Belgian Authorities Advise Vaccinating Pets Against Rabies Before Traveling

Belgian authorities are urging pet owners to vaccinate their dogs and cats against rabies before traveling abroad, as reported by VRT NWS on April 25, 2024. The recommendation comes as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of both pets and their owners during international travel.

Afsca, the Belgian food safety agency, emphasizes the importance of proper vaccination and documentation to comply with regulations and ensure a smooth travel experience for pets. The rabies vaccine is only valid after 21 days, so pet owners are advised to plan ahead.

Why this matters: Rabies is one of the deadliest viruses in the world, killing around 60,000 people annually, mostly from dog bites. By vaccinating pets and following proper procedures, Belgian authorities aim to prevent the spread of the disease and maintain the country's rabies-free status since 2001.

Afsca also warns against bringing stray animals found abroad back to Belgium, as it can take up to 4 months for the animal to be legally returned due to strict European rules on rabies vaccination. If a dog or cat is not properly vaccinated, it may be refused at the border, and if rabies is suspected, the animal will be euthanized.

The agency advises against petting or feeding unknown street animals, as they can already be contaminated and spread the disease, even if they don't show signs of it. While Belgium has been rabies-free for over two decades, outbreaks have been reported in other European countries like Romania, Moldova, and Turkey.

"The rabies vaccine is only valid after 21 days, so it's important to plan ahead," a spokesperson from Afsca stated. The authorities reiterate the significance of proper vaccination and documentation for pets travelling abroad to ensure the safety of both animals and humans, as well as to prevent the potential spread of the deadly rabies virus.

Key Takeaways

• Belgian authorities urge pet owners to vaccinate dogs/cats against rabies before travel.
• Rabies vaccine is only valid after 21 days, so pet owners must plan.
• Bringing unvaccinated stray animals back to Belgium is prohibited due to rabies risks.
• Petting/feeding unknown street animals abroad can spread rabies, even without symptoms.
• Proper vaccination and documentation are crucial to ensure pet and human safety during travel.