30 August 2023
In mid-2023, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) adopted a new Terrestrial Animal Health Code chapter for equine piroplasmosis (infection with Theileria equi and/or Babesia caballi). The new chapter for equine piroplasmosis includes:
- Recommendations for maintaining country freedom; and
- Identifies polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing in addition to indirect fluorescent antibody testing (IFAT) and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) to qualify horses for international movement.
Australia’s existing import conditions for equine piroplasmosis do not require the PCR test. The department will update the equine piroplasmosis conditions for horses from approved countries to align with the WOAH Code recommendations and include PCR testing. The Biosecurity Import Conditions System (BICON) will be updated to reflect the change as new health certificates are agreed with trading partners as part of planned updates later in 2023. There has been no change in the level of piroplasmosis risk to Australia meaning that all existing import permits remain valid. However, importers may contact the department to request a permit variation if desired prior to the BICON changes.
The equine piroplasmosis clause will be amended to state:
The horse was tested for both B. caballi and T. equi using an IFAT, cELISA (on a single serum sample) and PCR (on a single whole blood sample) as described in the WOAH Terrestrial Manual, which were taken at least four days after commencement of pre-export quarantine, and with negative results for all tests,
OR
after consultation with the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the horse was confirmed negative for equine piroplasmosis (B. caballi and T. equi) by a WOAH reference laboratory using an IFAT, cELISA (on a single serum sample) and PCR (on a single whole blood sample) as described in the WOAH Manual, which were taken at least four days after commencement of pre-export quarantine.
Updating the existing import conditions to include PCR testing will allow Australia to continue to facilitate the movement of horses in accordance with international recommendations.
Full details of the current import conditions for horses from approved countries are available on BICON. To receive information and updates subscribe to Biosecurity Risk Analysis Animal at our subscription centre. Subscribers will receive biosecurity advice notices and other notifications about animal biosecurity policy.
Dr Jill Millan
A/g Assistant Secretary
Animal Biosecurity
Email animal@aff.gov.au