The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has implemented a new import health certificate for horses.

Starting on May 1, the new import health certificate will require Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) tests to be conducted on all colts over the age of 12 months old.  The EVA test screens for EVA antibodies in the blood which indicate the presence of the viral disease, the disease is transmitted through both the respiratory and reproductive systems and can cause abortions in pregnant mares.

This requirement will mean an additional cost to owners freighting colts to Australia, in order to cover the additional veterinary costs to take blood samples, courier costs to send samples to the laboratory, and testing fees.  This test can be sensitive and results may be delayed due to inability to obtain a result, in which case re-testing will be required.   

NZ Bloodstock Airfreight Manager Greg Northcott says this new compliance obligation is an unfortunate result for New Zealand in particular.  Northcott hopes it’s only a temporary measure until an alternative solution is found.

NZ Bloodstock said there were several things to remember in future:
*  NZ Bloodstock Airfreight will require longer lead up time prior to travel to organise blood tests.
*  There will be additional costs to cover the EVA test, courier and vet.
*  The test takes three days to get a reading, however tests can fail and must therefore be repeated.
*  The laboratory sets up on a Tuesday and Friday (results Friday and Monday).
*  Results will expire after 21 days.
*  Affects all equine, including donkeys, asses and mules.
*  Geldings, fillies, mares, and colts less than 12 months old, are exempt from this requirement.

For further information, contact Greg Northcott at New Zealand Bloodstock on 0011 649 298 0055 or greg.northcott@nzb.co.nz.