MAFF AHVG, 1A Page Street, London SW1P 4PQ, UK.

Dear Sirs,

RE: North American pet entry to UK

Whilst appreciating that some progress has been made in resolving the issue of antiquated regulations preventing entry of animals into the UK, it seems that the authorities in question have, for this issue, relegated the USA and Canada to the same category as India, Africa or other developing nations.

Reviewing the model for risk assessment for introducing rabies into the UK from North America developed by Dr. Chris Dye , WHO and published 26 January 1999, it seems that he has omitted certain important facts and has thus produced a biased and extremely flawed report. All manner of data has been considered except for one vital point, namely, that responsible pet owners in the USA are required by law to have their cats and dogs vaccinated against rabies annually.

We live in Houston, Texas and would love, on longer trips of a month or so, to take our dogs with us to the UK and Europe. Since birth, each dog has undergone a six-monthly check-up and vaccinations against parvovirus, bordatella, rabies (annually), receives a faecal check for intestinal parasites, a blood test against blood-borne parasites. They receive a monthly internal medication against ticks, fleas and mosquito borne parasites (specifically heartworm) plus an external anti-tick/flea preparation. In addition to this, they both have microchip identification (and have had for 3 years or more). They are registered with the city authorities annually, thus keeping check of their treatments.

All in all, these dogs are healthy, immunised and well-cared for: furthermore their treatment and identities have been documented for some time and yet they cannot enter the UK where, for some reason, even a Dog Licence is apparently no longer required and where vaccination against rabies, which should be compulsory, seems to be the farthest thought from anyone's mind.

We do not advocate free passage of all animals but where it can be proven that they have received all necessary prophylactics against rabies and other communicable infections and are demonstrated to be free from communicable infections, such permission should be given and appropriate travel documents issued. It does seem, however, that there is a good deal to be gained in keeping antiquated regulations at least partially in effect and in writing learned papers on probabilities of disease occurrence using invalid assumptions and incomplete data.

For your information, I have enclosed copies of the most recent medical certificates for one of our dogs (both receive the same tests and immunizations and both have implanted microchips) and would like to receive your comments on the situation, specifically how and when the UK authorities are likely to look realistically at domestic pets from North America being allowed into the UK. In terms of health care, we do not believe that our animals receive special or unique care: locally, all other owners carry are required to undertake the same measures with their cats and dogs. As things stand at present, it seems that our greatest concern should be whether the health of these animals and their owners is put at risk by entering the UK, where no positive preventative measures against rabies seems to have been considered.

I look forward to your comments and to the time when responsible pet owners are no longer victims to outdated regulations.

Yours faithfully,