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Animal Biosecurity Advice 2023-A07: Review of the risk of Japanese encephalitis in horses from approved countries – draft report

Thursday 22 June at 10am

We invite you to comment on the draft review by Monday 21 August 2023.

 The draft report is available for review and comment on our Have Your Say website.

In response to Japanese encephalitis virus being detected on the Australian mainland in 2022, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has conducted a policy review of the risk of Japanese encephalitis in horses imported from approved countries.

133-2023: Release of draft 2023-24 biosecurity cost recovery implementation statement (CRIS)

Who does this notice affect?

Stakeholders in the import and shipping industries — including imported food stakeholders, customs brokers, freight forwarders, vessel masters, biosecurity industry participants and shipping agents

What has changed?

The department has completed its comprehensive review of the biosecurity cost recovery arrangement. The outcome proposes changes to existing regulatory charging to align fees and charges with the cost to deliver biosecurity and imported food activities.

Hendra virus

The information and links on this page give you access to the latest advice from key agencies about Hendra virus.

Current situation

Since 1994, Hendra virus (HeV) has been the cause of death in over 100 horses. Most cases have been the result of spillover infection from flying-foxes. Others have been the result of direct transmission from infected horses. To date, all cases have occurred in Queensland (Qld) and New South Wales (NSW).

eCert (electronic certification) for Australia

 

What is eCert?

eCert allows importing and exporting government agencies to exchange government certificates electronically. It works via a secure and encrypted data exchange.

We use eCert to exchange:

  • phytosanitary certificates for plant and plant-related products
  • sanitary certificates (also known as health and/or veterinary certificates) for animal and animal-related products.

These electronic certificates (eCerts) contain the same information as a paper government certificate.