EU Changes Rules For Importing Animals From Belarus

• 11.09.2024, 11:45

The changes come into force on September 16.

Belarus and Russia have been excluded from the list of countries exempt from the requirement to undergo a rabies antibody titer test, Dzik Pic reminds.

This change provides for a three-month waiting period for dogs, cats and ferrets before entering the territory of the European Union, which is counted from the day the blood is taken for testing.

If a pet is traveling to the European Union

Chief State Veterinarian of the Lithuanian Border Control Department Alicia Zarankovic previously warned that from September of this year:

— a rabies antibody test must be performed to import dogs, cats or ferrets from Belarus into the European Union;

— a rabies antibody test sample must be taken at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least 3 months before the issuance of a veterinary certificate and entry into the EU;

— the test must be carried out in an approved laboratory.

Pets must also have an EU veterinary certificate issued by a third country official veterinarian. And also a subcutaneous microchip or tattoo (made before 3 July 2011).

And what if the pet returns from the EU to Belarus?

Such an animal must have a pet passport for import into the EU; a subcutaneous microchip or tattoo; a valid rabies vaccination.

Also, from 16 September, information must be provided that the animal was serologically tested for rabies antibodies before leaving the EU.