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Animals: Imports

Answer

In general, there are no separate import conditions for animals imported for research purposes. They must just comply with the normal import requirements set out in the Importer Information Notes (IINs), that can be found on the DEFRA website.Rabies-susceptible animals imported for research must be travelling to quarantine approved premises where they must remain in quarantine for six months.The exceptions to these rules are rodents and lagomorphs (a category which includes animals such as rabbits), which when imported into the UK for research must be licensed by Animal Health and use Supplementary Certification, signed by the responsible veterinary or medical supervisor (or other appropriately qualified responsible person) of the research establishment/premises. This certification states that:"Prior to the export the rodents/lagomorphs have been in the research/breeding establishment for not less than 15 days;""The colony has been closed for not less than 15 days or the rodents/lagomorphs to be exported have been caged and separated or isolated from any new introductions for a period of 15 days;""For the 12 months prior to shipment, the rodents/lagomorphs have been kept in an establishment(s) where no case of rabies was reported for at least 12 months;""No experiments with rabies or rabies related virus have been carried out in the breeding/research establishment during the 12 months immediately prior to the date of export;""Showed no clinical signs of rabies on the day of shipment."All of the said premises above must hold current Home Office approval and regular veterinary inspections are also required.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

222775; 480 c720-1W;480 c714-5W

Session

2007-08

Subjects

Animals Imports

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk