21 October 2022
Who does this notice affect?
Stakeholders associated with the import of live dogs to Australian territory, including importers, pet transport agents, and official and government-approved veterinarians
What has changed?
From 1 November 2022, the department will remove the requirement for serological testing for E. canis for live dogs prior to import to Australia.
Background
Ehrlichia canis has been detected in Australia and is now considered to be established. Because of this, the department has reviewed the import conditions for dogs from approved countries and will make the following changes to import conditions from 1 November 2022:
- The requirement for pre-export Ehrlichia canis serological testing will be removed for all dogs, including assistance dogs and active Australian defence and police dogs.
- Pre-export Ehrlichia canis serological testing will be added to the import conditions for the movement of dogs from the Australian mainland to Norfolk, Christmas and Cocos Islands.
- Pre-export Ehrlichia canis serological testing will be added to the import conditions for Australian origin dogs being exported from New Zealand to Norfolk Island.
The requirement for dogs to undergo pre-export veterinary examination and treatment for external parasites will remain. These import conditions contribute to the biosecurity risk management for a number of other diseases of biosecurity concern.
The department will directly contact all importers that hold a valid import permit with additional details.
Updated import conditions can be viewed in BICON or on our website (Bringing cats and dogs to Australia).
Further information
Please note that movement conditions may apply once dogs are released from biosecurity control. Further information about jurisdictional conditions can be found on the National pest and disease outbreaks website under Ehrlichiosis in dogs.
We encourage prospective importers to check our website regularly or subscribe to our mailing list for up to date information as import conditions can and do change without notice.
Please contact the department by phone 1800 900 090 or email to imports@aff.gov.au if you have any questions.