Preventing parasites – protecting pets

During the planning and marketing of the ‘Preventing Parasites – Protecting Pets’ seminar, held on 28th October in Bristol, the issue which struck me most was that many veterinary professionals were unaware of the upcoming changes to PETS. At the seminar it soon became clear that, although many knew about the changes, the implications became clearer to everyone as the day developed, as did the sense of concern.

In order to avoid quarantine, the current PETS rules state that all dogs, cats and ferrets must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and have a blood sample taken to prove immunity prior to undergoing a 6 month wait before being allowed to enter the UK. Pets must also be administered with tick and tapeworm treatments 24–48 hours before entering the UK.

Under the revised travel regulations which take effect from 1st January 2012, as well as changes to the rabies vaccination requirements, tick control will no longer be mandatory for animals entering the UK. With up to 15 000 animals travelling under PETS each month, the possibility of exotic ticks (and their associated tick-borne infections) entering and establishing in the UK becomes increasingly likely.