Written Answers. - Pet Importation.
Willie Penrose
Question:
229
Mr. Penrose
asked the
Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
the steps, if any, his Department is taking to harmonise the procedure obtaining for the importation of a pet dog or cat from other EU countries in line with the prevailing procedure for importation in other EU countries; the minimum guarantee period applicable in the EU; the reason his Department insists on a six month guarantee period; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[1075/00]
I am assuming that the Deputy is concerned about rabies controls.
There are no harmonised rules at EU level, governing the procedures for the importation of a pet dog or cat from other EU countries. The controls which Ireland, in common with the UK, has operated for many years are based on a quarantine requirement, which provides that pet dogs or cats entering Ireland other than from the UK including Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man must undergo a period of six months quarantine. This requirement was determined, on the basis of the best scientific advice available, by the likely incubation period for rabies and reflected the need to afford the public adequate protection against the threat of rabies being introduced into Ireland by animals from countries in which there continued to be confirmed cases of rabies in significant numbers. The evidence suggests that this has been a correct and effective approach to take in the relevant circumstances. The commonality of approach as between Ireland and the UK which has hitherto been maintained, reflects the practical reality of the land border between both jurisdictions and the volume and frequency of travel between Ireland and Britain.
In recent years, the development of new control methods for rabies and a marked reduction in the numbers of confirmed rabies cases in western Europe has led in certain instances to calls for the traditional approach to rabies control to be reviewed, specifically in so far as quarantine requirements are concerned. In response to public pressure in the UK, and on foot of a report (the Kennedy report) by an expert group which had been established to examine the matter, the UK Government has decided to dispense, with effect from early 2001 and in respect of pets from certain EU and other countries, with the quarantine requirement in favour of a system based on animal identification, vaccination, blood testing and certification. In so far as Ireland has hitherto maintained a common approach with the UK, this decision clearly had implications for Ireland's rabies control regime.
As an interim measure, the UK authorities have also decided to run a pilot of the proposed new regime at the end of February 2000. This will apply only to pet dogs and cats entering or re-entering the UK from EU member states and some other European countries. Pets qualifying for entry into the UK under this pets pilot scheme will be obliged to travel along certain approved routes and with carriers approved for such routes.
In the context of the common approach which we have hitherto maintained with the UK and to avoid the operational anomalies which would otherwise arise, I will shortly be seeking the approval of the Government to make an appropriate limited adjustment to Ireland's current quarantine regime in order to allow pet dogs and cats which have first entered the UK (including Northern Ireland), the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man under the conditions of the UK pilot scheme to enter Ireland without the need to undergo quarantine. In all other respects, the conditions of Ireland's current quarantine regime will continue for the time being to apply.
In due course, subject to further necessary elements of consultation and assessment having been completed and experience of the UK pilot scheme, I would envisage recommending to the Government that Ireland's rabies control regime should be changed, with effect from early 2001, from a quarantine-based regime to one based on identification, vaccination, blood-testing and certification in respect of pet dogs and cats entering Ireland from EU member states and a number of other specified low-risk jurisdictions. It would obviously be sensible to ensure that any such changes could come into operation simultaneously with those proposed in the UK.
My primary concern in considering this question has been and remains the protection of public and animal health in Ireland. My Department will continue to work closely with the UK authorities to ensure that any new arrangements for the control of rabies offer the necessary assurances both to the Government and the public in this regard.
