DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Changes to the Pet Travel Scheme and rabies quarantine
Public
Purpose of the Report
It is proposed that the Planning and Environment Minister update the legislation* to import pet dogs, cats and ferrets into Jersey and the rabies quarantine requirements for dogs, cats and other mammals.
* Non-Commercial Movement of Pet Animals (Jersey) Regulations 2006 and
Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and Other Mammals) (Jersey) Order 1976
Background
Council Regulation (EC) No 998/2003 harmonises the animal health controls applicable to the non-commercial movement of pet animals between Member States and from Third Countries.
The EU Regulation covers the identification and rabies vaccination of pet animals (dogs, cats and ferrets) and for a transitional period enables the UK (including the Channel Islands) to require additional measures (a blood test followed by a six month wait and be treated against tick and tapeworm) prior to entry. The additional measures include travel with an approved carrier.
Pet animals that do not meet the entry requirements must comply with the Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and Other Mammals) (Jersey) Order 1976 which states animals must be licensed by the Minister before entry into Jersey and must be detained for 6 months in an approved quarantine unit in Jersey. No approved quarantine unit is available.
Since the start of the Pet Travel Scheme in 2000, Europe has had an effective and ongoing program to reduce rabies in the domestic and wild animal populations in Member States. There has not been one reported case of rabies in the EU associated with the legal movement of pets under EU pet movement system since it was introduced in 2004.
Discussion
From the 1 January 2012 Jersey, in line with the UK, will harmonise its controls on rabies with the EU wide pet movement system.
The key differences between the current rules and how they change from the 1 January 2012 are:
- Pets travelling from EU countries and “listed” Third countries will no longer need to be blood tested after they have been vaccinated against rabies
- Pets will only have to wait 21 days following their rabies vaccination before they can enter Jersey, rather than wait 6 months.
- Pets travelling from “unlisted” Third countries will no longer be required to undergo six months compulsory quarantine and will be able to enter Jersey (via a EU border inspection post) if they meet certain requirements. These include being microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and have a blood test. They will not be allowed to enter the EU and travel onto Jersey for at least 4 months after the date of the rabies vaccination.
- The European Commission has given strong indication that it will come forward with proposals that will enable the UK (including the Channel Islands) and other countries free from the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis, to retain tapeworm controls with a treatment window 1 to 5 days before entry. There will be no mandatory requirement for tick treatment before pets enter Jersey. the requirement for pets to travel with an approved carrier will continue in line with UK legislation
Under the Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and Other Mammals) (Jersey) Order 1976, it is proposed the period of quarantine will be reduced to 4 months with possible alternative provision for animals subject to veterinary supervision under other legislation. This will only be implemented in line with UK.
It is proposed to give:
- powers to an inspector appointed under the Non-Commercial Movement of Pet Animals (Jersey) Regulations 2006 to stop a person or a vehicle
- powers to an inspector appointed under the Diseases of Animals (Jersey) Law 1956 for the purpose of administration and enforcement of the Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and Other Mammals) (Jersey) Order 1976 to stop a person or a vehicle and carry out any search, check or inspection
- powers under Article 10, 11 and 13 Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and Other Mammals) (Jersey) Order 1976 to an inspector appointed under the Diseases of Animals (Jersey) Law 1956 to seize or cause to be seized an animal (the Veterinary Officer or an officer of the police already have these powers)
Conclusion
The proposed changes to the controls on rabies are proportionate to the disease risks involved and are scientifically justified.
Recommendation
The Minister is recommended to make a Regulation to amend Non-Commercial Movement of Pet Animals (Jersey) Regulations 2006 to adopt the proposed changes to tick and tapeworm controls and to remove the blood test control to Council Regulations (EC) No 998/2003 and make an Order to amend Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and Other Mammals) (Jersey) Order 1976 to change the quarantine requirements.
Written by: | States Veterinary Assistant |
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Approved by: | Director for Environment |
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Endorsed by: | [If other department involved -Director’s name and Directorate] |
[File Ref]
Ministerial Decision ref: MD-PE-2011-XXXX
21/07/11