 
 
 
Risk Management Proposal  
 
Zoo Carnivora   
ZOOCARNS.SPE  
 
 
 
 
28 September 2022  Risk Management Proposal:  Zoo Carnivora  28 September 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 1  
 
 
Disclaimer  
This risk management proposal does not constitute, and should not be regarded as, legal advice. While every 
effort has been made to ensure the information in this document is accurate, the Ministry for Primary Industries 
does not accept any responsibility or liability whatsoever for any error of fact, omission, interpretation or opinion 
that may be present, however it may have occurred.  
© Crown Copyright - Ministry for Primary Industries  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contact for further information : 
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)  
Biosecurity New Zealand  
Animal Imports  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
Email: animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz  
Telephone:  04 890 0134  
  Risk Management Proposal:  Zoo Carnivora  28 September 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 2  
Contents  
1 Purpose  3 
2 Background  3 
3 Objective  4 
4 Options assessment  4 
5 Updates  4 
5.1 New issue  4 
6 General requirements for importation  of zoo Carnivora  4 
7 Recommendations for identified risk organisms  5 
7.1 Babesia  spp. (babesiosis)  5 
7.2 Bacillus anthracis  (anthrax)  6 
7.3 Dirofilaria im mitis (heartworm)  6 
7.4 External parasites  7 
7.5 Internal parasites  8 
7.6 Leptospira  spp. (leptospirosis)  8 
7.7 Mycobacterium bovis  (bovine tuberculosis)  9 
7.8 Rabies lyssavirus (rabies)  10 
7.9 Seeds  11 
7.10  Trypanosoma  spp. (surra and tsetse fly associated trypanosomosis)  12 
Appendix 1 – Document History  14 
 
  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 3 1 Purpose  
(1) The purpose of this document is to:  
a) Present biosecurity risks associated with importing zoo Carnivora  into New Zealand . 
b) Show how options for the management of risk o rganisms have been assessed.  
c) Present the  import requirements  that MPI proposes using to manage the biosecurity risks.  
2 Background  
(1) The Zoo and Aquarium Association asked MPI to develop  an import health standard  (IHS)  that would 
allow them  to import zoo Carnivora  from specified countries into New Zealand zoos .  
(2) Zoo Carnivora  are considered a risk commodity, with the potential to harbour exotic viral and bacterial 
diseases as well as carry parasites and seeds.  In August 2021 the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) 
completed the Import Risk Analysis (IRA) for Zoo Carnivora (Canidae, Eupleridae, Hyaenidae, Mustelidae, 
Procyonidae, Ursidae and Viverridae ) from specified countries . 
(3) The import of zoo felids from specific countries is cu rrently allowed under the following import health 
standard: Import Health Standard for Zoo Felidae from Specified Countries (2008 ) and was therefore not 
initially included in the 2021 risk analysis . A review and update of the risk assessment for imported zoo 
Felidae was deemed necessary  to allow imports of zoo felids under the generic i mport health standard for 
zoo Carnivora.  
(4) In March 2022 MPI completed the following risk advice for zoo Felidae : Technical Advice: Biosecurity 
Risks and Risk Management Measures for Importation of Non -domestic Felidae . 
(5) The following import health standards are currently in use for importing meerkat s and red panda s: 
a) Import Health Standard for the  Importation of Slender -Tailed Meerkat (Suricata suricatta) into New 
Zealand, ZOOMEEIC.ALL , 10 October 2002  
b) Import Health Standard for the Importation of Re d Pandas into New Zealand, ZOOPANIC.ALL, 14 
October 1998  
(6) As meerkat s and red panda s also come under the scope of the new IHS, an update of the risk 
assessment for these species was also requested.  MPI finished the risk advice Technical Advice -Risks 
associated with zoo  meerkats and red pandas  in June 2022 . 
(7) The risk assessments and technical advice are for specified species of zoo Carnivora  from specific 
countries . 
(8) This import health standard will replace the below listed IHSs  
a) African Hunting Dogs into New Zealand, ZOOAHDIC.ALL, 18 November 1998  
b) Malayan Sun Bears ( Helarctos malayanus ) from Australia, ZOOSUNIC.AUS, 18 May 2004  
c) Meerk at (Suricata suricatta ), ZOOMEEIC.ALL, 10 0ctober 2002  
d) Zoo Felidae From Specified Countries, ZOOFELIC.SPE, 19 September 2008  
e) Zoo Oriental Small Clawed Otters from Australia to New Zealand, ZOOOTTIC.AUS, 14 June 2006  
f) Zoo Red Pandas, ZOOPANIC.ALL, 14 0ctober 1998  
(9) In accordance with MPI processes, the IHS contains generic import requirements. These requirements 
manage the biosecurity risk of importing  specified zoo Carnivora  from approved  countries  listed in 
Schedule 4 of the IHS. The generic IHS serves as the basis for country -to-country (bilateral) negotiations 
of country specific veterinary certificates. MPI will issue a guidance document . This will have guidance 
about importing zoo Carnivora and will include examples of country specific bilaterally -agreed veterinary 
certificates  for trade in  zoo Carnivora.  
  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 4 3 Objective  
(1) The objective is to effectively manage biosecurity risks that are associated with importing zoo Carnivora   
(Ailuridae,  Canidae, Euple ridae, Felidae,  Herpestidae,  Hyaenidae, Mustelidae, Procyonidae, Ursidae and 
Viverridae ) listed in the risk analys es, consistent with New Zealand’s domestic legislation and international 
obligations.  
4 Options assessment  
(1) The World Trade Organi zation’s Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures 
(the SPS Agreement), Article 3.3, requires that risk management measures which provide a level of 
protection greater than provided by international standards may be imposed only wh en they can be 
scientifically justified on the basis of  a risk assessment.  
(2) For a detailed analysis of potential hazards and their risks please refer to the supporting documents  (see 
Background) which  contain the relevant risk assessment s and analys is of m anagement options for each 
risk organism.  
(3) The above -mentioned risk work concluded that risk management measures are justified for the below 
hazards in imported  zoo Carnivora : 
a) Babesia  spp. (babesiosis)  
b) Bacillus ant hracis  (anthrax)  
c) Dirofilaria immitis  (heartworm)  
d) External parasites  
e) Internal parasites  
f) Leptospira spp. (leptospirosis)  
g) Mycobacterium bovis  (bovine tuberculosis)  
h) Rabies lyssavirus  (rabies)  
i) Seeds  
j) Trypanosoma spp. (surra and tsetse fly associated trypanosomosis)  
5 Updates  
5.1 New issue  
(1) This is a new issue.  No updates to declare.  
6 General requirements for importation of zoo Carnivora  
(1) Animals must be resident  in one or more  approved, licensed or registered zoo s or wildlife park s in the  
exporting country since birth or for at least the 12 months immediately before export  unless otherwise 
approved by MPI.  
(2) Animals must be born in captivity and not caught from the wild . 
(3) The premises of origin (zoo or wildlife park) must provide separation fr om other animal populations  not of 
an equivalent  health status , be under veterinary supervision and have a documented health monitoring 
program me that would be effective in monitoring for diseases of biosecurity concern . 
(4) Animal s must be held in pre -export isolation (PEI) for 30 days.  
(5) The animals must show no signs of infectious or contagious disease during PEI and on the day of 
shipment . 
(6) Animals must be transported to a transitional facility and containment facility in New Zealand . The 
transitional facility must  meet the requirements of the Facility Standard: Zoo Animals Transitional  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 5 Facilities, MPI -STD-ZOO , dated December 2018 . The containment facility must meet the requirements of  
Standard for Zoo C ontainment Facilities , dated April 2018.  
7 Recommendations for identified risk organisms  
7.1 Babesia  spp. (babesiosis)  
7.1.1 Risk management options from  the 2021 import risk analysis  
Option 1  
(1) The animals were kept in pre -export  isolation for at least 30 days prior export ; and  
(2) During the 30 days prior to export, the animals were tested using an MPI -approved test for Babesia  
gibsoni or Babesia spp. not present in New Zealand, with negative results; and  
(3) The animals were treated wit h an approved ectoparasiticide.  
Option 2  
(1) The animals were kept in pre -export  isolation for at least 30  days prior export ; and  
(2) During the 30 days prior to export, the animals were treated with an MPI -approved chemotherapeutic 
agent known to eliminate Babesia  spp.; and  
(3) The animals were treated with an MPI -approved ectoparasiticide; and/or  
(4) During the 30 days prior to export, the ani mals were tested using an MPI -approved test for Babesia  
gibsoni  or Babesia  spp. not present in New Zealand, with negative results . 
7.1.2 Discussion  
(1) Babesia  spp. are the causative agent of babesiosis.  
(2) Babesiosis in carnivorans is not a World Organisation for Animal Health ( WOAH ) listed disease . 
(3) Babesia  spp. (exotic) are notifiable organisms under the Biosecurity (Notifiable Organisms) Order 2016.  
(4) Babesia spp. identified in carnivorans are not known to be zoonotic.  
(5) The incubation period in some  Babesia  spp. may range from 10 to 28 days.  
(6) Tick-borne transmission is the main route of transmission, however vertical transmission has been 
described and direct transmission has been suggested.  
(7) The only known competent vector of Babesia  spp. in New Zeala nd is Haemaphysalis  longicornis , which 
can transmit Babesia  gibsoni . Vector competency for all other Babesia  spp. is not clear.  
(8) Babesia  spp. are identified as hazards  in species within the  Ailuridae, Canidae, Eupleridae, Herpestidae, 
Hyaenidae , Mustelidae,  Procyonidae , Ursidae  and Viverridae families.  
(9) Babesia  spp. are not assessed as hazards in species within the Felidae family.  
7.1.3 Proposed measures  (Ailuridae , Canidae, Eupleridae, Herpestidae , Hyaenidae, Mustelidae, 
Procyonidae,  Ursidae and  Viverri dae only)  
(1) During pre -export isolation  each animal was tested with an MPI -approved test for Babesia  spp. with 
negative results.  
(2) Zoo carnivorans  must also meet external parasite requirements in section  6.4. 
  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 6 7.2 Bacillus anthracis  (anthrax)  
7.2.1 Risk management options from the 2021 import risk analysis  
Option 1  
(1) Country freedom for anthrax; and  
(2) The animal s were resident in anthrax -free countries since birth; and 
(3) The animal s showed no clinical signs of anthrax on the day of export.  
Option 2  
(1) The animal s were kept for the 20 days prior to export in an establishment where no case of  anthrax was 
officially declared during that period; and 
(2) The animal s showed no clinical signs of a nthrax on the day of export.  
The recommendations are similar to those of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH ) Terrestrial  
Code  (the Code)  for importation of ruminants, equids and pigs . 
7.2.2 Discussion  
(1) Bacillus anthracis  is the causative agent of anthrax.  
(2) Anthrax is a WOAH -listed disease affecting multiple species.  
(3) Anthrax was last detected in New Zealand in 1954, and it is  a notifiable disease under the Biosecurity 
(Notifiable Organisms) Order 2016.  
(4) Bacillus anthracis  is assessed to be a risk in zoo carnivorans . However, only a small number of zoo 
carnivorans will be imported into New Zealand,  and imports will be infrequent, so the  risk analysis 
assessed the likelihood of  an imported animal being  infected is very low.  
(5) In addition,  the incubation period is short (1 to 14 days) , and MPI considers  the 30 -day pre -export isolation 
period is sufficient to mitigate the risks . 
7.2.3 Proposed measures (Ailuridae , Canidae, Eupleridae, Felidae , Herpestidae , Hyaenidae, 
Mustelidae,  Procyonid ae, Ursidae and Viverridae)  
(1) The animals must remain clinically healthy during the pre -export isolation period. No further measures are 
required . This is consistent with other current zoo standards.  
7.3 Dirofilaria immitis  (heartworm)  
7.3.1 Risk management options from the 2021 import risk analysis  
(1) Canidae must be treated for heartworm ( Dirofilaria immitis ):  
a) Zoo canid s older than five months (earliest time post -infestation that heartworm antigen can be 
detected) on the date of export, must be subjected to an antigen ELISA with negative results within 
one month of travel; and  
b) Within 48 hours of departure zoo canid s must be treated with:  
i) ivermectin at 6 mcg/kg; or  
ii) milbemycin at 0.5 mg/kg; or  
iii) moxidectin at 2 -4 mcg/kg; or  
iv) injectable sustained release formulation moxidectin at the recommended dose rate; or  
v) selamectin at 6 mg/kg .  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 7 7.3.2 Discussion  
(1) Dirofilaria immitis  (canine heartworm) is a notifiable, unwanted organism in New Zealand.  
(2) Dirofilaria immitis  is identified as a hazard in species within the Canidae family.  
(3) The parasite is transmitted by mosquitoes ( Aedes , Culex , Anopheles and Mansonia ) that are present in 
New Zealand . 
(4) Antigen testing identifies  the adult female worm but does not identify immature worms. Therefore, 
heartworm prevention should be used as a pre -export treatment to eliminate early infections.  
(5) Canids with adult he artworm infections are likely to be infectious to intermediate hosts (mosquitoes). 
Canids with positive test results may be treated and are eligible for import once the antigen test results are 
negative.  
7.3.3 Proposed measures (Canidae only)  
(1) If the zoo canid is five months of age or older on the date of shipment, it must be subjected to an antigen 
ELISA test for heartworm, with a negative result on a sample taken in pre -export isolation, in the 30 days 
prior to shipment; and  
(2) During pre -export iso lation and within the two days prior to shipment each zoo canid  (regardless of age)  
must be treated with one of the following:  
a) ivermectin at 6 mcg/kg; or  
b) milbemycin at 0.5 mg/kg; or  
c) moxidectin at 2 -4 mcg/kg; or  
d) injectable sustained release formulation m oxidectin at the recommended dose rate; or  
e) selamectin at 6 mg/kg ; or 
f) an MPI-approved treatment effective against Dirofilaria immitis . 
7.4 External parasites  
7.4.1 Risk management options from  the 2021 import risk analysis  
(1) Within the three days prior to export, the animals were treated with an ectoparasiticide effective against 
ticks, fleas, mites, flies and lice; and  
(2) Following treatment with an ectoparasiticide (effective against ticks, fleas, mites, flies and lice) prior to 
export, t he animals were examined and certified free of external parasites; and/or  
(3) The animals were treated with an ectoparasiticide (effective against ticks, fleas, mites, flies and lice) in 
post arrival quarantine /transitional facility ; and/or  
(4) Following treatment with an ectoparasiticide (effective against ticks, fleas, mites, flies and lice) in post -
arrival quarantine/transitional facility and prior to release into the containment facility, the animals were 
examined and found to be free of exte rnal parasites.  
7.4.2 Discussion  
(1) Zoo carnivorans can be affected by numerous species of ticks, mites, lice , flies and fleas.  
(2) External parasites are therefore identified as hazards in species within the Ailuridae , Canidae,  Eupleridae, 
Felidae, Herpestidae , Hyaeni dae, Mustelidae, Procyonidae, Ursidae and Viverridae families . 
(3) External parasites that are WOAH -listed include the New World screw -worm fly ( Cochliomyia hominivorax ) 
and Old World screw -worm fly ( Chrysomya bezziana ) (WOAH , 202 2). MPI as sessed these parasit es 
individually in the 2021 import risk analysis and concluded they are not hazards . 
(4) Not all external parasites are absent from New Zealand , and not all  are a biosecurity risk. However, the 
broad -spectrum risk management measures outlined in the import risk analysis  are likely to mitigate the  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 8 entry of external parasites that are assessed as risks in the commodity as well as those that are not. 
Measures al so prevent vectors of infectious diseases  entering . 
7.4.3 Proposed measures (Ailuridae , Canidae, Eupleridae, Felidae , Herpestidae , Hyaenidae, 
Mustelidae, Procyonidae, Ursidae and Viverridae)  
(1) To be consistent with other current IHS conditions for zoo animals, eac h animal must be treated twice with 
an effective insecticide/acaricide 14 days apart, the pre -export isolation environment must be kept free of 
external parasites, and each animal must be examined and certified as being free from external parasite s 
before the animal leaves  the pre -export isolation premises.  
7.5 Internal parasites  
7.5.1 Risk management options from  the 2021 import risk analysis  
(1) The animals must be treated with an endoparasiticide effective against nematodes, cestodes and 
trematodes, seven to ten days prior to entering pre -export isolation; and 
(2) The animals must be treated twice with an endoparasiticide  effective against nematodes, cestodes and 
trematodes during pre -export isolation; and  
(3) All faeces should be removed regularly during pre -export isolation; and  
(4) Fresh faecal samples from the animals should be tested using an MPI -approved test to determine bl ood 
parasite presence, or by faecal eggs counts, with zero egg counts; and/or  
(5) Animals can be tested using an MPI -approved test for specific parasites known to be endemic in the 
exporting country . 
7.5.2 Discussion  
(1) Internal parasites (affecting mammals) that are WOAH -listed include Echinococcus granulosus , 
Echinococcus multilocularis , Taenia solium  (cestodes) and Trichinella  spp. (nematode s). 
(2) Internal parasites of the classes Cestoda (tapeworms) and Trematoda (flukes ) and the phylum Nematoda 
(roundworms) have been identified as hazards  in species within the  Ailuridae , Canidae,  Eupleridae,  
Felidae, Herpestidae , Hyaenidae, Mustelidae, Procyonidae, Ursidae and Viverridae families . 
7.5.3 Proposed measures (Ailuridae , Canidae, Eupleridae, Felidae , Herpestidae , Hyaenidae, 
Mustelidae, Procyonidae, Ursidae and Viverridae)  
(1) An efficacious treatment against cestodes, nematodes and trematodes must be given twice during the pre -
export isolation period, with an interval of not less than 14 days. These measures are consistent with 
current IHS conditions for cats and dogs, horses , sheep, and zoo species.  
7.6 Leptospira  spp. ( leptospirosis)  
7.6.1 Risk management options from  the 2021 import risk analysis  
Option 1  
(1)  No restrictions could be permitted for the importation of carnivoran species (within the scope of this 
analysis).  
The WOAH  Terrest rial Animal Health Standards Commission states that international trade does not 
increase the risks to human or animal health in regard to leptospirosis ( WOAH  Terrestrial Animal Health 
Standards Commission, 2007). Numerous serovars are present in New Zeala nd and over 250 exotic 
serovars are known. These are being managed in animal populations by vaccination and biosecurity.  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 9 There are also no domestic measures for carnivor ans to prevent the spread of Leptospira spp. within New 
Zealand.  
Option  2 
(1) The animals were kept in pre -entry isolation for at least 30 days prior export; and  
(2) During the 30 days prior to export, the animals were tested by an MPI -approved test for Leptospira 
serovars (pathogenic serovars not present in New Zealand), with negative resu lts. 
Option  3 
(1) The animals were kept in pre -entry isolation for at least 30 days prior export; and  
(2) During the 30 days prior to export, the animals were treated with an antibiotic effective against Leptospira 
spp. 
7.6.2 Discussion  
(1) Leptospira  spp. are the  causative  agent s of leptospirosis . 
(2) Leptospirosis was removed from the Code  in 2009.  
(3) Eight Leptospira  serovars have been isolated from cattle, pigs, dogs and humans in New Zealand . 
(4) Leptospira spp. are identified as hazards in species within the Ailuridae , Canidae, Eupleridae, 
Herpestidae , Hyaenidae, Mustelidae, Procyonidae, Ursidae and Viverridae families.  
(5) Leptospirosis in cats is rare and global surveillance data point to a very low incidence of th e disease in 
cats. Cats also appear to be less susceptible to both natural and experimental infections and clinical signs 
are mild or not noticeable.  Cats have not been identified as the maintenance host for any serovar.  
(6) Leptospira  spp. are not identified as a risk in species within the Felidae family.  
(7) Leptospira  spp. were  assessed to be a risk in other zoo carnivorans. However, only a small number of zoo  
carnivorans will be imported into New Zealand, and imports will be infrequent. The likelihood of entry of 
Leptospira spp. in healthy zoo carnivorans from approved countries is low.  The incubation period for 
leptospirosis ranges from four to 20 days with a  bacteraemia lasting seven to ten days. Diagnosis of sub 
clinically infected animals is  challenging due to low antibody responses and the presence of low numbers 
of organisms in tissues.  MPI considers the 30 -day pre -export isolation period is sufficient to  mitigate the 
risks.  
7.6.3 Proposed measures (Ailuridae , Canidae, Eupleridae, Herpestidae , Hyaenidae, Mustelidae, 
Procyonidae, Ursidae and Viverridae)  
(1) The animals must remain clinically healthy during the pre -export isolation period. No further measures are 
required. 
7.7 Mycobacterium bovis  (bovine tuberculosis)  
7.7.1 Risk management options from the 2021 import risk analysis  
Option  1 
(1) The a nimal was resident in a county or zone free of Mycobacterium bovis  since birth; and 
(2) The a nimal showed no clinical signs of Mycobacterium bovis  on the day of export.  
Option 2  
(1) The a nimal was resident, since birth, at a facility where no clinical, epidemiological or other evidence of 
Mycobacterium bovis  has occurred during the previous five years  in any species; and the disease is 
compulsorily notifiable in the exporting country; and   
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 10 (2) The a nimal showed no clinical signs of infection with Mycobacterium  bovis  on the day of export.  
7.7.2 Discussion  
(1) Mycobacterium bovis  is the causative agent of bovine tuberc ulosis.  
(2) Mycobacterium bovis  is a WOAH -listed infection affecting multiple species.  
(3) The 2021 IRA noted that certain Mustelidae may function as maintenance hosts .  
(4) Bovine tuberculosis was identified as a risk in Asian small -clawed otters within the  Mustelidae family.  
(5) Species within the Ailuridae , Canidae, Felidae, Eupleridae, Herpestidae , Hyaenidae, Procyonidae, Ursidae 
and Viverridae families are considered  spillove r/ dead -end hosts for Mycobacterium bovis  and measures 
are not warranted.  
(6) Available diagnostic tests have not been validated for zoo Mustelidae  and are hence unreliable and/or 
inappropriate. MPI’s r isk management options are therefore limited to country , zone or premises freedom 
from bovine tuberculosis .  
(7) Mycobacterium bovis  is an endemic organism that is subjected to an official control programme in New 
Zealand. MPI cannot impose biosecurity measures that are more restrictive than its domestic controls . The 
importation of a small number of zoo Asian small -clawed otters into New Zealand zoos will have no 
bearing on New Zealand’s official control programme or  New Zealand’s  biosecurity status.   
7.7.3 Proposed measures (Mustelidae only)  
(1) The animals must r emain clinically healthy during the pre -export isolation period. No further measures are 
required.  
7.8 Rabies lyssavirus (rabies)  
7.8.1 Risk management options from  the 2021 import risk analysis  
Option1  
(1) Country freedom for rabies; and 
(2) The animals were resident in ra bies-free countries or zones since birth or for at least six  months; and 
(3) The animals showed no clinical signs of disease on the day prior to or on the day of  export.  
The recommendations are similar to those of the Code  for the importation of domestic and captive wild 
mammals from countries or zones free from infection with the rabies virus.  
Option  2 
(1) The animals showed no clinical signs of disease on the day prior to or on the day of export; and  
(2) The animals were kept for  the six months prior to shipment in an establishment where separation from 
susceptible animals was maintained and where there has been no case of rabies for at least 12 months 
prior to shipment.  
The recommendations are similar to those of the  Code  for the  importation of wildlife from countries 
infected with rabies.  
Option  3 
(1) The animals have been vaccinated with an MPI -approved vaccine, in accordance with the 
recommendations of the manufacturer in terms of primary and booster vaccinations; and 
(2) The animals were subjected to a rabies neutralisation antibody titre test, with a re sult of at least 0.5 IU/mL; 
and   
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 11 (3) The animal showed no clinical signs of rabies on the day of shipment.  
7.8.2 Discussion  
(1) Rabies lyssavirus is the causative agent of rabies.  
(2) Infection with r abies  virus  is a WOAH -listed disease affecting multiple species.  
(3) Rabies lyssavirus can infect and cause rabies in all mammals.  
(4) Rabies is a notifiable disease under the Biosecurity (Notifiable Organisms) Order 2016.  
(5) Rabies lyssavirus is assessed to be a risk in zoo carnivorans.  
(6) Wild and domestic carnivor ans are regarded  as maintenance hosts.  
(7) Transmission results from bites, licking of mucous membranes or shallow skin  wounds and abrasions, 
and, rarely, ingestion or inhalation of contaminated material . 
(8) New Zealand recognises a number of countries and territories as free fr om rabies ( listed in Schedule 4  in 
IHS). 
(9) Rabies in zoological collections is rare . Recommendations in the Code  for the importation of wildlife 
(option 2) from countries infected with rabies can be considered for importing zoo carnivorans , with an 
extra layer of protection by regular ly vaccinating the animals. Separating the animals from susceptible 
wildlife reservoirs for six months before the animals are s hipped also mitigates the risk of rabies . 
7.8.3 Proposed measures (Ailuridae , Canidae, Eupleridae, Felidae, Herpestidae , Hyaenidae, 
Mustelidae, Procyonidae, Ursidae and Viverridae)  
(1) Each animal has been resident since birth or for at least six months in a rabies -free country as agreed by 
MPI and showed no clinical si gns of rabies on the day of shipment; or 
(2) Each animal has:  
a) Been k ept for the six months prior to shipment in an establishment where separation from 
susceptible wildlife reservoir s was maintained , and wh ere there has been no case of rabies for at 
least 12 months immediately prior to shipment; and  
b) Been vaccinated against rabies  with an MPI -approved vaccine , with vaccine cover for at  least six 
months prior to shipment ; and  
c) Showed no clinical signs of rabies on the day prior to or on the day of export ; or 
(3) Each animal has: 
a) Been v accinated against rabies with an MPI -approved vaccine , with vaccine cover for at least six 
months prior to shipment  ; and  
b) Been s ubjected  to a neutralising antibody titration test for rabies for which the blood was drawn:   
i) at least four weeks after the rabies vaccination; and  
ii) at least six months before the scheduled date of shipment ; and  
Note: The rabies antibody tests must be conducted at an official laboratory in accordance with one of 
the methods described in the WOAH  Manual of Standards for Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines and  
found to have at least 0.5 IU/ml of antibody in its serum.  
c) Show ed no clinical signs of rabies on the day prior to or on the day of export . 
7.9 Seeds  
7.9.1 Risk management options from the 2021 import risk analysis  
(1) Prior to export, the animals should be fed a diet not contaminated with viable seeds; and/or  
(2) The pre -export isolation fa cility should be free of viable seeds; and/or   
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 12 (3) Bedding used for the animals during pre -export isolation and transport should be free of seeds; and/or  
(4) During pre -export isolation, the animals must be physically examined and be free of any seeds in their hair  
and coat; and/or  
(5) The faeces and bedding of the imported animals should be collected and treated during the first 10 days of 
post-arrival quarantine.  
7.9.2 Discussion  
(1) The following points have been considered when drafting options to manage the risks associated  with 
introduction of seeds:  
a) Seeds could be introduced by zoo carnivorans attached to hair, within skin folds or in faeces.  
b) Seeds are likely to be able to survive harsh environmental conditions.  
c) Seeds are unlikely to be present on the animal’s  hair or in t heir faeces unless seeds have been 
present in the premises where the zoo carnivorans are held prior to export or in food eaten by the  
zoo carnivorans  prior to export . 
d) The examination of the zoo carnivoran ’s skin for the presence of seeds may require the 
administration of a tranquillizer or anaesthetic. This is likely to be stressful and compromise the 
animal’s welfare, so the timing of the examination should  be flexible to minimise the need for 
repeated an aesthesia . 
7.9.3 Proposed measures (Ailuridae , Canidae, Eupleridae, Felidae , Herpestidae , Hyaenidae, 
Mustelidae, Procyonidae, Ursidae and Viverridae)  
(1) Feed and bedding material in pre -export isolation must be free from evidence of seeds.  
(2) Prior to departure to New Zealand each animal must be certified as free from visible contamination with 
plant material.  
(3) The timing of the examination will be flexible to minimise the need for repeated anaesthesia.  
7.10 Trypano soma spp. (surra and tsetse fly associated 
trypanosomosis ) 
7.10.1  Risk management options from  the 2021 import risk analysis  
Option 1  
(1) Country freedom for surra and tsetse fly associated trypanosomosis; and  
(2) The animals were resident in surra and tsetse fly associated trypan osomosis free countries since birth; 
and 
(3) The animals showed no clinical signs of disease on the day of export.  
Option 2  
(4) The exporting country had no clinical, epidemiological or other evidence of surra or tsetse fly associated 
trypanosomosis in any species  in the previous two years; and  
(5) Surra or tsetse fly associated trypanosomosis are compulsorily notifiable in the country; and  
(6) The animals were resident in surra and tsetse fly associated trypanosomosis free countries for at least six 
months; and  
(7) During th e pre -export isolation, a blood sample was drawn from a peripheral vein of the animals and 
tested with an MPI -approved test. The test was negative for Trypanosoma  spp. or Trypanosoma  evansi  
and Trypanosoma  vivax .  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 13 7.10.2  Discussion  
(1) Trypanosoma evansi  is the causative agent of surra.  
(2) Trypanosoma  brucei , Trypanosoma  brucei  gambiense , Trypanosoma  brucei rhodesiense , Trypanosoma  
congolense , Trypanosoma  vivax  are the causative agents of tsetse fly associated trypanosomosis.  
(3) Surra and tsetse fly associated trypanosomosis are WOAH -listed diseases.  
(4) Trypanosomosis ( Trypanosoma  spp.) is a notifiable disease under the Biosecurity (Notifiable Organisms) 
Order 2016.  
(5) Surra and tsetse fly associated trypanosomosis are arthropod -borne diseases. The  only genera of these 
arthropod vectors present in New Zealand is Stomoxys .  
(6) Trypanosoma evansi  may be transmi tted by Stomoxys  spp.) .  
(7) The only tsetse fly associated Trypanosoma  spp. mechanically transmitted by Stomoxys  spp. is 
Trypanosoma vivax . 
(8) Surra ( Trypanosoma eva nsi) and tsetse fly associated trypanosomosis ( Trypanosom a vivax  only)  are 
identified as risk organisms in species within the Ailuridae , Canidae, Eupleridae, Felidae, Herpestidae , 
Hyaenidae, Mustelidae, Procyonidae, Ursidae and Viverridae families.  
(9) Recommendations could include country freedom or alternatively animals could come from zoo premises 
that have no known history of surra and tsetse fly associated trypanosomosis. The premises of origin must 
be under veterinary supervision and the health of the animals monitored so that incidents of disease and 
death are identified promptly,  and Trypanosoma  spp. are excluded as the cause during the preceding two 
years.  
(10) While  option two of the  IRA suggests testing as well as  Trypanosoma spp. being a  notifiable  disease in  the 
exporting country this option has not been  included . The requirement of a surveillance programme in the 
exporting zoo sufficiently mitigates the risk associated with importing zoo carnivorans.  Furthermore,  there 
are no measures for Trypanosoma  spp. for domestic cats and dogs other than being certified as  free from 
clinical signs of infectious diseases a nd being treated for external  parasite s. 
7.10.3  Proposed measures (Ailuridae , Canidae, Eupleridae, Felidae, Herpestidae , Hyaenidae, 
Mustelidae, Procyonidae, Ursidae and Viverridae)  
(1) Each animal has resided since birth in T. evansi  and T. vivax  -free countries as agreed by MPI and 
showed no clinical signs of trypanosomosis on the day of shipment; or 
(2) Each animal:  
a) Was resident, for at least the six months prior to shipment, at zoo premises where no clinical, 
epidemiological or other evidence of T.evansi  or T.vivax  has occurred in any animal species in the 
previous two years; an d 
b) Showed no clinical signs of trypanosomosis on the day of shipment.  
 
 
 
   
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page 14  
Appendix 1 – Document History  
Date First Issued  Title Shortcode  
2 September 2022  
Internal Consultation  Risk Management Proposal: Zoo Carnivora  RMP ZOOCARNS.SPE  
28 September 2022  
External Consultation  Risk Management Proposal: Zoo Carnivora  RMP ZOOCARNS.SPE  
Date of Issued 
Amendments  Title  
   
 