Guidance document horse import health standard          
07 April 2011  Page 1 of 14  
 
 
 
Guidance Document 
Horse 
Import Health Standard 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand 
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry 
P.O Box 2526 
Wellington 6011 
New Zealand 
  
Guidance document horse import health standard          
07 April 2011  Page 2 of 14 Contents 
Foreword ........................................................................................................3  
Summary information on a pproved coun tries ............................................3  
Quarantine/Transitional facilities fo r horses...............................................3  
Approved diagnostic tests, treatments and vaccinati ons..........................3  
Tick examinat ion............................................................................................4  
Model Veterinary Certificate..........................................................................4  
Bilaterally agreed Vete rinary Certificates ..................................................14  
Review and amendment ..............................................................................14  
  
Guidance document horse import health standard          
07 April 2011  Page 3 of 14 Foreword 
This guidance document has been issued to accompany the Import Health Standard 
for Horses  (horaniic.gen).  This guidance document should be read in conjunction 
with that standard. This is to ensure that the requirements for meeting the standard 
are fully understood. 
Summary information on approved countries 
The following countries are approved by MAF to import horses: 
 Australia 
- Permit to import not required (consignments with an equivalence or 
dispensation will require a permit to import issued by MAF) 
- Pre-export isolation not required 
- Veterinary certificate and laboratory report(s) inspection required 
- Post-arrival quarantine not required 
 Canada, European Union member states, Hong Kong and USA 
- Permit to import required 
- Pre-export isolation required (minimum 21 days) 
- Veterinary certificate and laboratory report(s) inspection required 
- Post-arrival quarantine required (minimum 14 days) 
Quarantine/Transitional facilities for horses 
IRT New Zealand 30 Hayfield Way, RD1, Papakura, Auckland, New Zealand 
Tel: +64 9 297 2022 | Fax: +64 9 298 6066 | Mob: +64 21 797 703 
www.irt.com
Approved diagnostic tests, treatments and vaccinations 
 Diagnostic tests for risk organisms must be those prescribed for international 
trade by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). These diagnostic tests 
can be found by accessing the Terrestrial Animal Health Code  (Code) and 
Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals  (Terrestrial 
Manual) online.  
 Where there are no OIE prescribed diagnostic tests for a particular disease MAF 
will either recommend test(s) or a case may be made by the Veterinary Authority of the exporting country for an alternative. The test must be approved by MAF 
and will be recorded in the table below: 
Disease name  MAF recommended test(s) MAF approved test(s) 
Equine encephalosis Antigen test   
 Vaccines for risk organisms must comply with the Terrestrial Manual 
recommendations.   
Guidance document horse import health standard          
07 April 2011  Page 4 of 14  The following risk organisms may require vaccine administration as described in 
the Import Health Standard for Horses : 
- African horse sickness (AHS) 
- Anthrax 
- Equine encephalomyelitis (Eastern and Western)  
- Equine influenza (vaccine strains to be used are as described by the 
OIE Expert Surveillance Panel, published annually in the OIE Bulletin) 
- Equine viral arteritis (EVA) 
- Japanese encephalitis (JE) 
- Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) 
- West Nile Fever (WNF) 
Tick examination 
A systematic approach is recommended and the inspection should be done under 
supervision of the Official Veterinarian. The inspection should include close 
examination of the ears, false nostrils, under-body areas (axilla, inguinal region and under the jawbone), perineum, mane and tail. 
Model Veterinary Certificate 
An original veterinary certificate that conforms with the OIE Code Model International Veterinary Certificate must be issued for every horse and accompany the consignment of horses to New Zealand. 
The veterinary certificate for the horses must provide the following: 
 Unique identification of each animal e.g. passport details, microchip number/site, 
brand or silhouette 
 The description, species, age and sex of the horses 
 The name and address of the importer (consignee) and exporter (consignor) 
 The import permit number (except horses from Australia) 
 A separate veterinary certificate should be supplied for each horse in the 
consignment, unless otherwise negotiated with MAF 
 Signed, dated and stamped on every page by the Official Veterinarian of the 
Veterinary Authority of the exporting country (this includes the veterinary certificates and all associated documents such as laboratory reports and vaccination certificates) 
or MAF approved alternative security features offered by 
paper certificates. 
 The name, signature and contact details of the Official Veterinarian 
 All diagnostic test(s) used and date of sampling  
 All treatment(s) and vaccination(s) used, generic name, active ingredient, dose 
rate, and date of treatment 
 For pre-export isolation premises the date of entry, the premise used, and its 
operator contact details   
Guidance document horse import health standard          
07 April 2011  Page 5 of 14  For disinfectants used the date of disinfection, the disinfectant used, and its 
active chemical  
 For insecticides used the date of treatment, the insecticide used, and its active 
chemical 
 For pregnant mares the name of the sire 
 The unique seal number and date of sealing of the containers 
 
 
The following pages show the MAF model veterinary certificate for horses.  
Guidance document horse import health standard          
07 April 2011  Page 6 of 14  
I.1.   Consignor (Exporter): 
Name: I.2.  Certificate reference number: 
 
Address: I.3.  Veterinary Authority: 
 
I.4.  Consignee (Importer): 
Name: 
 
Address: 
 
I.5. Country of origin                                              ISO code* 
  I.6.   Zone or compartment of origin**: 
 
I.7. Country of destination:                                     ISO code*  I.8.   Zone or compartment of destination**:                 Part I: Details of dispatched consignment I.9.  Place of origin: 
Name:                                                      
 
 
Address: 
 I.10.  Place of shipment: I.11.  Date of departure: 
I.13.  Expected border post: I.12.  Means of transport: 
 
             Aeroplane            Ship             
 
         
Identification: I.14. CITES permit No(s)**:   
I.16. Commodity code (ISO code) :  I.15. Description of commodity: 
 I.17. Total number of horses: 
I.18.   I.19.   
I.20.  Identification of container/serial number: I.21. 
I.22. Commodities intended for use as: 
 
                          Breeding/rearing                  Competition                     Slaughter                 Game rest ocking 
 
                                              
                                              Pets          Circus/exhibition                           Other                   
 
 
I.23.  For import or admission: 
 
                           Definitive import                       Re-entry                                              Temporary admission 
                            
I.24.  Identification of commodities: 
 
 
Species (Scientific name) 
Horses and ponies ( Equus caballus)  
Donkeys ( Equus asinus) 
Mules and asses 
 
Identification number/details 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Breed*/Category* 
 
Age* 
 
Quantity  
 
 
Identification system  
 
Sex* 
* Optional ** If referenced in Part II   
Guidance document horse import health standard          
07 April 2011  Page 7 of 14 COUNTRY: X  
 II.a.  Certificate reference number: 
         Part II.  Zoosanitary Information The Veterinary Authority of the exporting country is required to issue a signed, stamped and dated veterinary certificate attes ting 
the following: 
 
II.  The undersigned Official Veterinarian certifies that the horse(s) described above satisfy(ies) the following requirements:  
Pre-export isolation (PEI) 
1. The horses, where PEI was required, were held in a PEI premises that was approved and supervised by the Veterinary 
Authority, and the PEI is compliant with the MAF Standard for the approval of pre-ex port isolation premises for horses .  
2. The horses whilst in PEI were not naturally or artificially inseminated. 
Inspection  
3. The horses were inspected by an Official Veterinarian within 24 hours of export and were free of clinical signs of any 
contagious or infectious di sease, including ectoparasites  and were fit to travel. 
Treatment 
4. Diagnostic test(s) were those prescr ibed for international trade and met the standards of the World Organisation for 
Animal Health Terrestrial Animal Health Code (OIE Code)  and Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial 
Animals (Terrestrial  Manual) or were otherwise approved by MAF. 
5. Vaccinations required for export were administered not less than 35 days before export, except where Venezuelan equine 
encephalitis (VEE) and African horse sickne ss (AHS) vaccines were required, they were administered as described in the 
OIE Code. Vaccines for risk organisms met all other re commendations as described in the Terrestrial Manual. 
Laboratory 
6. Diagnostic testing was conducted at a laboratory approved by the Veterinary Authority to conduct the required export 
testing.  
7. Laboratory samples were collected, processed, and stored as recommended in the OIE Code and Terrestrial  Manual.  
Transport 
8. The vehicle in which the horses were transported to the port of departure was cleaned, disinfected and treated with an 
effective insecticide before loading. 
9. During transport to the port of departure the horses were kept isolated from animals not of equal tested health status. 
10. Only sterile peat, soft board, treated wood shavings, shr edded paper or other approved inert products were loaded for 
use as bedding during transportation. 
11. All feed loaded for use during transport to the port of  departure and to New Zealand was free from evidence of 
contamination with ticks and seeds. 
12. No other animals were loaded onto t he aircraft/ship or MAF written approv al for co-loading accompanies this 
consignment. 
13. For horses being transported by air, the cargo space of t he aircraft was sprayed with an effective residual insecticidal 
spray. 
14. The horses were loaded into containers that were: 
a. new or were cleaned and disinfected with  an effective virucidal before loading; and 
b. treated with an effective residual insecticide. 
15. The horses are compliant with animal welfare requirements: 
a. No mare in the consignment is more than 300 days pregnant; and 
b. No horse in the consignment is less than 1 month of age. 
For African horse sickness (AHS)  
16. The horses were: 
a. since birth or for at least 40 days before export, kept in a AHS free country, MAF approved zone, or MAF 
approved seasonally free zone and met the recommendations as described in the OIE Code; and 
b. were showing no clinical signs of AHS on the day of export; and 
c. were not vaccinated for AHS in the past 40 days; and 
d. were kept in a country where AHS is notifiable. 
OR  
Guidance document horse import health standard          
07 April 2011  Page 8 of 14 17. The horses were: 
a. since birth or for at least 40 days before export, ke pt in an AHS infected country/zone, an at risk country/zone, 
or transited through an infected country/zone and met the recommendations as described in the OIE Code; and 
b. were showing no clinical signs of AHS on the day of export; and 
c. were not vaccinated for AHS in the last 40 days; and 
d. were kept for a minimum 40 days before export in a ve ctor-proof PEI premises as described in the OIE Code 
and were protected from vectors at all times before departure; and 
e. were subjected to either: 
i. a serological test to detect antibodies to the AH S virus group as described in the Terrestrial Manual 
with negative results with the samples collected at least 28 days after entering PEI; OR 
ii. serological tests to detect antibodies to AHS vi rus as described in the Terrestrial Manual with two 
blood samples collected at least 21 days apart, the first sample collected at least 7 days after 
entering PEI. The results showed stabl e or declining antibody titres; OR 
iii. agent identification tests as described in the Terr estrial Manual collected on two occasions at least 
14 days apart, the first sample was collected at least 7 days after entering PEI, with negative results. 
For anthrax 
18. The horses were:  
a. showing no clinical signs of anthrax on the day of ex port and anthrax is notifiable in the country of export; AND 
EITHER 
i. were kept during the 20 days before export on premises where anthrax has not been reported during 
that time; OR 
ii. were vaccinated no less than 35 days before export, but not more than 6 months before export, as 
described in the Terrestrial Manual, antibiotics were  not administered to the horses in the 7 days 
prior to and after vaccination and there was strict adherence to the manufacturer’s instruction. 
For Borna disease (BD)  
19. the horses were: 
a. kept since birth or for at least the past 90 days in a country  free from Borna disease; OR 
b. kept since birth or for at leas t the past 90 days on premises in wh ich no case of Borna disease has been 
reported during the past 12 months. 
For contagious equine metritis (CEM) the stallions and mares: excluding geldings; and unweaned foals which are less than 
six months of age if accompanied by documentation regarding equivalent testing of their dam; EITHER 
20. were kept since birth or for at least the past 60 days in a CEM-free country, approved by MAF, where no case of CEM 
has been reported in the past 2 years. 
OR 
21. were kept since birth or for at least the past 60 days in premises where no case of CEM has been officially reported 
during that time; AND 
a. were showing no clinical signs  of CEM on the day of export; and 
b. an official control programme for CEM is  established in the country of export; and 
c. have never been mated to, or inseminated with semen from a horse known to be infected with CEM; and 
d. have never entered a known CEM infected premise; and 
Note: if a horse does not meet requirement c. and d. or has been known to be infected with CEM, it may be 
permitted entry subject to an effective met hod of treatment and testing approved by MAF. 
e. during the 30 days before entering PEI the horses were  tested for CEM as described in the Terrestrial Manual, 
with negative results;  
i. stallions and colts  were sampled three times at 7 day intervals with swabs taken each time from 
the urethra; urethral fossa and its sinus; and the penile sheath; 
ii. mares and fillies  were sampled three times at 7 day intervals with swabs taken each time from the: 
clitoral fossa and sinuses, the cervix; and on at least one occasion from the endometrium; 
iii. pregnant mares  and their sire/donor  were sampled as described in i. and ii. during the 30 days 
before mating/artificial insemination;  
iv. pregnant mares  were sampled as described in ii. but the cervical and endometrial swab were not 
performed; 
(strike-out those not applicable to the animals on this certificate)  
Guidance document horse import health standard          
07 April 2011  Page 9 of 14 (In the case of iv. the pregnant mares will be held in a registered transitional facility in New Zealand 
for quarantine until the cervical and endometrial swab can be completed after foaling.)  
f. the horses did not receive antibiotics in the 7 days bef ore the first sample collection for CEM nor during the 
sampling period; and 
g. since the date of first sampling for CEM the animals  were not naturally mated nor inseminated with semen 
except to a horse of an equivalent health status. 
For dourine 
22. the horses were: 
a. showing no clinical signs of dourine on the day of export; and 
b. were kept since birth or for at least the past 6 mont hs in a country free from dourine as described in the OIE 
Code. 
 OR 
23. the horses were: 
a. showing no clinical signs of dourine on the day of export; and 
b. were kept since birth or for at least the past 6 months on premises where there has been no case of dourine 
reported during that time; and 
c. were subjected to a diagnostic te st for dourine as described in the Terrestrial Manual on samples collected 
during the 15 days prior to export.  
For ectoparasites 
24. The horses were treated twice: first within 48 hours bef ore entering PEI; and second within 48 hours before the scheduled 
date of export. The product(s) used were effective against flie s, ticks, lice and mites and were applied as described in the 
manufacturer’s instructions; AND EITHER 
a. the horses were thoroughly examined within 24 hours of  export by a registered veterinarian and there was no 
evidence of tick infection. 
OR 
b. the horses were thoroughly examined within 24 hours of export by a registered veterinarian and ticks were 
found. The horses were treated, and then re-inspected, and ticks were not found. 
For endoparasites 
25. The horses were treated twice: first within 48 hours bef ore entering PEI; and second within 48 hours before the scheduled 
date of export. The product used is an effective broad spectr um endoparaciticide and was applied as described in the 
manufacturer’s instructions.  
For epizootic lymphangitis 
26. the horses were: 
a. kept since birth or for at l east the past 90 days in a country fr ee from epizootic lymphangitis; OR 
b. kept since birth or for at least the past 90 days on premises in which no case of epizootic lymphangitis has 
been reported during the past 12 months. 
For equine encephalomyelitis (Eastern and Western)  
27. the horses were showing no clinical sign of equine encephal omyelitis on the day of export and during the 90 days before 
export; AND EITHER 
a. were kept for the 90 days before export in a premis es where no official case of equine encephalomyelitides has 
been reported during that time. 
OR 
b. the horses were kept for a minimum 21 days before export in a vector protected PEI premises and were 
protected from vectors at all times before departure. 
OR 
c. the horses were vaccinated against equine encephalom yelitides not less than 35 days and not more than 
one year before export. 
For equine encephalosis (EE) 
28. the horses were kept since birth or for at least the pas t 40 days in a country where no case of EE has been reported 
during the past 2 years. 
OR 
29. the horses were kept since birth or for at least the past 40 days on premises where no case of EE has been reported  
Guidance document horse import health standard          
07 April 2011  Page 10 of 14 during the past 12 months; AND 
a. were subjected to a MAF approved antigen test for EE during the 40 days before export; and 
b. were kept for a minimum 40 days before export in a vector protected PEI premises and were protected from 
insect vector attack at all times before departure. 
For equine infectious anaemia (EIA) 
30. the horses were: 
a. showing no clinical sign of EIA within the 48 hours before export; and 
b. EIA is a notifiable in the country of export; and 
c. were kept since birth or for at least the past 90 da ys on premises where no official case of EIA has been 
reported during that time; AND EITHER 
i. were subjected to a diagnostic test for EIA as  described in the Terrestrial Manual with negative 
results. Samples for testing were collected within PEI; 
OR 
ii. where PEI was not required, the horses were subjected to a diagnostic test for EIA as described in 
the Terrestrial Manual with negative results. Samples for testing were collected in the 21 days before export. 
For equine influenza (EI) 
31. the horses were: 
a. kept since birth or for at least the past 21 days in a country/zone/compartment free of EI as described in the 
OIE Code; and 
b. vaccination for EI is not prac tised in the country of export. 
OR 
32. the horses were: 
a. kept for at least the past 21 days in premises where no official case of EI has been reported during that time; 
and 
b. were kept in a PEI premises for at least the past 21 days and showed no clinical sign of EI during that time; and 
c. were subjected to an agent identification test as described in the Terrestrial Manual. Samples were collected 
on two occasions, the first taken 5-7 days after entry in to PEI and a second sample taken not more than 5 days 
later; and 
d. were subjected to a vaccination for EI; 
i. with either a primary course or booster administered not less than 35 days before export and not 
more than 90 days before export; and 
ii. administered as described in the manufacturer’s instructions; and 
iii. containing equivalent strains of EI virus as re commended by the OIE expert surveillance panel for EI 
vaccines. 
For equine piroplasmosis 
33. the horses were kept for at least the past 30 days in a country that does not import seropositive horses and no case of 
equine piroplasmosis has been reported in the past 2 years. 
OR 
34. the horses were: 
a. showing no clinical sign of equine piroplasmosis on the day of export; and 
b. were kept for at least the past 30 days in premis es where no case of equine piroplasmosis has been reported 
during that time; and 
c. were maintained free from ticks for the 30 days before export by inspection and preventative treatment 
undertaken when necessary during that time; and 
d. were subjected to a test for equine piroplasmosis as described in the Terrestrial Manual, with negative results 
for both Theileria equi  and Babesia caballi . Samples for testing were collected at least 7days after entering PEI. 
For equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) 
35. the horses were showing no clinical sign of EHV-1 infect ion (abortigenic and paralytic forms) on the day of export and 
were kept for at least 21 days before export in premises  where no official case of EHV-1 infection (abortigenic and 
paralytic forms) has been reported during that time.  
Guidance document horse import health standard          
07 April 2011  Page 11 of 14 For equine viral arteritis (EVA) 
The stallions were:  
36. showing no clinical sign of EVA during the 28 days before expo rt, in that time were kept in premises where no case of 
EVA has been reported, and EVA shedder stallions were not present; AND EITHER 
a. were isolated from all other horses for 28 days before export and were tested negative for EVA antibodies 
using a test as described in the Terrestrial Manual. The samples for testing were collected during PEI. 
OR 
b. when the horses were 6-9 months of age they had two blood samples collected 14 days apart which showed 
stable or declining EVA antibody titres. After the last blood sample was collected the horses were immediately 
vaccinated for EVA, and were revaccinated regularly to ma intain current EVA vaccination status as described 
in the manufacturer’s instructions. 
OR 
c. the horses were vaccinated for EVA as described in the following protocol: 
i. the horses were held in isolation for 7 days and then tested negative for EVA antibodies using an 
OIE prescribed diagnostic test; and 
ii. immediately after the blood sample was collected the horses were vaccinated for EVA; and 
iii. following vaccination the horses were isolated fr om all other horses for a further 21 days; and 
iv. the horses were revaccinated regularly to mainta in current EVA vaccination status as described in 
the manufacturer’s instructions. 
OR 
37. in the case of stallions that are seropositive for EVA viru s, there is no evidence of them being treated with gonadotrophin  
releasing hormone antagonist or shedding EVA in their semen and the horses have met one of the following: 
a. since seroconversion and during the 6 months before export the seropositive stallions were test mated to two 
mares. The mares were subjected to two diagnostic tests for EVA as described in the Terrestrial Manual, with negative results. The first sample was collected at the time of test mating, the second 28 days after. 
OR 
b. since seroconversion and during t he 6 months before export the seropos itive stallions have been tested with 
negative results by virus isolation on the sperm rich fraction of two separate semen samples. 
OR 
c. during the 6 months after the seropositive blood sample was collected the stallions were: 
i. subjected to a semen test for EVA as described in the Terrestrial Manual with negative results; and 
ii. were immediately after the semen sample was collected the horses were vaccinated for EVA; and 
iii. were revaccinated regularly to maintain current  EVA status as described in the manufacturer’s 
instructions.  
For fillies, mares, colts and geldings:  
38. the horses were showing no clinical sign of EVA during the 28 days before export; were kept for at least the 28 days 
before export in premises where EVA has not been repor ted and where EVA shedder stallions have not been present;  
AND EITHER 
a. within the 28 days before export, two blood samples were collected from the horses at least 14 days apart, the 
samples were tested for EVA antibodies, the results showed stable or declining titres. 
OR 
b. the horses were vaccinated for EVA as described in 36c. 
For Glanders 
39. the horses were kept for at least the past six months in a country free of Glanders as described in the OIE Code and 
Glanders is notifiable in the country of export;  
OR 
40. the horses were: 
a. kept since birth or for at leas t the past six months on premises wh ere no case of Glanders has been reported 
during that time; and 
b. were subjected to a test for Glanders as described in the Terrestrial Manual with negative result.  Samples for 
testing were collected during the 30 days before export. 
For Hendra virus  
Guidance document horse import health standard          
07 April 2011  Page 12 of 14 41. the horses were kept since birth or for at least the past 90 days in a country  approved by MAF as free of Hendra; 
OR 
42. the horses were: 
a. kept on since birth or for at least the past 90 days in premises where no ca se of infection in animals or humans 
reported during that time and Hendra is notifiable in the country of export; and 
b. were showing no clinical sign of infection with Hendra virus on the day of export. 
For horse pox 
43. the horses were: 
a. kept since birth or for at  least the past 90 days in a country free from horse pox; OR 
b. kept since birth or for at least the past 90 days on premises in which no case of horse pox has been reported 
during the past 12 months. 
For Japanese encephalitis (JE) 
44. the horses were kept since birth or fo r at least the past 21 days in a country/z one that is approved by MAF as free of JE;  
OR 
45. the horses were  kept in a country/zone considered infected with JE and were showing no clinical sign of JE on the day of 
export; AND EITHER 
a. were kept for a minimum 21 days before export in a vector protected PEI premises and were protected from 
insect vector attack at all times before departure;  
OR 
b. were vaccinated against JE with an i nactivated vaccine as described in t he manufacturer’s instructions not less 
than 35 days before export and not more than 12 months before export. 
For Nipah virus 
46. the horses were kept since birth or for at least the pas t 90 days in a country approved by MAF as free of Nipah; 
OR 
47. the horses were: 
a. kept on since birth or for at least the past 90 days in premises where no ca se of infection in animals or humans 
reported during that time and Nipah is notifiable in the country of export; and 
b. were showing no clinical sign of infect ion with Nipah virus on the day of export. 
For New World and Old World screwworm  
48. the horses were kept for at least 21 days before export in a country free of New World and Old World screwworm fly and 
where there have been no reported cases of screw-worm fly ( Cochliomyia hominivorax  or Chrysomya bezziana ) myiasis 
during the past 12 months;  
OR 
49. the horses were kept since birth or for at least the past 90 days on premises where no case of screwworm infestation in 
animal or humans has been reported during that time and the following were undertaken immediately before entering PEI and again immediately before loading for departure to the port of export: 
i. all horses were thoroughly examined and found to be free of screwworm fly infestation; and 
ii. any wounds were treated with an oily larvicide t hat is approved by the Veterinary Authority for the 
prevention  of screwworm fly and applied as described in the manufacturer’s instructions; and 
iii. all horses were dipped, sprayed or otherwise treat ed, immediately after inspection, with a product 
that is approved by the Veterinary Authority fo r the prevention of screwworm fly and applied as 
described in the manufacturer’s instructions. 
For rabies 
50. the horses were kept since birth or fo r at least the past 6 months in a rabies free country as described in the OIE Code, 
and rabies is notifiable and an effective surveillance programme is in place in the country of export. 
OR 
51. the horses were showing no clinical signs of rabies on the day of export, and during the 6 months before export the 
horses were kept on premises where separation from wild and feral animals was maintained and no case of rabies has 
been reported for at least 12 months before export. 
For equine salmonellosis  (Salmonella arbortus equi ) 
52. the horses were showing no clinical signs of equine salmonello sis on the day of export and were kept for at least the past  
Guidance document horse import health standard          
07 April 2011  Page 13 of 14 90 days on premises where no case of equine salmonellosis ( S. abortus equi ) has been reported during that time. 
For surra 
53. the horses were kept since birth or fo r at least the past 60 days in a country where no case of surra has been reported 
during the past 2 years. 
OR 
54. the horses were kept since birth or for at least the pas t 60 days on premises where no case of surra has been reported 
during that time; AND 
a. were kept for a minimum 30 days before export in a vector protected PEI premises and were protected from 
insect vector attack at all times before departure; and 
b. were subjected to diagnostic test (s) as recommended by the OIE Code for surra, with negative results, 
samples were collected within 10 days of entering the PEI premises. 
For Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) 
55. the horses were: 
a. kept since birth or for at leas t the past 6 months in a country free of VEE as described in the OIE Code; and 
b. were not vaccinated against VEE in the 60 days before export; and 
c. were showing no clinical sign of VEE on the day of export. 
OR 
56. the horses were: 
a. kept in a country considered infected with VEE; and 
b. were showing no clinical sign of VEE during the 21 days before export; and 
c. were kept for the 21 days before export on premises where VEE has not been reported during that time. 
AND EITHER 
i. were vaccinated against VEE  no less than 60 days before export and clearly identified with a 
permanent mark at the time of vaccination;  
- were kept for a minimum 21 days before expor t in a vector protected PEI premises and 
were protected from insect vector attack at all times before departure; and 
- had temperature readings taken daily whilst in PEI and any horse with elevated temperature was subjected to a blood test fo r VEE virus isolation, with negative results. 
OR 
ii. were not  vaccinated for VEE  and subjected to a diagnostic test for VEE with negative results. 
Samples for testing were collected at least 14 days after the start of PEI; 
- were kept for a minimum 21 days before expor t in a vector protected PEI premises and 
were protected from insect vector attack at all times before departure; and 
- had temperature readings taken daily whilst in PEI and any horse with elevated temperature was subjected to a blood test fo r VEE virus isolation, with negative results. 
For vesicular stomatitis (VS) 
57. the horses were kept for at least the past 21 days, in a c ountry or zone that is free of VS as described in the OIE Code 
and shares no common border with a VS infected country;  hor ses showed no clinical sign of VS on the day of export. 
OR 
58. the horses were: 
a. from a country considered infected with VS or a VS free country sharing a common border with a country 
considered infected; and 
b. VS is notifiable in the country of export; and 
c. an approved surveillance system is in place to  provide rapid detection and on-going monitoring; and 
d. were kept for the past 21 days in premises where no case of VS has been reported during that time; and 
e. were subjected to: 
i. an OIE approved diagnostic test during the 21 days before export. The result of testing indicates 
negative, stable or declining titres; OR 
ii. an OIE approved diagnostic test during the 21 days before export with positive results then re-tested 
not less than 14 days later. The result of test ing indicates negative, st able or declining titres. 
f. the horses were kept for a minimum 30 days before export in a vector protected PEI premises and were  
Guidance document horse import health standard          
07 April 2011  Page 14 of 14 protected from vectors at all times before departure; and 
g. the horses were showing no clinical signs of VS for the 21 days before export. 
For warble fly 
59. the horses were kept since birth or for at least the past 90 days in a country/zone where no case of warble fly has been 
reported during the past 12 months;  
OR 
60. the horses were showing no clinical sign of warble fl y disease on the day of export and were treated with an 
ectoparasiticide approved by the Veterinary Authority as capable of killing warble fly larvae, applied as described in the 
manufacturer’s instructions during the 48 hours before export. 
For West Nile fever (WNF) 
61. the horses were kept for at least 30 days before export in a country free of WNF as described in the OIE Code where no 
case of WNF has been reported during the past 2 years and t he horses showed no clinical sign of WNF on the day of 
export;  
OR 
62. the horses were kept in a country considered infected with WNF, showed no clinical sign of WNF on the day of export, 
and were kept for the 30 days before export on premises  where WNF has not been reported during that time; and  
a. were vaccinated against WNF with a MAF approved inac tivated vaccine as described in the manufacturer’s 
instructions no less than 35 days before export and not more than 6 months before export.  
  
 
Official Veterinarian: 
 
Name and address (in capital letters):                                    Official  Veterinarian: 
 
Date:                                                                                                              Signature: 
 
Stamp:                                                                                                           Contact detail s: 
Bilaterally agreed Veterinary Certificates 
This section contains the veterinary health certification agreed between the 
Veterinary Authority of New Zealand and specific overseas countries. The certificates must be completed by the appropriate personnel as indicated in the certification and 
accompany the consignment to New Zealand. 
 
The agreed country specific veterinary certificates will be added as they become 
available.  
Review and amendment 
This guidance document is subject to ongoing review and amendment.  All stakeholders are responsible for ensuring that the most recent version of the guidance document, as available on the MAF website is used.