Movement requirements for importing equines into WA
When importing equines into WA, movement requirements specific to the following diseases must be met:
- cattle tick - equines can carry cattle tick on their body into WA. A visual inspection will occur at the point of entry to ensure the animals are free of cattle tick and an approved treatment prior to movement may be required.
- liver fluke - this parasite primarily infects cattle, sheep, goats and camelids but can infect equines. It can cause liver damage in equines and reduce their general health and performance. WA cattle and sheep producers could face tens of millions of dollars each year in treatment and control costs if liver fluke became established in our state. The ongoing health and performance of equines would be impacted as well. It is vital to follow pre- and post-border testing and treatment protocols (follow the links below), to protect WA from liver fluke and maintain our disease-free status.
Documents for importing equines into WA
For import documents required for bringing equines into the state, see Documents for importing equines into Western Australia and Forms for importing livestock into WA.
Importing livestock from overseas
Livestock imported from overseas must meet WA requirements as well as those of the Federal Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.
Livestock identification and intrastate movement requirements
Stock entering WA are required to meet identification requirements and may be required to meet other intrastate movement conditions.
Post-border requirements
After entry into WA, livestock may be required to meet post-border inspection, treatment and testing requirements. The importing owner / manager is responsible for ensuring that all imported livestock are tested and treated in accordance with the LB14 Direction notice issued by the QWA Inspector at the entry inspection point to WA.
Inspection charges
Service fees and charges exist for livestock inspections.
Quarantine WA
Quarantine WA is responsible for checking all stock imported into WA to ensure they meet the published import conditions.
Quarantine WA actively protects WA's agriculture, environment and lifestyle by conducting inspections for quarantine risk material at entry points for private travellers and commercial clients importing from interstate or overseas.
Exemptions to import requirements
If stock do not meet the published import requirements, entry into WA may be allowed with an import permit. Import permits must be applied for and issued prior to stock movement. They cannot be issued at the border.
See import permit for an application form.
Contacts for livestock imports
For contacts for queries regarding import of livestock into WA, see Contacts for livestock imports.