Serum supply: policies and controls operating in New Zealand.

Abstract

This paper surveys the legislation and policies governing serum supply in force in New Zealand at present, and outlines the regulatory controls, both direct and indirect, associated with the production of animal sera. Direct controls are concerned with the welfare of the donor animals and the production and processing of the product. Controls are also applied to preserve New Zealand's animal health status through import controls of animals and animal products. The Animal Health Surveillance Programme also monitors the animal health status of New Zealand. The level of assurances and integrity represented in this regulatory system has led to an increase in recent years in the demand for animal-derived materials that are free from major animal diseases.