..Delivering hassle free to 7 European Destinations......and New Zealand too

www.mariahhillalpaca.comThe GiftKindle Wireless Reading Device, Wi-Fi, 6" Display, Graphite - Latest GenerationIron Man 2 (Three-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy)Iron Man 2 (Three-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy)The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

As i have said in previous posts.How important it is to make Importing Alpacas to your country, as hassle free as you can.

Thinking of Importing...do not make more problems and worry for yourself.

Meeting current European conditions, and Defra Protocols, we can deliver to 

Glassglow, Luxembourge, Amsterdam, Heathrow, Copenhagen, Frankfurt. & Zurich

Thailand, Korea, India, China, Canada, South Africa, Turkey, Malaysia, Japan.

We have a proven record, of delivering over 10,000 animals of varied species over the past 8 years.

Considered one of the leading Australian exporters.

We built our quarantine facility which has 4 separate quarantine facilities all approved by the Australian Government - AQIS.

Each quarantine facility has been custom built to meet different species...Alpaca, LlamaKindle 3G Wireless Reading Device, Free 3G + Wi-Fi, 6" Display, Graphite, 3G Works Globally - Latest GenerationRobin Hood: Unrated Director's Cut (Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy)Kindle 3G Wireless Reading Device, Free 3G + Wi-Fi, 6" Display, Graphite, 3G Works Globally - Latest GenerationClaptonFreedom: A Novel (Oprah's Book Club), Sheep, Goats, Cattle, Buffalo.

We are a family run business, My husband Rob, and my youngest daughter Elyse, do the day to day running of the quarantine, and the animal managment of the animals in Quarantine.

Lush green paddocks.

The alpacas now can go on Lush green paddocks, and do not have to be shorn anymore to go into quarantine.

Hassle free, easy, affordable, Reliable.

We have been leaders in Australia and the world for exporting Alpacas, & Llamas, and have assisted many Australian breeders link up to their overseas counterpart.

Let me know if we can help you.

Raelene +61359425722

Email:   mariahhill@bigpond.com

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THE SAFEST CURRENT RISK FREE SERVICE TO EUROPE FOR ALPACAS

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Whilst, some arrangements are still being negotiated, with the world economical climate, the financial crisis, most countries have suffered over the past couple of years- airlines like other major business, have tightened their belts.
flights- although we see many cheap flights for people moving places.
The flights for moving livestock is not as plentiful as one may think.
Livestock are either moved on Passenger planes or on Freighters.
Although, the livestock are loaded in the passenger hull, AQIS will only allow this on certain model planes. Not all passenger planes can take livestock, and if there is fruit and vegetables, or other livestock going to other countries with different health status, like racehorses for intance, alpacas can then not travel on the same plane.
The alpaca market is not big enough at this current time, to be able to have priority on planes, that are suitable for carrying livestock, that is why in the past we have seen planes cancelled at the last minute. The other payloads have priority because they are regular, and good size payloads.
The plane that is being suggested to be used for transporting from NZ to Amsterdam, is not on the AQIS Main deck ventilation checklist.or Lower deck ventilation checkelist, so it would not be considered for transporting livestock, if this shipment was proposed to AQIS.
Just to give you an example of what i am talking about with the ventilation packs and the climate controls for the aircraft carrying livestock, this is an example that i require from the airline, to consider using the plane.

The model B747-200 (this is not the model proposed, the model proposed to go from AKL, NZ/ Singapore/ Madras, India, Shj/ Sharjah, United Arab Emerites, Amsterdam), is B744-400f) the planes we use haves 3 ventilation packs which makes it suitable for flight carrying livestock, where some models will have either 1 ventilation or 2 ventilation packs, whilst some countries will not query this.
It is questionable, that 2 ventilation packs on a plane is enough for the short and especially the long haul trips.
1 ventilation pack is definately not.
There are alot of operational factor considered when planning a flight. For example the diagrams above issued to Mariah Hill from airlines to ensue that every aspect of the journey is covered.
These are for the lower deck ventilation, be it passenger or Freight.

To: All 777-200 Station Heads 28 January 2009

Re: B777- 200 Temperature Control Systems

B777-200 zone temperatures are controlled by the cabin air conditioning and temperature control system (CACTCS). Hot trim air from the bleed air system is added through trim air valves in the

conditioning air supply ducts. The CACTCS modulates the zone trim air valves to achieve temperature of the conditioned air in each zone.

9MMRA – 9MMRI

The aft and bulk cargo compartments have independent bleed air heating systems for carriage of animals separated by an insulated curtain.

With the CARGO TEMP selector in LOW or HIGH, the respective cargo heat shutoff valve opens and the temperature control valve opens and closes to maintain the temperature in the compartment. The lavatory/galley vent draws air across temperature sensors in each compartment. If both vent fan fail, cargo heat is not provided.

With the CARGO TEMP selector in LOW and Total Air Temperature (TAT) less than 7 degrees C, the respective temperature control valve opens. The compartment temperature is maintained between 4 and 10 degrees C. With the CARGO TEMP selector in HIGH and TAT less than 21degrees C, the respective temperature control valve opens. The compartment temperature is maintained between 18 and 24 degrees C.

When the BULK CARGO TEMP selector is at HIGH, the bulk ventilation fan operates. The fan is provided for animal carriage. The system has automatic overheat protection. When an automatic overheat shutdown occurs, cargo heat to the related compartment cannot be restored in flight.

9MMRJ – 9MMRQ

Additionally, for aircraft registration 9MMRJ to 9MMRQ, when the FWD CARGO A/C selector in AUTO, the forward cargo heating system is shut off and a selected temperature is displayed on the AIR synoptic.

Automatic ventilation ensures that smoke and objectionable odors do not enter the flight deck or passenger cabin. If the selector is not available because of system failure, the packs maintain the last temperature set by the FWD CARGO A/C selector.

The availability of cargo heating system, aft and bulk cargo compartments for aircraft registration 9MMRA – 9MMRI and aft, bulk and fwd cargo compartments for aircraft registration 9MMRJ – 9MMRQ for carriage of live animals is subject to its serviceability.

Load planners are required to monitor on this cargo heating system serviceability and also changes in the aircraft rotation due operational requirement before planning to avoid mortality

of live animals.

This is the information i require before planning a shipment.
Currently, the safest most direct route through to Europe is through Canada, which meets all current regluations, we do not need to get any changes in the EU protocol, we do not have to worry about plane changes to get to the destination country, and the time in the air are relatively short compared to it's alternative.
I can only re-iterate, Airlines are there to make a profit, and they do not have soft hearts to giving in for a couple of crates here and there.
We have already gone through all the airlines, and other options.
YWe were able to foresee the eminant problem a bout three years ago, gave me the chance to go and look at other options, and to pursue these, and to have sent alpacas all the way through to Europe.....hassle free.
Many of you who have been privilaged to be on the senders list, i have spoken to many times personally, and my words will ring in your ears.
I have said for a long time, to plan ahead.
At this stage, with 4 shipments to Canada, i have not seen any complexity in any of the protocol, or the complete journey through to Europe.
In fact i have found the opposite.
I have ample size crates, to make this economical, without worrying about trying to get enough animals to go into a double crate.
The quarantine facility in Canada, is first class, and heated, experienced operators who are alpaca farmers themselves.
They are on the same hemisphere as Europe and on very close latitudes to the European countries that exports have gone to.
The animals have already aclimatised and adapted to the change of seasons, and so by the time they get to Europe, they are used to the daylight hours, and the seasons already.
The area is TB free, and BT free, so at this stage we have had smooth shipments, with no complexities.
This is a great alternative to NZ, and it is not calculated on guess work, on how it may happen.
It has already been done, and with success.
I think most of the Importers have dealt with me previously, nd know me well enough that i have always had the alpacas and importers best interest at heart.
I have always done the right thing personally.
14 hrs flight to Vancouver, and then only 8 hours flight from canada to Heathrow.
We can deliver to the following countries from 5 airports in Canada. This takes all RIsks,guesswork out of Importing.

-Heathrow + -Frankfurt + -Glasgow +-Zurich +Luxembourg -Geneva. Italy France

We are succesful exporters as we do our homework, we do the right thing, we only have the best interest of animals and Importers in mind, and we have always done that bit extra for all the people we have done work for.
We have studied the Eu Model RUm certificate, and looked into the directives, we have also had the experts in their field to consult with, and have always used the experts.
So whilst others try to work out other routes, this is working now.
Currently there is no alternative.

The process of Land / Air Transport

The Proposed but not confirmed flight plans -destination Ansterdam, for the final leg of the journey from New Zealand, which is currently proposed by another breeder.
I feel i need to explain a little bit more about the complexities of planning the air /land journey for livestock.
When i look up the proposed flight schedule, on Cargo for Air Singapore, this is the schedule from Singapore.

SQ7360

13-Jul-10

30-Oct-10

- 2 - - - - -

SIN

AMS

22:45

13:10+1

74Y

Via MAA,SHJ

MAA is Madras in India.......where the plane also stops and opens doors, This is still in the BTV Zone.
SHJ, is Sharjah, United Arab emerites, again the cargo holds are left open, in a BTV ZOne.
The plane stops at these airports to pick up pay loads, to continue to Amsterdam.
When talking to airlines, they must make the flight pay, and so for instance if you chartered the plane it could cost in the vacinity of $AU200,000 or more, so whether it is chartered, or not, that is the payload the plane takes anyway, otherwise the flight is cancelled.
To change a planes route for 2 pallets of alpacas, is not a foreseeable objective to be depending on, and start a quarantine as the airline, can cancel loads,and flights at amoments notice which we hae all seen in the past.
If there is a better payload, then the airline takes that on, without consideration at all to what other payloads they postpone.
Flight delays, as explained by my previous blog.
The exporter always has to have plan B, in case of delays, missed planes, or plane breakdown, otherwise the alpacas are stranded, as it is this plane will take 30.32 hrs, that is flight time, that does not include the land transport time, before loading at the country of origin, and the time of loading, which is usually at least 1 hour before the plane lands, as the airline, pilot etc, have to calculate how much fuel the plane needs, and so all cargo has to be loaded.
so far our best scenario is loading time at Quarantine facility, preparation of alpacas, vehicles, and sorting into which ones go into which crates, 1.1/2 hour to prepare go through the group, depending on how big the group is, lets say just approx 24 alpacas, just to make sure each is looking their best, any toe nails need tidying up, etc.
This is previously, it has been worked out which alpaca goes into which crate, this has been calculted out by weights and applies to the (ASEL standards), 1 hour to move vehicles into place, to load the alpacas, and drive out of PEQ and lock PEQ
It takes us an hour to drive to airport, (as long as there is no traffic delays or accidents along the route, which is unlikely, but if this does hapen we have alternative routes, that at the most will take us 1.5 hours.
If the airline has crates in place when you arrive, some times they do and sometimes we may have to wait 1/2 hr, and 1 hour loading, (depending on which airline, and loading one crate, and moving that crate away and then load the second crate, paperwork, AQIS checks. and hand paperwork into the office.
so far we have talked about 3 hours to get to airport and load, 1 hour before plane lands, and there is usually a 2 hour turnaround for the plane to take off.
so far, the animals have been off feed and water, 6 hours, a flight say 12 hours- 15 hours they are fine, they are freash and no worries, but add this 6 hours to the original flight from NZ to Sin, when there is a change of plane, (which is stated from airline on 6/9/10 previous blog), 2 hours between flight is not long enough to unload the animals (if permission was granted fron the EU). and depending on the airport, where one plane is located to the connecting plane, 3 hours would be needed on average between flights and as stated below, lets say under a good scenario, where no flights are missed, or delayed, it has taken 30.32 hours, plus the 6 hours previously discussed.
and on average 2.5 hours unloading the plane, going through paperwork, if all paperwork is fine, destination country's quarantine people checking each alpaca, to make sure that all the alpacas that are in the crate have the same identification as on the paperwork, and that hte quarantine procedures in the country of origin, have met the Importing country's requirements.Then we have the land travel on top of that, or if they are allowed to rest, depending on when flight arrives, or which arrangments are for the animals.
THIS IS THE BEST SCENARIO, ADD THE ORIGINAL TIMES TO PLAN B, AND THEN ADD THE LAND TRAVEL TIME AT THE ARRIVAL AIRPORT TO THE NEXT COUNTRY YOU HAVE TO DELIVER THE ALPACAS TO.
BUT IF THIS SHIPMENT WAS APPROVED *(AUSTRALIA WOULD NOT APPROVE THIS), WE WOULD STILL HAVE TO HAVE ARRANGEMENTS IN PLACE IN CASE THE PLANE FOR PLAN B WAS DELAYED, BROKEN DOWN ETC.
ALL COUNTRIES HAVE A DUTY OF CARE FOR ANY ANIMAL, TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL PLANS ARE IN PLACE....REMEMBER 4 BLOGS AGO, I MENTION, WE HAVE TO PREPARE A CONSIGNMENT RISK MANEMENT PLAN, TO ELIMINATE ALL RISKS, BUT IF THE UNFORESEEN HAPPENS, WE HAVE PLANS IN PLACE TO ENSURE THE EXPORTING COUNTRY AND THE DESTINATION COUNTRY THAT ALL ARRANGEMENTS ARE IN PLACE FOR THE WELFARE AND SAFETY OF ALL ANIMALS EXPORTED.
LETS GO BACK TO OUR SCENARIO TO PLAN B
THe backup plane has a worse scenario, of 43.37 hrs. ADD THE ORIGINAL 6 HOURS PREVIOUSLY, AND THEN LETS ADD, THE TIME AT THE AMSTERDAM AIRPORT, THIS IS AT BEST SCARIO 52 HOURS OFF FOOD AND WATER, WITHOUT THE LAND JOURNEY TO EITHER THE FINAL DESTINATION COUNTRY OR THE PURCHASERS/OWNERS PROPERTY.
If this was a proposed export lodged to the Australian Quarantine Service, AQIS, it would be rejected, as the planning of this flight would have too many varibles to plan for.
The Plane model mentioned is not accredited by AQIS in their ventilation checklist, which means that, it would not accept this plane for transporting live animals.
We have to plan heavily for flights over 12 hrs, to make sure the plane has enough ventilation units on it, and Enviromental control Systems.
AQIS considers a 20 hrs flight, a long flight and extra arrangements must be made.
In this time, the animals are off feed and water.
Again I emphasise, the risks I see in this project.
My credibility and ethics as an exporter would not even consider this as an ideal option, for alpacas being exported from Australia even though they have spent their residency of 6 mths in the third country.
These are the facts that an exporter has to take into consideration, although AQIS have stricter rules for their Live Animal Export than some other countries, they do this, to eliminate risks.
These few important issues most people are not aware of, but are very important for planning a shipment.
Another source also told me, that this flight was once considered by a flight forwarder in NZ, and it was considered too risky to consider, too many if's, especially with connections, flight length etc.
Then when the animals arrive at the destination airport, after going through the normal checks, the land transport issues after that.
This is an extremely long time for the alpacas, and unnecessary.
Always consider any RISKS, and eliminate them all.

I AS AN ACCREDITED AQIS EXPORTER THE FIRST AUSTRALIAN ALPACA REGISTERED EXPORTER UNDER THEIR NEW LEGISLATION WHICH WAS PASSED IN 2004.
MY INTEGRETY, MY CREDIBILITY, AND MY ETHICS IS WHAT DROVE ME ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO TO LOOK FOR ALTERNATIVE ROUTES TO EUROPE.
MANY OF YOU READING THIS BLOG, KNOW THAT I HAVE SAID ALL ALONG, WHEN THE FIRST PLANE OF TWO WAS CANCELED BY CARGOLUX, THAT IF THE REMAINING PLANE WAS CANCELLED, THERE WOULD BE ALPACAS STRANDED IN NZ.
MOST OF YOU KNOW THAT ( AS BIOSECURITY SAID WHEN I MET THEM), THIS LITTLE LADY WHO FACED GOLIATH, AND THAT IS WHAT THE EU COMMISSION IS.
MY PASSION TO TRY AND RIGHT THE WRONG AND GO THROUGH TO HAVE A MEETING WITH THE EU COMMISSION, (SOMETHING EVERYONE SAID THE EU COMMISSION WILL NOT MEET WITH JUST A LADY FROM AUSTRALIA TO DISCUSS THEIR EXPORTING /IMPORTING REGULATIONS), BUT I REQUESTED THIS MEETING IN BELGIUM, AND I WAS ACCEPTED.
I FOCUSED ON THE SUBJECT AT HAND, AND HAD ALL THE AUSTRALIAN EXPERTS ON HAND, SO I COULD HAVE ALL THE INFORMATION NECESSARY TO TALK TO THIS TOP OFFICIALS.
I WAS REPRESENTING AUSTRALIA, I DID NOT WANT TO LOOK A FOOL, I HAD ABOUT 3 WEEKS TO GET IN PLACE MY PRESENTATION, TO LEARN EVERYTHING THERE WAS TO BE LEARNT ABOUT BLUETONGUE, (BTV), AND THEN ELYSE AND MYSELF, AND I ASKED A PERSON I HAD HUGE RESPECT FOR, WHO ALSO HAD YEARS OF EXPERIENCE OF PROTOCOLS, AND UNDERSTANDING THE DIRECTIVES IN THE EU REGULATIONS, RICHARD BEALE, ACCOMPANIED BY THEAUSTRALIAN CHIEF VETERINARY OFFICIAL IN BELGIUM, THIS WAS A FIRST, AND THE RESULT OF THIS, IS THE COUNTRY'S NOW ARE TALKING.
BUT I WAS NOT GOING TO SIT AND WAIT FOR SOMETHING THAT STILL WILL NOT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT, I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO OPEN UP CANADA, TO USE AS A THIRD COUNTRY THROUGH TO EUROPE.
NOT ONLY TO OPEN THIS AS A THIRD COUNTRY, BUT TO ALSO OPEN THIS TO A NEW MARKETPLACE.
CANADA WILL BE LOOKING FOR NEW GENETICS, AND FLEECE IMPROVEMENT.
BUT IN MY OPINION A HUGELY BETTER OPTION THAN ANY OPTION THAT IS OFFERED TO THE EUROPEANS WHO WANT TO STILL PURCHASE ELITE GENETICS, FROM AUSTRALIA.
OUR FIRST FLIGHT TO VANCOUVER IS 14 HOURS, WITH THE ALPACAS BEING SHEDDED WATERED AND FED AT VANCOUVER BEFORE THE NEXT LEG APPROX 3 HR FLIGHT TO THE NEXT AIRPORT, WHERE THE QUARANTINE OPERATORS LIVE 1 HOUR FROM AIRPORT.
THE FINAL FLIGHT FROM 5 DEPARTING AIRPORTS IN CANADA, IS 8 HRS TO 8 DESTINATIONS, SO I HAVE IN PLACE MANY ALTERNATIVES IF A FLIGHT IS CANCELLED.
I HAVE ACCOUNTABILITY, AND I HAVE THE DUTY OF CARE FOR ANY ALPACA AN OWNER PLACES IN MY CUSTODY.
PLEASE CONSIDER ALL YOUR OPTIONS, BEFORE MAKING THE IMPORTANT DICISION OF HOW DECIDE TO ENTRUST YOUR PRECIOUS ALPACA TO, AND MAKE SURE ALL YOUR OPTIONS HAVE BEEN COVERED.
I HAVE NOT WRITTEN THIS LIGHTLY, I DO HAVE 8 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN EXPORTING ALPACAS FROM AUSTRALIA.
MY ADVISORS FOR FLIGHT CONNECTIONS ETC, ARE CONSIDERED THE BEST IN AUSTRALIA, HAVE HAVE MADE THE IMPOSSIBLE HAPPEN FOR MANY DESTINATIONS.
HIS OPINION IS, HE WOULD NEVER CONSIDER EVEN OFFERING SUCH A RISKY OPTION.
YOU NEED TO RESEARCH ALL ASPECTS OF EXPORTING AND IMPORTING, THE FLIGHTS IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THIS PROCEDURE, AND YOU HAVE TO HAVE EVERYTHING RIGHT, WITH NO RISK.

THE RESULT OF THE RISK IF YOU TAKE THIS RISK.............WILL THE DESTINATION COUNTRY ACCEPT THE ALPACAS, IF THEY HAVE THE FULL DETAILS OF THE FLIGHT ARE GIVEN TO THEM ON ARRIVAL.
UNLIKE AUSTRALIA WE HAVE TO APPLY EXPORT OR IMPORT ANY ANIMAL, THE EU YOU DO NOT APPLY TO IMPORT, IT IS WHEN THEY ARRIVE, THE OFFICIALS ARE NOTIFIED YOU ARE COMING PRIOR TO ARRIVAL, BUT WHEN THEY ARRIVE THEY LOOK AT THE DOCUMENTS, AND THE ALPACAS CAN BE REJECTED THERE, WHAT HAPPENS THEN, THEY CAN BE SENT BACK ON THE NEXT PLANE.

What are the RISKS?

Following are responses from Singapore Airlines this morning our Monday.6/9/10

" Our current and normal operating pattern is to change aircraft in Singapore"

" As some time ago with Auckland/Heathrow, Singapore Airlines would consider any request for the same aircraft with a minimum of six weeks prior notice"

" The number of main deck positions and revenue would need to be a minimum or 2, preferably 3".

" The same through aircraft destination would need to be Amsterdam"

" Any decision to offer same aircraft shall remain subject to operating aircraft remaining servicable, on the required schedule to ATD Singapore.

" Singapore Airlines will not be liable in the event that ANY event beyond Singapore Airlines's direct control causes a extended delay in Singapore and/or late minute aircraft change"

This will quantify how conditional the means of delivery offered is, and that all risk remains in play through to departure Singapore at the exporters expence.

To complete the wider picture - customers and regulatory authorities need also be aware of the the following.

D7 - AKL/SIN - 0410/0830 - B744F - 10.84hrs (Needs this 3.47hrs earlier departure from normal to make the connection)

D7 - SIN/AMS - 1020/2210 - B744F - 17.84hrs (Via Madras and Sharjah - Total: 30.32hrs AKL/AMS)

Next earliest back up

D7 - SIN/AMS - 1355/1140+1 B744F - 27.75hrs (Via Johannesburg and Nairobi - Total : 43.37hrs)

The Alternative...................A proven means to competitivley deliver SYD/Canada+residency+Canada/UK-EU with no risk, and meeting current EU Protocols.

RISK.....NO ONE WANTS TO TAKE

Under the guidelines of my AQIS licence i am trained to follow every procedure to the T.
But there is also the ASEL- which is the Australian Standards of Exporting livestock, and the Importing Country's Importing conditions.
It is not me, nor my government or an airline that decides what i can do or not.
It is the Importing country's dicision, what tests, and precautions are to be met. It is up to AQIS to make sure these conditions are met.
The same in the third country, in this case, NZ, are the regulatory body to make sure the EU conditions are met.
For any condition, especially travel conditions, through disease zones throughout the world, no matter what country we are talking about, there is certain conditions the importing country will accept.
These are stated on their Importing conditions, and then the Importing country has to accept these as well.
These cannot be changed at a moments notice, and negotiation is by government to Government.
Conditions take a long time to be changed in the EU, as each country has to vote on any changes to the conditions, i am told there are 28 different countries that have to vote, and many different languages, which everythig has to be translated to each language.
This is not taken lightly by any government, and sometimes negotiations can take months and years.
The Europeans can see how important these importing conditions are, We are very lucky in NZ and in Australia to date, and i touch wood when i say this, is that we have not been affected by any major disease situation.
Although Australia did get late 2007 and the beginning 2008, cases of horse Influenza, which we were free of, and had never had it.
Through extremely tough measures within 6 months this was wiped out of Australia, but it bought the horse racing industry to it's knees and if not picked up straight away, and the tough measures not taken by our government, it would be a different story now, and not a good one.
so Biosecurity os so so important for all of us to understand.
Please read Pt 3 my next blog

THe Facts come to light

When I start thinking of doing an export, i have to lodge a document called.
NOI CRMP.
NOI is Notice of Intention to Export.
CRMP is
CONSIGNMENT RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN
I emphasise the word RISK.
No matter what we do in our every day life, whether it is driving a car, planning a holiday or Importing / Exporting alpacas.
We must always reduce our risk, whether it be Injury, sickness, travelling to different countries and not knowing their laws, or Importing and exporting alpacas.
So, under Australian Exporting Legislation, which maybe different in each country, but under our legilsation, i have to plan and foresee any risk at all, right from the start of the Quarantine to the time the alpacas arrive at their destination.
The first part of planning, is to study the Importing country's protocol.
So when you are exporting say to the Eu, even though it is through a third country system, as directed by the Eu commission, (current regulations for exporting from Australia), it is a very complicated and complex document, that refers to this directive, that had been amended and then refers to another directive, and another directive, etc.
So complex, the interpretation, of these documents is essential, that both the exporting country and the destination country gets it exactly right, not half way right...exactly right.
There cannot be one mistake on any exporting documentation, that accompanies the crate to the destination country.
Quarantine officials in all countries, as very strict.
They are trained to be, as they are protecting the Biosecurity of their country.
BTV (Bluetoongue virus), is at the crust of most of the protocols, no matter what country we export to.
It is a large issue because, at the moment, the BT Virus does not cross species.
It does not cross from cow to cow, but the mosquito deposits in the cow, ( I am only using the cow as an example), the virus, the cow only is the host for the virus, and then when the next mosquito (correct term midgee), bites the cow (and it has to be a certain type of midgee, not all midgees), it picks up the virus in the blood, and passes it to the next cow.
So at the moment, the midgee is the thing that has and passes the virus around.
It is not transferred currently from animal to animal and not from animal to human, and currently not from midgee to human.
I went to a top level Australian Biosecurity meeting a couple of years ago, in Parliment House, Canberra, and one thing these top Australian scientists did say, is the one thing to always be aware of.
VIRUS CAN CHANGE.....AS WE HAVE SEEN IN AIDS ETC.
So that we can never say that BTV will never pass from species to species to human.
ANother alert is, that scientists al over the world are looking at all these viruses like BTV and say Q fever for instance as future chemical warfare weapons.
This is the reason, that many British Importers would remember around Feb, 2008, whether trade was ceased between NZ and the EU.
The reason, was the flight route stopped at Singapore, which is in a permanant BTV ZOne, and at this port the doors have to be opened.
then there is risks of exposure to the BTV, whilst the doors of the plane are opened, the midgees could enter the plane.
This is why when the EU realised that the plane was stopping in Singapore that the Eu Importing Conditions were not being met.
The only soluton was picked up by a flight forwarding expert, whom i am very privilaged to work with in my consignment flight plans.
I will continue in the next blog

FACT or FICTION............AUST...NZ....EU

As these emails are linked to many importers and exporters, i am sure it is all public knowledge, and ok for me to copy and paste many aspects of a prospect offered by a breeder which at this stage my officials and experts in the Protocol, and flight connections, and what is actually viable.
under current conditions.
My only intention is by announcing this, is so that breeders do not get caught up sending alpacas via NZ, and then realising that they are stuck there, and the expense to get the alpacas to Eu from NZ, will be approx 5 times the previous price, and the current price we offer via the alternative Prooven Route, which is a much simplier, and risk free alternative.

Subject: Europe flights ex NZ

Hi all

After exhausting efforts we have negotiated the following services from NZ into Europe.

Singapore Airlines and I have looked at the possibilities to ensure that we have connecting services after Cargolux pulled out of this region.

Its a freighter service so 2 tier crates are available on each flight making it cost effective.

At this stage all charges will remain the same so this is great news for all concerned and no US transit permits!!!!

1 x 2 tier crate (up to 24 head)

Effective 29Aug2010
SQ7295/Sun STD AKL 0140hrs STA SIN 0830hrs
SQ7364/Sun STD SIN 1020hrs STA AMS 2210hrs

Response 1 from our flight specialists

Raelene,

Thank you for presenting a broad side view of ....................... of existing UK-DEFRA + EU protocol specifically prevent “any aircraft change” along the delivery route between NZ and UK/Continental Europe. I have had many phone/email exchanges with SQ in both NZ and SQ, post Cargolux, to established under what conditions SQ would offer a same through aircraft. Back on 18^th-August SQ proposed the two B744F services below “Based on a change to protocol allowing the aircraft change”. We accepted SQ’s conditions and move forward. To the best of my knowledge, as at yesterday (4/9/10) there has not been a change of protocol.

.................... protocol ....... goes further, SQ’s offer of their two CONNECTING flight is also conditional of the SIN/AMS scheduled service times being able to change to make the connection work – otherwise they do not.

Thanks for the opportunity to separate fact from .................... proposal clearly showing lack of attention to protocol detail.

Third expert response

Dear .........,

Your email of the 19th August has come to my attention and I would respectfully like to point out the following:

After the withdrawel of the weekly Cargolux Freighter service Sydney>Auckland>Los Angeles>Luxembourg, I feel it is important to draw your attention to the 'Addendum for Transport of Animals by Air' which forms part of the Export Certificate for Llamas and Alpacas to the European Union (including Switzerland and Norway) LAMANIEC.EU 01 December 2008 page 8 of 8. A copy is attached. The Certificate number (top left hand corner) is an export certificated signed 22nd August 2010. This complies with the European Commission Directive which clearly states that there are to be NO PLANE CHANGES.

MAF NZ is well aware of this as the last time this rule was broken, the export of alpacas was completely stopped. We had an anxious time getting export trade re-instated.

For our part, we are looking for ways to export alpacas from New Zealand to Europe other than the current service that complies with the rules. We are continuing to move alpacas, albeit in single crates for the moment.

I would like to give my response to the huge ? which will muddle anyone that does not understand the workings of the export game, governments and protocols.

For the original suggestion to work, it is not the decisions of 1 person or exporter, but it has to be agreed upon by the EU, firstly to change the protocol, as per The third response.

Whilst in Singapore the doors are opened, which is IATA regulation, and this is not allowed by the EU protocol.

The reason it is not allowed by the EU protocol, is Singapore is in a permanent BTV Zone.

To change this Eu protocol or obtain a dispensation odes not happen overnight, and can only happen government by government.

You also have to negotiate NZ MAF to also agree, to any conditions the EU proposes.

By experience with the EU committee, this is not an easy exercise, and the EU commission will not budge on anything to do with BTV, (Blue tongue), As per the Expert 2 response, there is a lot of things tat play to make any connection work.

Currently Promises is not proven and risky.

We now can currently export via our alternative route, with no risk, and deliver to 8 destinations throughout Europe.

We can currently still supply the NZ customers with flight arrangements going through to AKL and now i am told through the Christchurch. All Main deck which means double and 5 times a week, which works out pr KG (animal kg weight), $9.45, If i look at the freight cost only for the Aus through to PEQ and then follow on to Eu (8 destinations), it works out $39.13 per kg, (which it always has been),
and still moving considerable amount of animals a not determined on trying to make up the double crates.

Currently, on small payload lots, freight only, from AUS via Auckland, then the follow up flight through to Heathrow, works out $59.33 per KG, flight alone from Auckland to Heathrow, small payloads, works out to $48.32 per KG.

This is current facts.

No what ifs or risk.

We have proven that we can easily, with less stress all round, complete the journey through our alternative route, hassle free.

AND IMPORTANTLY ON THE CURRENT EU PROTOCOL.

PLEASE ANY QUESTIONS YOU HAVE ABOUT THIS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ASK.

I CAN GIVE YOU AN HONEST CURRENT SITUATION ON ANY PROTOCOL FOR ANY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD, ON ALPACAS, AND I CAN GET THE CURRENT FLIGHT POSSIBILITIES TO ACHIEVE A HASSLE FREE SHIPMENT TO THE DESTINATION COUNTRY, MEETING ANY CURRENT PROTOCOLS.

I HAVE BEEN SHIPPING ALPACAS NOW FOR 8 YEARS.

I HAVE BEEN USED AS A CONSULTANT TO REPRESENT THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT AND BIOSECURITY IN MEETINGS WITH THE EU COMMISSION, I HAVE ALSO BEEN THE CONSULTANT FOR NZ MAF AND AUSTRALIA FOR DEVELOPMENT OF ANY PROTOCOL OR CHANGES TO PROTOCOL FOR THESE GOVERNMENTS, I HAVE ASSISTED OPENING NOW 4 COUNTRIES PROTOCOLS FOR ALPACAS AND OTHER SPECIES. I AM ON THE AUSTRALIAN EXPORT COMMITTEE, I AM A MEMBER OF LIVECORP,

I DO HAVE EXPERIENCE IN UNDERSTANDING PROTOCOLS, AND UNDERSTANDING RISK IN TRYING TO CHANGE PROTOCOLS, ESPECIALLY WITH THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE EU PROTOCOL, AND THE REASONING BEHIND THE EU PROTOCOL.

AS I HAVE SAID, THE ABOVE FROM EMAIL SENDER NO 1, IS PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE AS THIS EMAIL HAD BEEN SENT TO MANY EUROPEAN, NZ AND AUSTRALIAN BREEDERS.

I HAVE OMITTED ANY NAMES PURELY, AS NOT TO BE POLITICAL

I HAVE STATED THE EXACT FACTS AT THIS CURRENT TIME.

I AM NOT MISLEADING ANY ONE WHICH WHAT I HAVE STATED ABOVE.

THE ALTERNATIVE ROUTE I OFFER, HAS BEEN COMPLETED THROUGH TO EUROPE, AND RISK FREE, AND STILL COMPETITIVE IN PRICE TO WHAT IT PREVIOUSLY ALWAYS HAS BEEN.

I AM ONLY OFFERING FACTS AT OF THIS MOMENT.

Do what you do best of all......

This weekend, Sunday is booked out 3 trips to the airport and back, and weighing animals per crate size, and taking them to the airport.
Saturday, i have to take a break as the workload is exhausting at the moment.
So we had 5 groups of people come through the gate over the past few days.
some are people buying pet alpacas, with the intention of seeing how they go with the alpacas, and they are interested in females, only basic stock at this stage.
Which we have seen before, Alpaca fever bites, and there is of course only one cure....buy more alpacas.
ROb gives his usual one on one talk about what this industry intails, and how wonderful these alpacas are to farm.
and two lots buying some females, and a couple of pet males, (one mature wether, as they are near a forest and have foxes going through, so i want them to have protection which this wether will protect with his life), and a young one just off his mum, so they can play with this one, and take him for walks, etc, and leave the pregnant ones alone to have a stressfree pregnancy.
Total tally, i think i have given up counting, over the past few weeks, i think we would have sold about 20 pet quality males, and male guards, about half a dozen females, just the cheaper ones, as they want to try then out first before spending the bigger money, and a couple of goats to eat the blackberries.
Promoting alpacas to new breeders is one of our answers to making this Industry viable.
We love selling alpacas, to new breeders and guiding them through so they can produce quality offspring.

THE MASTER OF MARIAH HILL

Taking the place of Stefano, Cristiano, who are now deceeased, Vallon takes their place as head macho.
First sign of sunshine for the spring, heads through my office window, and there My Vallon stands, Like a statue, surveying his domain.
Purusing from the best angle of the majority of the paddocks, making sure all is in order.
My heart melts, at the site of him standing there, like his precedessors, knowing he is King of Mariah Hill.
The sun rising.....he is on the alert, keeping an eye on every one in his domain.....his herim

Down Memory lane..some of my favourite alpacas we have bred

cl

Black Onyx, who by 1 day made the Intermediate class at the National Alpaca show in Australia.

A huge class of over 30 award winning alpacas, Black Onyx comes 2nd.

The judge’s (2) after taking a long time to make her decision, explained why he did not come first, although displaying the best fleece on the day, he was the youngest in the class, and had to give the benefit of the doubt to the older alpaca for retaining his qualities at his age.