CSS Imported Bovine Semen Testing – Compensation
For farmers and importers
MPI is testing some imported bovine semen straws that entered New Zealand before specific Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) testing requirements were introduced. To do this, a small number of straws must be destroyed during laboratory testing.
Compensation is available for straws destroyed for testing purposes in compliance with a Notice of Direction issued under s121 of the Biosecurity Act 1993 (the Act).
Background
MPI previously carried out a programme to test imported bovine semen. This included semen imported before 1 January 1990, and semen imported between 1 January 1990 and 1 May 2022 where antibiotic treatment did not meet the Certified Semen Services (CSS) antibiotic protocol1 .
New research published in early 2025 showed that the CSS antibiotic treatment did not reliably destroy M. bovis. In response:
> A revised Import Health Standard (IHS) was issued in July 2025
> All bovine semen imported from 1 October 2025 must be PCR tested2
Some semen imported before this date was treated using the CSS protocol but was never PCR tested. To address this remaining biosecurity risk, MPI is undertaking targeted testing as part of the M. bovis eradication programme.
This approach has been supported by MPI and industry partners, DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb New Zealand.
Which semen is affected
Testing applies to semen batches that:
> Were imported into New Zealand before 1 October 2025
> Were treated using the CSS protocol
> Have not already undergone PCR testing for M. bovis
If you are affected, your importer or storage company will contact you with instructions, as MPI works through the businesses that hold and manage imported semen on behalf of owners.
What MPI is doing
MPI is exercising powers under the Biosecurity Act 1993, including:
> Issuing a Notice of Direction under section 121 to require the submission of straws for testing
> Conducting testing using an MPI‑approved PCR test for M. bovis
For each affected batch:
> Two straws per batch are required for testing
> These straws are destroyed during testing
> On rare occasions where results are inconclusive, two additional straws may be required
Businesses holding semen straws (including storage on behalf of clients) are responsible for providing the required straws.
Compensation for straws destroyed for testing
You may apply for compensation if:
> Your semen straws are destroyed for testing, and
> The destruction occurred in compliance with a Notice of Direction issued under section 121 of the Biosecurity Act 1993
Compensation is based on the replacement value of the destroyed straws.
What compensation covers
Straws destroyed for testing purposes
Straws destroyed following a positive M. bovis test result (see below)
Replacement value means:
> Farmers: retail price paid
> Importers: wholesale replacement price paid
Compensation verification checklist
To make a claim, you must provide all of the following:
Confirmation of the batch number and number of straws destroyed
Evidence of the replacement value (for example, an invoice)
The name of the storage facility where you store the batch for which you are seeking compensation for
A completed Compensation Claim Form
Your bank account details (for payment verification)
Timeframe:
Claims must be submitted within 12 months from when the loss can reasonably be verified.
How to apply
Complete the CSS Imported Bovine Semen Testing Compensation Claim Form
Submit all documentation by email or post:
Email CompensationCoordinator@mpi.govt.nz
Post
Ministry for Primary Industries
Attn: Compensation Coordinator PO Box 2526, Wellington 6140
If a batch tests positive for M. bovis
If testing detects M. bovis in a batch:
> MPI will purchase any remaining unused straws from that batch.
> Owners will be paid the replacement value directly.
> No compensation claim is required for straws purchased by MPI.
What happens next
MPI will:
> Contact you with instructions and required forms (including payment and supplier forms)
> Request information under section 43 (Notice of Direction) of the Biosecurity Act 1993, if needed, to confirm ownership, quantities of unused straws and locations of remaining straws
> Arrange payment, and
> Provide guidance for collection or approved disposal of the straws.
Who to contact
Compensation queries: CompensationCoordinator@mpi.govt.nz
General semen testing queries: GermplasmImporters@mpi.govt.nz