Rabies Titer Test To Travel With Dogs And Cats

images-Rabies Titer Test To Travel With Dogs And Cats

Nov 29, 2023 images

Rabies Titer Test To Travel With Dogs And Cats

  • Dog
  • Mattan Gal

When traveling abroad, it’s crucial to check your destination’s pet import requirements. Even though each country has its own import requirements, most of them care mainly about rabies (since it can be transferred easily from animals to humans). Most countries require your dog or cat to be vaccinated against rabies, while others may also require your pets to get tested for rabies, by preforming a rabies titer test.

What Is The Rabies Titer Test?

White dog at the vet

A rabies titer test, also known as a rabies antibody test, is performed to measure your pet’s immunity (antibodies in the blood) to rabies.

The rabies titer test doesn’t guarantee that your pet can’t be infected with rabies. What it does indicate to us, is that a dog/cat with higher antibodies is more likely to survive the rabies virus.

How Is The Rabies Titer Test Performed?

Snub nosed dog at the vet

Preforming the rabies titer test on a dog, is very simple – an authorized veterinarian will draw a blood sample. The blood is usually drawn from the cephalic vein, which is located at the dog’s front leg.

Once the blood is drawn, the vet will need to send the sample to an accredited laboratory.

The rabies titer test is valid if antibodies to the virus are present in the blood. In order to travel with your cat or dog, the level of antibodies in the blood must be at least 0.5 IU/ml (International Units per milliliter). The ratio is calculated between the number of antibodies in the blood and the amount of dilution necessary before antibodies can no longer be detected.

How Much Does A Rabies Titer Test Cost?

Pig Money bank with cash

The cost of a rabies titer test is based on 3 factors:

  • Your private vet – each vet charges a different amount for their service. This amount could range from $100-$300 USD.
  • The lab – each lab charges a different price for their rabies serology test. For example, in the US, Kansas State University lab charge about $90 USD for their FAVN test.
  • Shipping fees

As you may see, the most expensive part is usually the veterinarian fees.

Hog Long Does It Take To Get The Titer Results?

hourglass

The turnaround time for a rabies titer test result could average between a couple of days to a couple of weeks. The turnaround time depends on many variables, such as the staff, lab, work load, etc.

Here are some examples of the turnaround time for the titer results:

  • Kansas State University lab – from our knowledge, it usually takes between 4-8 weeks to get back the titer results. At the moment, they advise pet owners to expect delays since they have a supply and staff shortage. Due to these shortages, the KSU lab can’t perform expedited STAT tasting.
  • Kimron Veterinary Institute – this lab, which is based in Israel, is considered to be the fastest lab in the world. The lab performs the titer test twice per week and the results are issued digitally within 24-72 hours!
  • Biobest UK – the turnaround time is usually 5-7 working days. The lab can also provide an “express service” for pet owners that require urgent results. Their express service guarantees a maximum turnaround time of 3 working days.

How Long Is A Rabies Titer Test Good For?

A Rabies Titer Test certificate with an "expired" stamp on it

In general, the rabies titer will remain valid only if your pet will be revaccinated against rabies within the period of validity of your pet’s previous rabies vaccine. The period of validity could be 1, 2 or even 3 years.

If you’ll renew your pet’s rabies vaccine even a day late, your pet’s titer test won’t be valid anymore.

It is important to note that not all countries follow the validity rule stated above. For example, Singapore requires dogs and cats to have a blood sample taken and tested for antibodies within 6 months of their arrival. Meanwhile, in Australia, the titer test is valid only for 1 year.

We encourage pet owners to check in advance the import requirements of their destination so that they’ll have enough time to prepare.

What Countries Require A Titer Test For Dogs and Cats?

World Map

As stated, a titer test for dogs and cats is a blood test that measures the level of antibodies in their system, indicating their immunity to certain diseases.

This test is often required by countries as part of their importation regulations for dogs and cats.

While the specific requirements may vary from country to country, there are several countries that require a titer test for dogs/cats. These include Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the European countries (depending on where you are coming from), the UK, Israel and many more.

By complying with these requirements, pet owners can help ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry for their beloved companions into countries that require a titer test for dogs/cats.

Do I Need A Titer Test To Travel With My Dog?

Small dog inside a flight crate

Depending on the destination, you may not require a rabies titer test to travel with your dog.

For example, if you are traveling within the EU, you won’t need a rabies titer test. A pet passport will be enough.

It’s important for pet owners planning to travel with their dogs to familiarize themselves with the specific regulations regarding titer testing. This may, sometimes, involve scheduling an appointment with a veterinarian a couple of months in advance!

The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that imported animals do not pose a risk of introducing an infectious disease (rabies) into their country. By testing the antibody levels in a animal’s system, authorities can determine if they have sufficient immunity against rabies.

Waiting Period Required After The Titer Test Is Ready

marked calendar

This may sound strange, but having the results, may not be enough for pet owners to travel with their pets.

Why? Because most countries require a “waiting period” after the blood is drawn.

For example, if you are travelling from Israel to the EU, you’ll need to wait at least 90 days (3 months), after the blood is drawn, to enter the EU.

This EU legislation (90 days waiting period) is required for dog/cats that travel from a country that isn’t listed in Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 577/2013.

If you think 3 months is a lot, just note that Australia and Japan require pet owners to wait 180 days (6 months) before they can enter their territory!

Approved Rabies Serology Laboratories

Lab Microscope

The laboratories around the world play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of rabies testing for both humans and animals.

There are only about 70 laboratories in the world that are “approved rabies serology laboratories”. These laboratories are authorized by regulatory bodies to conduct serological tests to determine the presence of rabies antibodies in serum samples.

The designation of being an approved lab signifies that these facilities meet specific quality standards, have the appropriate equipment, and employ trained personnel who adhere to standardized protocols. This ensures that the test results provided by these laboratories are accurate and can be trusted for diagnostic purposes.

It is important to note that not all laboratories can perform rabies serology testing. Only those designated as approved labs have met the necessary criteria and are authorized to carry out these specialized tests. Therefore, it is essential to consult official sources or regulatory bodies to identify approved labs when seeking reliable rabies serology testing services.

Conclusion

Kid checking his watch next to a computer

In conclusion, the rabies titer test is a crucial component for relocating pets. It ensures the safety and well-being of both pets and humans during the process of international travel. By verifying the effectiveness of rabies vaccinations, this test helps prevent the spread of this deadly disease.

When considering relocating internationally with a pet, it is important to understand why using a professional service is essential. Pet relocation services, such as Pets2Fly, have the expertise and knowledge to navigate complex regulations and requirements for international travel. They can guide pet owners through each step of the process, including obtaining necessary documentation, arranging flights, and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.

Moreover, using a pet relocation service provides peace of mind for pet owners. These services have established relationships with trusted veterinarians who can perform necessary tests such as the rabies titer test. They also have the experience in handling all aspects of transportation, including customs clearance and quarantine procedures.

By entrusting your pet’s relocation to professionals, you can rest assured that their welfare is being prioritized throughout the entire journey.

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