Pet travel guidelines and disease threats*

Pet travel guidelines and disease threats

Increased pet travel as rules within Europe have relaxed has meant an increased risk of pets being exposed to exotic diseases and those diseases becoming established in the UK. Changes in the Pet Passport Scheme at the end of 2014 help to increase security around pet travel but veterinary professionals stand in the front line of making not only sure these legal requirements are met but also that pets are protected against diseases not covered by the scheme. This article summarises the rules surrounding pet travel in Europe and some of the more significant diseases facing travelling pets today.