Import Risk Analysis - Biosecurity New Zealand

Semen is not a potential hazard since there is no evidence of venereal transmission.
7.2. RISK ASSESSMENT
7.2.1. Entry assessment
It is likely that asymptomatic infected dogs and cats from endemic areas may be imported.
Attached ticks could also be infected with Borrelia spp.
Likelihood of entry is therefore assessed to be non-negligible.
7.2.2. Exposure assessment
The only natural way to transmit infection is through the bite of an infected tick. Borrelia spp.
would not be able to establish in New Zealand because of the absence of the necessary Ixodes
spp. tick vectors.
There is no evidence that infected cats and dogs can transmit infection to people or other
animals. Animals may, however, bring ticks into a household increasing the exposure to
humans. Provided animals do not introduce tick vectors, transmission of Borrelia spp. would
not occur, even if the imported animals were infected.
7.2.3. Risk estimation
In the absence of vectors in New Zealand, and because no other natural transmission is
possible, the risk from importing infected dogs and cats is considered negligible. As a result
the risk estimate for Borrelia spp. is negligible and it is not classified as a hazard in the
commodity. Therefore risk management measures are not justified.
However, the risk of importing ticks attached to animals is non-negligible and it is
recommended animals undergo an option in the ectoparasites Section 30.3 that would ensure
imported animals are tick-free.
References
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (2004). Lyme disease. Available at:
www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/lyme_disease.html.
Appel MJ, Jacobson RH, Lauderdale TL, Chang YF, Shin SJ, Thomford JW, Todhunter RJ, Summers
BA (1993). Experimental Lyme disease in dogs produces arthritis and persistent infection. The Journal of
Infectious Diseases 167(3): 651-64.
Branton G, Postic D (1998). Borrelia burgdorferi taxonomy pathogenicity and spread. Annales de Medecine
Interne (Paris) 149(7): 455-8 (Abstract).
Bratton RL, Corey G (2005). Tick-borne disease. American Family Physician 71(12).
Breitschwerdt EB, Kiehl AR, Steers C, Meuten DJ, Levine JF (1994). Natural infections with Borrelia
spirochetes in two dogs from Florida. Journal of Clinical Microbiology Feb;32(2): 352-7.
18 • Import risk analysis: Cats, dogs and canine semen MAF Biosecurity New Zealand