A recent report has revealed that from January 1, 2012, cats and dogs from the Republic of Ireland, Malta, Sweden and the UK, will need to go for a Rabies Vaccination and Rabies Titre Test before their entry into Australia.
The Rabies Neutralizing Antibody Titre Test or RNATT needs to be done between the period of 60 days to 12 months before their export to the country. However, the animals that are pregnant are required to have this test between the period of 150 days and 12 months.
In this connection, the AQIS recommends that if the animals have never been provided with rabies vaccination then there should be a gap of 4 weeks between the rabies vaccination and blood sampling. In building adequate antibodies and to provide a positive test result, it is very useful.
The date of RNATT blood sampling, would decide the duration of time for the animals to stay in quarantine Australia.
There should be a gap of 180 days between the blood sampling for the RNAT test prior to the time period when the animal can be discharged from quarantine Australia. Cats and dogs have to stay in the export country for the minimum period of 60 days from the blood sampling date for the RNATT, before their arrival in the Land of Kangaroos. These animals must be held in Australia quarantine for the period of at least 30 days. The rest 90 days period has to be spent in the exporting nation or added to the quarantine period of Australia.
One has to go for a Veterinarian, approved by the Government to examine the microchip of the animals and collect the sample of blood for the RNATT. Always make sure the number of the scanned microchips of the animals written on the tube of the blood and on the submission form of the laboratory. The sample of the blood has to be drawn within an AQIS approved nation.
However, the microchip number and the date of blood sampling have to be consistent between the report of RNATT laboratory and declaration of RNATT, prior to an AQIS permit of import is issued.
If, in any case, the animal has already gone through a RNAT test and rabies vaccinations, you can forward the documentation copies to the AQIS with your application of import permit.
If you have cats or dogs in your present home and are planning for Australia immigration with all your belongings including your lovely pets, then you can contact the immigration authority of the country, to know the rules and regulations regarding this.
