11 December 2024
Importation of zoo hippopotamuses and their semen from approved countries – final report
On 24 April 2024 the department issued Biosecurity Advice 2024-A06 inviting comments on the draft review of biosecurity risks associated with importing zoo hippopotamuses and their semen from approved countries. The report was open for a 60-day consultation period and closed on 24 June 2024.
We have considered the comments received during the consultation period and published the final report. Minor changes to improve clarity and to include additional options to recommended import conditions were made in response to stakeholder feedback.
The final report is available on the department’s website.
The release of the final report will allow the importation of eligible zoo common and pygmy hippos and their semen into Australian zoos from approved countries, subject to a range of biosecurity measures. The recommended import conditions in the final report will form the basis of any import permits issued. Importers will soon be able to apply for a permit via BICON. Register in BICON to receive an alert when the import conditions are published.
To receive information and updates on biosecurity risk analyses, subscribe to Biosecurity Risk Analysis Animal at subscribe.agriculture.gov.au/subscribe. Subscribers will receive biosecurity advice notices and other notifications about animal biosecurity policy.
Dr Rochelle Prattley
Acting Assistant Secretary
Animal Biosecurity
Email: animalbiosecurity@aff.gov.au