Download Egg powders from all countries - Final import risk analysis (October 2008)

This document is a qualitative analysis of the biosecurity risks associated with the import of shelf-stable spray-dried powders, prepared from clean eggs, containing less than 100mg/kg of eggshell remains, egg membrane, and other particles, into New Zealand from all countries.

For imported whole egg, egg yolk, and egg albumen powders, heat-resistant variants of exotic group 1 avian adenoviruses associated with hydropericardium syndrome (Angara disease) (FAdV-4) are assessed to be a risk. Options presented for FAdV-4 risk management include: assurance that eggs used have been derived from flocks in countries or geographic regions where Angara disease has not been recognised, testing to ensure source flock freedom from FAdV-4, and further heat treatment of manufactured powders to destroy any FAdV-4 present.

Exotic avian influenza (AI) viruses are assessed to be a risk in imported egg albumen powders. AI viruses are not assessed to be a risk in whole egg and egg yolk powders. Options presented for AI virus risk management include: further heat treatment of manufactured egg albumen powders that have not already been subject to heat treatment proven to destroy AI viruses, testing source flocks to ensure freedom from AI viruses and certification that eggs used to manufacture egg albumen powders have originated from flocks in countries, zones, or compartments which are free of notifiable AI as described in Article 2.7.12.3 of the OIE Code.