17 June 2009

Pets in the UK may have a greater of chance of remaining free from rabies thanks to the European Commission (EC).

The EC recently voiced its support for the continuation of stricter rabies regulations for the UK and four other countries.

At present, Britain requires animal owners travelling into and out of the country to comply with the government's Pet Travel Scheme.

This requires dogs, cats and ferrets to show immunity from rabies via blood tests, be microchipped and treated for ticks.

If implemented, EC proposals will see these regulations held in place until at least 2011.

Nigel Gibbens, the government's chief veterinary officer, welcomed the move explaining that it may help to reduce outbreaks of rabies in the eurozone.

"Extending our transitional rules will allow us to benefit from the outcome of the current EU vaccination campaign," he said.

"This is working to control rabies in wildlife in the few EU member states still affected and so bring the rabies risk across Europe to a very low level."

In other news, ferry operator DFDS Seaways recently announced it additional sailings running from the UK to Europe, which accepts animals.