Love your pet ... love your vet - March 2010
Planning your trip abroad this summer? Did you know you can now take your pet with you? Find out what you have to do…
Rabies can affect all mammals, including humans, and the disease is zoonotic, meaning it can spread from animals to people, commonly by a dog, bat or monkey bite.
The disease is mainly prevalent in Asia, America and Africa, but some European countries are also affected. Rabies is a particularly nasty disease and symptoms can include loss of appetite, fever, paralysis, aggression, hydrophobia and ultimately death.
Classical rabies was eradicated from the UK in 1922 and thanks to quarantine regimes, the country has remained free from rabies ever since. More recently, quarantine has been replaced by the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) which requires pets travelling abroad to be vaccinated against rabies.
Since the launch of PETS over 350,000 animals have entered the UK. In addition to vaccination against rabies, there are a number of other important things that you need to consider if you wish to travel with your pet this year:
- Your pet must have a permanent microchip implanted before the rabies vaccination. This chip must meet ISO specifications so that it can be read by any standard microchip reader
- Two vaccines against rabies are recommended to ensure your pet passes the blood test that is required
- A blood sample must be taken (by your vet) after your pet is vaccinated against rabies. This is tested at an approved laboratory to check immunity against the disease
- Your pet must have a PETS passport signed by a veterinary surgeon, confirming that the above conditions have been met. Some countries may need additional certification or other requirements before admitting your pet and you should check with a Defra Animal Health Officer before you travel. Alternatively visit the DEFRA website at www.defra.gov.uk (wildlife and pets) for more information
- Your pet must be treated for ticks and tapeworms 24-48 hours prior to the return journey back to the UK and an official certificate must be obtained from a veterinary surgeon to confirm this treatment
- You will need to sign a declaration stating that your pet has not been outside any of the qualifying countries in the six months before re-entering the UK
It is also advisable to think about any additional diseases that your dog may be exposed to whilst abroad, particularly if you’re travelling to Mediterranean countries. These include leishmaniasis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, hepatozoonosis and heartworm.
You should contact your vet a month or more prior to your travel dates to ensure all necessary preventative measures are taken and to check all relevant paperwork is in place.
Finally, remember to pack a pet bag! Take things like favourite toys, a blanket, food, water and a grooming kit. Also, make sure that your pet is comfortable for the journey, with plenty of room to lie down and turn around.
Happy holidays!
** VOUCHER FOR FREE 1ST VET CONSULTATION ** Print off the voucher and take with you to Hillside Vets
Keith Moore BVSc MRCVS is a Veterinary Surgeon at Hillside Veterinary Centre in Corfe Mullen. For more information visit www.hillsidevets.co.uk.
Previous Articles :
- January 2012 - New Rules for the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)
- December 2011 - Top ten tips for Christmas
- November 2011 - Remember, remember your pets this November
- October 2011 - Autumn aches: is your pet affected?
- September 2011 - Worms: a wriggly problem!
- August 2011 - Kennel cough – is your dog protected?
- July 2011 - Summertime: The heat is on!
- June 2011 - Pet passengers - are fleas and ticks an issue?
- May 2011 - Rabbit Awareness Week
- April 2011 - Eyes: taking the long view!
- March 2011 - Spring has sprung!
- February 2011 - Getting to the root of the problem!
- January 2011 - Pet Insurance - a really good idea!
- December 2010 - The big chill – a seasonal survival guide!
- November 2010 - Ticker trouble! Is my pet affected?
- October 2010 - Remember, remember your pets this November
- September 2010 - Autumn Alert!
- August 2010 - Thyroid disease – is your pet affected?
- July 2010 - It's official: Chips are good for pets!
- June 2010 - Beat the heat this summer!
- May 2010 - Wriggle your way out of this one!
- April 2010 - Parasites… spring into action and pollen problems
- March 2010 - Planning your trip abroad this summer?
- February 2010 - Meal deal – choosing the ideal diet!
- January 2010 - Winter Worries!
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