Written By: Prerna Mittra | Updated : May 10, 2024 12:31 PM IST
Rabies virus variant carried by dogs was 'eliminated' in the US in 2007. CDC intends to prevent its re-introduction in the country. (Photo: Freepik)
In its efforts to curb the spread of rabies, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched a set of new rules for how dogs will be brought into the United States. These rules will be implemented in August 2024. In its media statement -- titled 'Dog Importation Regulation' -- published on Wednesday, May 8, the CDC mentioned that it is updating its existing regulation to 'protect the health and safety of people and animals by making sure any dog arriving in the United States is healthy and doesn't present a risk to our communities'. As such, beginning August 1, 2024, all dogs that enter the US must 'appear healthy upon arrival'; be at least six months of age'; be microchipped'; and be accompanied by a 'CDC Dog Import Form' online submission receipt.
According to a CNN report, these updated rules apply to all dogs -- including service dogs and those who were born in the US, but travelled somewhere and are now returning to the country. It should be noted that the 'CDC dog import' permits that are currently used, will expire on August 31, 2024.
The CDC mentioned in its guidelines that there may be a need for additional requirements, depending on where the dog has been in the last six months, along with whether it was vaccinated in the US. It is crucial to state that for dogs arriving from countries with a high risk of dog rabies, they must be protected against rabies. These countries include Afghanistan, Brazil, China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan), Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Nepal, North Korea, Myanmar, Bangladesh, to name a few.
The CDC also mentioned in its media report that the rabies virus variant carried by dogs (dog rabies) was 'eliminated' in the US in 2007, and that CDC intends to prevent the 're-introduction of dog rabies' in the country. "This regulation builds on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, when a temporary suspension was enacted for the importation of dogs from countries with a high risk of rabies," it stated.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), rabies is a 'vaccine-preventable disease'. It is important to vaccinate dogs and puppies, because it is the most 'cost-effective strategy' for preventing rabies in people; it stops transmission at its source. The CDC mentions that rabies is fatal, and can spread to people and pets if they are 'bitten or scratched' by a rabid animal. In the US, rabies is mostly found in animals like foxes, raccoons, bats and skunks.
According to the CDC, if any animal is 'acting strangely', you must call the local animal control unit. Watch out for the following signs:
