BSAVA's president urged UK vets to "remain vigilant" for signs of rabies.

Bull terrier died after biting two

A rabies-infected dog has died in France after biting a family member and a neighbour's dog, the BSAVA has revealed.

The seven-month-old bull terrier was under quarantine at a veterinary practice in Chambon-Feugerolles, close to Saint-Etienne, when it died during the night of 17-18 May.

Rabies infection was confirmed by the Pasteur Institute after positive test results from direct immunofluorescence, ELISA and virus isolation.

The dog was illegally imported from Hungary to France without vaccinations late in December last year. However, it is thought the dog actually became infected with rabies during a visit to Algeria from 21 April-7 May, 2015.

Following the case, local restrictions have been imposed on the movement of unvaccinated and unidentified dogs, cats and ferrets until 27 October, 2015.

Unvaccinated animals that were in contact with the dog will be euthanised and vaccinated animals will be monitored for six months.

"Once again this case demonstrates the importance of complying with the requirements of pet travel legislation," said BSAVA president Tricia Colville. "Anyone acquiring a dog (or a cat or a ferret) from abroad has to be sure that it is fully compliant with the regulations."

Members of the veterinary profession and the public alike have concerns about the potential risk of rabies entering the UK through illegal pet imports.

New rules were implemented at the end of last year in a bid to improve pet passport security and there is now a minimum age of 12 weeks for rabies vaccination.

Should the disease enter the UK, contingency plans would be activated as they have been in France.

Mrs Colville urged UK vets to "remain vigilant" for pets showing clinical signs that could fit within the rabies spectrum, particularly if the pet has recently travelled abroad.

In its statement, the BSAVA reminded vets that the responsibility for dealing with illegally imported animals lies with local authorities - generally Trading Standards or Environmental Health.

However, vets in practice should inform Defra - pettravel@ahvla.gsi.gov.uk - if they are suspicious of non-compliance with the Pet Travel Scheme.

As rabies is a notifiable disease, suspected cases should be reported immediately to the closest Animal Health Office.

The affected animals and any others with which it may have been in contact should be kept isolated and suitable disease control and safety measures implemented.

Image courtesy of BSAVA