Last updated August 2024
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Introduction
The purpose of this document is to inform courier drivers of their responsibilities when transporting biological samples from horses subject to biosecurity control to the laboratory for testing.
In accordance with the Biosecurity Act 2015, horses completing post-arrival quarantine at the Australian Government’s Mickleham Post-Entry Quarantine Facility (MQF) or at a horse Approved Arrangement (AA) site are classified as goods subject to biosecurity control. Therefore, blood and tissue samples taken from these horses are also subject to biosecurity control and must be handled to manage associated biosecurity risk.
Biosecurity requirements
Samples from horses subject to biosecurity control must be transported directly from MQF or the AA site to the laboratory identified on the consignment note, which must accompany all samples.
If there is any reason the samples cannot be delivered directly to the laboratory, or if there is a delay in delivery, the courier driver must notify the MQF or AA site immediately on the relevant number listed below:
- MQF Horse North Compound phone number: (03) 8318 6756
- MQF Horse South Compound phone number: (03) 8318 6939
- Nominated AA Site contact phone number:
If courier drivers fail to comply with these requirements they may be:
- prosecuted for a serious offence
- liable to pay a civil penalty
- excluded from the MQF or AA site and from transporting future laboratory samples