Import Risk Analysis - Biosecurity New Zealand

• Rabies
Ticks are important vectors of exotic blood parasites and any tick on an imported animal
could harbour debilitating human and animal pathogens. Many exotic ticks are likely to be
able to establish in this country if introduced. Since many exotic blood parasites of dogs and
cats are transmitted by ticks, it is strongly recommended that animals are subjected to
effective measures to control the risk of importing ticks with the commodity.
Because of the developments in technology and the advancement in scientific knowledge of
Dirofilaria immitis, one of the the risk management options presented for this organism is to
replace the currently required microfilarial concentration test with an antigen ELISA as a
screening test for importing dogs.
For similar reasons, one of the risk management options presented for Babesia spp. is to use a
PCR test as well as the currently required serological test. The currently required examination
of an ear margin blood smear is no longer considered to be a justifiable option.
In the case of Ehrlichia canis and Nipah virus, the risk analysis concludes that the risk posed
by these organisms in cats and dogs is negligible. As a result, it is considered that the sanitary
measures for these organisms in the current Import Health Standard are not warranted.
The risk posed by semen is assessed to be negligible for all diseases except rabies,
leptospirosis and brucellosis. Therefore options for risk management are presented only for
these three agents.
The risk management options presented in this draft risk analysis, and stakeholder views on
them, will be taken into consideration in producing a final risk analysis and in the
development of any import health standards for these commodities.
2 • Import risk analysis: Cats, dogs and canine semen MAF Biosecurity New Zealand