On Monday, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will announce an extension of the temporary suspension of dog imports from countries classified as high risk for rabies. The extension will not make changes to the current rules and will remain in effect through July 31, 2024.
The CDC believes the suspension remains necessary to protect the public’s health against the reintroduction of the dog-maintained rabies virus variant into the United States. Insufficient veterinary controls in high-risk countries to prevent the export of inadequately vaccinated dogs, and persistent veterinary supply chain and workforce capacity shortages continue to be factors that require the extension.
Click here to read AKC’s January 25 post on the current suspension period.
On Monday, the CDC will also announce a new proposed rule that outlines requirements regarding an importation system to reduce fraud and improve the U.S. government’s ability to verify U.S. entry requirements and mitigate the introduction of dogs infected with rabies. If adoption, the proposed rule would mitigate the need for further extensions of the temporary suspension.
The American Kennel Club Government Relations Department (AKC GR) is reviewing the extension notice and the proposed rule, and will provide additional information in the coming days. Those needing additional information on proper importation are encouraged to call Dr. Emily Pieracci, D.V.M., of the CDC’s Division of Global Migration and Quarantine at 1-800-232-4636; or email AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.