Trans-Tasman horse exports halted
Racehorse exports to Australia have been halted by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) after a broodmare returned a suspected positive test to a blood disease.
MPI advised the suspected positive test for equine piroplasmosis was returned as part of standard export certification testing prior to shipment from New Zealand.
Further blood tests have been taken from the mare and MPI expect confirmation of whether the horse is negative or positive for the disease by the end of this week.
Theileria equi (piroplasmosis) is a blood disease that causes anaemia and is spread from animal to animal by ticks. The ticks that are known to transmit the disease are a species not present in New Zealand. It is not infectious between horses.
The horse in question was imported to New Zealand from Europe early last year for breeding. No signs of disease in the animal have been reported in its time here.
The horse met MPI’s importing requirements in that it had received a negative test for theileria equi within 30 days of shipment. Before shipment, horses are quarantined and treated to remove any ticks that may be present. They are also further inspected and quarantined on arrival.
Australia requires certification that New Zealand is free of theileria equi. This suspect test result has meant that MPI cannot currently provide that assurance of country-freedom status.
A shipment of horses to Australia that was scheduled for Tuesday was put on hold and another shipment scheduled for today could also be delayed.
The MPI’s market access specialists are working with Australian authorities to explore alternative assurance options to allow exports to continue.
Biosecurity New Zealand is carrying out a full investigation to confirm this is an isolated case and will test other horses from the farm involved.
MPI is aware this situation may cause concern and work is under way to resolve things as quickly as possible.
Australia remains New Zealand’s largest export nation for thoroughbreds, with 1246 exported there in the last complete season (2018-19). So far this season, 856 horses have been exported with a large volume of horses earmarked to travel in the coming months.
NZ Racing Desk