 
 
 
Import Health Standard  
Issued under the Biosecurity Act 1993   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Horses  
HORANIIC.GEN  
8 April 2022  
 Import Health Standard : Horses   
  8 April 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  1 of 24 
TITLE  
Import Health Standard : Horses  
COMMENCEMEN T 
This consolidated  Import Health Standard  comes into force on  8 April 2022 . 
 
This Import Health Standard amends the Import Health Standard: Horses , which came into force on 2 June 
2020, and consolidates all amendments up to 8 April 2022.  
 
The amendment history to this Import Health Standard is set ou t in Schedule 1: Document Histor y. 
 
ISSUING AUTHORITY  
This Import Health Standard  is issued under section 24A of the Biosecurity Act 1993  and incorporates 
amendments made in accordance with section 24B(1)(a) of that Act.  
 
Dated at Wellington this  8th day of April 2022. 
 
 
Vicki Melville  
Acting Manager , Animal  Health  
Ministry for Primary Industries  
(acting under dele gated authority of the Director -General)  
A copy of the instrument of delegation may be inspected at the Director General’s office.  
 
Contact for further information  
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)  
Agriculture & Investment Services - Tapuwae Ahuwhenua  
Animal  Imports  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
Email: animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz  
 Import Health Standard : Horses   
  8 April 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  2 of 24 
Contents  Page 
Introduction  4 
Part 1:  Requirements  6 
1.1 Application  6 
1.2 Outcome  6 
1.3 Incorporation of material by reference  6 
1.4 Definitions  7 
1.5 Eligibility  7 
1.6 Exporting country systems  7 
1.7 Pre-export isolation (PEI)  7 
1.8 Laboratory  7 
1.9 Transport  8 
1.10  Transi tional facility  8 
1.11  Treatment  8 
1.12  Additional information  9 
1.13  The documentation that must accompany goods  9 
1.14  Biosecurity authorisation  10 
1.15  Biosecurity cle arance  10 
Part 2:  Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  11 
2.1 African horse sickness (AHS)  11 
2.2 Anthrax  11 
2.3 Borna disease  11 
2.4 Contagious equine metritis (CEM)  11 
2.5 Dourine  11 
2.6 Ectoparasites  12 
2.7 Endoparasites  12 
2.8 Equine encephalomyelitis (Eastern and Western)  12 
2.9 Equine encephalosis  12 
2.10  Equine herpesvirus -1 [abortigenic and paralytic forms (EHV -1)] 12 
2.11  Equine infectious anaemia (EIA)  12 
2.12  Equine influenza (EI)  13 
2.13  Equine piroplasmosis  13 
2.14  Equine salmonellosis ( Salmonella abortus equi ) 13 
2.15  Equine viral arteritis (EVA)  13 
2.16  Glanders  14 
2.17  Hendra and Nipah viruses  14 
2.18  New World and Old World screwworm  14 
2.19  Rabies  14 
2.20  Surra  14 
2.21  Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE)  14 
2.22  Vesicular Stomatitis (VS)  15 
2.23  Warble fly  15 
Schedule 1 – Document History  16 
Schedule 2 – Definiti ons 17 Import Health Standard : Horses   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  3 of 24 
Schedule 3 – New Zealand MPI Standard for the Pre -Export Isolation (PEI) of Horses  20 
Schedule 4 – Post -Arrival Quarantine of Horses  23 
 
 
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Introduction  
This introduction  is not part of the  Import Health Standard  (IHS) , but is intended to indicate its general effect.  
Purpose  
This import health standard specifies the minimum requirements that must be met when importing horses.  
Background  
The Biosecurity Act 1993 (the Act) provides the legal basis for excluding, eradicating and effectively managing 
pests and unwanted organisms.  
Import health standards issued under the Act set out requirements to be met to effectively manage biosecurity 
risks associated with importing goods. They include requirements that must be met in the exporting country, 
during transit, and during importation, before biosecurity clearance can be given.  
This particular IHS sets out the minimum requirements  that must be met when importing horses into New 
Zealand from MPI -approved countries.  
A Guidance Document  accompanies this IHS providing information on how the requirements may be met.  
Who should read this  Import Health Standard ? 
This IHS applies to importers of eligible consignments of Equidae.  
Why is this important?  
It is the importer’s responsibility to ensure the requirements of this IHS are met. Consignments that do not 
comply with the requirements of this IHS may not be cleared for entry int o New Zealand and/or further 
information may be sought from importers. Consignments that do not comply with the requirements of this IHS 
may be re -shipped or destroyed under the Act or treated/tested in accordance with this IHS prior to release or 
equivale nce determined. Importers are lia ble for all associated expenses . 
Equivalence  
The Chief Technical Officer (CTO) may approve measures under section 27(1)(d) of the Act, different from 
those set out in this IHS, that may be applied to effectively manag e risks associated with the importation of 
these goods. If an equivalent measure is approved a permit to import may be issued under section 24D(2) of 
the Act, if the Director -General considers it appropriate to do so.  
For competition horses alternative app roaches to risk management are available when New Zealand horses 
are exported internationally or international horses are imported into New Zealand for short durations for the 
purpose of competing in specific events. In such cases, MPI approval is required  for any alternatives for 
specific circumstances. MPI's approval will be on the basis that the alternative measure/s effectively manages 
biosecurity risk to a level equivalent to that achieved through application of the measure/s described in this 
import h ealth standard for horses permanently imported. Every MPI approval will be noted in the Guidance 
Document.  
See Guidance Document for more information about equivalence and permits   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  5 of 24 
Document History  
Refer to Schedule 1.  
Other information  
This is not an exhaustive list of compliance requirements and it is the importer’s responsibility to be familiar 
with and comply with all New Zealand laws.  
Refer to Schedule 3 for information on the New Zealand MPI Standard for the Pre -Export Isolation (PEI) of 
Horses.  
Refer to Schedule 4 for information on the Post -Arrival Quarantine of Horses.  
See Guidance Document  for more information about inspection and verification of consignments.  Import Health Standard : Horses   
  8 April 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  6 of 24 
Part 1:  Requirements  
1.1 Application  
(1) Equidae may be imported into New Zealand from all countries that meet the requirements of this IHS. 
(2) The family of Equidae includes horses, donkeys and their crosses (mules, asses and hinnies).  
(3) Eligible countries are Australia, Canada, European Union, Hong Kong,  Japan,  Macau, Singapore , the 
United Kingdom,  and the United States of America.  
1.2 Outcome  
(1) The outcome this IHS is seeking to achieve is the effective management of biosecurity risks associated 
with eligible consignments.  
(2) The biosecurity risk organisms associated with horses that are managed by this IHS are:  
a) African horse sickness  
b) Anthrax  
c) Borna disease  
d) Contagious equine metritis  
e) Dourine  
f) Eastern and Western equine encephalomyelitis  
g) Equine encephalosis  
h) Equine herpesvirus type 1 (abortigenic and paralytic f orms)  
i) Equine infectious anaemia  
j) Equine influenza  
k) Equine piroplasmosis  
l) Equine salmonellosis ( Salmonella abortus equi ) 
m) Equine viral arteritis  
n) Glanders  
o) Hendra and Nipah viruses  
p) Internal and external parasites (endoparasites and ectoparasites)  
q) New World and Ol d World screwworm  
r) Rabies  
s) Surra  
t) Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis  
u) Vesicular stomatitis  
v) Warble fly  
1.3 Incorporation of material by reference  
(1) The following international standards are  incorporated by reference in this IHS under section 142M of 
the Act:  
a) The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for 
Terrestrial Animals  (the Manual ), available at the OIE website: Terrestrial Manual Online Access 
- OIE - World Organisation for Animal Health  
b) The OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code  (the Code ), available at the OIE website: Terrestrial 
Code Online Access - OIE - World Organisation for Animal Health  
c) The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulati ons (LAR): a copy is 
available for reading at MPI, Pastoral House, 25 The Terrace, Wellington,  free of charge.  
(2) The following material is  incorporated by reference in this IHS under section 142M of the Act:  Import Health Standard : Horses   
  8 April 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  7 of 24 
a) MPI Approved Diagnostic Tests, Vaccines, Treatments and Post -arrival Testing Laboratories for 
Animal Import Health Standards , MPI-STD-TVTL . 
(3) Under section 142O(3) of the Act it is declared that section 142O(1) does not apply, that is, a notice 
under section 142O(2) of the Act is not required to be published before material that amends or 
replaces the above listed standards, guideline or lists has legal effect as part of these documents  
See Guidance Document for more information about incorporation by reference and on section 142O  
1.4 Definitions  
(1) Refer to Schedule 2. 
1.5 Eligibility  
(1) All horses must be healthy and fit to travel at departure.  
(2) No horse shall be under one month of age.  
(3) Mares shall not be more than 300 days pregnant.  
1.6 Exporting country systems  
(1) Horses may only be imported from a country where the Competent Authority has provided the 
following evidence to the satisfaction of the CTO:  
a) The verifiable animal health status of the equine populations in the exporting country or zone, 
with respe ct to biosecurity risk organisms of concern.  
b) The national systems and/or programmes and standards in the exporting country for regulatory 
oversight of the equine industry.  
c) The capabilities and preferences of the exporting country’s Competent Authority with respect to 
achieving equivalent outcomes to requirements stated in this IHS.  
(2) Once satisfied with the exporting country systems, MPI and the Competent Authority may commen ce 
negotiation of a country -specific veterinary certificate.  
MPI reserves the right to perform an in -country or desk -top audit at any time, including prior to the first 
shipment of horses.  
See Guidance Document for more information about exporting countr y systems and certification.  
1.7 Pre-export isolation (PEI)  
(1) When required, horses must be held in PEI premises approved and supervised by the exporting 
country’s Veterinary Authority and compliant to New Zealand’s MPI Standard for the Approval of Pre -
Export Is olation Premises for Horses.  
1.8 Laboratory  
(1) Diagnostic test(s) must meet  the standards of MPI’s document MPI Approved Diagnostic Tests, 
Vaccines, Treatments and Post -arrival Testing Laboratories for Animal Import Health Standards , MPI-
STD-TVTL . 
(2) Diagnostic  testing must be  conducted at a laboratory approved by MPI and/or the exporting country’s 
Veterinary Authority to conduct  diagnostic testing for horses to be imported into New Zealand.  Import Health Standard : Horses   
  8 April 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  8 of 24 
(3) Laboratory samples must be  collected, processed, and stored as recommended in the OIE Code  and 
Terrestrial  Manual . 
1.9 Transport  
(1) Horses imported into New Zealand must, as a minimum, meet the following transport requirements:  
a) The date,  expected time of arrival and the flight number or ship’s name must be provided by the 
importer to the New Zealand Official Veterinarian at the port of entry at least 72 hours in advance 
of importation.  
b) Transport containers must meet the design and specie s specifications published in the 
International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulations (LAR), unless otherwise 
agreed by MPI.  
c) Horses transported by sea must meet the New Zealand Marine Rules Part 24C.  
d) The vehicle in which horses are tr ansported to the port of departure must be cleaned, disinfected 
and treated with an effective residual insecticide. The date of treatment, the chemical(s) used, 
and the active ingredient(s) must be recorded on the veterinary certificate.  
e) Horses must be lo aded into containers that are new or cleaned, disinfected and treated with an 
effective residual insecticide. The date of treatment, the chemical(s) used, and the active 
ingredient(s) must be recorded on the veterinary certificate.  
f) Only sterile peat, soft  board, treated wood shavings, shredded paper or other inert MPI -approved 
products may be loaded for use as bedding during transportation and must be disposed of as 
biosecurity waste according to MPI Facility Standard: Standard for Transitional Faciliti es for 
General Uncleared Risk Goods, TFGEN .  
g) During transport to the port of departure and during transit to New Zealand horses must not be 
transported with animals that are not eligible for importation into New Zealand.  
h) Horses transiting a third country on their way to New Zealand must receive MPI -approval prior to 
export. MPI -approval and any special conditions must be noted on the permit to import. Note: 
Horses transiting countries where there is a risk of insect borne pathogens must meet the 
requirements of the MPI Standard: Importation of Livestock into New Zealand by Air Routes 
Transiting Countries where Health Risks Associated with Insect Borne Pathogens Exist , 
ANITRAIC.ALL .  
i) All aircraft transporting horses must be disinfected and a treatment certifica te must accompany 
the horses and be available for inspection by an authorised Inspector at the arrival port.  
1.10 Transitional facility  
(1) Following biosecurity authorisation being given, the animals must proceed directly to the transitional 
facility  named on the permit to import . 
(2) The documentation will be checked to ensure it meets all requirements noted under Part 2 Specified 
Requirements (Veterinary Certification)  and General Requirements in Part 1 of this IHS. 
(3) The crates must be cleaned and disinf ected and all feed, bedding material and faeces from the crate  
and transitional facility must be destroyed as biosecurity waste.  
1.11 Treatment  
(1) Horses imported into New Zealand must, as a minimum, be treated as follows:  
a) Vaccinations required for import of horse s into New Zealand must be administered not less than 
35 days before export (for adequate immunity prior to entering PEI), except where Venezuelan 
equine encephalitis (VEE) and African horse sickness (AHS) vaccines are required. These latter 
two vaccines m ust be administered as described in the OIE Code . Vaccines for risk organisms Import Health Standard : Horses   
  8 April 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  9 of 24 
must meet all other  recommendations  described in the Terrestrial Manual  and MPI-STD-TVTL . 
The vaccination requirements for each risk organism are stated in part 3 of this standar d. 
b) All product(s) and vaccination(s) required for import of horses into New Zealand must be 
administered according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The  generic product name(s), active 
ingredient (where applicable), dose rate and date of treatment must be recorded on the 
veterinary certificate.  
c) Equine Influenza (EI) vaccinations must contain equivalent strains of EI virus as recommended 
by the OIE expert surveillance panel for EI vaccinations or otherwise agreed by MPI.  
d) Vaccinations must be either:  
i) The final dose of a primary course; or  
ii) The recommended booster to complement the primary course.  
1.12 Additional information  
(1) All equipment entering New Zealand with horses must comply with the MPI Import Health Standard for 
the Importation into New Zealand of Equipment Associated with Animals or Water.  
(2) Containers made of timber must be inspected by an authorised Inspector at the arrival port and must 
comply with the MPI Import Health Standard for Importing Wood Packaging Material from All 
Countries . 
(3) Horses must be inspected by the Official Veterinar ian within 48 hours of export and certified free of 
clinical signs of disease (including ectoparasites) and fit to travel. MPI must be notified in writing by the 
Official veterinarian at least 72 hours prior to arrival should a horse  under veterinary treat ment and/or  
exhibiting clinical symptoms of disease  or be released from PEI.  
(4) All feed loaded for use during transport to the port of departure and during transit to New Zealand must 
be treated as biosecurity waste on arrival and meet the requirements of t he MPI Facility Standard: 
Standard for Transitional Faciliti es for General Uncleared Risk Goods, TFGEN . 
(5) All transport containers used during transport (e.g. airstalls and modified horse shipping containers) 
must be treated on arrival according to the requi rements of the MPI Facility Standard: Standard for 
Transitional Faciliti es for General Uncleared Risk Goods, TFGEN . 
(6) Horses must be uniquely identified with either a microchip or visible brand and may be accompanied 
by an original/copy of their passport or silhouette to assist with identification.  
1.13 The documentation that must accompany goods  
(1) The consignment must arrive in New Zealand with the following:  
a) Permit to import issued by MPI (copy acceptable) .  
b) A permit to import is required for the impor tation of all horses from all countries, except Australia, 
into New Zealand. An application form for a permit to import can be obtained from the MPI 
website: http://mpi.g ovt.nz/importing/live -animals/horses/forms -and-templates/ . The permit to 
import will be issued for a single consignment.  
c) The importer must supply the following information to obtain a permit:  
i) Name and address of exporter.  
ii) Number, sex, age, species and microchip transponder or other identification of the 
animal(s).  
iii) Date of proposed importation.  
iv) Name and address of the containment facility in New Zealand to which the consignment is 
to proceed following importation.  
v) Port of arrival, and route and means of transport to the containment facility.  
d) Veterinary certificate  Import Health Standard : Horses   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  10 of 24 
(2) The exporting country’s Official V eterinarian must certify the consignment meets all the requiremen ts 
of this IHS. Where equivalent measures have  been negotiated and agreed with MPI, a country -specific 
veterinary certificate must be certified.  
(3) A veterinary certificate that accompanies a consignment  must include the following:  
a) Unique consignment identifier.  
b) Description,  species, and number of animals.  
c) Name and address of the importer (cons ignee)  and exporter (consignor).  
d) The name, signature and contact detai ls of the Official Veterinarian.  
e) Specified requirements, outlined in Part 2 of this IHS, to be certified and endorsed by the Official 
Veterinarian;  
(4) All documents  must:  
a) Be origin al, unless oth erwise stated.  
b) Accompany the imported goods.  
c) Be in English or have an English translatio n that is clear and legible.  
d) Be endorsed on every page by the Official Veterinarian with their original stamp, signature and 
date or be endorsed in the space allocated and all pages have paper based alternative security 
features  [does not apply to the permit to import].  
(5) Copies of all documentation must be sent to the New Zealand Official Veterinarian at the airport/port of 
arrival at least 72 hours in advance of importat ion.  
1.14 Biosecurity authorisation  
(1) All documentation accompanying the horses  must be inspected . 
a) The identity of each horse confirmed by the Official Veterinarian on arrival.  
b) The consignment must be compliant to the standard prior to issuing biosecurity cleara nce or 
authority to move the horses to a transitional facility .  
(2) The Official Veterinarian must inspect the consignment , or a sample of the consignment as stated in 
the approved country’s veterinary certificate before biosecurity clearance is given.  
(3) The consignment must be compliant to the MPI Facility Standard: Standard for Transitional Faciliti es 
for General Uncleared Risk Goods, TFGEN . An authorised MPI Inspector at the arrival port (seaport or 
airport) must confirm all aspects of TFGEN  are met. Th is includes hygiene requirements for personnel, 
containers and biosecurity waste disposal.  
(4) A biosecurity authorisation may be given, by an Official Veterinarian, under section 29 of the Act 
authorising the horses to the transitional facility named on the MPI permit to import.  
1.15 Biosecurity clearance  
(1) A biosecurity clearance, under section 26 of the Act, may be issued when the Equidae  meet all the 
requirements of this IHS, provided the applicable requirements of the section 27 of the Act are met.  
 Import Health Standard : Horses   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  11 of 24 
Part 2:  Specifie d Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  
(1) The Veterinary Authority of the exporting country is required to issue a signed, stamped and dated 
veterinary certificate containing declarations regarding the following diseases:  
2.1 African horse sickness (AHS)  
(1) For African horse sickness  (AHS), the horses are from:  
a) An AHS -free country or MPI -approved zone or seasonally free zone and have met the 
recommendations as described in the OIE Code ; or 
b) An AHS-infected /at-risk country  or zone , or have transited through an infected country or zone, 
and have met the recommendations as described in the OIE Code . 
2.2 Anthrax  
(1) The horses were showing no clinical signs of anthrax at the final inspection prior to export and a nthrax 
is notif iable in the co untry of export.  
(2) The horses 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.  
2.3 Borna disease  
(1) The horses were kept since birth or for at least the 90 days prior to export in a f ree country; or  
(2) The horses were kept since birth or for at least the 90 days prior to export on premises in which no 
case was reported during the past 12 months.  
2.4 Contagious equine metritis (CEM)  
(1) For contagious equine metritis  (CEM)  the stallions and mares (excludes geldings, and pre -pubertal 
fillies and colts that are less than 731 days of age  if accompanied by documentation showing 
equivalent CEM testing of their dams):  
a) Were from a CEM -free country, approved by MPI; or 
b) Were considered free from CEM; an official control programme for CEM or MPI -approved 
equivalent is established in the country of export; and horses have met the recommendations as 
described in MPI-STD-TVTL  (or pre -mating testing followed recommendations in MPI-STD-TVTL  
but was done in the 60 days prior to mating or artificial insemination); or 
c) Have been known to be infected with CEM and were subject to an effective method of treatment 
and testing approved by MPI.  
2.5 Dourine  
(1) The horses were from a free country and have met the recommendations as described in the OIE 
Code  for the importation of domest ic equines ; or Import Health Standard : Horses   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  12 of 24 
(2) The horses were  from a country considered infected and have met the recommendations as described 
in the OIE Code  for the importation of domestic equines.  
2.6 Ectoparasites  
(1) For ectoparasites (mites, lice, ticks and fleas) the  horses were treated twice: first immediately on entry 
into PEI; and second in the  48 hours prior to  export. The product(s) used is highly effective against 
ectoparasites and was applied as described in t he manufacturer’s instructions.  
(2) The horses were thoroughly examined in the 48 hours prior to  export by a registered veterinarian and 
there was no evidence of tick infection; or 
a) The horses were thoroughly examined in the 48 hours prior to  export by a registered veterinarian 
and ticks were found. MPI was notified and the animals in the consignment were re -treated, and 
then re -inspected, and ticks were not found.  
Refer to the Guidance Document f or more information on meeting the requirements for ectoparasites.  
2.7 Endoparasites  
(1) For endoparasites  the horses were treated twice: first immediately on entry into PEI; and second in the 
48 hours prior to  export. The product used is a highly effective broad spectrum endoparasiticide and 
was a dministered  as described in the manufacturer’s instructions.  
2.8 Equine encephalomyelitis (Eastern and Western)  
(1) The horses have met the recommendations as described in the OIE Code . 
(2) The required vaccination was administered at least 35 days prior to export.  
(3) Samples for testing were collected in pre -export isolation or in the 21 days prior to export if PEI is not 
required.  
2.9 Equine encephalosis  
(1) The horses were kept since birth or for at least the 40 days prior to export in a country where no case 
of EE has been reported in the past 12 months; or 
(2) The horses w ere kept since bir th or for at least the 40 days prior to export on premises where no case 
of EE was reported during that time; and  
a) Were kept for a minimum 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 . 
2.10 Equine herpesvirus -1 [abortigenic and paralytic forms (EHV -1)] 
(1) The horses were  showing no clinical sign s 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 premises where no 
case of  EHV-1 infection (abortigenic and paralytic forms) was reported during that time. 
2.11 Equine infectious anaemia (EIA)  
(1) The horses have met the recommendations as described in the OIE Code . Import Health Standard : Horses   
  8 April 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  13 of 24 
(2) Samples f or testing were collected in pre -export isolation or in the 21 days prior to export if PEI is not 
required.  
2.12 Equine influenza (EI)  
(1) The horses were from an EI -free country, have met the recommendations as described in the OIE 
Code , and EI vaccination is not practised in the exporting country, with the exception of horses for 
export to a third country; or  
(2) The horses were from a country considered infected with EI or where EI is not notifiable and have met 
the recommendations as described in the OIE Code  (including additional security recommendations), 
except samples for agent identification testing were collected on two occasions, the first taken 5 -7 days 
after entry into PEI and a second sample taken not less than 5 days later . 
2.13 Equine piroplasmosis  
(1) The horses  showed no clinical sign of equine piroplasmosis on the day of shipment . 
(2) 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  
(3) 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.  
2.14 Equine salmonellosis ( Salmonella abortus equi ) 
(1) For equine salmonellosis  (Salmonella abortus equi ) the horses were kept since birth or for at least the 
90 days prior to export on premises where no case of equine salmonellosis has been reported during 
that time.  
2.15 Equine viral arteritis (EVA)  
(1) Uncastrated male horses have met the recom mendations as described in the OIE Code  for the 
importation of uncastrated male horses; or 
(2) Horses other than uncastrated males have met the recommendations as described in the OIE Code  for 
horses other than uncastrated males.  Import Health Standard : Horses   
  8 April 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  14 of 24 
2.16 Glanders  
(1) The horses were from a free country and have met the recommendations as described in the OIE 
Code  for the importation of domestic equines ; or 
(2) The horses were  from a country considered infected and have met the recommendations as described 
in the OIE Code  for the importation of  domestic equines.  
2.17 Hendra and Nipah viruses  
(1) The horses were kept  since birth or f or at least the past 90 days  in a country approved by MPI as free 
of Hendra and Nipah; or  
(2) The horses were kept since birth or for at least the past 90 days in premises where n o case of infection 
in animals or humans has been reported during that time; and Hendra and Nipah are notifiable in the 
country of export; and horses were showing no clinical signs of infection with Hendra and Nipah virus 
at the final inspection prior to e xport.  
2.18 New World and Old World screwworm  
(1) The horses were f rom a country approved by MPI as free of screwworm fly; or  
(2) The horses were f rom a country considered infested with screwworm fly and have met the 
recommendations as described in the OIE Code  for im portation, quarantine and transportation of 
horses.  
2.19 Rabies  
(1) The horses were from a free country and have met the recommendations as described in the OIE 
Code  for the importation of domestic equines ; or 
(2) The horses were  from a country considered infected and have met the recommendations as described 
in the OIE Code  for the importation of domestic equines.  
2.20 Surra  
(1) The horses were kept since birth or for at least the 60  days  prior to export in a country  where no case 
of surra has been reported during the past 2 years ; or 
(2) The horses were kept since birth or for at least the 6 0 days  prior to export on premises where no case 
of surra has been reported during that time; and  
a) Were kept for a minimum 30 days before export 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 MPI document MPI-STD-TVTL  for 
surra , with negative results from  samples collected in the 10 day s after entry into PEI . 
2.21 Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE)  
(1) The horses were from a free country and have met the recommendations as described in the OIE 
Code  for the importation of domestic equines ; or 
(2) The horses were  from a country considered infected and have met the recommendations as described 
in the OIE Code  for the importation of domestic equines.  Import Health Standard : Horses   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  15 of 24 
2.22 Vesicular Stomatitis (VS)  
(1) The horses were resident for at least the 21 days prior to export in a country that is free of VS , and met 
the recommendations as described in the OIE Code ; or 
(2) The horses were f rom a country considered infected with VS, and have met the recommendations as 
described in the OIE Code , except the results of testing indicate horses  have negative, stable or  
declining titres.  
2.23 Warble fly  
(1) The horses were kept since birth or for  at least the 90 days  prior to import in a country /zone  where no 
case of warble fly has been reported during the past 12 months; or  
(2) The horses were showing no clinical sign of warble fly disease at the final inspection prior to export 
and were treated with an ectoparasiticide approved by the Veterinary Authority as capable of killing 
warble fly larvae , applied as described in the manuf acturer’s instructions  during the 48 hours prior to  
export . 
  Import Health Standard : Horses   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  16 of 24 
Schedule  1 – Document History  
 
Date First Issued  Title Shortcode  
22 May 2014  Import Health Standard: Horses  HORANIIC.GEN  
Date of Issued Amendments  Title Shortcode  
2 June 2020  Import Health Standard: Horses  HORANIIC.GEN  
8 April 2022  Import Health Standard: Horses  HORANIIC.GEN  Import Health Standard : Horses   
  8 April 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  17 of 24 
Schedule 2 – Definitions  
For the purposes of this standard and the attached guidance document, terms used that are defined in the Act 
have the meanings set out there.  The following specific definitions also apply:  
Biosecurity Authority  
Written authority from an inspector, given under Section 29 of the Act, to move restricted organisms from a 
transitional facility, biosecurity control area or containment facil ity to another transitional facility, biosecurity 
control area or containment facility or to export those goods from New Zealand.  
Biosecurity Clearance  
A clearance under section 26 of the Act for the entry of goods into New Zealand.  
(Explanatory Note: Go ods given a Biosecurity Clearance by an Inspector are released to the importer without 
restriction ). 
Competent Authority  
The Veterinary or other Governmental Authority of an OIE Member, that has the  responsibility and 
competence for ensuring or supervising  the implementation of animal health and welfare measures, 
international veterinary certification and other standards and recommendations in the Code  in the whole 
territory . 
CTO Direction  
Chief Technical Officer (CTO) Direction - equivalent measures recorded by number 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 . 
Director -General  
The chief executive of the Ministry for Primary Industries.  
Disinfectant  
A substance applied to non -living objects to destroy micro -organisms living on those objects and approved for 
use by the Veterinary Authority. MPI -approved  biosecurity  treatments for risk goods, including links to 
approved disinfectants, can be found in the  MPI Standard (BNZ -STD-ABTRT) Approved Biosecurity 
Treatments . 
European Union  
European Union member countries . 
Facility  
Stables and associated yard of the pre -export or post -arrival quarantine.  
Highly Effective  
For the purposes of the standard when refer encing endo - and ecto -parasiticides; with claims registered as 
highly effective (>98%) for use in horses, at the manufacturer’s prescribed doses and intervals of 
administration . 
IATA  
The International Air Transport Association .  
 Import Health Standard : Horses   
  8 April 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  18 of 24 
Inspector  
A person who is appointed an inspector under section 103 of the Act. Explanatory Note: An Inspector is 
appointed to undertake administering and enforcing the provisions of the Act and controls imposed under the 
Hazardous Substances and New Organism Act 1996, and the Conve ntion on the International Trade in 
Endangered Species . 
MPI 
Ministry for Primary Industries .  
Official Veterinarian  
A veterinarian authorised by the Competent Authority of the country to perform certain designated official 
tasks associated with animal heal th and/or public health and inspections of commodities and, when 
appropriate, to certify in conformity with the provisions of the OIE Code  Chapter for certification procedures . 
OIE 
The World Organisation for Animal Health . 
Permit to Import  
A permit issued by the Director General o f MPI pursuant to section 24D (2) of the Act .  
Premises  
Area surrounding and including the facility of the pre -export isolation (PEI) or post -arrival quarantine (PAQ), or 
in the case of premise freedom the place the horses re side or have temporarily visited.  
Stock -Proof 
A fence  that livestock  cannot get through. For the purpo ses of this import health standard livestock are 
regarded as cattle  and other farm animals such as horses,  mares, mules, jacks, jennies, colts, cows, calves, 
yearlings, bulls, oxen, sheep, goats, lambs, kids, alpacas, llamas and pigs (this list is not exclusive) that are 
reared to produce  meat , milk or other products . 
The Code  
The OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code as found on the OIE website . 
The Manual   
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vacc ines for Terrestrial 
Animals . 
Vector  
An insect or any living carrier that transports an infectious agent from an infected individual to a susceptible 
individual or its food or immediate surroundings. The organism may or may not pass through a development 
cycle within the vector.  
Vector -Proof 
For the purposes of this standard , vector -proof refers to a horse PEI facility  which is able to provide maximum 
protection from insect vectors . This should be a building, ideally a compartment within a buil ding, which 
should have no gaps in the construction greater than 1 mm in width, combined with risk management 
strategies to protect animals and the facility from Culicoides . 
 Import Health Standard : Horses   
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Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  19 of 24 
Vector Protection  
A combination of risk management strategies, guided by the OIE Code , to protect animals from attacks by 
Culicoides  during transport and PEI, taking into account the local ecology of the vector .  
Veterinary Certificate  
A certificate, issued in conformity with the provisions of the Code  Chapter for certification procedu res, 
describing the animal health and/or public health requirements which are fulfilled by the exported 
commodities . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Import Health Standard : Horses   
  8 April 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  20 of 24 
Schedule 3 – New Zealand MPI Standard for the Pre -Export 
Isolation (PEI) of Horses  
Approval and audit  
(1) The premises and facility must be approved by an Official Veterinarian of the Veterinary Authority of 
the exporting country as meeting the requirements of this Stan dard.  
(2) The premises and facility must be audited annually by an Official Veterinarian and records of 
inspections and management must be retained for audit purposes for at least 2 years.  
(3) MPI reserves the right to audit facilities and their standard operati ng procedures, on a case -by-case 
basis, in countries approved to export horses to New Zealand.  
Location  
(1) The pre -export isolation supervising Official Veterinarian must approve the transport route and 
methods to the port of departure to ensure the biosecur ity status of the horses is maintained and their 
animal welfare needs met.  
Note: MPI suggests PEI premises be located less than 240km from the port of embarkation, but 
recognises that alternatives may be approved by the Official Veterinarian with specific  arrangements to 
address biosecurity and animal welfare documented in the standard operating procedures for the 
facility . 
Premises  
(1) The premises must be surrounded by two stock -proof perimeter fences at least 2 metres apart. 
Sections of the perimeter where the wall of an enclosed building forms part of the perimeter do not 
require fencing.  
(2) The premises must be lockable to ensure that there is no contact with other livestock and no entry of 
unauthorised personnel.  
(3) The premises must have:  
a) An area for the cl eaning and disinfection of vehicles separated from the stables, holding pens 
and the loading area.  
b) An area for unloading and loading of horses which manages the biosecurity risk of horses 
entering or exiting the facility coming into contact with unauthori sed personnel and animals.  
Facility  
(1) The Veterinary Authority must manage the risk of airborne spread of equine contagious diseases and 
ensure adequate distance is maintained between quarantine and non - quarantine horses. Standard 
Operating Procedures must include details of how this risk is managed.  
(2) The facility must not keep domesticated animals and must take measures to prevent wild/feral animals 
entering the facility. Measures such as baits, trapping, bird deterrents, and their use, must be included 
in standard operating procedures for th e facility.  
(3) Stables must be constructed so that they can be effectively cleaned and disinfected.  
(4) Stables, yards, fences, and feeding and watering arrangements must be constructed so that horses 
are protected from injury and other welfare needs are met.  
(5) The facility must have an adequate drainage system and ensure hygienic management of waste.  
(6) The stable must have facilities for veterinary examination and collection of samples.  Import Health Standard : Horses   
  8 April 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  21 of 24 
(7) Adequate showering facilities must be present e.g. piped hot water, change a rea, lockers/hangers; or 
the standard operating procedures must provide for all personnel attending to the horses to have 
showered at home immediately prior to entering the facility.  
(8) External yards or paddocks within the facility may be used for exercise.  The perimeter must be stock -
proof.  
Management  
(1) During PEI horses must remain isolated from all other livestock not of an equivalent isolation and 
tested health status; and whilst in isolation horses must be free from clinical signs of infectious or 
contag ious disease.  
(2) The PEI premises must have a designated manager who takes responsibility for the day to day running 
of the premises, and who must report any problems promptly to the Official Veterinarian of the 
Veterinary Authority.  
(3) Access to the PEI premi ses should be limited to staff essential to the running of the quarantine 
premises and animal health. Other personnel (for example farriers) may be granted access provided 
approval is given by the Official Veterinarian. The necessity for access must be jus tified as required for 
the health and welfare of the horse. A register of visitors must be maintained.  
(4) All personnel attending the horses (e.g. grooms, vets, stable hands, truck loading assistants etc) must 
shower and change outer clothing and footwear be fore entering the pre -export isolation facility and 
handling the consignment.  
(5) Personnel and visitors to the facility must have thorough knowledge of the isolation requirements and 
the sanitation procedures of the PEI.  
(6) During PEI, transportation, and befo re departure at the port of export horses must be protected from 
insect vectors where required by Part C of the MPI Import Health Standard for Horses, and must not 
be naturally mated or artificially inseminated.  
Supervision  
(1) The Official Veterinarian must ensure that horses for export have met the relevant requirements of the 
MPI Import Health Standard for Horses before horses enter PEI.  
(2) The Official Veterinarian must visit the premises at least weekly during the isolation period to ensure 
that the require ments of this standard and the MPI Import Health Standard: Horses are being met. 
During the visit, the veterinarian must inspect horses, observe the operation, review the records and 
record the visit and activities undertaken.  
(3) The veterinary clinician emp loyed by the premises must record in a register all their visits and activities 
undertaken while on the PEI premises and amend the health records of any horse treated during PEI.  
(4) If any horse in the consignment tests positive to any pre -export test, is re moved from the consignment 
for any reason, or isolation has been breached, MPI must be notified and give clearance for the 
importation to proceed.  
(5) The Official Veterinarian must examine the animals within 48 hours of export. Horses must be found to 
be fre e of evidence of infectious or contagious disease, ectoparasites and seeds, and be certified fit to 
travel.  
Operation  
(1) The premises must be emptied and thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before the commencement of 
each PEI.  
(2) The PEI period will start when the last horse has joined the consignment in the premises.  
(3) During the PEI, the premises must be occupied only by horse s of the same export consignment.  Import Health Standard : Horses   
  8 April 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  22 of 24 
(4) All equipment used in the feeding, handling and treatment of horses in PEI must be new or cleaned 
and disinfected before the commencement of the PEI.  
(5) Personnel attending horses must wear outer clothing and footwear used exclusively in the premises.  
(6) A detailed health record, including twice daily temperature check, must be kept for each horse on the 
premises during the PEI period and it must be available to the supervising Official Veterinarian. An 
abrupt onset of fever ≥  39.4 degrees Celsius (≥ 103 degrees Fahrenheit) accompanied by other 
clinical signs such as loss of appetite, diarrhoea, and nasal discharge must be investigated to 
conclusion by the Official Veterinarian and subsequently reported to MPI, prior to the exp ort of in -
contact animals.  
(7) Bedding used must be visually clean and free of evidence of contamination with ticks.  
Duration  
(1) When horses are to be imported into New Zealand from countries where the diseases listed below are 
considered present and pre -export  isolation is the agreed risk mitigation measure in the approved 
veterinary certificate, the duration and type of PEI is stated in brackets:  
a) Equine influenza (minimum 21 day PEI)  
b) Vesicular stomatitis (minimum 30 day PEI protected from insect vectors)  
c) Equine encephalosis (minimum 40 day PEI protected from insect vectors)  
d) Surra (minimum 21 day PEI protected from insect vectors)  
e) VEE, EEE and WEE (minimum 21 day PEI protected from insect vectors)  
f) African Horse Sickness (minimum 40 day PEI at a MPI -approve d and audited vector -proof 
premises)  
g) Cattle tick infected country/zone (minimum 3 day PEI)  
Transport  
(1) Vehicles for transport of horses from the premises to the port of embarkation must be cleaned and 
disinfected to the satisfaction of the Official Veterin arian before loading.  
Vector -proof facilities  
(1) Where vector -proofing in PEI is a requirement of the standard, MPI must evaluate the exporting 
country’s standards, and an official MPI audit of the PEI facility and premises may be required at the 
exporting c ountry’s expense. Repeat audits at a negotiated time -frame may also be required. MPI may 
conduct an evaluation of veterinary services when adding countries to the approved country list, 
particularly for countries with which there is no existing trade.  Import Health Standard : Horses   
  8 April 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  23 of 24 
Schedule 4 – Post -Arrival Quarantine of Horses  
(1) The PAQ facility must be approved by MPI as a transitional facility approved to the MPI Facility 
Standard: Equids , MPI -STD-EQUIDS  and be under the supervision of an Authorised Supervisor.  
(2) Written approval/advice from the Authorised Supervisor must be provided with the permit to import 
application.  
Inspection and treatment  
(1) PAQ stay, testing, treatment(s) and procedure(s) must be undertaken as required under the 
supervision of the Authorised  Supervisor.  
(2) Within 24 hours of arrival into New Zealand, horses authorised to proceed to PAQ must receive from 
the attending registered veterinarian:  
a) A thorough inspection confirming horses were visibly free of external parasites and clinical signs 
of disease.  
b) Horses from countries considered infested with screwworm fly must be thoroughly inspected for 
wounds and possible New World or Old World screwworm infestation.  
c) A single treatment for ectoparasites with a fully effective ectoparasiticide, applied according to 
the manufacturer’s recommendations.  
d) A single treatment for endoparasites with a fully effective broad spectrum endoparasiticide, 
administered according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.  
(3) Temperature readings must be taken from horses in the PAQ premises twice daily and records must 
be available for inspection by the attending veterinarian or the Authorised Supervisor, when requested.  
(4) Any horse that shows a rise in temperature during PAQ shall be subjected to such tests and 
treatments as determined by the attending veterinarian.  
a) The attending veterinarian must record the differential diagnoses and inform the Authorised 
Supervisor within 24 hours of commencement of treatment and testing;  
b) Further investigation, testing, treatment and/or an  extension of the consignment isolation period 
may be required as determined in consultation with the Authorised Supervisor, MPI and the 
attending veterinarian if atypical clinical signs are present or for non -responsive cases;  
c) An abrupt onset of fever ≥ 39.4 degrees Celsius (≥ 103 degrees Fahrenheit) accompanied by 
other clinical signs such as loss of appetite, diarrhoea, and nasal discharge must be reported to 
MPI immediately and subsequently investigated by the attending veterinarian under Veterinary 
Authority supervision to conclusion.  
Post -arrival quarantine duration  
(1) When horses are to be imported into New Zealand from countries where the diseases listed below are 
considered present the duration and type of PAQ is stated in brackets:  
a) Equine infectiou s anaemia (EIA) if considered by MPI as highly prevalent in the country of export 
(minimum 7 day PAQ)  
b) Equine influenza (minimum 14 day PAQ)  
c) Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (minimum 7 day PAQ)  
d) Surra (minimum 30 day PAQ protected from insect vectors)  
Diagnostic tests required  
(1) Horses imported from countries where equine influenza is considered present must be subject to an 
agent identification test (with negative results) on nasopharyngeal swabs collected at least 5 days after 
entering PAQ.  Import Health Standard : Horses   
  8 April 2022  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  24 of 24 
(2) Horses imp orted from countries where equine infectious anaemia is considered by MPI as highly 
prevalent must be subject to an OIE prescribed test or one listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for international 
trade (with negative results) during PAQ.  
(3) Horses imported from countrie s where Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) is considered 
present must be subject to virus isolation (with negative results) on blood samples collected from any 
horse showing a significant rise in temperature during PAQ.  
 
 
 
 
 