The European Union is tightening requirements for the import of dogs, cats and ferrets from Russia and Belarus
The European Union has decided to tighten the requirements for the import of dogs, cats and ferrets(!) from Russia and Belarus.Currently, to move your pets to the EU, including transit, it is enough that they are marked with a subcutaneous microchip or tattoo, and they have been vaccinated against rabies according to all the rules, as there is a corresponding document.Starting from September 16, 2024, a new condition will be added – before the trip, the animal will have to undergo serological testing for rabies antibodies. Samples are given at the same time:1. in an accredited laboratory; 2. not earlier than 30 days after rabies vaccination;3. not less than 3 months before the issuance of a veterinary certificate and entry into the European Union.”Russia and Belarus are excluded from the list of countries that effectively implement anti-labor requirements. Last year, 63 animals were not allowed into Lithuania alone due to inconsistencies in the accompanying documents, conditions of carriage or the identification number of the animal. Similar problems arise in most EU countries. In addition, there were cases when the amount of antibodies produced against rabies did not meet the standards accepted in the block,” commented Alicia Zarankovic, Chief State veterinarian of the Lithuanian Border Control Department. A list of laboratories approved by the EU for conducting such studies is provided.Russia is represented, but the information there is clearly outdated, with incorrect addresses, expired certificates, etc. Only two institutions in the territory of the Russian Federation are listed with the current ones:-All-Russian State Center for Quality and Standardization of Medicines for Animals and Feed (FGBI “VGNKI”), Moscow (the organization’s website indicates that regarding analyzes and documents for animals, you should contact the veterinary center at Marshal Zhukov Avenue, 1);Federal Center for Animal Health Protection (FGBI “VNIIZH”), Vladimir (Yuryevets microdistrict, Institutskiy Gorodok microdistrict, 33).It seems that the update of this list on the official web portal of the European Union has simply been forgotten. Not only Russian organizations are there with expired accreditations. It remains to be hoped that they will soon remember and correct it.
