UAE, Saudi Arabia at ‘High-risk’ of Importing Dog Rabies, US Says
The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States has placed a “temporary suspension” on dogs entering the country. The move follows the US’ efforts to curb rabies, and the suspension will remain in place until July 31, 2023.
According to the CDC website, all foreign-vaccinated dogs entering the United States from rabies high-risk countries must have a valid CDC Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Record, as well as a CDC Dog Import Permit or a reservation at a CDC-approved animal care facility. The authority also stressed that it will not accept foreign-issued pet passports or any other certificates for foreign rabies vaccinations.
UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar have been included in the “high-risk” countries list for importing dog rabies into the US, according to the CDC. The number of high-risk countries totalled up to 110.
To bring your dog to the US from a high-risk country, you will need “CDC’s advance written approval (CDC Dog Import Permit), a reservation at a CDC-approved animal care facility, or a US-issued rabies vaccination certificate.” This is also applicable to dogs imported from a country that is not included in the high-risk countries list, but the dogs have been in a high-risk country in the past six months.
The CDC Dog Import Permit approvals may be granted for up to “two foreign-vaccinated dogs per applicant during the temporary suspension,” the authority said, adding that if the request for a CDC Dog Import Permit is denied, “CDC’s written denial will constitute final agency action. No appeals will be allowed.”
