New Policies Concerning The Taking Of Pets To Foreign Nations, To Be Imposed By The Year 2012

Online, September 29, 2011 (Newswire.com) - New guidelines concerning per travel were released by Defra and are to be enforced by the first day of January, 2012. Currently a there is a rule being used that needs pets to be fully vaccinated from rabies before they are allowed entry into the United Kingdom. With the new policy announced by Defra, this rule is expected to be in accordance with all the other rules of the countries in Europe.

Risk assessment research has been undertaken by Defra for the determination of the effect of these new rules on the risk levels of rabies entry into the United Kingdom. It was discovered that the pre-referenced risk under the new rules is significantly minimal.

A few of the specific rules contained in the proposed policy demand that pets such as ferrets, dogs and cats have to:

• Wait for a period of 21 days following vaccination before entry into the United Kingdom.
• Hold a European Union Pet Passport.
• Have been microchiped.
• Be vaccinated from rabies.

These new rules will be applicable to pets coming into the UK that originate from a country that is a member of the EU or any third country that is present of their list. A previously required task was the need to carry out tests on blood followed by a waiting duration of 6 months before pet entry into the United Kingdom, this is no longer required.

Other concern agencies such as BSAVA and the BVA have said that these rules would offer enhanced shielding from the spreading and acquisition diseases such as rabies by pets, and would additionally offer protection from diseases such as ehrilichiosis, leishmaniasis and babesiosis. It was also said that currently there has been a vast decrease in the occurrence of rabies, this is due to the successful vaccination programme is that is currently used across Europe. The agencies also expect pet owners to be well educated on the requirement for vaccinations and additional health treatments for their pets prior to taking them on journeys.