In a concerted effort to fortify national defenses against the transmission of rabies, the United States government has introduced robust regulations governing the importation of dogs from foreign countries. According to newly published government rules on Wednesday, all canines entering the U.S. must meet specific criteria aimed at mitigating the risk of rabies transmission.
The core provisions of the updated regulations mandate that imported dogs must be a minimum of six months old and equipped with a microchip, a measure crucial for verifying rabies vaccination status. Vaccination requirements are also extended to dogs originating from countries where rabies is prevalent. These regulations apply universally to dogs brought in by breeders, rescue groups, or accompanying their U.S. owners.
Dr. Emily Pieracci, a prominent rabies expert at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), emphasized the significance of these regulations in addressing contemporary challenges posed by rabies transmission. Pieracci, involved in drafting the updated regulations, asserted that these measures are pivotal in safeguarding public health and mitigating the risk of rabies resurgence.
The new rules, published in the federal register on Wednesday, are set to take effect on August 1, 2024, coinciding with the expiration of a temporary 2021 order. This order had previously suspended the importation of dogs from over 100 countries grappling with rabies outbreaks.
Under the updated regulations, imported dogs must meet specific requirements, including being of sufficient age to receive vaccinations and having a microchip for identification purposes. Additionally, dogs must complete a CDC import form, with potential additional restrictions and prerequisites depending on their recent country of residence, including blood testing from CDC-approved laboratories.
Dr. Pieracci noted that significant changes in international pet travel patterns necessitated an update to the regulations, with approximately one million dogs entering the U.S. annually. This surge in international pet travel, coupled with the proliferation of overseas breeding and rescue operations, underscores the need for stringent importation protocols.
While the United States successfully eradicated the strain of rabies circulating in dogs through vaccination campaigns in the 1970s, the virus remains a formidable threat. Rabies, a fatal disease affecting both animals and humans, primarily spreads through bites from infected animals, with no known cure once symptoms manifest.
Concerns regarding rabies transmission prompted the implementation of these stringent regulations, with four rabid dogs identified entering the U.S. since 2015. Officials expressed apprehension regarding the potential for further incursions. Instances of incomplete or fraudulent rabies vaccination certificates, as well as puppies being denied entry due to inadequate vaccination, underscored the need for tighter controls.
The introduction of the updated regulations garnered diverse reactions from stakeholders. Angela Passman, representing a Dallas-based pet transportation company, expressed support for the regulations, citing their alignment with existing practices and their positive impact on public health. However, Jennifer Skiff, from Animal Wellness Action, cautioned that some of the changes may pose undue burdens on certain groups, emphasizing the importance of ensuring accessibility and affordability in compliance with the regulations.
