Official Assurance Programme Code of Practice: Pre-export Quarantine and Isolation 16 November 2012
Version 1.0 16 November 2012 Page i Table of Contents Official Assurance Programme... i Code of Practice:... i Pre-export Quarantine and Isolation... i Part 1 Introduction... 1.1 Part 2 Requirements of the Animal Products Act 1999... 2.1 Part 3 Requirements for Isolation... 3.1 Part 4 Requirements for Quarantine... 4.1
Version 1.0 16 November 2012 Page ii Disclaimer While every effort has been taken to ensure that the guidance material and internet references in this document are accurate and complete, the Ministry for Primary Industries (including its employees and agents) does not accept liability or responsibility to any person for any loss caused by reliance on this material. Review of Code of Practice This code of practice will be reviewed, as necessary, by the Ministry for Primary Industries Animal Exports Team and the industry. Suggestions for alterations, deletions or additions to this code of practice should be sent with the reasons for the suggested change, including any relevant data and contact details for the person making the suggestion, to: Animal Exports Team Animal and Animal Products Directorate Ministry for Primary Industries PO Box 2526 Wellington 6140 New Zealand Phone: 0800 00 83 33 Fax: + 64 4 894 0733 A copy of this document can be found at: http://www.mpi.govt.nz/regs/exports/animals/cop Queries can be made to: animalexports@mpi.govt.nz
Version 1.0 16 November 2012 Page iii Amendment Record It is important that this publication is kept up-to-date by the prompt incorporation of amendments. To update this publication when you receive an amendment, remove the appropriate outdated pages, destroy them, and replace them with the pages from the new issue. Complete instructions will be given in the covering letter accompanying the amendment, including a summary of what has changed and the reason for the changes. File the covering letter at the back of the publication, and sign off and date this page. If you have any queries, please contact the Animal Exports Team. Amendment No. Date Initials 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Version 1.0 16 November 2012 Page 1.1 Introduction Part 1 Introduction 1.1 Purpose 1.2 Scope MPI policy and the Animal Products Act 1999 aim to facilitate the entry of animal material and products into overseas markets by providing the standards and mechanisms needed to give and to safeguard official assurances for entry into those markets. Most importing governments require official assurances for the live animals and germplasm being exported, to provide confidence that their import requirements have been met. The claims made on official assurances must be substantiated in order to maintain the integrity of New Zealand as a trading partner and MPI s reputation as a competent authority. This is achieved through providing guidance material on the recommended standards to be used by the industry in the form of Codes of Practice (CoP), and by putting in place systems allowing the information relating to the assurances to be independently verified. The Official Assurance Programme (OAP) for live animals and germplasm is an export programme specifically related to the export of live animals, and to the germplasm of some species. The programme is supported by legal notices and is published as two types of documents that set the standards and specifications for export: Codes of Practice Export Requirements (overseas market access requirements) The Codes of Practice consolidate the recommendations that are agreed with industry for the minimum export standards supporting the issue of official assurances under Part 5 of the Animal Products Act 1999. The Codes of Practice include: Code of Practice: General Live Animal Export Code of Practice: Export Germplasm Code of Practice: Export Poultry Hatcheries. This code of practice (CoP) applies to the pre-export quarantine or isolation of live animals required for an official assurance. This CoP uses the following definitions: Isolation: keeping animals of the same export status separate from other animals of a different or unknown status.
Version 1.0 16 November 2012 Page 1.2 Introduction Quarantine: keeping animals under a level of biosecurity control that is expected to maintain their export eligibility status. Pre-export quarantine or isolation is a market access requirement requiring a recognised person from a recognised agency to approve the facility as part of the Export Requirements for the country being exported to. This CoP describes the requirements for quarantine or isolation that should be followed in order to receive an official assurance to accompany the exported live animals. The CoP has been developed based on New Zealand requirements, and where appropriate also includes international standards as recommended by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). Further information on the export of live animals can be found in the CoP General Live Animal Export. Additional market access requirements may have to be satisfied depending on the MPI notified Export Requirements of specific importing countries. This CoP allow exporters to have different procedures for meeting the requirements, where practicable. 1.3 Exclusions This CoP does not apply to: live animals that are able to be exported without pre-export quarantine or preexport isolation in an approved facility live animal exports that do not require an official assurance. Where the Export Requirements state that animals must be isolated from animals not of the same health status, but there is no approval of a facility required, this is taken to mean that the animals for export must be kept physically separate from other animals, with no direct contact. This can be achieved by keeping animals separated by a minimum distance appropriate to the species, and by separating by time and distance when using common facilities such as yards and races. 1.4 International obligations New Zealand is a signatory to the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (the SPS Agreement). The SPS Agreement is the World Trade Organisation agreement that sets out the basic rules for food safety, and animal and plant health standards when a country is trading internationally. The SPS Agreement allows countries to set their own standards in these areas, but it also says that regulations should be based on reliable scientific evidence. Regulations should be applied only to the extent necessary to protect human, animal or plant life, or health, and they should not unjustifiably discriminate between countries where identical or similar conditions prevail.
Version 1.0 16 November 2012 Page 1.3 Introduction Signatories to the SPS Agreement are encouraged to use international standards, guidelines and recommendations where they exist. However, they may use measures that result in higher standards if there is scientific justification. Member countries can also set higher standards based on appropriate assessment of risks so long as the approach is consistent, not arbitrary. New Zealand sets its standards for importation according to the SPS Agreement and endeavours to ensure that the spirit of the Agreement is applied when negotiating Export Requirements with countries to which we export. MPI is the competent authority and is responsible for setting the requirements for export of live animals and germplasm and managing adherence to them. This function is administered by the MPI Animal Imports and Exports Group. 1.5 International Standards The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) is designated by the World Trade Organisation as the international animal health standard-setting organisation. The OIE produces a number of documents, including: a. the OIE Code The current edition of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code, which can be found on the OIE website: http://www.oie.int/international-standard-setting/terrestrial-code/access-online/ b. the OIE Manual The current edition of the OIE Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals for diseases listed in the Code, which can be found on the OIE website: http://www.oie.int/international-standard-setting/terrestrial-manual/accessonline/ 1.6 Roles and Responsibilities The roles and responsibilities of various groups of people involved in the export of live animals and germplasm as shown in figure 1.
Version 1.0 16 November 2012 Page 1.4 Introduction Figure 1. The roles and responsibilities in the export of live animals and germplasm MPI Develop requirements for the COP s Negotiate export requirements and any amendments to these Issue export certificate templates and export requirements Maintain register of export approved premises Manage adherence to the Official Assurance Programme REGULATOR Audit agencies Authorised persons Check eligibility documents, germplasm and poultry declarations to ensure compliance with export requirements Issue an official assurance to the importing country Recognised agencies & recognised persons Supervise preparation of export consignments and check supporting documentation/declarations to ensure compliance with the COP and export requirements Audit semen centres Audit embryo teams Audit export hatcheries Approve pre-export quarantine and isolation facilities* Provide eligibilty documents to the authorised person issuing the official assurance Verify germplasm/poultry declarations THIRD-PARTY VERIFIER Export laboratories Audit the export process Exporters Approved semen centres Approved embryo teams Approved hatcheries Apply to register as an exporter Develop and maintain approved systems* Select animals and/or germplasm for export Obtain import permit* Check export requirements Ensure consignments meet export requirements Arrange quarantine/isolation facilities* Ensure supporting documentation/declarations are provided to support certification* Arrange for authorised/recognised persons to carry out certification activities INDUSTRY Owners/managers/agents Transporters Undertake activities as required by the recognised person* Provide declarations to support certification* Veterinarians *where required
Version 1.0 16 November 2012 Page 2.1 Requirements of the Animal Products Act 1999 Part 2 Requirements of the Animal Products Act 1999 2.1 Requirements for exporters and operators The Animal Products Act 1999 is New Zealand s legal framework for the export of animal material and animal products. In the case of live animals they are classed as animal material. The Act sets out the duties and responsibilities for exporters and operators, while the Animal Products Regulations 2000 and various Notices detail the specifications of how those duties and responsibilities should be met. The legal notices (as may be amended from time to time or any notice that replaces that notice) relevant to the use of a pre-export quarantine or isolation facility include: Animal Products (Recognised Agencies and Persons Specifications) Notice 2011 Animal Products (Official Assurances Specifications) Notice 2011. These documents can be found on the MPI website: http://www.mpi.govt.nz/regs/exports/animals/oap Further information on the export of live animals can be found in the CoP General Live Animal Export. Exporters of live animals should be registered as an exporter in New Zealand according to the provisions of section 48 of the Act. Note that some countries may have additional requirements to be met before that quarantine or isolation facility is eligible to be used for animals for export to that country. There are special requirements related to pre-export isolation for Chile i.e. the pre-export isolation facility needs to be listed on their website before the isolation period can commence. There are also requirements to manage animal welfare as per the Animal Welfare Act 1999 and any relevant Codes of Welfare, as well as to meet any pre-conditions or requirements necessary to obtain an Animal Welfare Export Certificate. 2.2 General requirements for export 2.2.1 Prior to undertaking pre-export quarantine or isolation for export, operators should check the importing country s latest requirements. 2.2.2 Export Requirements (OMARs) published by MPI are the latest requirements as understood by MPI. These are not necessarily up-to-date, as importing countries often do not automatically advise any changes to MPI. Import permits issued by the importing country often contain their latest import requirements. However, these have not necessarily been agreed with MPI. 2.2.3 Where an import permit is required, exporters are strongly advised to obtain the permit before beginning pre-export quarantine or isolation to check that the permit requirements match the Export Requirements.
Version 1.0 16 November 2012 Page 2.2 Requirements of the Animal Products Act 1999 2.2.4 Where import permit requirements do not correspond with the Export Requirements, the exporter/operator should inform the Animal Imports and Exports Group as soon as practicable. 2.2.5 Prior to approving a pre-export quarantine or isolation facility, the recognised person should satisfy themselves that in the case of an import permit being required, the exporter has either obtained or applied for the required import permit. 2.2.6 Exporters intending to export live animals for which an official assurance is required should give reasonable notice to any recognised or authorised persons involved with the consignment so that any verification activities can be carried out in a timely manner. 2.2.7 The exporter/operator should ensure that live animals intended for export are not in direct or indirect contact with live animals of a lesser export status that can affect their export eligibility. 2.2.8 Where the Export Requirements specify a minimum period of time for quarantine or isolation, that is taken to mean the actual time in quarantine or isolation can be longer than the minimum time. Where an Export Requirement specifies a fixed period of time, however, any variation may require notification to the Recognised person to ensure that export eligibility is maintained. 2.2.9 Where the quarantine or isolation period is extended due to a delay in the export, the exporter is responsible for checking that all testing and treatments required by the Export Requirements can still be met. In some situations a dispensation or equivalence may be required if the delay is significant. 2.3 Supervision, examination and testing 2.3.1 Where the Export Requirements specify a level of supervision required by a veterinarian, unless clarified otherwise this is taken to mean that the supervision is direct supervision. 2.3.2 Where there is no level of supervision specified, the level of supervision to be applied should be consistent with the recommendations of the OIE Code. The level of supervision for the consignment should be discussed with the recognised person. 2.3.3 Where the Export Requirements specify an examination of an animal by a specific person such as an official veterinarian, or a veterinarian, this is taken to mean that the examination is carried out by the person specified. 2.3.4 Where the Export Requirements does require an animal to be examined or certified as being free of evidence of clinical signs of disease, but it is not specified who may do this, then the task may be carried out by a person who is trained or assessed as competent to carry out that task. 2.3.5 Where the test required in the Export Requirements is a field test, the test should be carried out by a person qualified or accredited to do that test. Examples include TB testing, where the person carrying out the injecting and reading of the test should be officially authorised to carry out TB testing.
Version 1.0 16 November 2012 Page 2.3 Requirements of the Animal Products Act 1999 2.3.6 All laboratory testing specified in the Export Requirements should be carried out by a recognised laboratory. The Animal Imports and Exports Group maintains a list of recognised laboratories on the MPI website along with lists of the testing procedures each laboratory is approved to undertake (http://www.mpi.govt.nz/regs/exports/animals/oap/elp). 2.4 Supporting documentation 2.4.1 Supporting documentation refers to documents that provide information to support the eligibility for export of any live animal which requires an official assurance. 2.4.2 Any person providing supporting documentation should: a. have the requisite first-hand knowledge of the information he/she is providing b. ensure that the supporting documentation is true and accurate. 2.4.3 Supporting documents include (but are not limited to): a. laboratory reports b. declarations from owners/managers regarding animal residency, health status, and property of origin disease status c. declarations that quarantine or isolation have been completed d. declarations from registered veterinarians servicing the property. 2.4.4 Unless the wording of a declaration is specified in the Export Requirements, all declarations (excluding laboratory reports and veterinary certificates) used as supporting documentation should contain the following statements: a. the information that I have provided is true, correct and complete in every particular b. I am aware that this declaration is made for the purposes of supporting export certification under the Animal Products Act 1999. 2.4.5 For declarations in which the verification of the identification of the animal(s) is required, the declaration should also contain the following statement: I have checked the identification of the animal(s), for which I am providing this declaration and it is as specified in this declaration. Similarly, where the declaration is for the verification of the identification of farm/premises/herd/flock, the declaration should contain the following statement: I have checked the identification of the farm/premises/herd/flock for which I am providing this declaration and it is as specified in this declaration. 2.4.6 Veterinary declarations are applicable where an Export Requirement clause relates to property freedom from disease, and the use of an owner declaration as a supporting document should be additionally supported by a corresponding veterinary declaration from the veterinary practice servicing the property. While an owner declaration relates to the identity of specific animals, a veterinary declaration relates to a herd or property, but does not usually include animal identification unless that is relevant first-hand knowledge.
Version 1.0 16 November 2012 Page 2.4 Requirements of the Animal Products Act 1999 2.4.7 Signing and dating of the declaration should be done underneath all the information and statements in the declaration, to signify that the declarer attests to all the information in the declaration. Appendix I provides templates for a series of declarations. Note that in some circumstances, supporting documentation for export eligibility can be provided retrospectively, provided that it is available prior to the signing of the official assurance. 2.5 Official assurances 2.5.1 For preparation of an export consignment operators should: a. identify the animals so that the identification can be confirmed whenever an activity is carried out on them b. correctly enter the identification in records and supporting documents. Identification may include: descriptions of species, breed, sex, colour, markings, microchip numbers, RFIDs, tattoo numbers, brands, leg bands, tags, and indelible ink on germplasm containers. 2.5.2 After departing the quarantine or isolation facility, exporters should ensure that the export status of the animal(s) is not altered between the time of the issue of the eligibility document, the issue of the official assurance, and the departure from New Zealand. 2.5.3 Exporters should ensure that: a. records are kept allowing for the traceability of the exported live animal(s). These records should include, as appropriate, the premises of origin, facility where quarantined or isolated, and final destination of the animals; b. any file copy of supporting documentation is a faithful and legible replica; c. all records and supporting documentation associated with the quarantine or isolation facility are kept for a period of at least four (4) years. 2.5.4 Once an official assurance is issued, it remains the property of the Director-General until received by a foreign government. 2.6 Communications with foreign authorities 2.6.1 On matters relating to official assurances, persons should not communicate with foreign governments or agencies on behalf of MPI or represent that they are communicating on MPI's behalf or with MPI's authority, unless they have the prior written approval of the Animal Imports and Exports Group. 2.7 Equivalence and dispensation 2.7.1 Exporters requesting an equivalence or dispensation should provide the following information, as applicable, to the Animal Imports and Exports Group: a. the exporter s name b. the importing country c. the intended date of shipment
Version 1.0 16 November 2012 Page 2.5 Requirements of the Animal Products Act 1999 d. details of the animals e. details of the issue or requirement for which equivalence or dispensation is proposed f. the technical justification for equivalence. A proposed draft eligibility document may be the easiest way to supply the information. 2.7.2 Exporters requesting dispensation or equivalence should contact the Animal Imports and Exports Group, and provide them with any relevant information to assist the negotiation process. 2.7.3 MPI reserves the right to reject equivalence requests on a case-by-case basis.
Version 1.0 16 November 2012 Page 3.1 Requirements for Isolation Part 3 Requirements for Isolation 3.1 Introduction 3.1.1 The purpose of isolating animals in an approved pre-export isolation facility is to ensure that there is a level of sanitary control of the animal(s) during the preparation for export, resulting in their export status being maintained and so allowing the issue of an official assurance. 3.1.2 A pre-export isolation facility is aimed to isolate the animal(s) from other animals that are not of the same health status, so that direct disease transmission is prevented. 3.2 Responsibilities of the Exporter 3.2.1 The exporter is responsible for: a. ensuring that animals that require pre-export isolation in an approved facility are isolated under conditions that meet the relevant requirements of this CoP b. ensuring that the facility is approved by a recognised person prior to use c. arranging for a specified person (eg PEI manager) to undertake overall monitoring during the isolation period, and for ensuring that only animals that meet the conditions set down in the Export Requirements are presented for export. 3.2.2 The exporter should ensure that the facilities, procedures and management as detailed in the isolation facility management plan can be met. 3.2.3 It is the exporter s responsibility to work in collaboration with the facility operator to ensure that the isolation plan is written and approved. However, it is the facility operator s responsibility to ensure that the plan is implemented and kept up to date. 3.2.4 Where the Export Requirements require certain activities (e.g. testing and treatment) to be undertaken before the animals begin their isolation period, the exporter should confirm that those requirements have been met. 3.3 Requirements for approval 3.3.1 An approval to operate as a pre-export isolation facility should be based on meeting the relevant Export Requirements, and the requirements, as appropriate, of this CoP. 3.3.2 For the approval of a facility that is not continuously approved to operate, the recognised person should inspect the facility and assess the isolation facility management plan prior to or at the beginning of the isolation period. 3.3.3 The recognised person should confirm in writing to the operator that the isolation facility and associated management plan is approved, and list the livestock types and countries that the operator is approved to undertake pre-export isolation for. 3.4 Continuously-approved facilities
Version 1.0 16 November 2012 Page 3.2 Requirements for Isolation 3.4.1 Where an operator has demonstrated an ability to successfully manage a minimum of two (2) successful consignments requiring approved isolation within the previous two (2) years, they can be continuously approved for a two (2) year period for the applicable export countries. 3.4.2 The recognised person should confirm in writing to the operator that the facility and associated management plan is continuously approved, with an appropriate expiry date. The approval should list the livestock types and countries that the operator is approved to undertake pre-export isolation for. 3.4.3 When a continuously-approved facility does not contain a consignment for export, it can be used for other purposes. The use of the facility during such times should not compromise its use for pre-export isolation. 3.4.4 In order to maintain continuous approval, the operator of the facility should re-apply to the recognised person before the end of the approval period. 3.4.5 Where an operator has a continuously approved pre-export isolation facility and wants to undertake pre-export quarantine, or pre-export isolation for a country not included in the scope of their approval, the recognised person should assess the risks associated with the level of isolation required and the operator s previous experience, and may grant them an extension to the scope of their approval. Where the standard of isolation may be substantially different to what the operator has previous experience with, the recognised person may treat the request as a new request for approval i.e. require an assessment of the isolation facility management plan and visit the facility prior to approval. Pre-export quarantine requires a more stringent level of biosecurity control and management see section 4. 3.4.6 Where the recognised person has concerns over the management or effectiveness of a pre-export isolation facility, they may reassess or revoke the continuously approved status. 3.5 Requirements for supervision 3.5.1 The person responsible for the supervision of the pre-export isolation facility should visit the facility with sufficient frequency to ensure that the export eligibility of the animals is managed effectively. 3.5.2 The recognised person may direct a delegated person to perform the day-to-day supervision or oversight of pre-export isolation, where not specified otherwise by the Export Requirements. 3.5.3 A supervising veterinarian may be a non-recognised person such as a practice veterinarian. 3.6 Requirements for the facility 3.6.1 The facility should meet the following requirements: a. be designed so that the risk of disease transmission is minimised b. have appropriate facilities, where required, to allow the undertaking of any testing, treatment, inspection or examination
Version 1.0 16 November 2012 Page 3.3 Requirements for Isolation c. have a management plan detailing how the facility will be managed. 3.6.2 Multiple facilities can be used for one consignment where allowed by the Export Requirements. 3.7 Isolation facility management plan 3.7.1 The isolation plan should detail the facilities, procedures and management of the facility to ensure that the animals for export meet the relevant Export Requirements and the applicable parts of this CoP. 3.7.2 An isolation facility management plan should detail how the animals will be isolated and managed, with an appropriate level of biosecurity to maintain their export eligibility. The plan can be tailored to the species of animal isolated, the diseases of concern to the importing country, and the length of time the facility will keep the animals isolated. Items or topics that could be included in the isolation plan: a. a site plan showing the layout of the site, entrances to the facility, and any defined areas such as yards and feed storage areas b. contact details of the recognised person and any supervising veterinarian c. responsibilities of any facility staff involved with the consignment d. procedures covering the following: i. preparation of the facility for the start of isolation ii. arrival of the animals into the isolation facility iii. identification of the animals, including during any testing or treatment required during pre-export isolation iv. prevention of direct contact between animals v. management of access of visitors and vehicles to the facility vi. management of the export status of the animals, including management of ineligible animals and any breach of isolation vii. departure of the animals from the isolation facility viii. management of any off-loading during the transport to the port of departure ix. management of records. The operator may amend the isolation plan during the isolation period, but should notify the recognised person of any changes that they make. 3.7.3 Where there are multiple animals involved, the period of pre-export isolation commences after the last animal of the consignment scheduled for export enters the approved facility.
Version 1.0 16 November 2012 Page 3.4 Requirements for Isolation 3.8 Responsibilities of facility staff 3.8.1 The facility staff play an important role in the day-to-day operation of the facility, ensuring that the health of the animals is monitored and the management plan is followed, so that the export eligibility of the animals is maintained. 3.8.2 The facility staff should report any changes in health status, mortalities, or breaches in the animals isolation status to the operator. 3.9 Preparation of the facility 3.9.1 The operator is responsible for ensuring that the facility is adequately prepared for the start of the isolation period. Examples of the preparation of an isolation facility include: removing other animals from the area, stand-down of pasture for 48 hours, cleaning of yards and shared facilities, and fence maintenance. 3.10 Prevention of direct contact between animals 3.10.1 Animals in a pre-export isolation facility should not be in direct contact with animals of a lesser export status. 3.10.2 Facility boundaries should be such that the export animals are adequately separated from other animals that present a risk to the export status of the animals in isolation. 3.10.3 Consideration should also be given to excluding other species of livestock, or wild animals, which may pose a health risk to the animals during their isolation. 3.10.4 Domestic animals may be used where necessary for managing animals in pre-export isolation (e.g. for mustering stock), however they should be managed so that they do not present a disease risk to the animals to be exported. 3.11 Access of visitors and vehicles 3.11.1 Visitor and vehicle entry to the facility should be managed so that the export status of the animals is maintained. Examples of control of visitors and vehicles includes: Signage to restrict entry Cleaning and disinfection of the tires of vehicles going on to the facility Use of appropriate clothing and footwear for visitors 3.12 Management of export status of the animals in isolation 3.12.1 The operator is responsible for managing the export status of the animals during the isolation period, which includes: managing the identification of the animals removing any animals that become ineligible for export keeping records reporting any clinical disease or mortality to the recognised person
Version 1.0 16 November 2012 Page 3.5 Requirements for Isolation notifying the recognised person of any variation to the isolation facility management plan (i.e. a change in facility staff, a change in the boundary to provide more grazing) 3.12.2 Any potential changes to the export status in the animals destined for export should be recorded and immediately reported to the recognised person. 3.12.3 Where unforeseen circumstances cause a failure in the isolation of the animals to be exported, but not necessarily a change in their export status, a dispensation may be granted by the Director-General on a case-by-case basis. 3.13 Departure from the facility 3.13.1 There should be adequate notification of the planned load-out from the facility so that all relevant persons are aware of the planned departure. This includes giving adequate notice of the need for certification, including an Animal Welfare Export Certificate. 3.13.2 The transport of the animals to the port of departure should be by a planned route, with no mixing of the animals with other animals of a lesser export status. 3.13.3 Where the Export Requirements specify a particular regime of cleaning and disinfection of vehicles to the place of departure, this should be adhered to. 3.13.4 An isolation facility should remain available until the animals destined for export have left the country or been loaded onto a ship, in case it is necessary for the animals to return to a facility. 3.14 Records 3.14.1 Records should be kept to demonstrate that the relevant procedures in the isolation plan have been met. These records may include : a. details of the animals destined for export, including identification, date of arrival, date of departure, and destination b. any testing, treatment, inspection or examination c. records of routine activities, visitors etc d. any incidents or problems. 3.14.2 Records, including those of ineligible animals, should be retained for a minimum of four (4) years.
Version 1.0 16 November 2012 Page 4.1 Requirements for Quarantine Part 4 Requirements for Quarantine 4.1 Introduction 4.1.1 The purpose of quarantining animals in an approved pre-export quarantine facility is to ensure that there is a high level of sanitary control of the live animal(s) during the preparation for export, resulting in their export status being maintained and so allowing the issue of an official assurance. 4.1.2 A pre-export quarantine facility is aimed to both isolate the animal(s) from other animals, and to prevent indirect disease transmission. A quarantine facility usually requires intervention steps to prevent disease spread to the export eligible animal(s). Examples of interventions include using footbaths, protective clothing, and restricting the entry of vehicles and visitors. 4.2 Responsibilities of the Exporter 4.2.1 The exporter is responsible for: a. ensuring that animals that require pre-export quarantine in an approved facility are isolated and managed under conditions that meet the relevant requirements of this CoP b. ensuring that the facility is approved by a recognised person prior to use c. arranging for a specified person (eg PEQ manager) to undertake overall monitoring during the isolation period, and for ensuring that only animals that meet the conditions set down in the Export Requirements are presented for export. 4.2.2 The exporter should ensure that the facilities, procedures and management as detailed in the quarantine facility management plan can be met. 4.2.3 It is the exporter s responsibility to work in collaboration with the facility operator to ensure that the quarantine plan is written and approved. However, it is the facility operator s responsibility to ensure that the plan is implemented and kept up to date. 4.2.4 Where the Export Requirements require certain activities (e.g. testing and treatment) to be undertaken before the animals begin their quarantine period, the exporter should confirm that those requirements have been met. 4.3 Requirements for approval 4.3.1 An approval to operate as a pre-export quarantine facility should be based on meeting the relevant Export Requirements, and the requirements, as appropriate, of this CoP. 4.3.2 For the approval of a facility that is not continuously approved to operate, the recognised person should inspect the facility and assess the quarantine facility management plan prior to or at the beginning of the quarantine period. 4.3.3 The recognised person should confirm in writing to the operator that the facility and associated management plan is approved, and list the livestock types and countries that the operator is approved to undertake pre-export quarantine for.
Version 1.0 16 November 2012 Page 4.2 Requirements for Quarantine 4.4 Continuously-approved facilities 4.4.1 Where an operator has demonstrated an ability to successfully manage a minimum of two (2) successful consignments requiring approved quarantine within the previous two (2) years, they can be continuously approved for a one (1) year period for the applicable export countries. 4.4.2 Where the operator has demonstrated an ability to successfully manage a minimum of four successful consignments requiring approved quarantine within the previous two years, they can be continuously approved for a two (2) year period for the applicable export countries. 4.4.3 The recognised person should confirm in writing to the exporter that the facility and associated management plan is continuously approved, with an appropriate expiry date. The approval should list the livestock types and countries that the operator is approved to undertake pre-export quarantine for. 4.4.4 When a continuously-approved facility does not contain a consignment for export, it can be used for other purposes. The use of the facility during such times should not compromise its use for pre-export quarantine. 4.4.5 In order to maintain continuous approval, the operator of the facility should re-apply to the recognised person before the end of the approval period. 4.4.6 Where an operator has a continuously approved pre-export quarantine facility and wants to undertake pre-export quarantine for a country not included in the scope of their approval, the recognised person should assess the risks associated with the level of isolation and management required and the operator s previous experience, and may grant them an extension to the scope of their approval. Where the standard of quarantine may be substantially different to what the operator has previous experience with, the recognised person may treat the request as a new request for approval i.e. require an assessment of the quarantine facility management plan and visit the facility prior to approval. 4.4.7 Where the recognised person has concerns over the management or effectiveness of a pre-export quarantine facility, they may reassess or revoke the continuously approved status. 4.5 Requirements for supervision 4.5.1 The recognised person (or supervising veterinarian, where applicable) should visit the facility, either at the beginning of the quarantine period or soon after the start of the quarantine period, and with sufficient frequency to ensure that the export eligibility of the animals is managed effectively. 4.5.2 The recognised person may direct a delegated person to perform the day-to-day supervision or oversight of pre-export quarantine, where not specified otherwise by the Export Requirements. 4.5.3 A supervising veterinarian may be a non-recognised person such as a practice veterinarian. 4.6 Requirements for the facility 4.6.1 The facility should meet the following requirements:
Version 1.0 16 November 2012 Page 4.3 Requirements for Quarantine a. be designed so that the risk of disease transmission is minimised b. provide appropriate management practices for the animals being quarantined c. have appropriate facilities, where required, to allow the undertaking of any testing, treatment, inspection or examination d. have a management plan detailing how the facility will be managed and supervised. 4.6.2 Due consideration should be given to whether an outdoor, indoor or combination facility is required to provide a sufficient level of quarantine as appropriate to the Export Requirements. 4.7 Quarantine facility management plan 4.7.1 The plan should detail the facilities, procedures, management and supervision of the facility to ensure that the animals for export meet the relevant Export Requirements and the applicable parts of this CoP. 4.7.2 A quarantine facility management plan should detail how the animals will be quarantined and managed, with an appropriate level of biosecurity to maintain their export eligibility. The plan can be tailored to the species of animal isolated, the diseases of concern to the importing country, and the length of time the facility will keep the animals isolated. Items or topics that could be included in the isolation plan: a. a site plan showing the layout of the site, entrances to the facility, and any defined areas such as yards and feed storage areas b. contact details of the recognised person and any supervising veterinarian c. responsibilities of any facility staff involved with the consignment d. procedures covering the following: i. preparation of the facility for the start of quarantine ii. arrival of the animals into the quarantine facility iii. identification of the animals, including during any testing or treatment required during pre-export isolation iv. prevention of direct/indirect contact between animals v. regular monitoring of the health of the animals vi. ensuring that water and feed do not present a disease risk vii. control of pests and wildlife viii. management of access of visitors and vehicles to the facility ix. management of the export status of the animals, including management of ineligible animals and any breach of quarantine x. departure of the animals from the quarantine facility xi. management of records e. details of the person who is responsible for record-keeping, and the location of the records.
Version 1.0 16 November 2012 Page 4.4 Requirements for Quarantine 4.7.3 Where there are multiple animals involved, the period of pre-export quarantine commences after the last animal of the consignment scheduled for export enters the approved facility. 4.7.4 Where an animal needs to be removed from the quarantine facility, the operator must notify the recognised person. For some countries, removal of animals from the quarantine facility without authorisation may invalidate the quarantine period. 4.8 Requirements and responsibilities of facility staff 4.8.1 The facility operator should be suitably qualified/experienced in the husbandry of the species being quarantined, or should employ an experienced stockperson for daily supervision of the facility. 4.8.2 The facility staff should report any changes in health status, mortalities, or breaches in the animals quarantine status to the operator. 4.8.3 Persons entering the facility should ensure that their clothing and footwear does not compromise the export status of the animals, and that any equipment they take onto the facility does not pose a risk to the export status of the animals. 4.9 Preparation of the facility 4.9.1 The operator is responsible for ensuring that the facility is adequately prepared for the start of the quarantine period. Examples of the preparation of a quarantine facility include: removing other animals from the area, stand-down of pasture for a minimum of 48 hours, cleaning and disinfection of facilities and equipment, pest control, and fence maintenance. 4.10 Prevention of direct/indirect contact between animals 4.10.1 Animals in a pre-export quarantine facility should not be in direct contact with animals of a lesser export status. 4.10.2 Facility boundaries should be such that the export animals are adequately separated from other animals that present a risk to the export status of the animals in quarantine. The entry of other animals into the facility may invalidate the quarantine period. Consideration should also be given to excluding other species of livestock, or wild animals, which may pose a health risk to the animals during their quarantine. 4.10.3 Domestic animals may be used where necessary for managing animals in pre-export quarantine (e.g. for mustering stock), however they should be managed so that they do not present a disease risk to the animals to be exported. 4.10.4 Facilities and equipment should be cleaned and disinfected as appropriate to reduce the risk of indirect disease spread. 4.10.5 Feed and drinking water supplied to the animals should not constitute an animal health risk. 4.10.6 Visitors should be managed to ensure that their clothing and footwear does not compromise the export status of the animals.
Version 1.0 16 November 2012 Page 4.5 Requirements for Quarantine 4.11 Access of visitors and vehicles 4.11.1 Visitor and vehicle entry to the facility should be minimised, requiring authorisation by the operator. Examples of control of visitors and vehicles includes: Signage to restrict entry Cleaning and disinfection of the tires of vehicles going on to the facility Use of appropriate clothing and footwear for visitors Use of a visitors book. 4.12 Management of export status of the animals in quarantine 4.12.1 The operator is responsible for managing the export status of the animals during the quarantine period, which includes: managing both direct and indirect disease risks regular monitoring of the health status of the animals managing the identification of the animals keeping records reporting any clinical disease or mortality to the recognised person notifying the recognised person of any variation to the quarantine facility management plan (i.e. a change in facility staff) 4.12.2 Any potential changes to the export status in the animals destined for export should be recorded and immediately reported to the recognised person. 4.12.3 Where unforeseen circumstances cause a failure in the quarantine of the animals to be exported, but not necessarily a change in their export status, a dispensation may be granted by the Director-General on a case-by-case basis. 4.13 Departure from the facility 4.13.1 There should be adequate notification of the planned load-out from the facility so that all relevant persons are aware of the planned departure. This includes giving adequate notice of the need for certification, including an Animal Welfare Export Certificate. 4.13.2 The transport of the animals to the port of departure should be by a planned route, with no mixing of the animals with other animals of a lesser export status. 4.13.3 Where the Export Requirements specify a particular regime of cleaning and disinfection of vehicles to the place of departure, this should be adhered to. 4.13.4 The quarantine facility should remain available until the animals destined for export have left the country or been loaded onto a ship, in case it is necessary for the animals to return to a facility.
Version 1.0 16 November 2012 Page 4.6 Requirements for Quarantine 4.14 Records 4.14.1 Records should be kept to demonstrate that the relevant procedures in the quarantine plan have been met. These records may include : a. details of the animals destined for export, including identification, date of arrival, date of departure, and destination b. regular monitoring of the health of the animals c. routine activities such as boundary checks, electric fences etc d. any testing, treatment, inspection or examination e. visitors to the facility f. any incidents or problems g. transporter s name, contact details and date(s) of transport. 4.14.2 Records, including those of ineligible animals, should be retained for a minimum of four (4) years.