A.F.R.A Advice and help: May 2011

Wednesday 18 May 2011

IMPORTANT INFO REGARDING CORRECT PROCEDURES AND ORDERS FOR MICROCHIP SHOTS AND TESTS FOR ROMANIAN DOGS

Please note the following specific to the bloodtest procedure that your vet must follow (I cannot stress enough though that you MUST have chipped the dog before the rabies vaccine or nothing else will be valid): - Blood Test (not less than 21-days after vaccination)

To be taken and sent to an EU-approved laboratory to get a satisfactory result. The vaccine manufacturer’s data sheet will give the best time for a blood sample to be taken after vaccination. The only EU-approved laboratory in Romania at this time is as follows: -

National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority, Institute for Diagnosis and Animal Health
Dr Staicovici Street N° 63, sect.5, RO- 76202 Bucarest. E: office@idah.ro

The blood has to be centrifuged into serum so that it keeps. The name, the date the blood was taken and the microchip number of the dog must be on a sticky label on the vial of serum and filled in on an accompanying laboratory form, downloadable on the internet from the appropriate laboratory.

Alternatively, ensure your vet asks the laboratory for the correct submission form and advice on labeling and delivery of the sample. As mentioned above, the vet MUST make sure that the microchip number and the date the blood sample was taken are accurately and clearly recorded on the submission form.

Satisfactory blood test result: A satisfactory test result must show that the rabies neutralising antibody titre was equal to or greater than 0.5 IU/ml. The test result must show the animal’s microchip number. If it does not, ask the laboratory for one that does. Ensure your vet gives you a certified copy of the result and keeps the original at his/her practice.

Failed blood tests: If an animal fails the blood test, the test must be repeated and this may be done following revaccination depending on your vets advice. The 6 calendar month wait before entering the UK would start from the date that a subsequent blood sample that gave a satisfactory result was taken.

The 6 months clock starts ticking from the date that the blood sample which gave a satisfactory test result was taken.

Thanks to this wonderful and experiences group of rescuers for above article. Click here to join group

Again don't panic, I know this seems alot to take in and do, but there are groups who will be able to help you with this....

How to bring a pet/rescued animal back with you into the UK.

How to bring your pet dog or cat into or back into the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)
Pet dogs and cats (including guide and hearing dogs) that are resident in either the UK or one of the other qualifying (listed) countries can enter or re-enter the UK without quarantine provided they meet the rules of the scheme. Animals prepared for PETS in a non-listed country would not be accepted in the UK and entry of a PETS compliant animal into a non-listed country would result in loss of any PETS compliance.
UK PETS preparations must be done in listed countries. Animals from unlisted countries must spend six months in quarantine on arrival in the UK. Animals prepared for PETS in a listed country, that are then entered into a non-listed country must also spend six months in quarantine on arrival in the UK.
Animals which do not meet all the rules must be licensed into quarantine. They might then be able to obtain early release if they can be shown to comply with the necessary PETS requirements.
Preparing your dog and cat
To bring your dog or cat into the UK under PETS from one of the listed countries you must have it first microchipped, then vaccinated against rabies and then blood tested. Make sure you have read and understood all of this guidance before you bring your pet into or back into the UK:

Step 1 – Have your pet microchipped – Before any of the other procedures for PETS are carried out, your pet must be fitted with a microchip so it can be properly identified.
Step 2 – Have your pet vaccinated – After the microchip has been fitted your pet must be vaccinated against rabies. There is no exemption to this requirement, even if your pet has a current rabies vaccination
Step 3 – Arrange a blood test – After your pet has been vaccinated, it must be blood tested to make sure the vaccine has given it a satisfactory level of protection against rabies.
Step 4 – Get PETS documentation – For animals being prepared in an EU country, you should get an EU pet passport. If you are preparing your animal in a non-EU listed country you will need to obtain an official third country veterinary certificate although note that Croatia, Gibraltar, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland are also issuing passports.
Step 5 – Before your pet enters the UK, it must be treated against ticks and a tapeworm - Your pet must be treated against ticks and tapeworms not less than 24 hours and not more than 48 hours before it is checked in with an approved transport company for its journey into the UK.
Arrange for your animal to travel with an approved transport company on an authorised route – Your pet must enter the UK from a listed country travelling with an approved transport company on an authorised route.

There are no requirements for pets travelling directly between the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
Where PETS procedures can be carried out
Your pet can be fitted with a microchip in any country. The rabies vaccination (including boosters), blood sampling, issuing the PETS documentation and the tick and tapeworm treatment must all be carried out in the UK or any of the other qualifying countries.
The six month rule for entry or re-entry to the UK
Your dog or cat may not enter the UK under PETS until six calendar months have passed from the date that your vet took the blood sample which led to a satisfactory test result. Once the vet has issued the PETS documentation and that six month period has passed, the PETS documentation is valid for your pet to enter the UK.
The 21 day wait before moving from one EU country to another.
There is a 21 day wait before your pet can enter other EU countries.
Dangerous dogs in Great Britain
In Great Britain, it is illegal to possess certain types of dogs. If you bring one of these dogs into Great Britain, you could be prosecuted and the dog seized and destroyed. If in doubt, don’t travel with it.
http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/pet-owners/

Don't panic when you read all this above, there are people who can help you, sometimes far cheaper to see if there is a local group who could foster the animal prior to coming to the UK.

Tuesday 17 May 2011

A.F.R.A Help & Advice

Some information and links to organisations and charities that may be able to help you or offer you some advice.

Please note that shortly we will be creating an interactive map where you will be able to see the area and what organisation is based there or focuses its resources in that area.