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Annex

Veterinary certification for the importation of horses, donkeys and mules from Japan

Effective 4 March 2017 to 25 March 2017

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES,
JAPANESE GOVERNMENT


I. Identification of the horse


Name

Year of birth

Sex

Breed / species

Marks and description







An identification silhouette or valid international equine passport/ Stud Book Certificate/ Foaling Identification Card is attached to this Veterinary Certificate.


(a) No. of identification document: .............................................................................


(b) Validated by: .............................................................................


II. Origin of the horse


Country/Place of export JAPAN


Name and address of exporter: .................................................................................................................................................


...................................................................................................................................................................................................


Name and address of pre-export quarantine facility: ...............................................................................................................


...................................................................................................................................................................................................


Quarantine period: from .......................... to ............................ (dates)


III. Destination of the horse


Country of destination: AUSTRALIA


Name and address of applicant: .............................................................................


...............................................................................................................................


Means of transport (e.g. air): ................................................................................


Identification (e.g. flight no.): ..............................................................................


Import permit No.: ...............................................................................................


Date of export: ........................................................


IV. Veterinary Certification

The undersigned Official Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) Veterinarian certifies that the horse described in Section I satisfies the following requirements:


‘Official MAFF Veterinarian’ means a veterinary official who belongs to MAFF, Japan and may be a veterinary animal biosecurity officer. An Official MAFF Veterinarian performs certain official tasks associated with animal health and/or public health, inspections of commodities and certifies in conformity with the provisions of Chapters 5.1 and 5.2. of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Terrestrial Animal Health Code (the Code).


‘Veterinarian approved by MAFF’ means a veterinarian who is required in each pre-export quarantine facility, complies with pre-export quarantine standard operating procedures (SOPs) and follows orders of the MAFF officer. The veterinarian approved by MAFF may be a pre-export quarantine facility veterinarian who is approved by MAFF before commencement of every pre-export quarantine.

  1. All pre-export biosecurity measures according to Appendix A (attached) have been met.


    Inspection of the pre-export quarantine facility before commencement of pre-export quarantine was on ......./......./......... (date)


  2. During PEQ:


    a. the horse was treated with a broad spectrum anthelmintic containing .......................................... (active ingredients) on ......../........./.......... (date)


    b. the horse was not vaccinated.


    c. the horse was not mated or subjected to reproductive manipulation, other than required for certification.


    d. all horses in the pre-export quarantine facility remained free from evidence of infectious or contagious disease, and had no contact with equids except those that meet all the conditions in this import permit.


    e. all samples for testing were taken by the Official MAFF Veterinarian or a Veterinarian approved by MAFF.


    f. all testing was conducted in a laboratory recognised by MAFF.


    NOTE: all laboratory results must be attached to the health certification.


  3. The horse was examined by the Official MAFF Veterinarian within 24 hours before leaving the pre-export quarantine facility for the port of export and was found to be:


    a. free from evidence of infectious or contagious disease.


    b. visibly free of external parasites.


    c. after due enquiry, in the case of a mare, either not pregnant or less than seven months pregnant.


    d. healthy and fit to travel.


  4. Vehicles for transporting horses from the pre-export quarantine facility to the port of export were cleaned and disinfected to the satisfaction of the Official MAFF Veterinarian before entering the pre-export quarantine facility to load the horses.

  5. The Official MAFF Veterinarian was present during loading of horses when leaving the pre-export quarantine facility to supervise sealing of vehicles for transporting horses, with tamper-evident seals.

  6. The transport route from the pre-export quarantine facility to the approved airport was approved by the Official MAFF Veterinarian.

  7. For 60 days immediately before export the horse was either:


    *Continuously resident in Japan


    OR

    *Continuously resident in Japan from ..........................to ........................... (dates) and another approved country(ies)1 and support certification (Appendix B) from each approved country is attached:

    ............................................................................ (name/s of approved country(ies))

    OR

    *Continuously resident in Japan from ..........................to............................ (dates) and Australia.


  8. After due enquiry, for 180 days immediately before export, or since birth if under six months of age, the horse was continuously resident and free of quarantine restriction in Japan or other countries, where no clinical, epidemiological or other evidence of glanders occurred during the previous three years before export; or Germany where no clinical, epidemiological or other evidence of glanders occurred during at least the previous six months before export; and the disease is compulsorily notifiable.

  9. For 60 days (or the period noted in point 7) immediately before export the horse was continuously resident and free of quarantine restriction in Japan, where no clinical, epidemiological or other evidence of African horse sickness, dourine, Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis or vesicular stomatitis occurred during the previous two years and the diseases are compulsorily notifiable. The horse was not vaccinated against African horse sickness or Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis during the 60 days before export.

  10. For 60 days (or the period noted in point 7) immediately before export the horse was continuously resident and free of quarantine restriction in Japan, where no clinical, epidemiological or other evidence of Eastern or Western equine encephalomyelitis occurred during the previous two years before export.

  11. For 60 days (or the period noted in point 7) immediately before export the horse was continuously resident and free of quarantine restriction in Japan, where no clinical, epidemiological or other evidence of screw-worm-fly (Cochliomyia hominivorax or Chrysomya bezziana) myiasis or surra occurred during the previous 12 months before export.

  12. After due enquiry, for 60 days (or the period noted in point 7) immediately before export the horse did not reside on any premises in Japan where clinical, epidemiological or other evidence of rabies occurred during the previous 12 months before export.

  13. After due enquiry, for 60 days (or the period noted in point 7) immediately before export the horse did not reside on any premises in Japan where clinical evidence of Borna disease occurred during the previous 90 days before export.

  14. After due enquiry, for 60 days (or the period noted in point 7) immediately before export the horse did not reside on any premises in Japan, where clinical, epidemiological or other evidence of contagious equine metritis, epizootic lymphangitis, equine infectious anaemia, equine piroplasmosis or Lyme disease occurred during the previous 60 days before export.

  15. After due enquiry, for 30 days (or the period noted in point 7) immediately before export the horse did not reside on any premises in Japan, where clinical, epidemiological or other evidence of anthrax, equid herpesvirus-1 (abortigenic and neurological strains), equine influenza or equine viral arteritis occurred during the previous 30 days before export.

  16. The horse was secured in pre-export for at least 14 days immediately before export in a facility that met the requirements specified in the pre-export biosecurity measures (Appendix A). During this time the horse was isolated from equids except those that meet all the conditions in this import permit.

  17. Contagious equine metritis (excludes donkeys and mules)


    For all horses excluding geldings and unweaned foals under six months of age:


    a. So far as can be determined, the horse was never mated to, or inseminated with semen from, a horse that was, at the time of mating or semen collection, known to be infected with Taylorella equigenitalis.


    NOTE: If a horse does not meet this requirement, or has been known to be infected with T. equigenitalis, it may be permitted entry subject to an approved method of treatment and testing considered appropriate by the Director of Biosecurity (or delegate).


    AND EITHER


    b. So far as can be determined, the horse was continuously resident in Japan since importation from Australia or New Zealand or since birth, and has never been used for breeding purposes*;


    AND


    i. contagious equine metritis is compulsorily notifiable in Japan and no case of contagious equine metritis has occurred in Japan for the past two years before export.


    AND EITHER


    ii. the horse is a registered racehorse under the Horse Racing Act of Japan*


    OR

    the horse is an Australian or New Zealand racehorse returning to Australia*.


    OR

    c. Samples were taken from the horse during pre-export quarantine and tested for T. equigenitalis by culture# with negative results in each case. *


    For colts and stallions, separate samples from each of the urethra, the urethral fossa and sinus, and the penile sheath were collected on two occasions at least four days apart. *


    For fillies and mares, one sample from the clitoral fossa, including the clitoral sinuses was collected on two occasions at least four days apart. *


    AND


    i. The horse was not treated with antibiotics for at least seven days before collection of the first samples for culture nor during the sample collection period.


    AND


    ii. The horse was not mated to or inseminated with semen from a horse after collection of the first samples for culture


    #The swabs were transported to a laboratory in Amies charcoal medium, kept cool and the samples were set up for culture within 48 hours of collection. The culture must have been incubated for at least seven days before it can be certified negative for T. equigenitalis.


  18. Equine infectious anaemia


    For all horses including unweaned foals under six months of age:


    A blood sample was taken from the horse during pre-export quarantine and tested using an agar gel immunodiffusion test or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for equine infectious anaemia as described in the OIE Manual with negative results.


  19. Equine influenza


    For all horses including unweaned foals under six months of age, except where otherwise specified:


    a. The horse (other than foals under six months of age) was vaccinated against equine influenza 14–90 days before commencement of pre-export quarantine with a complete primary course, the final of a primary course, or a booster to a primary course, using a registered vaccine.


    *twice as a primary course on ........................ and ........................ (dates)


    OR


    *final of a primary course on ................................ (date)


    OR

    *once as a booster to a primary course on ................................ (date)


    NOTE: Vaccines containing the most up-to-date equine influenza vaccine virus strains available should be used.


    AND


    b. Nasopharyngeal samples (nasal samples for foals under six months of age) were taken from the horse four to six days after commencement of pre-export quarantine and during the four days before export and tested using a validated type A pan-reactive real time polymerase chain reaction assay targeting the matrix gene with negative results in each case.


  20. Equine piroplasmosis


    For all horses including unweaned foals under six months of age:


    a. After due enquiry, the horse was not treated with imidocarb or other anti-babesial agents active against Babesia caballi or Theileria equi, during the 12 months before commencement of pre-export quarantine.


    AND


    b. After due enquiry, the horse was not positive in any test for equine piroplasmosis (B. caballi or T. equi) for at least 12 months before commencement of pre-export quarantine or


    after consultation with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, the horse was confirmed negative for equine piroplasmosis (B. caballi or T. equi) by an OIE reference laboratory using both an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) as described in the OIE manual, on a single blood sample.


    AND


    c. During pre-export quarantine there was no opportunity for iatrogenic transmission.


    AND


    d. The horse was tested for both B. caballi and T. equi using an IFAT and cELISA as described in the OIE Manual on a single blood sample, which was taken at least four days after commencement of pre-export quarantine, and with negative results for all tests or


    after consultation with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, the horse was confirmed negative for equine piroplasmosis (B. caballi or T. equi) by an OIE reference laboratory using both an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) as described in the OIE manual on a single blood sample which was taken at least four days after commencement of pre-export quarantine.


  21. Equine viral arteritis


    For all horses excluding unweaned foals under six months of age:


    *For colts or stallions:


    *A single blood sample was taken from the horse at least four days after commencement of pre-export quarantine and tested using a virus neutralisation test for equine viral arteritis as described in the OIE Manual with negative results.


    OR

    *The horse was subjected between six and nine months of age to a virus neutralisation test for equine viral arteritis, as described in the OIE Manual, with either


    a. *a negative result, or


    b. *with a positive result, carried out on two blood samples collected at least 14 days apart with a stable or decreasing titre


    and subsequently the horse was vaccinated against equine viral arteritis and has since been regularly revaccinated as required.


    OR

    *The horse was isolated and not earlier than seven days of commencing isolation was subjected to a virus neutralisation test for equine viral arteritis as described in the OIE Manual on a blood sample with negative results, and subsequently the horse was vaccinated against equine viral arthritis. The horse remained isolated from other equids not of equivalent health status from the time the blood sample was taken until 21 days immediately after vaccination and has since been regularly revaccinated as required.


    OR

    *The horse was subjected to a virus neutralisation test for equine viral arteritis, as described in the OIE Manual, carried out on a single blood sample with positive results and then either


    a. *was subsequently test mated to two mares within 180 days immediately before export which were subjected to two virus neutralisation tests for equine viral arteritis as described in the OIE Manual with negative results on blood samples collected at the time of test mating and again 28 days after the mating or


    b. *was subjected to a virus isolation test for equine arteritis virus as described in the OIE Manual with negative results, carried out on semen collected during the 180 days immediately before export or


    c. *was subjected to a virus isolation test for equine arteritis virus as described in the OIE Manual with negative results, carried out on semen collected within 180 days after the blood sample was tested and subsequently the horse was vaccinated against equine viral arteritis. The horse has since been regularly revaccinated as required.


    *For fillies, mares and geldings:


    *The horse was subjected to a virus neutralisation test for equine viral arteritis, as described in the OIE Manual, carried out on blood samples collected either once within 21 days before export with negative result, or on two occasions at least 14 days apart within 28 days before export, which demonstrated stable or declining antibody titres.


    OR

    *The horse was regularly vaccinated against equine viral arteritis.


    OR

    *The horse was isolated for the 28 days immediately before export and during this period the isolated horses showed no signs of equine viral arteritis.


  22. Japanese encephalitis


    a. *The horse was secured in pre-export quarantine for at least 21 days immediately before export. During this time the horse was isolated from animals not of equivalent Japanese encephalitis status and


    during pre-export quarantine the horse was stabled in insect-screened stables. The horse was treated with an insect repellent for protection from biting insects before leaving the stables.


    OR

    b. *Within 12 months before export, but not during pre-export quarantine, the horse was vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis using an approved vaccine according to the manufacturer's recommendations on …..........................(date).


  23. For all horses including unweaned foals under six months of age:


    a. Within 24 hours after commencement of pre-export quarantine the horse was thoroughly examined for ticks under the direct supervision of an Official MAFF Veterinarian. A systematic approach was undertaken and the entire horse was examined, with particular attention to the ears, false nostrils, under-body areas (axilla, inguinal region and under the jawbone), perineum, mane and tail.


    AND


    b. The horse was then treated within 24 hours, under the direct supervision of the Official MAFF Veterinarian, with a parasiticide effective against ticks containing ........................................................................... (active ingredient/s) on .................................(date).


    AND


    c. If any horse in the pre-export quarantine facility was found to have ticks at the commencement of, or during pre-export quarantine, the ticks were removed and all horses in the facility were treated within 24 hours and again seven days later with a parasiticide effective against ticks.


    containing ................................................................................. (active ingredient/s) on .........................................(date/s).


Official MAFF Veterinarian Official stamp


Name: ..................................................................................


Official position: .................................................................


Address: ..............................................................................


..............................................................................


Signature: ...........................................................................


Date: ................................


* Delete, sign and date the above option that does not apply.


[1] Approved countries are: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Macau, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.


V. Certification at Port of Export

The undersigned government officer authorised by MAFF certifies that the horse described in Section I satisfies the following requirements.

  1. After due enquiry, during transport to the port of export, the horse had no contact with equids except those that meet all the conditions in this import permit.

  2. A government officer of MAFF was present at the airport to check the vehicle seals are intact on arrival.

  3. The compartment of the aircraft to be occupied by the horse and all removable equipment, penning and containers including loading ramps were satisfactorily cleaned and disinfected before loading.

Official MAFF Government Officer Official stamp


Name: ........................................................................


Official position: .......................................................


Address: ....................................................................


...................................................................................


Signature: ..................................................................


Date: .........................



TRANSPORT

  1. All personnel likely to be in direct contact with the horses during transport to Australia (including transport from the PEQ facility to the airport, at the airport, and on the aircraft) must shower and wear new or clean protective clothing and footwear before coming into contact with the horses. They must not have any contact with horses not of equivalent health status during transport to Australia.

  2. Insect netting and an approved knockdown aerosol insecticide spray must be carried on the flight at all times for contingencies. There must be sufficient insect netting to cover all air stalls completely. Insect netting must be in good condition to minimise entry of insect vectors into the air stalls.

  3. An Australian government veterinarian may be required to accompany the shipment to Australia at the applicant’s expense.

  4. Horses must transit or tranship only at an airport in the following approved countries:


    Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Macau, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.


    Horses may also transit or tranship in the following airports in the United Arab Emirates: Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Horse may only transit in Sharjah, i.e. horses must not be unloaded from the aircraft at Sharjah.


  5. Any transhipment requires the prior approval of the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. Stops en route to Australia will need approval and permits from relevant authorities in the countries of transit and transhipment.

  6. Transit and transhipment times must not exceed six hours.

  7. Horses must not leave the airport and must not be removed from their air stalls during transit or transhipment.

  8. In cases where horses in air stalls are to stay on the plane (i.e. transit), unauthorised personnel must not have contact with the horses. Cargo doors can be opened at approved transit airports to allow for unloading or loading of freight. Immediately after the cargo hold doors are closed, an approved knockdown aerosol insecticide must be sprayed throughout the cargo hold, in the manner recommended by the manufacturer.

  9. In cases where horses in air stalls are to be unloaded (i.e. transhipment), before opening the cargo door, the air stalls must be completely covered in netting to prevent insect access to the horse. The netting must remain in place until the horses are reloaded on an aircraft. Immediately after the horse is reloaded on an aircraft and the cargo hold doors are closed, an approved knockdown aerosol insecticide spray must be sprayed throughout the cargo hold in the manner recommended by the manufacturer. The insect netting must not be removed until 30 minutes after spraying.

  10. If the aircraft lands at any airport other than in an approved country, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources must be informed immediately. The decision as to whether the horses can continue to travel to Australia, and additional quarantine measures that may be required, will be made by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources on a risk-based case-by-case basis.


    Department of Agriculture and Water Resources contact numbers


    Section

    Phone Number

    NSW - Regional Horse Imports Manager

    61 2 8334 7436

    61 417 427 793

    NSW - Regional Horse Co-ordinator

    61 2 8334 7690

    61 418 603 299

    Victoria – Regional Horse Imports Manager

    61 3 8308 5082

    61 438 943 600

    Victoria – Regional Horse Co-ordinator

    61 3 8308 5015

    61 478 318 261

    Canberra – Manager Horse Imports

    61 2 6272 5049

    61 466 770 386


  11. After horses arrive at an Australian airport they must be transferred from their air stalls onto vehicles for transporting horses, along with personnel and equipment, and proceed directly to the post arrival quarantine (PAQ) facility.

  12. All personnel travelling with the horses on the aircraft and road transport, or that have had contact with the horses, biosecurity risk material or air stalls, must undertake appropriate decontamination measures as specified by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources before leaving the airport or the PAQ facility if they are accompanying the horses to the PAQ facility.

  13. All biosecurity risk material (e.g. bedding, feed, water and waste material) must be disposed of as quarantine waste.

  14. Air stalls must be secured at the airport in a manner that prevents release of biosecurity risk material and cleaned and disinfected to the satisfaction of the biosecurity officer.

  15. The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources must be advised of the transport route to the PAQ facility.

  16. All equipment used during transport of the horses must be inspected and then cleaned and disinfected if required under Department of Agriculture and Water Resources supervision before leaving the airport or the PAQ facility (if removed from the PAQ facility before the end of the PAQ period).


    NOTE: All baggage and personal effects accompanying the horses will be inspected and treated if biosecurity risk material is detected.


POST-ARRIVAL QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS

  1. Post-arrival quarantine must be undertaken at a facility approved by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. Any variation from the post-arrival quarantine requirements must be specifically authorised by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.


  2. a) For horses originating from a single PEQ facility:


    The horse must be secured in PAQ for at least 14 days. During this time:

    • the horse must be isolated from equids not of equivalent health status and

    • nasopharyngeal samples (nasal samples for foals under six months of age) must be taken from the horse four to six days after commencement of PAQ and within four days of release from PAQ and tested using a validated type A influenza pan-reactive real time polymerase chain reaction assay targeting the matrix gene with negative results in each case.

    OR

    b) For horses originating from multiple PEQ facilities:


    The horse must be secured in PAQ for at least 14 days. During this time:

    • the horse must be isolated from equids not of equivalent health status and

    • the period of intake of consignments into the PAQ facility should be kept to a minimum. The PAQ period will commence from the time of entry into the facility of the last horse of the PAQ intake and

    • nasopharyngeal samples (nasal samples for foals under six months of age) must be taken from the horse within 24 hours of arrival into the PAQ facility and four to six days after commencement of PAQ and within four days of release from PAQ and tested using a validated type A influenza pan-reactive real time polymerase chain reaction assay targeting the matrix gene with negative results in each case.

  3. For the duration of post-arrival quarantine, the horse must not be secured, housed or exercised within 100 metres of other equids not of equivalent equine influenza status.

  4. A reference serum sample must be taken from the horse within 24 hours of arrival into the PAQ facility and stored at the National Animal Serum Bank at the Australian Animal Health Laboratory.

  5. For the duration of PAQ the rectal temperature of the horse must be taken and recorded twice daily at least eight hours apart. If the temperature is 38.5°C or higher (39.0°C or higher for foals under six months of age) on two consecutive recordings or other signs of respiratory disease are present, a nasopharyngeal sample (nasal samples for foals under six months of age) must be taken and tested using a validated type A influenza pan-reactive real time polymerase chain reaction assay targeting the matrix gene and the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources notified on the same day. If the temperature cannot been taken for any reason on two consecutive occasions, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources must be notified and a clinical examination by a registered veterinarian performed. Temperature records must be made available for inspection by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.

  6. Within 24 hours of arrival at the PAQ facility the horse must be thoroughly examined for ticks by a registered veterinarian under the direct supervision of the biosecurity officer. A systematic approach must be undertaken with close examination of ears, false nostrils, under-body areas (axilla, inguinal region and under the jawbone), perineum, mane and tail.


    AND


    If any horse in the PAQ facility is found to have ticks, the ticks must be removed and all horses in the facility must be treated within 24 hours, under the direct supervision of the biosecurity officer, with a parasiticide effective against ticks and that horse and must be tested for both Babesia caballi and Theileria equi on a single blood sample obtained at least 11 days after treatment for ticks.


    NOTE: This may require an extension of the time period the horses spend in quarantine.


  7. If any horse fails a test or shows signs of disease, it may be subjected to testing or treatment prescribed by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources at the applicant’s expense. If any horse does not meet these conditions, or exotic disease is diagnosed, that horse, and any or all horses in the PAQ premises, may be:

    • detained in quarantine for further testing and observation at the applicant’s expense.

    • exported at the applicant’s expense.

    • disposed of without recompense.

  8. During PAQ and while the imported horses remain in quarantine, they may be subjected to any testing or treatments prescribed by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources at the applicant’s expense.

  9. The applicant will be charged for services provided by the Australian Government. If any animals die or are disposed of during any period of control, compensation will not be paid by the Australian Government.


    NOTE: A single consignment can be split between post-arrival quarantine facilities on arrival in Australia. If consignments are split, the status of one portion of the consignment may affect the status of the other portion. If the release from PAQ of one portion is delayed for biosecurity reasons, the release of the other portion in a separate post-arrival quarantine facility may also be delayed.

Location

  1. The PAQ facility should be close to the port of arrival and be conveniently located for direct supervision by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources veterinarian.

  2. The facility must be located in an area that has been free from equine infectious anaemia during the previous 12 months.

  3. The facility must not be located in an area with a high horse population density.

Facilities

  1. The PAQ facility must be surrounded by two secure stock-proof fences at least five metres apart, or a physical barrier providing equivalent security to prevent horses in PAQ having contact with people or animals outside the facility.

  2. The PAQ facility including stables, yards, fences, feeding and watering arrangements must address animal welfare considerations.

  3. Stables in the PAQ facility must be constructed so that they can be cleaned and disinfected.

  4. The PAQ facility must provide a separation of at least 100 metres from other equids outside the facility.

  5. The PAQ facility must have a separate area for the cleaning and disinfection of vehicles for transporting horses, and facilities for the safe unloading and loading of horses.

  6. The PAQ facility must have facilities for veterinary examination and the collection of samples.

Operation

  1. The PAQ facility must be approved by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources before entry of any horse into the facility.

  2. The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources may audit the approved PAQ facility.

  3. All PAQ operations and procedures must have detailed SOPs, consistent with a risk-based approach and approved by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.

  4. The process from the time horses arrive at the airport to the completion of PAQ must be auditable.

  5. PAQ must be under the direct supervision of the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources veterinarian.

  6. The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources veterinarian must inspect the PAQ facility before entry of any horse and must ensure that the facility has been cleaned to his/her satisfaction.

  7. The PAQ period will commence from the time of entry into the facility of the last horse of the PAQ intake.

  8. During PAQ, the only horses in the facility must be those of the import consignment.

  9. For the duration of PAQ the horse must not be secured, housed or exercised within 100 metres of other equids not of equivalent health status.

  10. Horses must not have the opportunity to mate while in PAQ.

  11. Appropriate biosecurity procedures must be implemented for vehicles for transporting horses, freight containers, equipment and associated personnel, including transport operators, before, during and after the transport of horses to the PAQ facility.

  12. Vehicles for transporting horses are not permitted to leave the PAQ facility until thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to the satisfaction of the biosecurity officer.

  13. Each imported horse must be identified on arrival at the PAQ facility and the accompanying veterinary certificate and passport examined and checked by Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.

  14. Only personnel specifically authorised by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources are permitted to enter the PAQ facility. Details of all visitor entries must be recorded.

  15. All personnel entering the PAQ facility during PAQ must wear dedicated or disposable outer clothing and dedicated, cleaned and disinfected or disposable footwear. All personnel must shower and change outer clothing before leaving the PAQ facility. Outer clothing and footwear used within the PAQ facility must be cleaned to the satisfaction of the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources before removal from the facility.

  16. All equipment used in feeding, handling and treating horses in PAQ must either be cleaned and disinfected to the satisfaction of the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources before removal from the PAQ facility, or remain on-site for the duration of PAQ and then be released with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources approval at the completion of PAQ.

  17. Other than inspections, visits and treatments required for certification, all veterinary visits, health problems, tests, test results and treatments must be reported to the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources veterinarian within 24 hours.

  18. Any health problems affecting other animals on the facility undergoing PAQ must be reported to the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources veterinarian within 24 hours.

  19. A detailed health record must be kept for each horse on the facility during the PAQ period and it must be available to the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources veterinarian.

  20. The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources veterinarian must document that veterinary certificates and health records were inspected and comply with the biosecurity measures.

  21. Horses must not leave the facility during PAQ, except for exercise as approved by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.


APPENDIX A


Pre-export biosecurity measures


Pre-export biosecurity measures for the importation of horses from Japan.


Any variation from the pre-export quarantine requirements must be specifically authorised by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources will consider applications for variation on the basis of equivalent measures that achieve the same level of biosecurity assurance.


Location and Transportation

  1. The pre-export quarantine facility must be conveniently located for direct supervision by the Official MAFF Veterinarian.

  2. The pre-export quarantine facility must be located so as to enable biosecurity, segregation and animal welfare standards are maintained during pre-export quarantine and the transportation of horses from the pre-export quarantine facility to the port of export.


    NOTE: a transportation plan must be provided to the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources to demonstrate how this requirement will be complied with.

Facilities

  1. The pre-export quarantine facility must meet the country and premises requirements specified in the certification before export section.

  2. The entire pre-export quarantine facility must be surrounded by two secure stock-proof fences at least five metres apart, or a physical barrier providing equivalent security to prevent horses in pre-export quarantine having contact with people and horses or livestock outside the facility.

  3. The pre-export quarantine facility including stables, yards, fences, feeding and watering arrangements must address animal welfare considerations.

  4. Stables in the pre-export quarantine facility must be constructed so that they can be cleaned and disinfectant applied and must be maintained in good order.

  5. The pre-export quarantine facility must provide a separation of at least 50 metres from other equids not of the same export consignment.

  6. The pre-export quarantine facility must have a separate area for the cleaning and disinfection of vehicles for transporting horses, and facilities for the safe unloading and loading of horses.

  7. The pre-export quarantine facility must have facilities for veterinary examination and collection of samples.

Operation

  1. The PEQ facility must have current approval from the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources and designation from MAFF before commencement of pre-export quarantine.

  2. The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources may audit the approved PEQ facility.

  3. All PEQ operations and procedures must be detailed in a manual of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which is consistent with a risk-based approach and approved by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.

  4. The Official MAFF Veterinarian must inspect the pre-export quarantine facility before commencement of pre-export quarantine and must ensure that the facility was cleaned and disinfectant applied to his/her satisfaction.

  5. Pre-export quarantine must be under the supervision of the Official MAFF Veterinarian.

  6. All feed to be used during pre-export quarantine and transport to Australia must enter the pre-export quarantine facility before commencement of pre-export quarantine.

  7. All bedding to be used during pre-export quarantine must enter the pre-export quarantine facility before commencement of pre-export quarantine.

  8. The pre-export quarantine period commences from the time the last horse in the export consignment has entered the pre-export quarantine facility and all horses have been examined by the Official MAFF Veterinarian.

  9. All equipment used in feeding, handling and treating horses in pre-export quarantine must be new, or cleaned and disinfected before entry, and must be used only in the facility during pre-export quarantine.

  10. During pre-export quarantine, the facility must be occupied only by horses that meet all the import permit conditions. If non-travelling companion horses are present, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources must be notified, and they must be prepared as if they were intended to be exported to Australia.

  11. For the duration of pre-export quarantine the horse was not secured, housed or exercised within 50 metres of other equids not of the same consignment.

  12. Horses in pre-export quarantine must not access any areas used by other horses, unless a specific agreement is made with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.

  13. Horses must not have the opportunity to mate and must not be subjected to reproductive manipulation while in pre-export quarantine, other than required for certification.

  14. Only personnel specifically authorised by the Official MAFF Veterinarian are permitted entry to the pre-export quarantine facility. Details of all authorised personnel must be recorded and available at the pre-export quarantine facility.

  15. An entry register must be used to record access by all personnel each time they enter the pre-export quarantine facility.

  16. All personnel entering the pre-export quarantine facility during pre-export quarantine must shower and change clothing on entry. Alternatively, they may shower off-site and must have no contact with horses, horse facilities or horse equipment between showering and entering the pre-export quarantine facility. Outer clothing used in the pre-export quarantine facility should be freshly laundered or dedicated to the facility and stored on site or disposable. Footwear used in the pre-export quarantine facility should be cleaned and disinfected before entry or dedicated to the facility and stored on site, or disposable covering should be used over existing footwear.

  17. Other than routine inspections, visits and treatments required for certification, all veterinary visits, health problems, tests, test results, treatments and reasons for removal from pre-export quarantine of any horse, must be reported to the Official MAFF Veterinarian within 24 hours, and to the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources within 48 hours.

  18. A detailed health record must be kept for each horse and be available to the Official MAFF Veterinarian and to the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources on request.

  19. For the duration of pre-export quarantine the rectal temperature of each horse, including unweaned foals under six months of age, must be taken and recorded twice daily at least eight hours apart. If the temperature is 38.5 °C (39.0 °C or higher for foals under six months of age) or higher on two consecutive recordings, or if other signs of infectious respiratory disease are present, a nasopharyngeal sample (nasal sample for foals under six months of age) must be taken and tested for influenza A virus as described in the import conditions and the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources must be notified within 48 hours. If the temperature is not taken for any reason on two consecutive occasions, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources must be notified within 48 hours and a clinical examination by a registered veterinarian performed. Temperature records must be kept until completion of post-arrival quarantine.

  20. Horses that leave the facility during pre-export quarantine for any reason, other than for exercise approved by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, cannot rejoin the consignment in pre-export quarantine.

  21. Before the consignment of horses leaves the pre-export quarantine facility for export the importer must provide evidence to the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, in the form of a checklist, that veterinary certificates and health records have been inspected and comply with the pre-export quarantine requirements.

  22. The health status of horses that do not complete pre-export quarantine or that do not travel to Australia with the rest of the consignment may affect the eligibility of the rest of the consignment to be imported into Australia. The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources must be notified within 48 hours and before uplift of any changes to the proposed consignment.


APPENDIX B


Additional certification for horses that have resided in an approved country (or countries) other than Japan during the 60 days before export to Australia


Please Note: The department has negotiated specific Appendix B certificate with some countries. If the horse has resided in an approved country other than the country of export, please contact the department to obtain the country-specific agreed Appendix B document.



Name of horse: __________________ Identification: __________________


Breed: __________________ Sex: __________________ Age: _________________


To be completed by the Official Veterinarian# of each country that the horse resided in before Japan.


I, ................................................. (insert name), the Official Veterinarian# of ................................................ (name of approved country1), hereby certify that:


#Official Veterinarian means a veterinarian authorised by the Veterinary Authority of the approved country to perform certain official tasks associated with animal health and/or public health, and inspections of commodities and, when appropriate, to certify in conformity with the provisions of Chapters 5.1. and 5.2. of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Terrestrial Animal Health Code.

  1. The horse was continuously resident from ..................... to ....................... (dates) in ................................................(name of approved country).

  2. During the period noted in point 1 (which is during the 60 days immediately before export to Australia) while in .................................... (name of approved country):


    a. The horse was continuously resident and free of quarantine restriction in: *.................................... (approved country) where no clinical, epidemiological or other evidence of glanders occurred during the previous three years and the disease is compulsorily notifiable.


    OR

    *Germany where no clinical, epidemiological or other evidence of glanders occurred during at least the previous six months and a surveillance program is in place demonstrating the absence of glanders in accordance with Chapter 1.4 of the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code and the disease is compulsorily notifiable.


    b. The horse was continuously resident and free of quarantine restriction in .................................... (approved country) where no clinical, epidemiological or other evidence of African horse sickness, dourine, Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis occurred during the previous two years and the diseases are compulsorily notifiable. While in .................................... (approved country), the horse was not vaccinated against African horse sickness or Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis during the 60 days before export to Australia.


    c. *The horse was continuously resident and free of quarantine restriction in .................................... (approved country) where no clinical, epidemiological or other evidence of vesicular stomatitis occurred during the previous two years and the disease is compulsorily notifiable.


    OR

    *After due enquiry, the horse did not reside on any premises in ................................... (approved country) where clinical, epidemiological or other evidence of vesicular stomatitis occurred in any species during the previous 90 days before export and the disease is compulsorily notifiable.


    d. The horse was continuously resident and free of quarantine restriction in .................................... (approved country) where no clinical, epidemiological or other evidence of Eastern or Western equine encephalomyelitis occurred during the previous two years.


    OR

    *The horse did not reside on any premises in .................................... (approved country) where clinical, epidemiological or other evidence of Eastern or Western equine encephalomyelitis occurred during the previous 90 days.


    OR

    *During the 12 months before export, but not during pre-export quarantine, the horse was vaccinated against Eastern and Western equine encephalomyelitis using an approved vaccine according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.


    e. *The horse was continuously resident and free of quarantine restriction in .................................... (approved country) where no clinical, epidemiological or other evidence of Japanese encephalitis occurred during the previous 12 months.


    OR

    *Within 12 months before export from .............................. (approved country) the horse was vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis using an approved vaccine according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.


    f. *The horse was continuously resident and free of quarantine restriction in .................................... (approved country) where no clinical, epidemiological or other evidence of screw-worm-fly (Cochliomyia hominivorax or Chrysomya bezziana) myiasis occurred during the previous 12 months.


    OR

    *Within 24 hours of export from .............................. (approved country) the horse was thoroughly examined, under the direct supervision of the Official Veterinarian, and no screw-worm-fly infestation was found.


    g. *The horse was continuously resident and free of quarantine restriction in .................................... (approved country) where no clinical, epidemiological or other evidence of surra (Trypanosoma evansi) occurred (in any species) during the previous 12 months.


    OR

    *During the period noted in point 1 (which is during the 60 days immediately before export to Australia) the horse was:


    i. continuously resident and free of quarantine restriction in .............................. (approved country) where no clinical, epidemiological or other evidence of surra occurred in equids during the previous 12 months before export.


    AND


    ii. the horse did not reside on any premises in.............................. (approved country) where clinical, epidemiological or other evidence of surra occurred during the previous 12 months before export.


    AND


    iii. blood samples were taken from the horse and tested using an antibody detection enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and microhaematocrit centrifugation technique as described in the OIE manual for surra with negative results in each case.


    h. After due enquiry, the horse did not reside on any premises in .................................... (approved country) where clinical, epidemiological or other evidence of rabies occurred during the previous 12 months and the disease is compulsorily notifiable.


    i. After due enquiry, the horse did not reside on any premises in .................................... (approved country) where clinical evidence of Borna disease occurred during the previous 90 days.


    j. After due enquiry, the horse did not reside on any premises in .................................... (approved country) where clinical, epidemiological or other evidence of contagious equine metritis, epizootic lymphangitis, equine infectious anaemia, equine piroplasmosis or Lyme disease occurred during the previous 60 days.


    k. After due enquiry, the horse did not reside on any premises in .................................... (approved country) where clinical, epidemiological or other evidence of anthrax, equid herpesvirus-1 (abortigenic and neurological strains), equine influenza or equine viral arteritis occurred during the previous 30 days.


    l. For all horses (excluding donkeys and mules) excluding geldings and unweaned foals under six months of age:


    After due enquiry, the horse was never mated to, or inseminated with semen from, a horse that was, at the time of mating or semen collection, known to be infected with Taylorella equigenitalis.


    NOTE: If a horse does not meet this requirement, or has been known to be infected with T. equigenitalis, it may be permitted entry subject to an approved method of treatment and testing considered appropriate by the Director of Biosecurity (or delegate).


    m. After due enquiry, while in .................................... (approved country), the horse was not treated with imidocarb or other anti-babesial agents active against Babesia caballi or Theileria equi, during the 12 months before commencement of pre-export quarantine.


    n. After due enquiry, while in .................................... (approved country), the horse was not positive in any test for equine piroplasmosis (B. caballi or T. equi) for at least 12 months before the commencement of pre-export quarantine.


*Delete as appropriate


Official Veterinarian Official stamp


Name: .......................................................................


Official position: ......................................................


Address: ...................................................................


..................................................................................


Signature: ................................................................


Date: .........................


1 Approved countries are: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Macau, the Netherlands, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.