The new import health certificate, to be applied from 1 May 2011, will require Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) tests to be conducted on all colts over the age of 12 months old.  The EVA test screens for EVA antibodies in the blood which indicate the presence of the viral disease. The disease is transmitted through both the respiratory and reproductive systems and can cause abortions in pregnant mares.

This requirement will unfortunately mean an additional cost to owners freighting colts to Australia, in order to cover the additional veterinary costs to take blood samples, courier costs to send samples to the laboratory, and testing fees. This test can be sensitive and results may be delayed due to inability to obtain a result, in which case re-testing will be required.

Things to remember:

• Horses to be shipped to Australia will require longer lead up times prior to travel to organise blood tests.
• There will be additional costs to cover the EVA test, courier and vet.
• When the test is run, it takes three days to obtain a reading, however tests can sometimes fail and must therefore be repeated.
• The laboratory sets up the test to run on a Tuesday and Friday (results available Friday and Monday).
• The blood sample must be taken with 21 days prior to export i.e. the result will expire after 21 days.
• Affects all equines, including donkeys, asses and mules.
• Geldings, fillies, mares, and colts less than 12 months old, are exempt from this requirement.

Further information contact Greg Northcott at New Zealand Bloodstock on 09 298 0055 or greg.northcott@nzb.co.nz.