The rabies serology is a mandatory step for international travel with dogs and cats.
For you to travel abroad with pets, especially dogs and cats, there are several health steps to be followed, one of which is the Rabies Serology exam. Not all countries require it, but it is mandatory for: Europe, Japan, China, Korea, Australia, USA and New Zealand.
The rabies serology consists of a blood test carried out by the veterinarian, in dogs and cats and aims to verify the production of antibodies against the rabies virus. That is, whether or not the animal has an immune response against this disease.
This exam is extremely controlled by the countries that require it, and they determine the accredited laboratories to carry out the test, in accordance with article 3 of Decision 2000/258/EC. For trips to the European Union, the only Brazilian laboratory allowed is the Rabies Research Center of USP – Universidade de São Paulo, which recently obtained its authorization, in April 2020. Other laboratories or private veterinarians that provide Rabies Serology, send samples abroad and the examination itself is carried out there.
To check the laboratories accredited by the European Union click here.
For the entry of dogs and cats into Japan, Australia or New Zealand, there are no authorized Brazilian laboratories, so all samples must be sent abroad. Here at PETFriendly Turismo we send our exams to the United States to Rabies Laboratories at Kansas State University (KSU).
To check accredited labs for Japan click here.
The result of the rabies serology, regardless of the laboratory, takes an average of about 1 month and a half (45 days) to be released. For pets to obtain the CVI (International Veterinary Certificate) for entry into the countries of destination, they must present the result >0.5UI/ml.
The blood sample must be collected at least 30 days after the rabies vaccine, at a veterinary clinic or laboratory, and the dog or cat must have fasted for at least 12 hours. Water can be offered at will. After blood collection, the animal can be fed normally.
The validity of the Rabies Serology result varies from country to country. In the case of European Union countries, it is valid for life as long as the rabies vaccinations after the exam have been applied within the validity period, that is, they cannot be expired any longer.
In the case of Japan, the result is valid for 2 years and subsequent vaccines cannot go beyond the annual expiration date. For this country, if your trip does not occur within 2 years after the exam, the exam must be redone.
SANITARY STEPS FOR DOGS AND CATS INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
FOR EUROPE
- Microchipping + Rabies Vaccination
- 30 Day Wait
- Rabies Serology Test Collection
- Quarantine of 90 days
- You can request the C.V.I.
TO JAPAN
- Microchipping + Rabies Vaccination
- 30 Day Wait
- Rabies Revaccination + Rabies Serology Test Collection
- You can request the C.V.I.
WHERE TO APPLY FOR THE INTERNATIONAL PET VETERINARY CERTIFICATE
The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply of Brazil (MAPA) is responsible for releasing the official documentation. The Tutor or professional responsible for requesting the C.V.I. should contact a VIGIAGRO unit, which are located throughout Brazil.
For more information about the international documentation required for different countries, click here .
For more information on how to transport your dog or cat with you on the same trip, click here
You must be logged in to post a comment.