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Dogs and cats relocating to New Zealand

ACE Pet Moving has today been informed that the following changes for dogs and cats travelling to New Zealand are anticipated to take effect 2. May 2011:

NEW STANDARD: ALL COUNTRIES EXCEPT AUSTRALIA

• Once the new standard is in full effect (one month after the issue date) post-arrival quarantine will be required for a minimum of 10 days for cats and dogs from all countries except Australia. 
   
• Up until the new standard issue date we will process import permits under the current import health standards. These import permits can still be used, but the old or new requirements will apply in the change over period. This means that for countries that previously had quarantine periods of 30 to 120 days, if the cat or dog has passed all tests and treatments, it will be eligible to leave quarantine after 10 days.
   
• United Kingdom, Hawaii, Ireland (Republic of), Norway, Singapore and Sweden did not previously require a permit, but WILL REQUIRE A PERMIT AFTER THE CHANGE-OVER PERIOD: If your cat or dog is scheduled to travel to New Zealand on or after this time, apply for a permit as soon as you know your travel plans.
   
• All permit applications
   
• Contact details for quarantine facilities are on the permit application. Please contact the facilities directly for costs and services. 

Brief summary of proposed changes: 

• Post-arrival quarantine for a minimum of 10 days, and an import permit, will be required for cats and dogs from ALL COUNTRIES except Australia.  
   
• Rabies vaccination, where required, is at least 6 months before import, with a passing rabies titre on a blood sample collected between 3 and 24 months prior to import.
   
• TWO treatments for external parasites must be administered by a veterinarian along with an inspection and verification of freedom from external parasites.  The first treatment and inspection must be within 30 days of shipment and at least two weeks before the second treatment.  The second treatment and inspection must be within two days of shipment.
   
• Veterinary inspection will be required for all animals including from Australia.  Compliant cats and dogs from Australia can be given biosecurity clearance at the border if advance notification of arrival is given and the animal arrives during the times specified for veterinary inspection. Cats and dogs arriving outside of the specified times, or without advance notification of arrival, will be directed to a quarantine (transitional) facility to be checked by a veterinarian within 72 hours. The importer will be responsible for all associated costs.
   
• Babesia gibsoni: the blood smear will no longer be required.  PCR will be accepted, with two negative PCR tests on samples collected approximately 30 days apart required.  
   
• Heartworm (Dirofilia immitis):  the microfilaria test is no longer required. A negative heartworm antigen test and heartworm prevention treatment will still be required.
   
• Ehrlichia canis:  tests or treatments will no longer be required, as the vector which spreads this organism is not present in New Zealand.
   
• Internal parasites: faecal tests are no longer required, while two treatments are still required.
   
• Final pre-export inspection: must be conducted within 48 hours of shipment.

The Draft Import Health Standard for Cats and Dogs, written to replace all of the existing import health standards for cats and dogs, is currently in the final stages of being issued.