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.