 
 
Guidance Document  
 
A guidance document issued by the Ministry for Primary Industries  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Horses  
HORANIIC.GEN  
8 April 2022  
 Guidance Document : Horses  
  8 April 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  1 of 16 
 
 
 Title 
Guidance Document : Horses . 
About this document  
This guidance document contains information about acceptable ways of ensuring compliance with the 
requirements in t he Import Health Standard ( IHS): Horses . 
Any guidance on how to comply with the applicable requirements may not be the only way to achieve 
compliance. Stakeholders are encouraged to discuss departures from the approaches outlined in this  
guidance document with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to avoid expending resources on the 
development of alternative approaches which may later be considered unsuitable.  
The term “must” is not typically used in guidance. In this particular docu ment if the term “must” is used, it is 
used in the context of quoting or paraphrasing the requirements set out in the related IHS: Horses . 
Related Requirements  
Import Health Standard: Horses  
Document  history  
Refer to Appendix 1.  
Contact Details  
For further information and questions about this guidance document, please contact:  
 
Ministry for Primary Industries  
Agriculture and Investment Services  
Animal Imports  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
Email: animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz  
Disclaimer  
This guidance does not constitute, and should not be regarded as, legal advice . While every effort has been 
made to ensure the information in this guidance 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.  
Copyright  
Crown copyright ©. This copyright work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 New Zealand 
licence. In essence, you are free to copy, distribute and adapt the work, as long as you attribu te the work to the Ministry for Primary 
Industries and abide by the other licence terms. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/nz/ . 
Please note that n o governmental emblem, logo or Coat of Arms may be used in any way which infringes any provision of the Flags, 
Emblems, and Names Protection Act 1981 or would infringe such provision if the relevant use occurred within New Zealand. 
Attribution to the Minis try for Primary Industries should be in written form and not by reproduction of any such emblem, logo or Coat of 
Arms.  
Guidance Document : Horses  
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Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  2 of 16 
 
 
 Contents  Page 
1 Purpose  3 
2 Background  3 
3 Definitions  3 
4 Importer Responsibilities  3 
5 Guidance  3 
5.1 Equivalence  3 
5.2 Incorporation of material by reference  4 
5.3 Harmonised system (HS) codes  4 
5.4 Exporting country systems and certification  4 
5.5 Eligibility  5 
5.6 Diagnostic t ests and vaccines for international trade  6 
5.7 Negative, stable or declining titres (EVA)  6 
5.8 Summary information on approved countries  6 
5.9 Transitional facilities for horses  6 
5.10  Inspection and verification  7 
5.11  Tick examination  7 
5.12  Vector protection and vector -proof  7 
6 Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  8 
6.1 Model veterinary certificates  8 
Appendix 1 – Document History  16 
 
  Guidance Document : Horses  
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 1 Purpose  
(1) This guidance document has been issued to accompany the IHS: Horses . This guidance document 
should be read in conjunction with that IHS.  
(2) This document includes:  
a) Countries with MPI -approved exporting systems to import  horses  into New Zealand.  
b) A model veterinary certificate.  
c) Negotiated country specific veterinary certifi cates.  
2 Background  
(1) The IHS: Horses , which this guidance document accompanies, contains generic import requirements. 
These are the rules to manage the biosecurity risk of importing  horses  from all countries that can meet 
the requirements of the IHS and i n doing so meet New Zealand’s appropriate level of protection. The 
generic IHS serves as the basis for country -to-country (bilateral) negotiations. This guidance document 
contains a model veterinary certificate and the bilaterally -agreed veterinary certifi cation for trade in  
horses . This country -specific veterinary certificate represents what will be certified prior to exporting 
consignments of  horses  from the country specified.  
3 Definitions  
(1) Refer to Schedule 2 of the IHS: Horses . 
4 Importer Responsibilities  
(1) The costs to MPI in performing functions relating to the importation of  horses  will be recovered in 
accordance with the Biosecurity Act 1993 (the Act) and any regulations made under that Act. All costs 
involved with documentation, transp ort, storage and obtaining a biosecurity clearance must be covered 
by the importer or agent.  
(2) Consignments that do not comply with the requirements of the IHS may be tested, treated, re -shipped 
or destroyed using a MPI -approved destruction method.  
(3) Horses tr avelling onward to Australia or to other countries may need to meet additional requirements. 
For more information contact animalexports@mpi.govt.nz .  
5 Guidance  
5.1 Equivalence  
(1) MPI may accept an alternative method , system or process that can be shown to achieve the 
biosecurity requirements of the IHS (i.e. equivalence).  
(2) MPI’s preference is that the exporting country’s Competent Authority makes equivalence requests. 
Equivalence requests can be lodged with animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz . 
(3) An import permit is not required to impor t horses  from Australia into New Zealand if the requirements 
of the IHS are met.  
(4) An import permit may be required where specific equivalence measures are approved by MPI. An 
import permit serves as evidence of equivalence decisions and will be written as specific notes in the 
special conditions section of the permit.  Guidance Document : Horses  
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Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  4 of 16 
 
 
 (5) Import permit application forms can be found on the MPI website at : http://mpi.govt.nz/importin g/live -
animals/horses/forms -and-templates/ .  
(6) Completed applications are lodged with animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz . 
5.2 Incorporation of material by reference  
(1) Incorporation by reference means that standards, guid elines or lists are incorporated into the IHS and 
they form part of the requirements. This is done because technical documents are too large or 
impractical to include in the IHS.  
(2) Where the IHS states that section 142O(1) of the Act does not apply, this mea ns that importers need to 
refer to the most recent version of any standards, guidelines or lists that are incorporated by reference 
in the IHS.  
5.3 Harmonised system (HS) codes  
(1) The harmonised system is an international product numbering classification developed by the World 
Customs Organisation (WCO). The New Zealand harmonised system is found here: 
http://aria.stats.govt.nz/aria/  
(2) Animals  imported using the IHS will be under one of the following HS Codes:  
 
HS Code  Commodity Description  
0101  Horses, asses, mules and hinnies; live  
5.4 Exporting country systems and certification  
5.4.1 Approval for exporting systems  
(1) MPI recommends Competent Authorities that request the approval of their exporting systems refer to 
Section 3 of the Code  titled Quality of Veterinary Services , to prepare evidence for MPI regarding 
capabilities and preferences of the exporting country’s Co mpetent Authority.  
(2) The table below lists those exporting countries that meet the requirements set out in the IHS: Horses . 
 
Countries with approved exporting systems  Date agreed  
Australia  Trade ongoing  
Canada  Trade ongoing  
European Union  Trade ongoing  
Hong Kong  Trade ongoing  
Japan  Trade ongoing  
Macau  23 August 2016  
Singapore  18 January 2014  
United Kingdom  Trade ongoing  
United States of America  Trade ongoing  Guidance Document : Horses  
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 5.4.2 Agreed country specific veterinary certificates  
(1) Requests from exporting countries to negotiate veterinary certification for the import of  horses  into New 
Zealand will be prioritised according to MPI resources available at the time of application.  
(2) A model veterinary certificate is provided in this guidance document and can be  used by the 
Competent Authority as a reference for country -specific veterinary certificate negotiation.  
(3) All country -specific veterinary certificates agreed between an exporting country’s Competent Authority 
and MPI are included in the table below:  
 
Country  Link to certificate  S27 CTO direction #  Date agreed  Date applicable for 
use 
Australia  Australia  CTO 20 22 015 [B] 8 April 2022 8 April 2022  
EU European Union  CTO 2016 037 [B]  3 August 2016  3 August 2016  
Hong Kong  Hong Kong  CTO 2014 089 [B]  11 July 2014  11 July 2014  
Macau  Macau  n/a 9 February 2017  9 February 2017  
Singapore  Singapore  CTO 2015 036 [B]  21 April 2015  21 April 2015  
USA United States  CTO 2016 067 [B]  31 October 2016  31 October 2016  
(4) Horses from approv ed countries that do not have negotiated veterinary certificates can be exported by 
another approved country  until approv ed veterinary certificates become available.  
(5) Country -specific veterinary certificates with equivalent measures will be recorded with a number 
relevant to a Chief Technical Officer (CTO) direction under section 27(1)d(iii) of the Act, to enable 
border staff  to clear the goods and record the number in the MPI database.  
(6) When a newly negotiated country -specific veterinary certificate replaces one which is currently in use, 
the application of new import conditions will apply according to the dates listed in the  table. At that time 
previous veterinary certificates for that country can no longer be used.  
(7) After issue of the IHS, the measures may be used by countries which already have an agreed 
veterinary certificate. Using the measures before a new country -specifi c veterinary certificate is agreed 
can create challenges at the time of biosecurity clearance. MPI should be notified prior to their use in 
order to provide clarification to border staff.  
(8) When a country -specific veterinary certificate is agreed, there will  be a four -mont h transition period to 
allow animals  to be prepared in accordance with the new conditions. During transition, both the old and 
the new import conditions are acceptable. After transition, the previous veterinary certificate for that 
country c an no longer be used.  
5.5 Eligibility  
(1) The family Equidae  includes horses, donkeys and their crosses (mules and hinnies).  
(2) Clauses from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animal Regulations (LAR) the 
horses must meet include but are not limited to:  
a) All horses must be healthy and fit to travel at departure.  
b) No horse shall be under one month of age.  
c) Mares shall not be more than 300 days pregnant, unless it has been determined by the Official 
Veterinarian at the final inspection prior to export that travel does not pose a risk to mare or foal.  Guidance Document : Horses  
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Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  6 of 16 
 
 
 5.6 Diagnostic tests and vaccines for international trade  
(1) MPI lists all approved diagnostic tests and vaccines in the MPI document: Approved Diagnostic Tests, 
Vaccines, Treatments and Post -Arrival Testing Laboratories for Animal Import Health Standards , 
MPI-STD-TVTL . 
(2) Where OIE recommended diagnostic tests and vaccines are listed, details can be found in the OIE 
Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines  found on the OIE website: http://www.oie.int/en/international -
standard -setting/terrestrial -manual/access -online/  
(3) The OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code  chapter listing the prescribed and alternative diagnostic tests 
for OIE listed diseases is found on the OIE w ebsite: 
http://www.oie.int/index.php?id=169&L=0&htmfile=chapitre_1.1.3.htm  
5.7 Negative, stable or declining titres (EVA)  
(1) Equine viral ateritis (EVA)  titre tests  should be  perfo rmed at the same laboratory, preferably on the 
same day, (to minimise laboratory variation) .  
(2) One doubling of titre (i.e. 1:8 first sample and 1:16 second sample) between the first sample and the 
final pre -export isolation sample will be acceptable as norm al laboratory variation. This doubling would 
be regarded as “stable”.  
(3) Two doublings in titre (i.e. 1:8 first sample and 1:32 second sample, which is the same as a fourfold 
increase) may require further testing at MPI’s discretion.  
(4) If the first bleed was 1:4 and the second bleed was 1:64 (four doublings) then  that demonstrates active 
infection and antibody titres are still being stimulated to counter the infection.  In this case the horse 
could not  travel.  
5.8 Summary information on approved countries  
(1) The f ollowing countri es are approved by MPI to export  horses  to New Zealand : 
a) Australia:  
i) Permit to import not required (consignments with an equivalence will require a permit to 
import issued by MPI).  
ii) Pre-export isolation not required.  
iii) Veterinary certificate and  laboratory report/summary results table inspection required  
iv) Post-arrival quarantine not required.  
b) European Union , Hong Kong , Macau, Singapore and USA: 
i) Permit to import required.  
ii) Pre-export isolation required (minimum 21 days).  
iii) Veterinary certificate and laboratory report/summary results table inspection required  
iv) Post-arrival quarantine required (minimum 14 days).  
5.9 Transitional facilities for horses  
(1) IRT New Zealand  
126 Muir Road , Papakura , Auckland, New Zealand  
Tel: +64 9 297 2022 | Fax: +64  9 298 6066 | Mob: +64 21 797 703  
www.irt.com  Guidance Document : Horses  
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 5.10 Inspection and verification  
(1) All documentation accompanying the consignment must be sent to the MPI verification officer at least 
72 hours pr ior to arrival of the horses. This information should include:  
a) Information on previous illness and/or treatment of horses being released from pre -export 
isolation;  
b) A contingency plan for temporary quarantine of the horses in case of unexpected non -
complian ce (applicable to horses from Australia only).  
(2) On arrival, all documentation accompanying the consignment will be verified by an inspector. The 
inspector may also inspect the consignment, or a sample of the consignment on arrival.  
(3) Inspectors are able to in spect and verify due to their authorised powers under the Act.  
(4) These requirements are independent of the IHS requirements.  
5.11 Tick examination  
(1) Tick examinations are performed at the border (by the Official Veterinarian) for horses imported from 
Australia. All  other countries will have tick inspections performed at an approved transitional facility, 
within 24 hours of arrival into New Zealand.  
(2) Examination before export must involve a systematic approach and the inspection should be done by 
the registered atten ding veterinarian under supervision of the Official Veterinarian. The inspection must 
include close examination of the ears, false nostrils, under -body areas (axilla, inguinal region and 
under the jawbone), perineum, mane and tail.  
(3) For countries not free o f piroplasmosis where the horses have to be free and protected from vectors 
(ticks) during the 30 days prior to export, the option of finding ticks at the final inspection prior to 
export, treating the animal and re -inspecting before travel is ruled out.  
5.12 Vector protection and vector -proof  
(1) The MPI expectations of vector protection against Culicoides  midges can be modelled off the OIE 
Code  recommendations found in the African Horse Sickness Chapter Article 12.1.10.  Protecting 
Animals from Culicoides Attack.   
Guidance on how to meet the MPI definition for vector -proof can be found in the following DEFRA 
article : African Horse Sickness: Maximising Equine Housing Vector Protection . 
 
  Guidance Document : Horses  
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 6 Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  
6.1 Model veterinary certificates  
(1) Below is a model veterinary certificate for trade in  horses . This model meets the requirements of the 
IHS.  
(2) This model veterinary certificate format is based on the Code  Chapter for model veterinary certificates 
for international trade in horses.  
 
Part 1: Details of dispatched consignment  1.1.  Consignor (Exporter):  
Name:  
Address:  
 1.2.  Certificate reference number:  
 
1.3.  Competent Authority:  
 
1.4.  Consignee (Importer):  
Name:  
Address:  
 
 
1.5.  Country of origin:  
ISO Code*  1.6.  Zone or compartment of origin:**  
 
1.7.  Country of destination:  
ISO Code*  1.8.  Zone or compartment of destination:**   
1.9.  Place of origin:  
Name:  
Address:  
1.10.  Place of shipment:  1.11.  Date of departure:  
1.12.  Means of transport:  
 
    Aeroplane           Ship  
 
Identification:  
 1.13.  Expected border post:  
 
1.14.  Description of commodity:  
 1.15.  Commodity Code (ISO Code*):  
1.16.  Total number of  horses : 
1.17.  Treatment of vehicle used to transport horse(s) to port of departure (e.g. residual insecticide – date of treatment, chemical(s) used, 
and the active ingredient(s):  
 
1.18.  Treatment of container(s) (e.g. residual insecticide – date of treatment, chemical(s) used, and the active i ngredient(s):  
 
1.19.  Identification of container/serial number:  
1.20.  Identification of animals:  
Species (scientific name):     ☐   Horses and ponies ( Equus caballus)     ☐  Donkeys (Equus asinus)  
  ☐   Mules and hinnies ( E. asinus x E. caballus)  
 
Species (Scientific Name)  ID Number/Details  Breed/Category  Age Sex ID System  
      
      
      
 
 Guidance Document : Horses  
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Part 2:  Veterinary Information  Country:  Certificate reference number:  
The Competent Authority of the exporting country is required to issue a signed, stamped and dated Veterinary Certificate 
attesting the following:  
The undersigned Official Veterinarian certifies that the 9quidae  described above satisfy the following requirements:  
Pre-export isolation (PEI)  
(1) The horse(s) were held in PEI premises approved and supervised by the Veterinary Authority to the MPI 
Standard for the approval of pre -export isolation premises for horses  (This clause does not apply to Australian 
horses).  
(2) The horse(s) were not naturally mated or artificially inseminated while in PEI.  
Inspection  
(3) Final inspection was undertaken in the  48 hours prior to export, and all horses were free of clinical signs of 
disease, including ectoparasites, and were fit to travel.  
Treatment   
(4) Vaccinations required for export were administered not less than 35 days before export, except where 
Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) and African horse sickness (AHS) vaccines were req uired, they were 
administered as described in the OIE Code . Vaccines for risk organisms met all other recommendations as 
described in the Terrestrial Manual or in the MPI -document: MPI Approved Diagnostic Tests, Vaccines, 
Treatments and Post -arrival Testin g Laboratories for Animal Import Health Standards  (MPI -STD-TVTL).  
Testing  
(5) Diagnostic test(s) were those prescribed for international trade and meet the standards of the document 
MPI-STD-TVTL . 
(6) Diagnostic testing was conducted at a laboratory approved by the  Veterinary Authority to conduct the required 
export testing.  
(7) Laboratory samples were collected, processed, and stored as recommended in the OIE Code  and Terrestrial 
Manual .  
Transport  
(8) As far as can be determined, the vehicle in which the horses are to be  transported in to the port of departure will 
be cleaned, disinfected and treated with an effective insecticide before loading.  
(9) As far as can be determined, during transport to the port of departure the horses will be kept isolated from 
animals not of equa l tested health status.  
(10) Only animals eligible for importation into New Zealand will be loaded on the craft for export.  
(11) As far as can be determined horses will be loaded into containers that are:  
(a) New or were cleaned and disinfected with an effective virucidal disinfectant before loading.  
(b) Treated with an effective residual insecticide.  
(12) As far as can be determined, for horses transported by air, the cargo space of the aircraft will be sprayed with 
an effective residual insecticide.  
(13) No mare in the consignment is more than 300 days pregnant;  
(14) No horse in the consignment is less than 1 month of age.  
For African horse sickness (AHS)  
(15) The horses:  
(a) Since birth or for at least the 40 days before export, were  kept in a n AHS-free country, MPI -approved 
zone, or MPI -approved seasonally free zone and met the recommendations as described in the OIE  
Code . 
(b) Were showing no clinical signs of AHS at the final inspection prior to export.  
(c) Were not vaccinated  for AHS in the last 40 days.  
(d) Were kept in a country where AHS is notifiable; or  
(16) The horses:  Guidance Document : Horses  
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Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  10 of 16 
 
 
 (a) Since birth or for at least the 40 days before export, were kept  in an AHS -infected  country  or zone , an at 
risk country  or zone , or transited through an infected country/zone an d met the recommendations as 
described in the OIE Code . 
(b) Were showing no clinical signs of AHS at the final inspection prior to export.  
(c) Were not  vaccinated for AHS in the last 40 days.  
(d) Were kept for a minimum 40 days before export in vector -proof PEI premis es as described in the OIE 
Code  and were protected from vectors at all times before export ; or 
(i) Were subjected to either : 
1. A serological test to detect antibodies to  the AHS virus  group as described in the 
document MPI -STD-TVTL with negative results  with the samples  collected at least 28 
days after entering PEI /the vector -protected establishment; or  
2. Serological tests to detect antibodies to AHS  virus as described in the MPI document 
MPI-STD-TVTL with two blood samples collected at least 21 days apart, the first sample 
collected at least 7 days after entering PEI. The r esults showed stable or declining 
antibody titres ; or 
3. Agent identification tes ts as described in the MPI document MPI-STD-TVTL  from blood 
collected on two occasions at least 14 days apart, and the first sample was collected at 
least 7 days after entering PEI, with negative results . 
For anthrax  
(17) The horses were showing no clinical sig ns of anthrax at the final inspection prior to export and anthrax is 
notifiable in the country of export; and 
(18) Were kept for the 20 days before export on premises where anthrax was not reported during that time; or  
(a) Were vaccinated not less than 35 days and not more than 6 months before export, as described in the 
document MPI-STD-TVTL . Antibiotics were not administered to the horses in the 7 days prior to and after 
vaccination and there was strict adherence to the manufacturer’s instructions.  
For Borna disea se (BD) 
(19) The horses were:  
(a) Kept since birth or for at least the 90 days before export in a country free from Borna disease; or  
(b) Kept since birth or for at least the 90 days before export on premises in which no case of Borna disease 
has been reported during t he past 12 months.  
For contagious equine metritis (CEM)  
(20) The horses (excludes geldings, and pre -pubertal fillies and colts that are less than 731 days of age if 
accompanied by documentation showing equivalent testing of their dam):  
(a) Were kept since birth or  for at least  the 60 days before export in a CEM -free country approved by MPI, 
where no case of CEM has been reported in the past 2 years; or  
(b) Were kept since birth or  for at least the 60 days  before export in  premises where no case of CEM has 
been  reported  during that time;  and  
(i) Were showing no clinical sig ns of CEM at the final inspection prior to export.  
(ii) An official control programme for CEM , or MPI -approved equivalent,  is established in the country 
of ex port. 
(iii) The horses have never been mated to, or inseminated with semen from a horse kn own to be 
infected with CEM.  
(iv) The horses have never entered  a known CEM -infected premise.  
(v) During the 30 days before export  the horses were  tested for CEM as described in the document 
MPI-STD-TVTL, with negative results ; (strike -out 1-3 not applicable to the animals on this 
certificate)  
1. Stallions and colts  were sampled twice at  4-7 day intervals with swabs taken each time 
from the urethra; urethral fossa and its sinus; and the penile sheath;  or 
2. Mares and pubertal fillies  were sampled twice at 4-7 day intervals with swabs taken 
each time from the clitoral fossa and sinuses . 
(vi) The horses did not receive antibiotics in the 7 days before the  first sample collection or during the 
CEM sampling  period.  
(vii) Since the date of first sampl ing for CEM  the animals  were not  naturally mated  or inseminated 
with semen  from a CEM -untested stallion.  Guidance Document : Horses  
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 (Note: if a horse does not meet requirement 20c and  20 d or has been known to be infected with 
CEM, it may be permitted entry subject to an effective m ethod of treatment and testing approved 
by MPI)  
For dourine  
(21) The horses were:  
(a) Showing no clinical signs of dourine at the final inspection before export.  
(b) Were kept since birth or for at least the 6 months before export in a country free from dourine as 
desc ribed in the OIE Code ; or 
(22) The horses were:  
(a) Showing no clinical signs of dourine at the final inspection prior to export.  
(b) Were kept since birth or for at least the 6 months before export on premises where there was no case of 
dourine reported during that time.  
(c) Were subjected to a diagnostic test for dourine as described in the document MPI-STD-TVTL  on samples 
collected during the 15 days prior to export.  
For ectoparasites  
(23) The horses were treated twice: first immediately on entry into PEI; and second in the 48 hours before the 
scheduled date of export. The product(s) used are highly effective against ectoparasites and were applied as 
described in the manufacturer’s instructions.  
(24) The horses were thoroughly examined in the 48 hours before export by a reg istered veterinarian; and  
(a) There was no evidence of tick infection; or  
(b) The horses were thoroughly examined in the 48 hours before export by a registered veterinarian and 
ticks were found. The horses were re -treated, and then re -inspected, and ticks were no t found *.  
* delete option b if the exporting country is not free of piroplasmosis  
For endoparasites  
(25) The horses were treated twice: first immediately on entry into PEI; and second in the 48 hours before the 
scheduled date of export. The product used is a h ighly effective broad spectrum endoparasiticide and was 
applied as described in the manufacturer’s instructions.  
For equine encephalomyelitis (Eastern and Western)  
(26) The horses were showing no clinical sign of equine encephalomyelitis at the final inspectio n before export and 
during the 90 days before export; and  
(a) Were kept for the 90 days before export in premises where no official case of equine 
encephalomyelitides was reported during that time; or  
(b) The horses were kept for a minimum 21 days before export in  PEI and were protected from vectors at all 
times whilst in PEI and during transportation to the port of departure; or  
(c) The horses were vaccinated against equine encephalomyelitides not less than 35  days and not more 
than one  year before export.  
For equine encephalosis (EE) 
(27) The horses were kept since birth or for at least the 40 days before export in a country where no case of EE has 
been reported during the past 2 years; or  
(28) The horses were kept since birth or for at least the 40 days before export on premises where no case of EE has 
been reported during the past 12 months; and  
(a) The horses were kept for at least the 40 days before export in PEI and were protected from vectors at all 
times whilst in PEI and during transportation to the port of departure.  
For equine infectious anaemia (EIA)  
(29) The horses were showing no clinical sign of EIA in the 48 hours before export.  
(a) EIA is a notifiable disease in the country of export.  
(b) The horses were kept since birth or for at least the 90 days before export on premises where no official 
case of EIA was reported during that time.  
(c) The horses were subjected to a diagnostic test for EIA as described in the document MPI -STD-TVTL with 
negative results. Samples for testing were collected in PEI.  Guidance Document : Horses  
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 For equine influenza (EI) 
(30) The ho rses were:  
(a) Kept since birth or for at least the 21 days before export in a country, zone or compartment free of EI as 
described in the OIE Code ; or 
(31) The horses were:  
(a) Kept for at least the 21 days before export in premises where no case of EI was reported du ring that 
time.  
(b) Kept in PEI premises for at least the 21 days before export and showed no clinical signs of EI during that 
time.  
(c) Subjected to an agent identification test as described in the document MPI-STD-TVTL . Samples were 
collected on two occasions, t he first taken 5 -7 days after entry into PEI and a second sample taken not 
less than 5 days later;  
(d) Were subjected to a vaccination for EI (excludes foals less than 6 months of age if accompanied by 
documentation showing equivalent  vaccination of their dam ): 
(i) With either a primary course or booster administered not less than 35 days before export and not 
more than 90 days before export.  
(ii) Administered as described in the manufacturer’s instructions.  
(iii) Containing equivalent strains of EI virus as recommended by t he OIE expert surveillance panel 
for EI vaccines or otherwise approved by MPI.  
For equine piroplasmosis  
(32) The horses showed no clinical sign of equine piroplasmosis on the day of shipment.  
 
(33) The horses were kept since birth or for at least 30 days prior to export in a country:  
 
(a) recognised by MPI as free from equine piroplasmosis,  
(b) that does not import seropositive equids (with the exception of horses temporarily imported for 
competition purposes), and  
(c) where no case of equine piroplasmosis has been reported in  the 2 years prior to export, or  
(34) The horses were:  
(a) tested for both Theileria equi  and Babesia caballi  using an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and a 
competitive enzyme -linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA ) as listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for both with 
negative results, during the 30 days prior to export; or  
(b) confirmed negative for equine piroplasmosis ( B. caballi  and 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 serum sample taken during the 30 days prior to 
export; and  
(c) maintained  free from ticks, by preventive treatment when necessary, during the 30 days prior to export.  
For equine herpesvirus 1 [abortigenic and paralytic forms (EHV -1)] 
(35) The horses were showing no clinical signs of EHV -1 infection (abortigenic and paralytic forms) at the final 
inspection prior to export and were kept for at least 21 days before export in premis es where no case of  EHV -1 
infection (abortigenic and paralytic forms) was reported during that time.  
For equine viral arteritis (EVA)  
(36) For uncastrated male horses, either  
(a) Were showing no clinical signs of EVA at the final inspection and during the 28 days before export, and 
in that time were kept in premises where no clinical case of EVA was reported; and  
(i) Were kept separate from all other horses for at least 28 days before export, were isolated in PEI 
for the 21 days prior to export and a blood sample colle cted during PEI tested negative for EVA 
antibodies using a test as described in the document MPI-STD-TVTL ; or 
(ii) When 6 -9 months of age had two blood samples collected 14 days apart that showed stable or 
declining EVA antibody titres. After the last blood sam ple was collected the horses were 
vaccinated for EVA, and were revaccinated regularly to maintain current EVA vaccination status 
as described in the manufacturer’s instructions; or  
(iii) Were vaccinated for EVA as described in the following protocol:  Guidance Document : Horses  
  8 April 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  13 of 16 
 
 
 1. The horses were held in isolation for 7 days and then tested negative for EVA antibodies 
using a test listed in the document MPI-STD-TVTL . 
2. After the blood sample was collected the horses were vaccinated for EVA.  
3. Following vaccination the horses were isolated from all  other horses for a further 21 days.  
4. The horses were revaccinated regularly to maintain current EVA vaccination status as 
described in the manufacturer’s instructions; or  
(37) In the case of stallions that are seropositive for EVA virus:  
(a) During the 6 months bef ore export the seropositive stallions were test mated to two mares. The mares 
were subjected to two diagnostic tests for EVA as described in the document MPI-STD-TVTL , with 
negative results. The first sample was collected from the mares at the time of test  mating, the second 28 
days after; or  
(b) During the 6 months before export the seropositive stallions were tested by virus isolation on the sperm 
rich fraction of two separate semen samples (may be taken on the same day) as described in the 
document MPI-STD-TVTL, with negative results; or  
(c) During the 6 months after the seropositive blood sample was collected the stallions were:  
(i) Subjected to virus isolation on the sperm rich fraction of two separate semen samples  (may be 
taken on the same day) as described in the document MPI-STD-TVTL  with negative results.  
(ii) Vaccinated for EVA after the semen samples were collected.  
(iii) Revaccinated regularly to maintain current EVA status as described in the manufacturer’s 
instructions .  
(38) For all horses other than uncastrated males:  
(a) The horses were showing no clinical signs of EVA at the time of final inspection and during the 28 days 
before export; and  
(i) Were kept for at least the 28 days before export in premises where EVA was not report ed; and  
1. Were tested negative for EVA antibodies using a test as described in the document 
MPI-STD-TVTL . The samples for testing were collected during PEI; or  
2. During PEI, two blood samples were collected from the horses at least 14 days apart, and 
showed s table or declining antibody titres; or  
3. The horses were vaccinated for EVA as described in 34c; or  
(b) The horses were isolated for the 28 days prior to shipment (PEI was extended to 28 days) and during this 
time showed no signs of EVA.  
For glanders  
(39) The horses  were kept for at least the 6 months before export in a country free of glanders as described in the 
OIE Code , and glanders is notifiable in the country of export; or  
(40) The horses were:  
(a) Kept since birth or for at least the 6 months before export on premises where no case of glanders was 
reported during that time.  
(b) Were subjected to a test for glanders as described in the document MPI-STD-TVTL with negative results.  
Samples for testing were collected in the 30 days before export.  
For Hendra virus  
(41) The horses were kept since birth or for at least the 90 days before export in a country approved by MPI as free 
of Hendra; or  
(42) The horses were:  
(a) Kept since birth or for at least the 90 days before export in premises where no case of infection in 
animals or human s was reported during that time.  
(b) Were showing no clinical signs of infection with Hendra virus at the final inspection prior to export.  
For Nipah virus  
(43) The horses were kept since birth or for at least the 90 days before export in a country approved by MPI as free 
of Nipah; or  
(44) The horses were:  
(a) Kept since birth or for at least the 90 days before export in premises where no case of infection in 
animals or humans was reported during that time.  
(b) Showing no clinical signs of infection with Nipah virus at the final  inspection prior to export.  Guidance Document : Horses  
  8 April 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  14 of 16 
 
 
 For New World and Old World screwworm  
(45) The horses were kept for at least the 21 days before export in a country free of New World and Old World 
screwworm fly and where there was no reported cases of screw -worm fly ( Cochliomyia hominivorax  or 
Chrysomya bezziana ) myasis during the past 12 months; or  
(46) The horses were from a screwworm infested country and the following was undertaken immediately before 
entering PEI and again immediately before loading for departure to the port of exp ort: 
(a) All horses were thoroughly examined and found to be free of screwworm fly infestation.  
(b) Any wounds were treated with an oily larvicide that is approved by the Veterinary Authority for the 
prevention of screwworm fly, and applied as described in the man ufacturer’s instructions.  
(c) All horses were dipped, sprayed or otherwise treated, immediately after inspection, with a product that is 
approved by the Veterinary Authority for the prevention of screwworm fly and applied as described in the 
manufacturer’s ins tructions.  
For rabies  
(47) The horses were from a  rabies -free country, and were showing no clinical signs of rabies on the day of 
shipment, and were kept since birth or for at least the 6 months before export in a rabies free country as 
described in the OIE Code; or 
(48) The horses were from a  country in which rabies occurs, and were showing no clinical signs of rabies at the time 
of final inspection, and for at least the 6 months before export the horses were kept on premises where 
separation from wild and feral ani mals was maintained and no case of rabies was reported for at least 12 
months before export.  
For equine salmonellosis  (Salmonella arbortus equi ) 
(49) The horses were showing no clinical signs of equine salmonellosis at the final inspection prior to export and 
were kept for at least the 90 days before export on premises where no case of equine salmonellosis ( S. abortus 
equi) was reported during that time.  
For surra  
(50) The horses were kept since birth or for at least the 60 days before export in a country where no case of surra 
has been reported during the past 2 years; or  
(51) The horses were kept since birth or for at least the 60 days before export on premises where no case of surra 
was reported during that time; and  
(a) The horses were kept for a minimum 21 days before e xport in PEI and were protected from vectors at all 
times whilst in PEI and during transportation to the port of departure.  
(b) Were subjected to diagnostic test(s) as recommended by the document MPI-STD-TVTL  for surra, with 
negative results. Samples were coll ected in the 10 days after entering the PEI premises.  
For Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE)  
(52) The horses were:  
(a) Kept since birth or for at least the 6 months before export in a country free of VEE as described in the 
OIE Code . 
(b) Not vaccinated against V EE in the 60 days before export.  
(c) Showing no clinical signs of VEE at the final inspection prior to export; or  
(53) The horses were:  
(a) Kept in a country considered infected with VEE.  
(b) Showing no clinical signs of VEE at the time of final inspection and during the 2 1 days before export.  
(c) Kept for the 21 days before export on premises where VEE was not reported during that time; and  
(i) Were vaccinated against VEE no less than 60 days before export and were clearly identified with 
a permanent mark at the time of vaccinatio n. 
(ii) The horses were kept for a minimum 21 days before export in PEI and were protected from 
vectors at all times whilst in PEI and during transportation to the port of departure.  
(iii) Had temperature readings taken daily in PEI and any horse with an elevated tem perature was 
subjected to a blood test for VEE virus isolation, with negative results; or  
(d) Were not vaccinated for VEE and were subjected to a diagnostic test for VEE as recommended in the 
document MPI-STD-TVTL  with negative results. Samples for testing wer e collected at least 14 days after 
the start of PEI;  
(i) The horses were kept for a minimum 21 days before export in PEI and were protected from 
vectors at all times in PEI and during transportation to the port of departure.  Guidance Document : Horses  
  8 April 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  15 of 16 
 
 
 (ii) Had temperature readings taken daily in PEI and any horse with an elevated temperature was 
subjected to a blood test for VEE virus isolation, with negative results.  
For vesicular stomatitis (VS) 
(54) The horses were kept for at least the 21 days before export in a country or zone that is free of VS as described 
in the OIE Code ;  horses showed no clinical signs of VS at the final inspection prior to export; or  
(55) The horses were:  
(a) From a country considered infected with VS.  
(b) VS is notifiable in the country of export.  
(c) An approved surveillance system is in place to provide rapid detection and on -going monitoring.  
(d) The horses were kept for the 21 days before export in premises where no case of VS was reported 
during that time.  
(e) The horses were subjected to:  
(i) An MPI -approved diagnostic test in the 21 days before export. The result of testing indicates 
negative titres; or  
(ii) An MPI -approved diagnostic test in the 21 days before export with positive results  then re -tested  
not less than 14 days later. The result of testing indicates negative, stable or declining titres.  
(f) The horses were kept for a minimum 30 days before export in PEI and were protected from vectors at all 
times in PEI and during transportation to the port of  departure.  
(g) The horses were showing no clinical signs of VS at the time of final inspection and for the 21 days before 
export.  
For warble fly  
(56) The horses were kept since birth or for at least the 90 days before export in a country or zone where no case of 
warble fly has been reported during the past 12 months; or  
(57) The horses were treated with an ectoparasiticide approved by the Veterinary Authority as capable of killing 
warble fly larvae, applied as described in the manufacturer’s instructions in the 48 hours  before export and were 
showing no clinical signs of warble fly disease at the final inspection prior to export.  
 
 
Note: Where more than one option is listed delete the options that are not applicable.  
 
 Official Veterinarian  
Name:  
Address:  
Email:  
  
Signature:   
Date:  
 
  
Official Veterinarian signature, 
Official stamp and date  Guidance Document : Horses  
  8 April 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  16 of 16 
 
 
 Appendix 1 – Document History  
 
Date First Issued  Title Shortcode  
16 February 2017  Guidance Document:  Horses  HORANIIC.GEN  
Date of Issued Amendments  Title Shortcode  
2 June 2020  Guidance Document:  Horses  HORANIIC.GEN  
16 July 2021  Guidance Document:  Horses  HORANIIC.GEN  
24 March 2022  Guidance Document:  Horses  HORANIIC.GEN  
8 April 2022  Guidance Document:  Horses  HORANIIC.GEN  
 