STRINGENT measures aimed at keeping Ireland rabies-free have been extended by twelve months, following a decision at the European Parliament this week.
The vote by MEPs means EU holidaymakers coming to Ireland with their dogs, cats or ferrets will have to abide by extra 'pet passport' regulations passports' until the end of 2011.
Domestic animals travelling between EU member states already need
a passport with proof of anti-rabies vaccination, but in Ireland and several other countries, an extra rule requires evidence that the vaccination has been effective. Ireland, the UK, Sweden, Malta and Finland also insist that visiting pets have had treatment for ticks and tapeworm and that they have been micro-chipped for identity purposes.
The extra rules were due to expire this summer, but MEPs decided to extend the measures to allow for the completion of the EU vaccination programme.
Irish MEP Nessa Childers said that while Ireland is lucky not to have had an indigenous case of rabies since 1903, global travel patterns mean the disease 'is never far from our door'.
Last year a 38 year old woman died in Belfast after she contracted rabies in South Africa, while more recently four people in Dublin were vaccinated against the disease after they were bitten by an illegally imported rabbit.
