26 July 2011
This Biosecurity Australia Advice (BAA) informs stakeholders of the release of the Review of Published Tests to Detect Pathogens in Veterinary Vaccines. This review provides clarification on the acceptable tests for extraneous pathogens required to meet Australia’s import policy for veterinary vaccines.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has completed a review of the published test methods that are considered to be reliable and sensitive for detecting extraneous pathogens in veterinary vaccines and vaccine raw materials. It provides clarification on the acceptable tests for extraneous pathogens required to meet Australia’s import policy for veterinary vaccines in accordance with the Australian Quarantine Policy and Requirements for the Importation of Live and Novel Veterinary Bulk and Finished Vaccines (1999) and Specific Quarantine Requirements for the Importation of Inactivated Veterinary Vaccines (1997). This will improve the efficiency of import permit assessments of veterinary vaccines. Australia’s import policy requirements have not changed as a result of this review.
The Department notes that there may be other validated unpublished test methods that are equally reliable and sensitive, including some test methods that remain commercial-in-confidence and are unpublished. These will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
This document will be updated periodically to take into account stakeholder comments that are supported by relevant new scientific information.
Please pass this notice to other interested parties. If those parties wish to be included in future communications on this matter they should contact Animal Biosecurity.
Karen Schneider
Executive Manager
Animal Division