CDC Finalizes New Regs for Imported Dogs to Address Rabies Risks
The Centers for Disease Control is finalizing its new requirements for imports of dogs to address the risk of rabies. Among other changes from its July 2023 proposed rule (see 2307110062), the agency no longer will require that U.S.-vaccinated dogs that have been in countries at high risk for rabies be imported through a port with a CDC quarantine station, though foreign-vaccinated dogs still will be subject to that requirement.
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Released May 8 and effective Aug. 1, the final rule "aligns U.S. import requirements for dogs with the importation requirements of other [dog-maintained rabies virus variant] DMRVV-free countries by requiring proof of rabies vaccination and adequate serologic test results from a CDC-approved laboratory," CDC said. "The final rule requires for all dog imports: a microchip, six-month minimum age requirement for admission, and importer submission of a CDC import form (CDC Dog Import Form). The rule requires airlines to confirm documentation, provide safe housing for animals, and assist public health officials in determining cause of animal illness or death."
Dogs vaccinated in foreign countries would have to arrive at a U.S. airport with a CDC quarantine station and a CDC-registered animal care facility. U.S. and foreign-vaccinated dogs that were recently in high-risk countries would both require documentation. Dogs imported from rabies-free or low-risk countries would be eligible to arrive at any U.S. port, the CDC said. Dogs arriving from any country would have to be microchipped on or before the date of rabies vaccination.
All dog importers would have to submit a CDC Dog Import Form online with their contact information and information about the dog being imported, via a CDC-approved system prior to travel to the U.S. Upon arrival, the importer would present a receipt confirming they submitted the form.
In response to comments on the proposed rule, CDC is adding several definitions to the regulations. It also added a provision that says "CBP will prescribe the time, place, and manner in which dogs are presented upon arrival at a port of entry, which may include prohibiting dogs from being presented within the Federal Inspection Station." The final rule also allows the CDC Director to place such limits "based on an importer’s or carrier’s failure to comply with the provisions of this section or as needed to protect the public’s health."
The final rule also removes an exemption "for importers to import up to three dogs under six months of age at U.S. land borders if arriving from DMRVV-free or DMRVV low-risk countries."
And also in response to comments, CDC is "now including a list of acceptable documents importers may provide to confirm a dog has been only in DMRVV low-risk or DMRVV-free countries during the last six months before arriving in the United States."