The US government has released a new set of rules that apply to everyone traveling with a dog to the United States. The new guidelines are focused on preventing the spread of rabies within the country.
From 1 August, dogs originating from other countries will have to be at least 6 months old when entering the United States and be microchipped. When a dog has been to a territory where rabies is common, they will have to be vaccinated against rabies 30 to 90 days before arriving in the US, depending on the country of origin. The rules apply to everyone, from dog breeders to rescue groups and individuals travelling with pets.
“This new regulation is going to address the current challenges that we’re facing,” explained Emily Pieracci, a rabies expert at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and who has been involved in putting together the new regulations.
When entering the country with a dog, travellers also need to fill in a CDC form. Depending on where the dog has been before entering the US, extra blood tests and other requirements may be demanded in order to verify no unwanted diseases are being brought into the country.
The new rule will allow customs to control whether or not a dog has had the necessary vaccines through the scanning of the microchip. Until then, a temporary order dating back to 2021 will apply, which forbids anyone from bringing in dogs from over 100 countries where rabies is still a problem.
“It’s more work for the pet owner, but the end result is a good thing,” said Angela Passman, owner of a Dallas company that helps people move their pets internationally and a board member for the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association.
Even though rabies is still a common problem in a lot of countries worldwide, the disease was eliminated through vaccinations in the United States in the 1970s. Since 2015 four rabies-infected dogs have been able to enter the US, according to the Independent, and officials are worried more infected animals might follow, especially since many forgeries of rabies vaccinations have been discovered.
Rabies is most commonly spread through a bite from an infected animal and can touch both animals and humans. The disease can be stopped from spreading when treated immediately but once the first symptoms kick in, there is no cure left.
