CDC Sets New Hygiene Standards for Dogs Entering the United States: What You Need to Know

In an effort to combat the spread of rabies and ensure public health safety, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has established new rules for the admission of dogs United States, which will come into force from 1 August. These measures, stricter than the previous ones, aim to prevent dogs with rabies from entering the country and include requirements such as microchipping, valid rabies vaccination and checks additional health for those coming from countries with a high risk of rabies.

“This new regulation aims to address the challenges we are currently facing,” explained Dr. Emily Pieracci, a CDC veterinary medicine officer, emphasizing the increased risk of infection due to the large international movement of dogs, as well as concerns about false documentation. The campaign aims to update the rules that date back to 1956, when only a rabies vaccination was required before entering the country, without considering the great progress in the international travel and the change in the relationship between people and pets.

The new rules require that all dogs that wish to enter the United States must be healthy and at least six months old. In addition, it must be confirmed that the animal has a microchip and that it has a valid rabies vaccination. Those dogs arriving from countries considered high risk must undergo a blood test that confirms their immunity against rabies, receive a physical examination on arrival and, if the analysis is not their necessary, comply with quarantine of 28 days.

The implementation of these regulations occurs after the CDC in 2021 banned the importation of dogs from 113 countries where rabies is endemic, due to an increase in false vaccination certificates. This decision was influenced by a spike in international dog adoptions spurred by the pandemic. Countries affected include Kenya, Uganda, Brazil, Colombia, Russia, Vietnam, North Korea, Nepal, China and Syria.

“This puts us on notice with the rest of the international community, which has already taken steps to prevent the importation of fast dogs. “, said Pieracci, referring to alignment with international standards. It should be noted that rabies was eliminated in canines within the United States in 2007, but unvaccinated dogs are still at risk of contracting the disease from wild animals.

American Medical Association (AVMA) and SPCA International have proposed the updated regulations. Dr. Rena Carlson, president of the AVMA, highlighted the positive impact they will have on public health and the well-being of dogs. On the other hand, Lori Kalef, program director at SPCA International, admitted that “This updated regulation will allow us to continue to bring dogs into the United States safely and efficiently. “

Despite the complexity of the new rules, American pet owners are taking heart from the CDC, which says “It’s not really a big change.” for those who are used to traveling with their pets wisely.

Rabies remains one of the deadliest zoonotic diseases worldwide, with approx 59,000 people dying every year. Prevention through vaccination and strict import regulations represent major efforts to keep this disease outside US borders, protecting both humans and domestic animals.