Download Live sheep and goats from Australia - Final import risk analysis (February 2009)

The risk of introduction of disease-causing organisms through the importation of live sheep and goats from Australia is considered in this risk analysis. Options are presented for sanitary measures to manage the risk associated with the following Bacillus anthracis, exotic Mycoplasma spp., exotic Salmonella spp., Leptospira spp., Coxiella burnetii, ticks, lice, internal parasites, Echinococcus granulosus, weed seeds, plants, and plant material.

Risk management options include quarantine, sourcing of animals from trustworthy sources, treatment, vaccination, diagnostic testing, implementation of legislative principles to prevent the establishment of an agent, and a prohibition on importation of live animals as appropriate for each case. A range of options of varying stringency has been suggested for each risk.

To prevent the re-introduction of Echinococcus granulosus it may be appropriate not to allow the importation of live animals and rely solely upon the importation of germplasm to ensure New Zealand’s access to improved ovine genetics. This measure would also effectively manage the risks associated with Bacillus anthracis, internal parasites, ticks, lice, and weed seeds, plants and plant material.