Semen Export Troubles – Is it all Brexit’s fault?
Will my semen shipment will make it? That’s a good question…
Breeders across the UK are facing new challenges trying to reach non-UK clients; for both buying and selling semen.
Transit tragedies
With many shipments getting delayed, stuck or even worse, lost in transit most breeders are encountering the restricted choice of only UK stud dogs. The ease of shipping chilled semen to the EU is now even harder than ever, with uncertainty of how long semen will be in transit. It is opening the world of semen freezing for many breeders, giving everyone a safer option for semen transportation. With frozen semen being able to be in transit for up to 21 days safely with shipping flaks, it is a no brainer for breeders to now use frozen semen from abroad or to send frozen semen stocks to foreign clients.
As many breeders are now finding out, there is a lot more to shipping semen properly to countries within the EU. But why is this?
Was it all Brexit?
Some may be surprised to know that it is not solely the fault of Brexit for the upset in imports and exports. Prior to Brexit many countries had shipping regulations in place for canine semen; both frozen and chilled shipments had certain requirements they had to adhere to. Where the issue has arisen is with border control inspections and the new regime all UK shipments are subjected to. All shipments are now checked thoroughly, as they should have been done prior to Brexit.
So, who do you blame? The border control, the shipping company, or the worldwide governments for not being more prepared? One must ask why we did not think about how long border inspections were going to take once everything needs signing off post Brexit. On the other hand, thorough checks on shipments should have been protocol way before we even voted for Brexit. With the shipping issues aside exports are not impossible, in fact they are more straight forward than it all seems.
3 Steps to a successful Semen Export…
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Prior Preparation – There is no point thinking about exporting your dog’s semen until you know what the destination country will require for the shipment to qualify. Using professional frozen semen distribution centres is always helpful (www.elitekennelfertility.com) The UK government website has official health papers available and guidance notes for those needing to use them. Some countries require very little, but the little they do require must be correctly submitted.
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Collect correctly! – Make sure your collection is done correctly and adheres to the requirements. Most exports will require a level of certification by either a vet or certified, trusted centre. Countries may also ask for veterinary health checks prior or post semen collection with the addition of blood tests to prove the donor dog is free of disease. Most professional fertility clinics can organise this all for you.
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Triple check it – Always check, check and check again when exporting semen. Requirements are constantly changing or being modified so making sure you keep up to date with export requirements is vital to a successful shipment. You may find it useful to gain contact with an official body or ministry in the exporting country who may be able to check your documentation prior to shipping. This can aid a smooth journey and minimise huge delays.
Frozen semen is by far the safest way to transport your stocks outside of the UK. With transit times rising, a frozen shipper can stand in customs for longer than a chilled semen shipment due to not being so time critical. You can also ship with more confidence and provide your clients with realistic arrival times. It is always advised to ship well in advice of the intended bitch’s season, this avoids putting more strain on your shipment when it is travelling.
Cold Feet!
With increased border controls, transit times have gained sometimes up to 3 days on what they would normally be. This is due to checks at both UK and destination country border inspection points. It poses a huge risk on chilled semen shipments missing the insemination time for the bitch and increasing the chances of having dead semen when it finally arrives! The general advise is to not ship chilled semen at the present time, and I would suggest listening to it. Speaking from experience chilled shipments are risky and have very little joy when you are on a race against the bitch’s insemination clock.
Exporting semen does not have to be a headache, but the only way to make sure your shipment gets there is knowing what every step of the process requires. Whether it be health certification or pre-clearance with the destination country, your shipment will no doubt get turned around or god forbid destroyed if it does not qualify, for the country it arrives in. Always try seeking help from professional semen storage and distribution centres when exporting your semen stocks and avoid losing precious insemination doses to delayed shipments and sending semen that does not qualify. Unfortunately, Brexit is somewhat part of the issue but not all the story, some of the blame must be put on border inspection protocols being absent prior to Brexit.
Anna Emsley RVN
01948411581/07935011136
