Rabies is an acute viral infection that is fatal in nearly all cases. Transmission to humans is usually through saliva via the bite of an infected animal such as a dog. The United Kingdom has been clear of Rabies for many years due to the very stringent import controls of mammals, including dogs and cats.
What we do to help prevent/control rabies
Legislation is in place to control any reported case of rabies in the United Kingdom. Our Trading Standards Service is responsible for the enforcement of this legislation in conjunction with Animal Health and the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Detailed contingency plans have been drawn up to enable containment and control of any suspected case of the disease.
Pet Travel Scheme
In recent years UK and European Community legislation has allowed for the controlled importation of pet animals into the UK via a "Pet Passport" scheme. This allows import of pets without the need for quarantine. These imports are closely controlled and monitored by Local Authorities and Animal Health/DEFRA.