We have completed our review of biosecurity import requirements for dogs and cats and their semen from approved countries.
Steps to complete this risk analysis
When we do a risk analysis, we:
- start the risk analysis by reviewing the science on pests and diseases of concern
- assess and analyse biosecurity risks
- develop proposed risk management measures
- consult the public on the draft report and then review comments
- publish a final report
- develop import conditions
- publish import conditions in our Biosecurity Import Conditions System (BICON)
This analysis was completed in 2013. Read more about importing cats and dogs to Australia.
Following changes in biosecurity risk, the import conditions for canine influenza (2019), canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (2022) and rabies virus (2023) have been updated.
Learn more about why we carry out risk analyses and our international obligations.
Register in BICON to receive an alert if conditions change.
Updates
Due to increases in trade including increasing commercialisation and suspected fraudulent certification, we completed a review of the rabies virus chapter in 2023.
Due to the establishment of Ehrlichia canis in Australia, import conditions for canine monocytic ehrlichiosis were removed in 2022. Read more about this change.
Due to changing global distribution of canine influenza virus, we completed a review of the canine influenza virus chapter in 2019.
Download revised rabies virus chapter
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 2023
Download
Review of rabies virus risk in imported dogs, cats and canine semen from approved countries - final report PDF 1.1 MB
Review of rabies virus risk in imported dogs, cats and canine semen from approved countries - final report DOCX 1.6 MB
Stakeholder response summary PDF 272 KB
Stakeholder response summary DOCX 258 KB
Review of rabies virus risk in imported dogs, cats and canine semen from approved countries - draft report PDF 1.1 MB
Review of rabies virus risk in imported dogs, cats and canine semen from approved countries - draft report DOCX 1 MB
If you have difficulty accessing these files, visit web accessibility for assistance.
Download revised canine influenza virus chapter
Department of Agriculture, 2019
Download
Review of risks associated with canine influenza virus PDF 519KB
Review of risks associated with canine influenza virus DOCX 790KB
If you have difficulty accessing these files, visit web accessibility for assistance.
About the final report
We recommend that the import of dogs and cats be allowed from approved countries. All imports must meet the agreed biosecurity import conditions.
The final report details:
- diseases of biosecurity concern
- risk assessments for the identified diseases
- recommended risk management measures.
Diseases
The final report names diseases and disease agents that need risk management measures. These are:
- canine brucellosis
- canine influenza virus
- canine piroplasmosis
- canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (Note: import conditions were removed in 2022)
- hepatozoonosis
- leishmaniasis
- leptospirosis
- Lyme disease
- screw-worm fly myiasis
- rabies
- tularaemia
- yersiniosis.
Risk management measures
In summary, required risk management measures include:
- country or zone freedom
- quarantine periods
- diagnostic testing
- veterinary inspection
- veterinary treatments.
Download final report
Department of Agriculture, 2013
Download
Importation of dogs and cats and their semen from approved countries PDF 1.7 MB
Importation of dogs and cats and their semen from approved countries DOC 1.3 MB
If you have difficulty accessing these files, visit web accessibility for assistance.
Register as a stakeholder
Register as a stakeholder to receive notices about animal biosecurity policy.
Contact us
For more information about this review email Animal Biosecurity.