The Rules on Rabies with Dr. Martin Appelt. Animal Health Insights, Ep. 18. Sept. 26, 2022

Most people are at least vaguely familiar with Rabies - a fatal zoonotic disease that affects thousands of people and animals around the world. In North America, we are lucky to think about rabies rarely – usually in the context of an animal bite, or maybe faint memories of “Old Yeller” the movie, or when and if a bat gets into the house. Canadian veterinarians may see a case or two of rabies every few years in horses, cattle, dogs or cats, and occasionally in other mammalian species.

With the surge of dogs imported into Canada through the pandemic the possibility of people being exposed to rabies from a pet dog has become more of a risk. Dr. Martin Appelt, the Senior Director of the Animal Health Programs Division at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, reviews the recent changes to import requirements for dogs, and the reasons for their implementation to protect Canadians.

Links of Interest: 

• CFIA Notice to industry: New measure prohibiting the entry of commercial dogs from countries at high-risk for dog rabies
• Countries at High Risk for dog rabies
• Questions to ask before you purchase or adopt an imported dog
• CVMA Information on Canine Importation into Canada
• CVMA Dog importation checklist
• Preventing Rabies in Imported Dogs - Dr. Scott Weese