Services

SBS Quality Control Program
Freezing Equine Semen
Frozen Semen/Embryo Storage
Frozen Semen Distribution
Import and Export of Frozen Semen
Embryo Freezing
Breeders Support for Stallion Clients

Import and Export of Frozen Semen
Frequently Asked Questions

The first export Select Breeders Service facilitated was in 1988, when the frozen semen from the Olympic champion Abdullah was sent from the US to Europe. Not only was it our first, but we believe this was also the first export of frozen stallion semen from the US to Europe. Since then, SBS and its worldwide network of affiliates have sent thousands of doses of frozen semen throughout the world.

Since 1988, many rules have changed regarding the need for quarantine, the testing required, etc. If you are receiving inquiries about shipping frozen semen from your stallion to other countries, here are a few of the most commonly asked questions and answers.

Q. Can semen I have in storage be shipped to clients in foreign countries?
A. Not unless the semen was originally frozen under the specific health regulations of the importing country. Most countries have very specific requirements for importation of frozen semen including pre/post collection testing for diseases such as CEM, EVA and EIA. Furthermore, the stallion must be collected at a facility approved by the USDA for collection of semen for export. All US based SBS affiliate labs are approved by the USDA and all affiliate labs in Europe and Australia are approved by their respective governments for collection for export.

Q. If my stallion's semen was qualified for export (and is still in storage at SBS or an affiliate), what is the procedure for exporting it?
A. Activity takes place on both sides of the transaction. The mare owner needs to apply for an import permit and send SBS a copy as soon as it has been received. This can take up to several weeks so it is best to ask the mare owner to make the application as soon as your breeding contract is finalized. SBS then prepares a health certificate for the stallion and has it endorsed by the USDA (for US exports). In Europe, the government veterinarian approves the health certificate. Once the health certificates have been approved, the tank is sealed and on
its way.

Q. How long does the whole process take and how much does it cost?
A. Assuming the stallion's semen was frozen in an approved facility and all of the health testing has been completed, it can take about 1 week from start to finish. However, it is imperative that the mare owner applies for the import permit promptly because semen must have both the health certificate from the exporting country and the import permit from the importing counrty to be successfully shipped.