Strict conditions apply to bovid imports approved for Australian zoos

September 22, 2021

The Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has given zoos wishing to import live bovid animals or their semen into Australia a greenlight following a department review, provided they meet strict new biosecurity measures preventing 22 significant diseases including rabies, foot-and-mouth disease and Rift Valley fever, being introduced.

Currently, Australia only permits the importation of zoo bovids from New Zealand, including animals like kudu, gazelles and impala. The review recommends 19 other countries be allowed to import bovid animals and their semen, if agreed biosecurity import conditions are met. Species including domestic cattle and buffalo, sheep and goats are excluded.

Countries recommended for being allowed to import bovid animals into Australian Zoos include Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These countries were considered for inclusion on the basis of historical trade and their ability to provide accurate export certification.

Head of Biosecurity, Andrew Tongue. said the review was based on expert advice and extensive consultation with the animal industry sector and was an important step for zoos around Australia.

Tongue advised “Importation of zoo bovids is a top priority for the zoo sector, to improve the genetic diversity of existing zoo collections and contribute to international conservation efforts.

“However, it’s vital these zoo animals don’t create undue biosecurity risk to Australia. The department has worked closely with the zoo and livestock industries to develop conditions that will allow imports to occur safely.

“All animals imported will be held in pre-export quarantine for at least 30 days.

“They will be observed for signs of disease, treated for internal and external parasites, and tested for diseases in accordance with Australian import requirements.

“The donor animal must be resident in an approved, licensed or registered zoo or wildlife park in the exporting country since birth or for at least 12 months immediately before collection, unless otherwise approved by the department.”

Read the final review at Zoo bovids from approved countries

Image courtesy The Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources

13th September 2021 - Taronga Western Plains Zoo secures its position as conservation powerhouse

10th March 2021 - Taronga Western Plains Zoo celebrates birth of critically endangered Black Rhino calf

17th February 2021 - Taronga Zoo scientists playing key role in protecting Great Barrier Reef

30th August 2021 - Victoria’s Zoos powered by 100% renewable energy

11th August 2021 - Adelaide Zoo has plans to expand its giraffe area over the next few years

23rd June 2021 - Rockhampton Zoo to launch new chimpanzee encounter

18th May 2021 - Zoos SA announce another successful Tasmanian Devil breeding season at Monarto Safari Park

6th May 2021 - Adelaide Zoo welcomes Desert dingo pups

19th March 2021 - Conservation organisations fund Zoos Victoria’s support of critically endangered Mountain Pygmy-possums

3rd March 2021 - Melbourne Zoo installs QR technology for visitors to access information and virtual zookeeper talks

1st March 2021 - Zoos SA announces Mossop Construction as builder for Monarto Safari Park Visitor Centre

4th February 2021 - Rockhampton Zoo opens new monitor lizard enclosure

14th January 2021 - WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo continues to educate on Tasmanian Devil conservation

17th December 2020 - WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo welcomes numbat and raises awareness of the endangered species

8th December 2020 - Taronga Zoo Sydney to reopen Sky Safari observing COVIDSafety

9th November 2020 - Taronga Zoo plans for new Wildlife Hospital and upgraded Reptile Centre with government and private funding

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.