The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States has identified 110 countries, including Pakistan, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, as high-risk regions for importing dogs due to the risk of rabies. This has resulted in a temporary prohibition on dogs from these countries entering the US, which will remain in effect until July 31, 2023.
Mandatory Documents for Vaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries
The CDC has outlined specific requirements for all vaccinated dogs from high-risk countries to enter the US. These requirements include a valid CDC rabies vaccination, microchip record, and a CDC dog import permit or a reservation at a CDC-approved animal care facility. It is important to note that foreign-issued pet passports or other certificates for foreign rabies vaccinations will not be accepted by the CDC.
To bring a dog from a high-risk country to the US, the CDC requires mandatory permission, a reservation at an approved animal care facility, or a US-issued rabies vaccination certificate. These requirements also apply to dogs that have been in a high-risk country within the last six months. The CDC may approve up to two foreign-vaccinated dogs per applicant during the temporary suspension. However, if the CDC denies the request for a dog import permit, there will be no appeals allowed.
Check Federal Regulations and State Requirements
Before import of any dog to the US, importers have a duty to check other federal guidelines as well as the rabies vaccination necessities of state and local governments. It is crucial to follow all necessary protocols to prevent the spread of rabies, which is a serious and potentially fatal disease that can be transmitted to humans through infected animal bites.
Why is the CDC Taking These Measures?
Rabies is actually a deadly disease which is caused by a virus, and that virus affects the nervous system. It is usually transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, such as a dog, cat, or bat. While rabies is rare in the US, it is more common in other parts of the world, especially in countries with inadequate vaccination programs and poor animal control measures. Importing dogs from high-risk countries without proper documentation and vaccinations can lead to the spread of rabies in the US.
How Can Pet Owners Prepare?
If you are planning to bring your dog to the US from a high-risk country, it is important to start preparing well in advance. Make sure that your dog is up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations, including the CDC rabies vaccination. You will also need to obtain a microchip record and a CDC dog import permit or a reservation at a CDC-approved animal care facility.
It is recommended that you contact the CDC and the US embassy in your home country to confirm the latest requirements for importing dogs into the US. Additionally, you should check with your airline to ensure that they allow pets and what their specific requirements are.
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Conclusion, The CDC’s temporary restriction on dog imports from high-risk countries is a necessary measure to protect public health in the US. By following the necessary protocols and obtaining the required documents and vaccinations, pet owners can help prevent the spread of rabies and ensure the safety and well-being of both their pets and the people around them.
