19/04/2026
STELLUNGNAHME
As a licensed Exporter from Australia and New Zealand both of which have differing TB positions. Australia has removed TB through a robust constant testing regime and with NZ with TB herd testing every year. The testing standards are world recognised as best practice.
TB in a country is very hard to eradicate without constant testing, movement restrictions and regulations. Let's take the UK, TB is a very tightly tested biosecurity risk. The UK have an extremely robust testing methodology which ensures a best practice containment process if an outbreak occurs. It's evident in border closures throughout the past 10 years or so. The EU in itself have set down very robust restrictions and guidelines for the importation of livestock not only from the UK but even from countries with little or no cases.
Alpaca shows need a stringent biosecurity program to ensure they cover of the strictest biosecurity measures.
As a previous judge of the shows in Germany I feel that your measures are of best practice and are safe to attend.
As I have witnessed your shows segregate stock which is the basic principle for biosecurity risk mitigation. There are added measures which can be implicated such as , separate ring entry areas so stock do not mix prior to ring entry. Requirements that access to non assessed stock is restricted, faeces must be cleaned up. Any sick stock must be removed and isolated from pens before being inspected by a vet.
There are numerous plans that could be placed on shows but a risk assessment needs to be agreed upon. Once a restriction on showing occurs then it will hurt an industry. Firstly biosecurity must take precedent but if sound biosecurity plans are in place shows can go on.
If there are any plans to restrict the importation of stock then the following needs to be considered.
Take NZ for example, granted their entire border closure is based on another perception than TB it has ruined their industry. Genetic diversity has been severely restricted, show entries have dwindled and the NZ industry is suffering for it. Long term closures will hurt their business , industry and viability. It's happening now, breeders are leaving the industry.
Do not allow this to occur in Germany, people have invested in it, trust your biosecurity planning, trust those that have your investment in mind. Keep showing and allow imports to occur. Genetic diversity allows your industry to grow and improve!
The German authorities governing biosecurity are the ones that should set all guidelines for biosecurity risks when showing stock from around Germany. They know the risks and do set the best practice governance to ensure all safeguards are in place.
I hope this helps for breeders to feel free to import and enter shows under a robust biosecurity program.
Regards
Steve Ridout
