Freezing Semen For Export
What is "Export Quality Semen"
On this site, this means that the existing frozen semen can be made available for Export to another country outside of where the Stud Dog lives. Typically this means that additional testing and freezing requirements have been met and will be accepted by other countries with strict import requirements.
There are no hard and fast rules that cover the import of Semen into a country. However, there are some very common requirements and good practice recommendations. Following those requirements when semen is collected for freezing will typically mean that the Semen can be imported anywhere, at some time in the future.
Suggested Guidance here is based on the requirements for import into Australia and New Zealand. These are among the more restrictive countries for importing semen. So if a collection if suitable for these countries, then it should be relatively simple to export to any other country. Note that if you are planning on importing semen you should take specialist advice from a competent vet, import service or national authority for your own country.
Find a Government Approved Vet to Collect the Semen.
This means that the vet making the collection ( where the stud lives ) understands the regulatory requirements for semen collection in the destination countries and is approved to issue a Veterinary Health Certificate. The certificate should state that the dog was healthy at the time of collection, that all health checks were passed and describe how the semen was collected and stored. The vet will need to certify the following Health Checks...
Before Collection
The dog must be visibly healthy and able to pass the Veterinary Health inspection at the time of collection. Vaccinations are important, however It is better not to renew vaccinations immediately prior to collection. This may cause false positives in any health tests and is suspected of lowering fertility temporarily.
At Collection
Health Check - Canine Brucellosis
- The export country must be free of Canine Brucellosis -OR-
- The Stud Dog must be clear of symptoms of Brucellosis on the Day of Collection and take a Blood Test between 3 and 6 weeks after collection -OR-
- Some of the Semen from the Collection can be tested and certified as clear. This can be done at any time before export. ( for example if the Stud is deceased )
Health Check - Leptospirosis
- The export country must be free of Leptospira Interrogans -OR-
- The Stud Dog must take a Blood Test and be clear of infection between 3 and 6 weeks after collection -OR-
- The Semen must be prepared with Antibiotics effective against Leptospirosis -OR-
- The Stud Dog can be treated for Leptospirosis before collection
Health Check - Rabies
- The export country must be free of Rabies -OR-
- The Stud Dog must be clear of symptoms of Rabies at the time of collection and for 15 days afterwards.
After Collection
Take the dog back to the vet after 15 to 30 days for a health check-up and any required blood tests.
Freezing and Storage
Semen for export
must be stored separately
from any other semen that cannot be exported.
All straws and containers must be sealed and permanently labelled with the stud dog's Microchip number and date of collection.
Do not move stored Semen between countries - keep in the same country where it was collected.
More Information
Information on how to import canine semen to your country can be confusing. Importers need to be familiar with the requirements for their own country. For exporters, following the above guidelines gives a much better chance that any existing frozen semen can be exported to any country in the world.
the following links may be useful to importers.