AAA Market Access and Trade UpdateMarket Access into New ZealandAs most AAA members know only too well, export of Australian alpaca into New Zealand was suspended approximately two years ago by the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). The suspension was due to unavailability of an MPI approved test for Q fever, validated for camelids. No-one can dispute the negative flow-on effect the NZ border closure has had on our industry with NZ being the pathway for Australian alpaca into the European market. The reopening of this pathway, along with developing direct access from Australia to Europe is a priority for the Board and the Market Access and Trade Committee (MATC). Q fever is a zoonotic disease that can transfer from animals to humans. Whilst the AAA is not aware of any reported cases of Q fever within the Australian alpaca herd, it is understandable that New Zealand, being one of the few Q Fever free countries in the world wants to prevent the possibility of disease entry. As previously advised, a project was commissioned in 2018 by the Department of Agriculture with Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI) (a centre of the NSW DPI) engaged to develop a species-specific Q Fever test for alpaca which would be acceptable to NZ MPI. The AAA and our members have provided in-kind and practical support. Regrettably, the project and report are yet to be completed, however, I am very pleased to advise there has been some progress. The project has developed a camelid specific IFAT (Immunofluorescent antibody test), aspects of which are being used to develop a camelid specific ELISA test for high throughput testing. The IFAT test would be used in situations where an ELISA test returned positive. IFAT is considered the “gold standard” test for Q Fever, but is not practical for use on large numbers of samples, compared to an ELISA which can test several hundred samples a day. This is all looking very encouraging; however, NZ MPI will have to approve this test in order to reinstate the Import Health Statement and allow market access for Australian alpaca into New Zealand. Rest assured that your Board, the Market Access and Trade Committee and the Department of Agriculture are all working to achieve this outcome. We will continue to keep you informed as the situation progresses. Funding applications to open export opportunities for Australian alpaca (livestock and fibre)The AAA recently identified two funding opportunities for our industry under the Agricultural Trade and Market Access Co-Operation 2020 Grant Opportunity. On behalf of the AAA, (through the invaluable contribution of Annemarie) the MATC:
Signed: Market Access and Trade Committee
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