The CDC issued new rules on May 8th aimed at preventing dogs with rabies from entering the United States. This will make international travel with dogs or adopting them from abroad more complicated.
The new regulations require all dogs entering the U.S. to be at least six months old, have received a microchip, appear healthy, and have either a valid rabies vaccine or have not been in a country where rabies is endemic in the last six months. Dogs from high-risk rabies countries must meet additional criteria, including a blood test to ensure immunity against rabies before departure, a physical examination upon arrival, and a U.S. rabies vaccine. Dogs without proof of immunity must undergo a 28-day quarantine.
These new CDC rules represent stricter requirements compared to existing ones for the importation of dogs.
Dr. Emily Pieracci, a CDC veterinary medicine officer, reassures U.S. pet owners that the changes aren’t significant, stating, “This really isn’t a big change.” Rabies was eliminated in U.S. dogs in 2007, but unvaccinated dogs can still contract it from wildlife.
Globally, rabies remains one of the deadliest diseases transmitted from animals to humans, with approximately 59,000 deaths annually.
The new rules address challenges such as increased disease risk due to international dog movement and fraudulent documentation for imported dogs. The U.S. imports about 1 million dogs yearly.
Click HERE to access the CDC Dog Import Form OMB NO. 0920-1383
When do the new CDC rules go into effect?
The CDC suspended imports from 113 countries in 2021 due to fraudulent rabies vaccination certificates. The suspension will end with the new rules’ implementation on August 1st.
The regulations replace rules dating back to 1956, reflecting changes in international travel and the evolving relationship between people and dogs.
The American Veterinary Medical Association praised the regulations, emphasizing their positive impact on public health and canine welfare.
Dog rescue advocates also welcomed the changes, emphasizing their importance for safely bringing dogs to the U.S., particularly for programs supporting service members and their animal companions.
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