Please see below a bulletin from Defra regarding the export of equines to Australia:
We have been informed by the Australian Government (Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE)) that they require an adjustment to the GB to Australia Export Health Certificate to clarify the position in respect of equine influenza testing as part of pre-export quarantine (PEQ). They have confirmed that the existing wording on the certificate (584 EHC) is misleading and will need to be changed to confirm that the second EI test needs to take place during the 4 day period immediately prior to export. The first test will continue to be required within the first 4 – 6 days of pre-export quarantine.
A new model certificate has been produced by APHA colleagues and approved by the Australians and will shortly appear on Gov.UK. Notes for Guidance are also being prepared in parallel. In the meantime, I would be grateful of you could alert your colleagues accordingly.
At the same time DAWE will be updating their Biosecurity Import Conditions database (BICON) with this change by 7 June. This means all import permits issued from this date will have the updated conditions. We understand that the permit applications for the anticipated June export consignments from GB are now in the system and the Australians expect to be able to approve them next week.
In addition, they have alerted us to the fact that they will be updating the Appendix B certification required where part of the 60 day PEQ period is spent in an approved country other than that from which the equine will ultimately be exported. Details to follow.