USDA APHIS Veterinary Services Strategy & Policy

PROTOCOL FOR THE IMPORTATION OF LIVE

GOATS AND SHEEP FROM NEW ZEALAND TO THE 

UNITED STATES

Amended January 2024

1

This protocol describes the conditions required to import live domestic sheep (Ovis spp.) and goats (Capra 

spp.) according to regulations found in 9 CFR Part 93. 

1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1.1. The importer must obtain an Import Permit from the:

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) 

Veterinary Services (VS)

Strategy & Policy (S&P), Unit 39, 

4700 River Road 

Riverdale, MD 20737-1231

Telephone: (301) 851-3300 

The application, VS Form 17-129, “Application for Import or in Transit Permit,” may 

be filed electronically using the eFile system. Alternatively, the form may be downloaded 

from the APHIS web site and submitted by emailing the completed application and all 

required supporting documentation to laipermits@usda.gov for processing. 

1.2. The importer must also reserve quarantine space the following USDA APHIS 

quarantine center:

New York Animal Import Center (NYAIC) 

Rock Tavern, New York 

Telephone: (845) 838-5500

VSPSNIC@usda.gov 

1.3. Alternatively, the quarantine may be completed at a USDA-approved privately owned 

minimum security quarantine facility for ruminantsin compliance with title 9, Code of Federal 

Regulations, part 93, as amended on January 1, 2015. The importer may contact S&P, Live 

Animal Imports (LAIE@usda.gov) for further information.

1.4. The information provided to obtain an import permit must include: 

1.4.1. Both the flock identification number, if imported to a flock, and the premises or 

location identification number of the flock or other premises to which the animals are 

imported as listed in the National Scrapie Database. 

1.5. An official health certificate is required. The official health certificate must be issued by 

a veterinarian designated by the Ministries for Primary Industries (MPI) and must be 

endorsed by a MPI veterinarian attesting to the certifications and tests as required in this 

protocol.
USDA APHIS Veterinary Services Strategy & Policy

PROTOCOL FOR THE IMPORTATION OF LIVE

GOATS AND SHEEP FROM NEW ZEALAND TO THE 

UNITED STATES

Amended January 2024

2

2. CERTIFICATIONS

2.1. New Zealand is free of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), bovine spongiform 

encephalopathy (BSE), scrapie, surra, contagious caprine pleuropneumonia, Akabane, 

bluetongue, Aino, epizootic hemorrhagic disease, sheep scabies, sheep pox, goat pox, and 

Brucella melitensis.

2.2. No cases of disease caused by Schmallenberg virus have been detected or reported inNew 

Zealand.

2.3. The animalsfor export were born, raised, and continuously resident in a country recognized 

by the USDA as free of FMD (List of countries is located in Title 9, Code of Federal 

Regulations, Part 94, Section 94.1).

2.4. The animals for export must be part of New Zealand's national herd for aminimum period 

of time. Paragraph 2.4.1 and 2.4.2 describe how the United States defines "part of the 

national herd" and for what time frame it must be part of the nationalherd:

2.4.1. If the animals for export were imported from countries recognized by the USDA 

to be free of FMD, then these animals must have been free of any import 

quarantine restrictions and able to move freely within New Zealand's national herd 

for a minimum of 60 days prior to being qualified to enter pre-embarkation 

quarantine for export to the United States.

2.4.2. If the animals are offspring of animals or germplasm that was legally imported 

from a country not recognized by the USDA to be free of FMD, then the animals 

for export must have been free of any import quarantine restrictions and have 

been able to move freely within New Zealand's national herd for a minimum of 90 

days prior to being qualified to enter pre-embarkation quarantine to export.

2.5. During the 12 months preceding qualification for the date of entrance into preembarkation quarantine prior to export to the United States, there was no clinical evidence 

of Brucellosis (Brucella abortus or Brucella ovis), leptospirosis, paratuberculosis (Johne’s 

disease) or Maedi-Visna found in these animals or other animals associated with the 

animals for export.

Note: This is a requirement specific to the animals designated for export to the United 

States, rather than the herd/ flock. The animals must be at least 12 months of age to qualify 

for entrance in to pre-embarkation quarantine for export to the United States.

2.6. The herd/ flock of origin of goats and sheep intended for export has been inspected on the 

premises of origin by a veterinarian designated by the MPI, and they have been found to 

be free of any clinical evidence of other communicable disease, or exposure thereto, at the 

time the goats and sheep were selected forexport.

2.7. During the 12 months preceding qualification for the date of entrance into preembarkation quarantine prior to export to the United States the date of export there has 

been no clinical or laboratory diagnosis of Campylobacter fetus or tuberculosis 

(Mycobacterium bovis) in the flocks of origin of the animals for export.
USDA APHIS Veterinary Services Strategy & Policy

PROTOCOL FOR THE IMPORTATION OF LIVE

GOATS AND SHEEP FROM NEW ZEALAND TO THE 

UNITED STATES

Amended January 2024

3

2.8. There have been no reports of Johne's disease among animals offered for import during 

the previous 3 years. 

2.9. For bred/ pregnant ewes and/ or does:

2.9.1. The ewes or does must be over 12 months of age and meet the standards as designated

in the Protocol to import sheep & goats from New Zealand.

2.9.2. In the case of naturally bred females, the breeding was performed by New Zealand 

rams or bucks qualified for semen export to the United States.

2.9.3. In the case of artificially inseminated females, the semen was qualified for export to 

the United States.

2.9.4. If the females are implanted with embryos, these embryos were qualified for export to 

the United States. This does not allow for implantation of frozen embryos imported 

directly into New Zealand unless the germplasm has been dual qualified for import to

both New Zealand and the United States. 

2.10. Permanent identification that shows the animals to originate from New Zealand shall be 

placed on each animal prior to entering the embarkation quarantine facility. The permanent 

identification shall be any form of unique individual animal ID that is:

2.10.1. Traceable to the farm of origin; and

2.10.2. Capable of being retained for the life of the animal.

3. PRE-EMBARKATION REQUIREMENTS

3.1. The goats and sheep selected for export have been held in isolation and have not been 

corralled, pastured, or held with other ruminants except those intended for export to the 

United States in the same consignment, under veterinary supervision during the 60 days 

immediately preceding shipment and during that time have remained free from evidence of 

communicable diseases.

3.1.1. For at least the final fifteen (15) days prior to export the animal(s) was isolated 

in an officially approved facility(ies) and remained free from evidence of 

contagious and infectious diseases.

3.2. The goats and sheep intended for export to the United States must be treated for ticks and 

Psorogates ovis mites within 10 days of export. The generic names and concentration or 

dosage of the pesticide(s) used must be recorded on the health certificate. The pesticide(s) 

must be used in a manner approved by the MPI. The pesticide(s) used must also be 

approved for use on goats and sheep by the MPI. The pesticide(s) used must be known to 

be an effective treatment for the above describe external parasites.

3.3. Each animal was examined within 48 hours of the scheduled date of shipment and found to 

be free of any signs of contagious and infectious diseases, and are free of ectoparasites.
USDA APHIS Veterinary Services Strategy & Policy

PROTOCOL FOR THE IMPORTATION OF LIVE

GOATS AND SHEEP FROM NEW ZEALAND TO THE 

UNITED STATES

Amended January 2024

4

4. TESTING

4.1. Tuberculosis: The animals for export must test negative to one intradermal tuberculin test 

for tuberculosis, M. bovis, within the first 14 days of the 60-day pre-export isolation period. 

A negative test means no detectable response using both visual and manual palpation when

read 72 hours following injection with intradermal tuberculin.

4.2. In the case of goats, within the thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled date of export the 

animal(s) was tested for brucellosis (Brucella abortus), with negative results using: 

4.2.1. either * a fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPA). 

4.2.2. or * The rose-bengal test/card test, (utilizing 8% Brucella abortus/ 3% Brucella 

melitensis lipopolysaccharide antigen).

4.2.3. or * The complement fixation (CF) test.

5. TRANSPORTATION

5.1. The animals for export must be loaded onto vehicles cleaned with a disinfectant and 

transported under seal directly to the port of embarkation. During transit from the preembarkation quarantine facility to the port of embarkation and loading, the animals must

not come into contact with any animals or equipment used with animals of a lesser health 

status.

5.2. No animals other than those animals intended for export to the United States are permitted 

aboard the transporting aircraft or vessel.

5.3. The shipping containers housing the animal(s) will be wrapped underneath and up the side 

to a minimum height of two (2) feet with heavy gauge, impermeable plastic to prevent 

contact of bedding or wastes with the environment or be specifically designed to contain 

bedding and waste.

5.4. Upon arrival at the first U.S. port, all hay,straw, bedding, manure, and similar material 

accompanying the animals (except pelleted feed stored separate and apart from the

animals) must be removed and incinerated and the animal area and equipment cleaned with 

a disinfectant.

5.5. All required certification relating to the health of the animals, tests conducted, cleaning and 

disinfecting, hay and bedding and original USDA import permit shall accompany the 

qualifying ruminants to the U.S. port of entry.

5.6. No stops or ports of call are permitted except those in items 7 and 10 of the U.S. import 

permit.

5.7. The captain of the transporting vehicle must have been advised of all transportation 
USDA APHIS Veterinary Services Strategy & Policy

PROTOCOL FOR THE IMPORTATION OF LIVE

GOATS AND SHEEP FROM NEW ZEALAND TO THE 

UNITED STATES

Amended January 2024

5

requirements.

6. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

6.1. Importers are advised that individual states may have stricter requirements than USDA

APHIS. It is the importer's responsibility to verify these conditions and to meet them. The 

importer should contact the U.S. State veterinarian (State Regulations and Import 

Requirements) of the destination state to determine the requirements.

6.2. The importer shall maintain records of the sale, death or other disposition of all imported 

animals including the official identification number(s) at the time of import; a record of the 

replacement of any lost identification devices linking the new official identification 

number to the lost device number; the date and manner of disposition; and the name and 

address of the new owner. Such records must be maintained for a period of 5 years after 

the sale or death of the animal. The records must be available for APHIS to view and copy 

during normal business hours. 

7. U.S. PORT OF ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

7.1. All hay, straw, bedding, manure, and similar material accompanying the animals (except 

pelleted feed stored separate and apart from the animals) must be removed and disposed of in

accordance with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 

(MARPOL) guidance upon arrival at the first U.S. port of entry. The animal area and 

equipment must be cleaned with a disinfectant once livestock have been unloaded.

7.2. Transport must be arranged so that arrival at the U.S. port of entry will be accomplished with 

minimal transiting of other U.S. ports of entry. Transit of a U.S. port is only allowed if 

authorized on the import permit issued by USDA APHIS. The import permit must accompany 

the shipment.

7.3. All hay, straw, bedding, manure, and similar material scattered outside of the animal crates 

(except pelleted feed stored separate and apart from the animals) must be removed and 

disposed of in accordance with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution 

from Ships (MARPOL) guidance upon arrival at the first U.S. port of entry. The animal area 

of the aircraft, ship or transport vehicles, and equipment, must be cleaned and disinfected 

once livestock have been unloaded (per regulations in 9 CFR 93.402 and 93.502). 

7.4. The means of conveyance to the entry quarantine facility must be in a closed or partially 

closed vehicle with the transport crates thoroughly covered with fine gauge mesh to prevent 

loss of bedding, etc. from escaping into the environment, and sealed with official government 

seals.

7.5. Any debris, manure, leftover food, and/ or bedding in the secondary transport conveyance, and 

within the crate(s), must be collected and incinerated as international waste, and the vehicle 

cleaned and disinfected under the supervision of APHIS personnel. 

7.6. The U.S. import inspection, quarantine, and testing will be accomplished at a USDAoperated animal import center or a USDA-approved privately-owned minimum-security

quarantine facility. Prior to issuing the import permit, the owner or operator of the private 

quarantine facility must enter into a cooperative service agreement with APHIS and provide 
USDA APHIS Veterinary Services Strategy & Policy

PROTOCOL FOR THE IMPORTATION OF LIVE

GOATS AND SHEEP FROM NEW ZEALAND TO THE 

UNITED STATES

Amended January 2024

6

adequate funding to defray the expenses of the quarantine.

7.7. The animals will be quarantined a minimum of 30 days after arrival to the United States, with 

all tests repeated at least once during the quarantine period.

7.8. Once the animals have arrived at the quarantine facility, they will receive a treatment for 

internal and external parasites with a product labeled for such use (i.e., ivermectin or similar 

product).

7.9. Post import testing for TB (at least 60 days following the previous testing), and brucellosis 

will be conducted while the animals are in quarantine. Various other tests or treatments may 

be required when the Deputy Administrator, VS, determines that such tests or treatments are 

necessary. If all test results are negative and no other infectious and communicable disease 

conditions become evident during the quarantine period, VS will issue a VS Form 17-30 

(Report of Animals, Poultry, or Eggs Offered for Importation) and the animals will be 

released to the importer.

8. ANIMALS REFUSED ENTRY:

Any animal refused entry into the United States for non-compliance with the requirements of this 

protocol must be removed from the United States within a time period specified by the 

Administrator, or will be considered abandoned by the importer. Pending removal or abandonment, 

the animal will be subject to such safeguards as the APHIS inspector determines necessary to 

prevent the possible introduction of ectoparasites or disease into the United States. If an animal that 

has been refused entry is not removed from the United States within a prescribed time period or is 

abandoned, it may be seized and destroyed, or otherwise disposed of asthe Administrator determines 

necessary to prevent the possible introduction of ectoparasites or disease into the United States.
USDA APHIS Veterinary Services Strategy & Policy

PROTOCOL FOR THE IMPORTATION OF LIVE

GOATS AND SHEEP FROM NEW ZEALAND TO THE 

UNITED STATES

Amended January 2024

7

Guidelines to a Tick-Free Pre-export Isolation Facility

1.1. Fencing

1.1.1. The entire facility must be double-fenced with heavy gauge woven wire fencingat 

least 1.8 meters high in order to keep out all domestic and wild animals that may 

carry ticks.

1.1.2. The space between the fences must be at least 3 meters wide (approximately 10 feet) 

and kept free of all vegetation.

OR

1.1.3. The entire facility must be double fenced with fencing at least 1.2 meters high. The 

space between fences must be at least 3 meters, and must include a space between the 

fences at least 3 meters wide that is kept free of all ground vegetation

1.2. The animals in the consignment underwent a final tick treatment within 10 days of export 

(see Section 3.2 of PRE-EMBARKATION REQUIREMENTS)

1.3. No pets will be allowed inside the quarantine area.

1.4. All hay or other non-processed roughage must originate from countries/regions recognized by 

the U.S. Department of Agriculture as free of cattle fever ticks and foot-and-mouth disease 

(FMD). All hay or non-processed roughage has been stored for 90 days prior to introductionto 

the pre-export isolation facility.

1.5. Stock horses used for management of the animals undergoing pre-embarkation quarantine 

must, prior to entry to the facility, be examined by a veterinarian or government inspector and 

no evidence of ticks detected or be treated for ticks, if they are discovered, prior to entryto the 

facility. Additionally, once the horses have entered the facility after inspection/treatment, they 

must remain in the facility until the animals are exported or if they are removed and re-enter 

the facility, they must be re-examined and treated if required prior to each re-entry.