Importing or exporting animals into or out of Australia
Importation of live animals (including companion animals, birds and horses) into Australia must comply with the Department of Agriculture protocol relevant to the country of origin.
Tests may be required to ensure that the animals are free from certain diseases.
When taking live animals overseas (including companion animals, birds, horses and livestock), most countries require that they be tested to confirm freedom from certain diseases before they are allowed entry.
Steps in the export process, requirements for testing and a list of veterinarians accredited for collecting samples for testing can be obtained from the Department of Agriculture.
Other international animal movements
The Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) also offers testing for customers outside of Australia, to facilitate animal movements around the world. It is advisable to check which tests are required with the importing authority of the country concerned.
Standard diagnostic tests for animals
We offer a large range of diagnostic tests to facilitate animal movements. Some of the more commonly requested tests are listed below. However, we offer an extensive range of additional tests, so please contact us for further details if the test you require is not listed.
Dogs and cats
- Rabies FAVN
- Ehrlichia canis IFAT
- Leishmania infantum IFAT
- Leptospira canicola MAT
- Hendra Virus ELISA
- Hendra Virus SNT
- Nipah Virus ELISA
- Nipah Virus SNT
Birds
- Virus isolation for haemagglutinating agents (in eggs)
- Bacterial culture (e.g. for Salmonella)
- Newcastle disease HI
- Avian Paramyxovirus Type 2 or 3 HI
- Avian Influenza ELISA
- Infectious Bursal Disease Virus ELISA
- Salmonella pullorum & S. gallinarum SNT
- Salmonella enteritidis ELISA
- Turkey Rhinotracheitis Virus ELISA
- Duck Virus Enteritis SNT
- Duck Viral Hepatitis Virus Type 1 SNT
Horses
- Hendra Virus ELISA
- Hendra Virus SNT
- Equine Influenza PCR
Livestock
- Epizootic Haemorrhagic Disease SNT
- Bluetongue ELISA
- Bluetongue SNT
- Maedi-visna ELISA
Glossary of terms
- ELISA - Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay
- HI - Haemagglutination Inhibition Test
- IFAT - Immunoflourescent Antibody Test
- MAT - Microscopic Agglutination Test
- PCR – Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay
- SNT - Serum Neutralisation Test
Use this service
- Details of tests available including price lists and submission forms are available from our Laboratory Services portal.
- Once registered with the portal you can develop customised submission forms and access a range of other services.
AAHL Laboratory Services
Australian Animal Health Laboratory
5 Portarlington Road
East Geelong
Vic 3220