Conditions for the importation of horses

Authors: O'Hara PJ
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 32, Issue 9, pp 158-159, Sep 1984
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Horse, Livestock
Subject Terms: Biosecurity, Import/export/trade, Legal/regulation, Disease control/eradication
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: The Animal Health Division of MAF has concluded that the requirement for the 14 day post-entry quarantine of horses imported from the UK and Canada should be deleted from the importation protocol. However, there will be a requirement that owners notify the Animal Health Division of any illness occurring within I4 days of arrival. In practice, it is expected that veterinarians will provide this notification on behalf of their clients and, at the same time, give MAF their professional opinion on the nature and cause of the illness. In addition, the test for CEM required of breeding horses after arrival from the UK, Canada and Australia will no longer be required. These decisions have been taken after an extensive review of the conditions governing the importation of horses from these three countries, the only countries from which direct importation is permitted. The key conclusions of the review were:I. The 30 day pre-export quarantine for UK and Canadian horses is the principal mechanism for ensuring that imported horses do not bring contagious disease to NZ. 2. The objective of post-entry quarantine was to provide “breathing space” in the event that contagious disease occurred in the country of origin or among the imported horses but, in fact, it covers only those events which might occur during the period the horses are in transit (less than 48 hours)…

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