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EC entry easier for Hong Kong dogs and cats Owners of dogs and cats are having an easier time taking their pets to Europe, following a recent decision by the European Community (EC) to relax quarantine restrictions on Hong Kong. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said today (December 4) that Hong Kong had been told by the EC that dogs and cats from the territory could enter its member states without quarantine, provided they meet certain requirements. The EC has decided that the entry of dogs and cats from Hong Kong presents no greater risk of spreading rabies than such movements between member states. The relaxation, effective from November 23, 2004, was the result of detailed submissions by the department to seek recognition of the territory's rabies free status. A department spokesman said the case was presented by the staff of Hong Kong's Economic Trade Office in Brussels. Dogs and cats from Hong Kong can now enter the EC member states without quarantine if the following conditions are met: * The animal is identified by a microchip. * The animal is accompanied by a pet passport (for animals of European origin) or equivalent health documentation which required endorsement from the department. * The animal has a valid anti rabies vaccination status, and, * The animal has been examined 24 hours before travelling by an approved veterinary surgeon and found to be in good heath and able to withstand travel to the planned destination. The certification is valid for four months in the EC and must then be renewed. Some countries, including Finland, Sweden, Ireland and the United Kingdom, have additional requirements. * Finland requires the animal to be treated for hydatid tapeworm before travelling. * Sweden, Ireland and the United Kingdom require the animal has been blood tested for rabies antibodies at an approved laboratory at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least six months before travelling. * Sweden, Ireland and the United Kingdom require prior treatment for hydatid tapeworm and ticks within 48 hours of movement. * For the United Kingdom, the animal can travel only via approved routes on approved carriers and must land at one of three specified airports. The carriers and routes are not yet approved and are the subject of current negotiation. If the animal has visited another country which is not approved by the EC within six months of travelling to Europe, it is not eligible to enter the EC under the new arrangement. Different conditions apply for other pets, such as rabbits or ferrets. Owners are advised to consult the website for the animal health authorities in the countries they are visiting, their private veterinary surgeon or the department for the latest information before planning their trip. "To take advantage of the new measures, owners should make prior planning," the spokesman said.
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