Content
Import of Pets: EU Tightens Requirements for Belarus and Russia
19.05.2024 10:17
It recently became known that the European Union will tighten requirements for the import of pets from Belarus and Russia from September 16.
This information was published by Baltic media with reference to the State Food and Veterinary Service of Lithuania.
From the specified date, imported dogs and cats will have to undergo serological testing for antibodies to the rabies virus.
Statement by the Chief State Veterinarian
Following these events, they will need to receive a document confirming the fact that they have completed the procedure, notes MIA Rossiya Segodnya.
The Chief State Veterinarian of the Lithuanian Border Control Department, Alija Zarankovic, announced the exclusion of Russia and Belarus from the list of countries effectively implementing anti-rabies requirements.
According to her, in 2023, 63 animals transported for commercial purposes were not allowed into Lithuania.
The reasons are “inconsistency of accompanying documents, transportation conditions or animal identification number.”
From now on, when importing dogs, cats or ferrets from Belarus and Russia into the European Union, it is necessary to conduct a rabies antibody test, said Ms. Zarankovich.
Where and how to do the test
The media writes: a sample of the specified test should be taken at least 30 days after the animal’s vaccination and at least 3 months before the issuance of a veterinary certificate and entry into the EU.
In this case, such a test must be done in an approved laboratory, and the level of antibodies must neutralize the rabies virus (at least 0.5 IU/ml).
In addition, citizens importing pets must have a veterinary certificate of the European Union standard issued by an official veterinarian of a third country.
Earlier, Belarusians were told what they could choose to protect their pets from ticks.
