The UK Minister of Agriculture stated March 25, 1999, that the current quarantine rules are to be changed within 2 years. The new proposal includes a "passport" for pets by which animals are to be identified by microchip and vaccine records.

Animals would have to be checked by a vet within 24 hrs prior to entering or re-entering Britain and also be treated for ticks and deloused. The border check is expected to cost about 20.25 GBP/animal. This in addition to approx. 150 GBP/yr for the passport.

The new rules are to apply to rabies-free countries and islands only. Animals coming from Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia and South America will remain under the current laws. The government is still analysing its position on North America and Canada. Rules applying to Ireland and No. Ireland also are not finalized.

QUAFF (Quarantine Abolition Fighting Fund) states in their latest newsletter that they feel any exclusion of the US will be deemed illegal as the 1998 EU/US veterinary equivalency agreement is implemented.

Passports for Pets also is active in this issue, with information about the government's report at their website.

In the event that the rules change as proposed, an animal taken from a non-qualifying country into an EU country would have to reside for at least 6 months in the EU country before it could qualify for a license into Britain.

 

For a brochure listing the licensed UK quarantine kennels, contact:

Ministry of Agriculture
Fisheries and Food
Animal Health Division
Hook Rise South, Tolworth
Surbiton, Surrey KT6 7NF

 

Phone: (0) 181 330 4411