Terrestrial Animal Health Code

Contents | Index Chapter 11.6. SECTION 11. Chapter 11.8.

Chapter 11.7.


Haemorrhagic septicaemia (Pasteurella multocida serotypes 6:b and 6:e)


Article 11.7.1.


General provisions

For the purposes of the Terrestrial Code, haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS) is defined as a highly fatal disease in cattle and buffaloes caused by specific serotypes of Pasteurella multocida designated as 6:B and 6:E. The incubation period for the disease shall be 90 days (active and latent carriers occur).

Standards for diagnostic tests and vaccines are described in the Terrestrial Manual.


Article 11.7.2.


HS free country

A country may be considered free from HS when:

  1. the disease is notifiable in the country;

  2. no case of HS has occurred during the past three years.

This period shall be six months after the slaughter of the last affected animal for countries in which a stamping-out policy is practised with or without vaccination against HS.


Article 11.7.3.


HS free zone

A zone may be considered free from the disease if it can be established that HS has not been present for at least the past three years and if the following conditions are met:

  1. the disease is notifiable in the whole country;

  2. the zone shall be delineated by natural or artificial barriers;

  3. the introduction of animals into the zone shall be carried out in accordance with Article 11.7.6. or Article 11.7.7.


Article 11.7.4.


HS infected zone

A zone shall be considered as infected with HS until at least six months have elapsed after the confirmation of the last case and the completion of a stamping-out policy and disinfection procedures.


Article 11.7.5.


Trade in commodities

Veterinary Authorities of HS free countries may prohibit importation or transit through their territory, from countries considered infected with HS, of cattle and buffaloes.


Article 11.7.6.


Recommendations for importation from HS free countries or zones

For cattle and buffaloes

Veterinary Authorities should require the presentation of an international veterinary certificate attesting that the animals:

  1. showed no clinical sign of HS on the day of shipment; and

  2. were kept in a country or zone free from HS since birth or for at least six months.


Article 11.7.7.


Recommendations for importation from countries considered infected with HS

For cattle and buffaloes

Veterinary Authorities should require the presentation of an international veterinary certificate attesting that the animals:

  1. showed no clinical sign of HS on the day of shipment; and

  2. were kept in a quarantine station for three months prior to shipment; and

  3. were examined for the presence of the pathogenic agent in the naso-pharynx in accordance with the procedures described in the Terrestrial Manual, on four occasions, at weekly intervals during the last month in quarantine with negative results; and

  4. were vaccinated not less than 30 days prior to shipment (under study); or

  5. showed a positive reaction to the passive mouse protection test (under study) conducted during pre-shipment quarantine.


nb: first adopted in 1992.

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Contents | Index Chapter 11.6. Chapter 11.8.