EU ministers approved a new system that paves the way for pet owners to travel more easily within the European Union, Tigger or Spot (ie, domesticated cats and dogs) in tow. Owners who can prove their pets have been vaccinated against rabies will be hurried through customs no bother while travelling from one EU country to another. For the next five years, Ireland, Sweden and the UK will require antibody tests on pets that can prove whether vaccinations have worked before granting access.

David Byrne, the European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection said, "This is excellent news for pet owners like myself, (&) made possible by the dramatic progress achieved as a result of our ongoing campaign to stamp out rabies." "We can reasonably expect the Union to become rabies-free in the foreseeable future."

Although rabies has been largely stamped in the EU, it persists amongst wild animals, particularly the fox, which can transmit the disease to domestic pets. Vaccination programmes for foxes in affected areas have led to a drop in rabies cases for household pets from 499 in 1991 to five in 1998 and three in 2000.

Within the EU
For cats and dogs moving between EU Member States other than Ireland, Sweden and the United Kingdom, a rabies vaccination will be the sole requirement for travel across borders. An electronic microchip or a tattoo will tell if the pet has had its shots. Additionally, an EU-passport will be given to each! Young pets which cannot be vaccinated yet, will be allowed to travel without a vaccination. For Ireland, Sweden or the United Kingdom, an antibody titration test that can prove whether vaccinations have worked, is also required.

From third countries
Stricter rules applying to cats and dogs entering the EU from third countries come into play to guard against the risk of rabies. For countries where rabies is endemic, testing three months before movement will be required for entry into Member States other than Ireland, Sweden and the United Kingdom where quarantine will be maintained (in the case of direct movement). In the case of third countries free of rabies (or where the disease is under control) vaccination will be the only requirement (except for Ireland, Sweden and the United Kingdom where a six months test will be required).

After a five-year transitional period the Commission and the member states will review the new system, the rabies status of the EU at that time and, following expert scientific advice, consider any changes.

WaluEurope
2002