1.1

The UK has been free of rabies for most of this century. Prior to that there had been human deaths from the disease (for example, 173 people died from rabies in England and Wales between 1886 and 1903). Protection from rabies has, since 1901, been based on the quarantining of domestic pets on import into the UK. The detailed arrangements for quarantining animals have been altered from time to time, and the fast major changes took place following a Committee of Inquiry in 1970 chaired by Mr Ronald Waterhouse OC. But the basic principle of requiring six months' isolation from any risk of exposure to infection has remained unchanged.

1.2

Since the Waterhouse Inquiry, over a quarter of a century ago, scientific developments in the field of vaccination against rabies have raised the possibility of achieving the same objective by Different means. Modern vaccines are now much improved. The Government sees evidence that there are now credible alternatives to quarantine which should be examined. It is time to take stock. We are therefore launching a scientific assessment of possible alternatives to the current quarantine policy. This assessment will be carried out by independent scientists outside Government.

1.3

This discussion paper explains the background to the scientific assessment. The Government will hold a full consultation exercise in due course on the most promising options.

1.4

The Government is determined there should be no change to the present arrangements which would increase the likelihood of rabies entering the UK. Any new or revised arrangements will be judged against this overriding requirement.

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