effective against lice. 
 
Lice are active and can be observed movi ng through the hair. Therefore, pre-
arrival inspection within 24 hours of departure should ensure freedom from 
lice, and post-arrival ectoparasite ins pection should increase the level of 
assurance.
 
 
Proposal  
 
  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 241.  The cat or dog was inspected and cert ified as free of external parasites 
within 24 hours prior to shipment; 
 
AND 
  
2.   The cat or dog was inspected and found to be free of external parasites 
post-arrival, prior to rece iving biosecurity clearance. 
 
 
  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 25Mites  
 
Options for management of risk presented in the 2009 Import Risk 
Analysis: cats, dogs and canine semen  
 
Option 1 
Certification that t he animal has undergone pre-export treatment with an 
effective acaricide within 3 days of travel, and been inspected and found to be 
free of mites. 
Option 2 
Certification that t he animal has undergone pre-export treatment with an 
effective acaricide within 3 days of travel, and  been inspected and found to be 
free of mites on the day of departure. 
Option 3 
Certification that t he animal has undergone pre-export treatment with an 
effective acaricide within 3 days of travel, and ; been inspected and found to 
be free of mites upon inspecti on at the port of entry. 
Option 4 
For countries where nasal mites are endem ic, restrictions could be as for 
option 3, but additionally the animal c ould be examined by nasal endoscopy 
or treated by subcutaneous administrati on of ivermectin at 200 mcg/kg. 
 
 
Analysis  
 
There are a large number of  effective acaricidal pr oducts available, and two 
acaridical treatments are proposed for ti ck control.  Currently there are no 
specific requirements in the IHS for mites.  
Veterinary inspections are required al ong with two pre-export treatments for 
external parasites, as well as inspection when the animal arrives in New 
Zealand. 
 
 
Proposal  
 
1. The cat or dog was treated by a veterinarian TWICE with a topical product 
registered for the control of ticks and fleas at the manufacturer’s 
recommended dose and certified as free from external parasites at each treatment. The first treatment was giv en within 30 days of shipment and at 
least 2 weeks before the second treat ment, and the second treatment was 
given within 4 days of shipment; 
 
AND 
  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 262.  The cat or dog was inspected and cert ified as free of external parasites 
within 24 hours prior to shipment; 
 
AND 
  
3.   The cat or dog was inspected and found to be free of external parasites 
post-arrival, prior to rece iving biosecurity clearance. 
 
 
  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 27Myiasis (fly larvae infestation)  
 
Options for management of risk presented in the 2009 Import Risk 
Analysis: cats, dogs and canine semen  
Option 1 
When importing cats and dogs from countri es considered infested with any of 
the following: New World or Old World screwworm, Dermatobia hominis,  
Lucilia spp, Cordylobia anthropophaga , Cuterebra or  Wohlfahrtia species: 
Animals for export could be subjected to a close inspection of the skin for 
wounds with egg masses or larvae imm ediately prior to shipment. Only 
animals that are free from infestat ion and that have a dry, unsoiled and 
unmatted hair coat would be eligible for shipment. 
Option 2 
As for option 1 and in addition, the inspection c ould be repeated at the arrival 
point in New Zealand. This inspection could identify any infestation acquired 
en route and be integrated with tick inspections. 
Option 3 
As for option 2 and in addition, post-arrival quarantine with daily inspections 
for 30 days. 
 
Analysis  
 
All cats and dogs in troduced from countries that are infested with screwworm 
could be subjected to the measures in Option 2, t he recommendations of the OIE  
Code . These recommendations w ould also mitigate the ri sks from other larval 
infestations that invade tissues or open cavities such  as the nose, ears, or 
mouth.  The current HI S has no specif ic requirements for myiasis. 
 
Proposal 
 
1.  The cat or dog was inspected and cert ified as free of external parasites 
within 24 hours prior to shipment; 
 
AND 
  
2.   The cat or dog was inspected and found to be free of external parasites 
post-arrival, prior to rece iving biosecurity clearance. 
 
 
  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 28Ticks  
 
Options for management of risk presented in the 2009 Import Risk 
Analysis: cats, dogs and canine semen  
Option 1 
Treatment of dogs and cats to be expor ted with fipronil or  other effective 
acaricides, within the 7 days immediately prior to export. 
Option 2 
As for option 1 but in addition, inspection by a trained MAFBNZ inspector at 
the point of entry. The inspection coul d be carried out to ensure that animals 
are well groomed and free from ticks; and the contents of the container in 
which the animal arrived is free from ticks. 
Animals found to be infested with ticks c ould be transferred to a transitional 
facility and treated with a different acaricide from that used previously. It could be held for 48 hours following treatment so as  to allow the active ingredient to 
kill any undetected ticks. At the fac ility the container could be thoroughly 
steam cleaned to remove any remaining ticks. The container and bedding could then be destroyed or treated with an acaricide. All ticks found could be 
sent to a laboratory for identification. 
A biosecurity clearance could be giv en 48 hours after treatment when the 
inspector is satisfied that the animal and container are tick-free. 
Fractious, unmanageable and dangerous dogs or cats could be directed to a transitional facility for inspection by a veterinarian in the presence of the 
owner, after having been tranquillized if necessary. If ticks were to be found, the animal could be held in the transitional facility and treated and inspected 
as described above. 
Option 3  
As for option 2 but the pre-export treatment of cats and dogs could be the 
same as an option in the babesiosis chapter  for excluding ticks, the animal to 
be certified by a veterinarian as having been treated with an effective acaricide twice at 2 week intervals dur ing the 4 week period prior to export, 
and been found to be free from ticks at each treatment. 
Option 4  
Post-arrival quarantine 
 
A quarantine period of a sufficient dur ation to allow the free-living stages to 
detach and be captured  would ensure that no ticks were introduced on imported 
dogs and cats (Heath 2002) . This option may be rega rded as excessively 
restrictive on trade between Australia and  New Zealand. It would also require 
specialised facilities to ensure that  ticks are captured  and destroyed.  
  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 29 
Analysis  
 
Exotic species of ticks capable of tr ansmitting exotic diseases have been 
found on post-arrival inspection, so it is warranted to increase the measures 
currently in effect.  No acaricidal pr oducts are consistently 100% effective for 
all ticks for any time period. Ticks may be resistant to some acaricides, or the 
product may not be effective over the entire body.  Specific products will not 
be listed in the IHS, as product av ailability and efficacy may change. 
 
Tick inspections are an important adjunct to treatment. Tick inspections and 
treatments are also import ant risk management measures for exotic diseases 
transmitted by ticks, such as  Babesia gibsoni .  As part of the review of risk 
management measures for cats and dogs it was decided that veterinarians 
should examine all live animal imports.  All imported cats and dogs will now be inspected by a veterinarian, either in post-arrival quarantine or at the border. 
Procedures are in place to ensure that  animals found to be infested with ticks 
or fleas will be transferred to a transitiona l (quarantine) facility.  They are then 
retreated for ticks and fleas and must remain  at the facility until any further 
testing is satisfactorily completed and they are free of parasites. Procedures are also in place for handling bedding and crates.  All ticks found are sent to a 
laboratory for identification so appropriate recommendations can be made. Unmanageable dogs or cats must be dire cted to a transitional facility for 
inspection under tranquillisation if necessary.  
Ticks can be very small before feeding on the animal and are difficult to find on long-haired or dark-col oured coats.  Post-arrival quarantine provides a 
controlled and calm environment for conducting thorough inspections and 
allows for multiple inspections over time. 
 
Proposal  
 
1. The cat or dog was treated by a veterinarian TWICE with a topical product 
registered for the control of ticks and fleas at the manufacturer’s 
recommended dose and certified as free from external parasites at each treatment. The first treatment was giv en within 30 days of shipment and at 
least 2 weeks before the second treat ment, and the second treatment was 
given within 4 days of shipment; 
 
AND 
 
2.  The cat or dog was inspected and cert ified as free of external parasites 
within 24 hours prior to shipment; 
 
AND 
  
3.   The cat or dog was inspected and found to be free of external parasites 
post-arrival, prior to rece iving biosecurity clearance.  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 30 
AND 
 
4.  A post-arrival quarantine period may be required to allow detection of ticks.  
If ticks or fleas are found, the animal will not be giv en biosecurity clearance 
until all further treatment and/or test ing requirements have been fulfilled.
  
  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 31Nematodes and Acanthocephalans  
 
 
Options for management of risk presented in the 2009 Import Risk 
Analysis: cats, dogs and canine semen  
Option 1 
Treatment with an anthelmintic as recommended by the manufacturer that is 
efficacious against nematodes (such as ivermectin, fenbendazole, levamizole 
or pyrantel pamoate) wit hin 7 days of shipment. 
Option 2 
Examination of faecal sa mples, followed by treatment with an efficacious 
anthelmintic and re-examination of f aeces, 7-10 days afte r treatment, to 
confirm that parasites have been e liminated. If parasites have not been 
eliminated, the treatment  could be repeated using a different anthelmintic and 
faeces could be re-examined. The pr ocedure could be repeated as necessary 
until all parasites have been eliminated. Shipment c ould be within 7 days of a 
final negative faeces examination; or 
Option 3 
As for Option 2 but an additional treatm ent with anthelmintic 3 days before 
shipment; or  
Option 4  
As for options 2 or 3 but both faeces and urine could be tested for parasites 
and the eyes subjected to a physical examination for Thelazia  spp. 
Option 5  
Animals could be held in quarantine while carrying out the procedures in Options 2, 3 or 4. 
 
 
Analysis  
 
The parasites considered in this section are generally not important 
pathogens. They are likely to be less pathogenic than parasites already established in New Zealand, therefore the consequences for cat and dog health are likely to be minimal. However, new parasites could be introduced and become established. These parasit es could cause rare cases of larva 
migrans  in humans. 
 
Effective treatments (anthelmi ntics) are available for all the relevant parasites.  
Treatment recommendations  for many products incl ude two treatments (or 
courses of treatment), so Option  1 has been modi fied as follows. 
 
 
 
  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 32Proposal for internal parasites 
 
1. The animal has been treated TWICE wit h a product (or combination of 
products) registered for the control of nematodes and cestodes at the 
manufacturer’s recommended dose.  The first treatment was given within 
30 days of shipment and at least 2 weeks before the second treatment, 
and the second treatment was given within 4 days of shipment. 
 
 
  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 33Trematodes  
 
Options for management of risk presented in the 2009 Import Risk 
Analysis: cats, dogs and canine semen  
Option 1 
Since the parasites are unlikely to establish or cause serious diseases, cats 
and dogs could be imported without restrictions. 
Option 2 
Since praziquantel is an effective agent for the treatm ent of trematode 
infestations, all cats and dogs to  be imported coul d be treated with an 
effective regime of praziquantel treatment. 
Option 3 
i) cats and dogs could be treated with an effective dose of praziquantel, 3 
weeks before shipment; and 
ii) 1 week after treatment a faecal  sample could be examined by both 
sedimentation and floatation methods by a laboratory approved by the veterinary authority of the exporting country, with negative re sults. Should 
trematode eggs be found, tr eatment could be repeated until a negative 
result is obtained.  
 
Option 4 
Dogs for export could be held in quar antine while the recommendations of 
Option 3 are carried out. 
 
Analysis  
 
The parasites considered in this section are generally  not important pathogens. 
The life-cycles for many trematodes are complex and it is unlikely that the 
parasites would become est ablished as a viable self-sustaining population when 
single or small num bers of cats or dogs are imported. 
 
The dose of praziquan tel for eliminating trematodes is  higher than that required 
for control of most tapeworms, including Echinococcus , and requires a longer 
course or treatment.   Based on these considerations, the re commendation is to 
follow the OIE Code recommenda tions for the control of 
echinococcosis/hydatidosis, and not requi re a higher dose and/o r longer course 
of treatment for trematodes, i.e., Option 1.  
 
 
Proposal for internal parasites  
 
1. The animal has been treated TWICE wit h a product (or combination or 
products) registered for the control of nematodes and cestodes at the  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 34manufacturer’s recommended dose.  The first treatment (or course of 
treatment) was given within 30 days of  shipment and at least 2 weeks 
before the second treatm ent, and the second treatment (or course of 
treatment) was given withi n 4 days of shipment.  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 35Cestodes  
 
Options for management of risk presented in the 2009 Import Risk 
Analysis: cats, dogs and canine semen  
Option 1 
Treatment with an effective dose of praziquantel within the 7 days prior to 
shipment. 
Option 2 
Examination of faeces wit hin the 14 days prior to shipment by a laboratory 
approved by the veterinary authority of  the exporting country using both 
sedimentation and floatation methods  and examination of faeces for 
tapeworm segments, wit h negative results. 
Option 3 
Cats and dogs could be treated with an effective dose of praziquantel 3 weeks 
before shipment; and  
 
One week after treatment a faecal sample could be examined by both 
sedimentation and floatation methods , and examination of faeces for 
tapeworm segments, by a laboratory appr oved by the veterinary authority of 
the exporting country, with negative resu lts. Should ev idence of cestode 
infestation be found, treatment could be repeated until a negative test result is obtained. During the pre-export period of treatment and testing dogs should 
not be fed ruminant offal. 
 
 
Analysis  
 
Cestodes all have similar complex life cycles. The consequences for cats and dogs are likely to be minor since infest ation with adult tapeworms is generally 
of minimal clinical significance. Howeve r, since several of the parasites may 
accidentally infest humans or other species of animals, the consequences could be severe. 
Praziquantel at the sta ndard dose administered for deworming cats and dogs 
does not control all species of tapeworm, but is effe ctive against many including  
Echinococcus , the species of greatest biosec urity concern.  The proposed 
measure requires an additional treatment to Option  1, and is simila r to the current 
requirements for endopar asite treatment.   
 
 
Proposal for internal parasites 
 
1. The animal has been treated TWICE with a product (or combination of 
products) registered for the control of nematodes and cestodes at the 
manufacturer’s recommended dose.  The first treatment (or course of 
treatment) was given within 30 days of  shipment and at least 2 weeks  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 36before the second treatm ent, and the second treatment (or course of 
treatment) was given withi n 4 days of shipment. 
  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 37Rabies  
 
Options for management of risk presented in the 2009 Import Risk 
Analysis: cats, dogs and canine semen  
Option 1 
Animals from a rabies free country (as defined in the Code ) could be imported 
without restrictions. 
Option 2 
Animals from rabies infected countri es could be imported provided that: 
1. they are free from clinical signs of rabies; and 
2.  they have been vacci nated against rabies with  an inactivated virus 
vaccine or with a recombinant vacci ne expressing the rabies virus 
glycoprotein  
a. not less than 6 months and not more  than one year prior to shipment 
in the case of a primary vaccination, which should have been carried 
out when the animals were at least 3 months old; or  
b. not more than one year prior to sh ipment in the case of a booster 
vaccination; and 
3.  were subjected not less than 3 mont hs and not more than 24 months prior 
to shipment to an antibody test as prescribed in the Terrestrial Manual  with 
a positive result equivalent to at least 0.5 IU/ml. 
 
NB. This option reflects the Code  recommendations for t he safe trade in cats 
and dogs. 
Option 3 
If a higher level of protection than that achieved by application of international 
standards is considered necessary, post-arrival quarantine may be considered 
appropriate. The period of PAQ could be as short as 1 month or up to 6 
months. 
 
 
Analysis  
 
Rabies has a long incubation period, during which time animals show no signs of 
infection. There are no reliable tests for infection with rabies that can be done on 
a living animal during th is incubation period. 
 
Vaccination has been proven to be highly effective for protecting animals against 
rabies infection. In compar ison to the number  of animals receiving vaccination, 
an extremely small number of individual  vaccine failures have been reported.  
Serological tests (titre test s) are available that reliabl y demonstrate if vaccination 
has been effective. 
 
The OIE Code  chapter on rabies makes recomm endations relating to the safe 
importation of dogs and cats.  These re commendations differ from the current 
requirements in that they do not incl ude quarantine, and specify a different  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 38timeframe for the rabies titre test .  These internationally recognised 
recommendations have been used to effectively control rabies in several 
rabies-free countries and terri tories for many years. 
 
A short quarantine period coul d still be required to ensure that all animals are 
compliant with the pre-export testing and treatment requirements as well as 
the post-arrival inspec tion requirements.   
 
 
Proposal  
 
1. The animal has been resident in a r abies-free country (as defined in the 
OIE Code ) since birth or for the six months prior to shipment; 
 
AND  
 
2. the animal shows no clinical signs of rabies on the day of shipment. 
 
OR 
 
3. The animal has been vaccinated against rabies with a government 
approved inactivated virus vaccine or recombinant vaccine expressing the rabies virus glycoprotein; 
a. in the case of a primary vaccinat ion, the vaccine was given not less 
than six months and not more than one year prior to shipment, when 
the animal was at least three months old; 
 
OR 
 
b. if a booster vaccination, the vaccine was given not more than one year 
prior to shipment; 
 
AND 
 
4. the animal has been subjected to a rabi es antibody test (as prescribed in 
the OIE Terrestrial Manual ) on a sample collected not less than three 
months and not more than 24 months prior to shipment, with a result of at 
least 0.5 IU/ml; 
 
AND 
 
5. the animal shows no clinical signs of rabies on the day of shipment.  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 39Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumour (CTVT)  
 
Options for management of risk presented in the 2009 Import Risk 
Analysis: cats, dogs and canine semen  
Option 1 
General veterinary examinat ion of the dog pre-export could be performed by a 
veterinarian within one week of travel; with the dog certified to have no lesions 
suggestive of CTVT. 
Option 2 
Specific veterinary examination of genitali a of bitches by vaginal speculum in 
females and examination of the penis and prepuce in males could be done to 
ensure dogs are free of CTVT within 3 da ys of travel. Dogs showing evidence 
of CTVT could be disqualified from travel. 
Option 3 
Dogs to be imported could be desexed animals or entire adults that are 
certified as not having been mated in the 8 months prior to ex port or for their 
entire lives. 
Option 4 
Dogs for import could be held in quaranti ne for 6 months immediately before 
shipment. 
 
 
Analysis  
 
The risk estimate for the entry, exposure and consequences of CTVT in entire 
male and female dogs is non-negligible.  T he tumour is therefore classified as 
a hazard.  
 
Diagnosis of CTVT is strongly sus pected on the basis of the physical 
appearance of the tumour, which is almo st always found on the external 
genitalia. It is confirmed by  microscopic examination of  cells from the tumour.  
 
Since infection is clinically obvious  based on physical appearance of the 
tumour on the external genitalia, veteri nary examination of entire animals prior 
to travel could markedly decrease the lik elihood that CTVT is introduced.  
 
The current IHS has no measures for CTVT.  Dogs have been imported with CTVT, so specific measures are justified. 
 
 
Proposal  
 
1. If this is an entire male or fe male dog, it has been subjected to an 
examination of the exter nal genitalia within 4 days of shipment and found 
to have no lesions suggestive of canine transmissible venereal tumour;   
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 40 
AND 
 
2. If this is an entire male or fe male dog, it has been subjected to an 
examination of the external genita lia post arrival and found to have no 
lesions suggestive of canine transmissi ble venereal tumour prior to getting 
biosecurity clearance.  
  
 
 
  
Risk Management Proposal: Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN 18 January 2011 41Biosecurity Clearance  
 
Approved countries will be grouped as  follows based on risk management 
measures required: 
 
 Australia 
 
 Countries & territories re cognised as free of rabies 
 
 Specified countries & territories where rabies is absent or well- 
  controlled 
 
 Pacific island countries & territories 
 
A range of options for biosecurity clearance were considered and reviewed 
with MAF Verification Agency veterinari ans, transitional (quarantine) facility 
operators, and Inspectors.  It  was agreed that it is a high priority to have 
official veterinarians undertake all physi cal inspections. This is a significant 
shift from current practice, where cats and dogs that do not require post-
arrival quarantine are cleared at the border by inspectors, and animals in 
quarantine are cleared by o fficial veterinarians.   
 
Animals arriving from all countries except  Australia will be sent to post-arrival 
quarantine for a minimum of 10 days.  This will allow time for a thorough 
inspection of the animal by an official veterinarian in a calm environment, time 
for engorgement of any ticks still presen t, a thorough documentation check, 
and confirmation of clinical health.   
 
Regarding ticks, a previous import risk analysis on Babesia proposed pre-
export quarantine as ideal, but this was not practical.  A 10 day post-arrival 
quarantine should allow adequate time for any ticks present to feed and be 
found or fall off the animal.   
 
Cats and dogs from Australia have fewe r risk mitigation measures required 
due to Australia’s health status. The documentation check and physical inspection for cats and dogs from Aust ralia will be conducted at the border.  
Any animal that is not compliant with t he requirements, or is found to have 
fleas or ticks, will be sent to post-arri val quarantine.  Fractious cats or dogs, 
and those arriving outside of the scheduled time for veterinary inspections, will 
be sent to post-arrival quarantin e until all measures have been met.