Rabies
Rabies is an acute viral infection of the central nervous
system. Once infected animals and people start to show the symptoms
of rabies, there is no cure and death almost always occurs.
Symptoms come in three distinct phases:
- irritability, anxiousness and sensitivity to light and
noise
- overt aggressive behaviour, fits, copious salivation, sagging
lower jaw
- staggering, respiratory distress, paralysis, coma,
death,
The Red Fox is the main animal vector for the spread of rabies
and domestic pets, such as dogs and cats, and other animals become
infected by contact with the Red Fox. Other parts of the world also
have populations of wild animals and domestic pets which are
vectors for Rabies, e.g. parts of Africa, South America and
Asia
In the UK we have very strong
legislation and control policies which help prevent the spread
of rabies from Europe because our indigenous wild animals and
domestic pets do not routinely carry the rabies virus.
Controls include the requirement for masters of commercial
cargo ships and small yachts, boats and pleasure craft
arriving in UK ports from foreign ports, to report both the
presence of any animal on board a ship to the Port Health
Authority and HM Revenue and Customs. This is so that the
appropriate authorities are aware of the animals and whether
it is proposed to land those animals. Pet animals being
legally imported into the UK may be subject to six months
quarantine.
With the exception of those from the Irish Republic, animals may
not be imported into the United Kingdom on privately owned pleasure
craft or light aircraft, whether or not in compliance with the PETS
Scheme. Entry is only permitted via approved routes and ports.
Pet animals illegally imported into the UK will be subject to
six months quarantine. Quarantine costs are the owner's
responsibility.
Similar requirements exist in relation to airports.
Since 2000, Department Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
(DEFRA), the UK Government Department with overall national
responsibility for rabies control, has introduced a Pet Travel
Scheme. This scheme allows the export and import of pet animals
such as dogs and cats out of and into the UK via Europe, provided
they comply with the requirements of the scheme. Details of the
PETS Scheme can be found on the
DEFRA web site.
Under the provisions of the PETS scheme only certain air and sea
ports are designated for the landing of pet animals. Visitors to
the Port of London should be aware that the Port of London and
ports in the lower reaches of the River Medway should be aware
that none of these, including London City Airport,
are approved ports for the landing of animals under the PETS
scheme.
Illegal importation of pet and other animals into the UK via the
Port of London may result in legal action being taken.
Owners of visiting pleasure/leisure craft with pet animals
onboard must keep those animals secure and locked behind two
separate doors. Animals must not be walked on quays, jetties or
other moorings as this is deemed to be “landing” and
“importation”.
If in doubt
contact the local office of the London Port Health
Authority.
Additional information is also available on the
Health Protection Agency website and the
Department of Health website.