Rabies Regulations and Prevention

It is important to be aware of preventive measures and legislation in place regarding rabies at destination as these vary from country to country. There are also actions you can take on a daily basis to lessen the risk of infection.

Although rabies is one of the oldest known viral diseases, it still remains a persistent problem worldwide.

It is mainly transmitted through the bite of an infected animal with most registered cases occurring amongst wild animal populations such as raccoons, bats, skunks and foxes.

Although animal rabies is more common in developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America, it can arise in animals anywhere in the world.

In addition to numerous pets and other animals dying from this disease, about 55,000 human fatalities also occur each year despite the fact it is easily preventable if the appropriate steps are taken.

For these reasons, many countries have strict import rules when it comes to your pet’s health history and documents.

Most countries, with regards to rabies and the import of pets, will require an International Health Certificate and an anti-rabies vaccination record.

Some authorities will also require a rabies antibody test to be taken prior to the import of your pet. The list of these countries or states include Norway, Sweden, Great Britain, Ireland, Malta, Israel, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, the state of Hawaii, the territory of Guam and the Cayman Islands.

Authorities request these documents in varying time frames prior to entry, so make sure you work within these time frames as authorities are very stringent.

Even when your pet is vaccinated, a mandatory procedure in most countries, the danger from wild animals and the proliferation of the virus on a global scale still remains.

Here are some tips on how to keep your pet safe and prevent further infections:

• Vaccinate all your animals against rabies. This includes pets such as dogs, cats and ferrets and livestock such as sheep, cattle and horses

• Don’t let your pets wander unsupervised, as exposure to rabid wildlife is the biggest threat to infection

• Neutering your pets will make them less likely to want to interact with wildlife

• Contact the relevant authorities to remove stray animals or those acting sick in your area

• Never touch unfamiliar animals whether domestic or wild

• Don’t touch dead animals

• Remove all feed or water bowls from your outdoor spaces as stray animals will even be attracted to them when they are empty

• Cover your garbage to avoid attracting wild animals

If your pet is bitten, scratched or somehow exposed to saliva from a potentially infected animal

• You must take them to your veterinarian immediately

• Pets that have valid vaccinations are usually kept under observation for 45 days, those  

  without one are dealt with on a case-to-case basis

• Contact the relevant authorities to remove the stray animal if applicable

If you are bitten, scratched or somehow exposed to saliva from a potentially infected animal

• You should in a first instance wash the wound thoroughly with soap

• Then you should immediately see a doctor for post-exposure treatment

• Make sure also to report the bite to your local health department or equivalent

   in your country

• Contact the relevant authorities to remove the stray animal if applicable

For further information about rabies regulations and general pet relocation services, please do not hesitate to contact us at EMAIL . One of our dedicated Pet Transportation agents will follow up with you shortly with a quote tailor-made to your needs.