Download Unprocessed fibre of sheep and goats - Import Risk Analysis (November 1998)

An analysis of the biosecurity risks posed by the importation of unprocessed fibre of sheep and goats into New Zealand.

This document is a non-quantitative analysis of the biosecurity risks posed by the importation of unprocessed fibre of sheep and goats into New Zealand. The current conditions applied for the importation of animal fibre into New Zealand result from a review carried out in 1991. Under the terms of the veterinary agreement between New Zealand and the European Union, New Zealand is obliged to re-assess the disease risks posed by trade in animal fibre. Rather than consider fibre from the EU in isolation, this generic risk analysis considers fibre of sheep and goats regardless of country of origin.

The risks to animal and human health, including the risks of zoonotic diseases to persons handling imported fibre, are analysed. The risk of introduction of weed seeds in imported fibre is not considered in this risk analysis.
The diseases considered in this risk analysis are predominantly the diseases of sheep and goats which are listed in OIE Lists A and B. Exotic mites and ticks were also considered.

However, of the 35 diseases considered in the hazard identification, 11 diseases are identified as being potentially able to be carried on fibre of sheep and goats for more than a week. Of greatest significance are the two zoonoses : anthrax and Q fever. These have long histories of causing serious disease in wool handlers. Safeguards are recommended for the following diseases: foot and mouth disease (FMD), sheep pox and goat pox, anthrax, Q fever, caprine and ovine, brucellosis (B. melitensis), contagious agalactia, contagious caprine pleuropneumonia, enzootic abortion of ewes, Salmonellosis (S. abortus ovis), sheep scab (Psoroptes ovis), and exotic ticks within the family Ixodidae.