The CDC has recently announced new regulations for bringing dogs into the U.S. in an effort to prevent the spread of rabies. The rules, set to go into effect on August 1, require dogs entering the country to be at least six months old, appear healthy, have a microchip, and have a valid rabies vaccine or have not been in a rabies-endemic country in the last six months.
Dogs coming from high-risk rabies countries will face additional criteria such as blood tests, physical examinations, and U.S. rabies vaccines. These regulations replace outdated rules from 1956 and are aimed at addressing the increasing number of dogs being imported into the U.S., estimated at 1 million each year.
The American Veterinary Medical Association and dog rescue advocates have praised the new rules, which aim to protect public health and improve canine welfare. The CDC’s commitment to enhancing regulations also aims to tackle challenges related to fraudulent documentation for imported dogs, including service animals for returning military personnel.
By implementing these stricter regulations, the CDC hopes to prevent the importation of rabid dogs and ensure the safety of both humans and animals. The new rules represent a step towards better control over the importation of dogs and underline the importance of public health measures in the context of global movement of pets.
