The BSAVA recognises the importance of preventing the importation of classical rabies (Lyssavirus genotype 1) into the UK and Ireland. It supports the current DEFRA requirements for individual identification, rabies vaccination, subsequent serological confirmation and certification of dogs and cats travelling under the UK Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) by derogation to the European Pet Passport legislation. BSAVA strongly supports the maintenance of the statutory 6 month quarantine requirements under the Rabies Act 1974 (and subsequent amendments) for importation of dogs and cats from countries that are not recognized under current legislation.

The BSAVA is strongly supportive of the following:

· A detailed transparent rabies risk assessment before any additional countries in which rabies is considered endemic are included in the legislation
· Regular re-evaluation of the risk assessment for rabies-endemic countries that are already accepted as part of the legislation such as North America
· Vigorous monitoring of the rabies vaccination certification process, in particular at ports of entry into the UK
· Effective monitoring of veterinary certification particularly where such certification occurs outside the UK.

Addendum 1.

At the time of writing (May, 2006), the DEFRA Rabies Contingency plan for containing and eliminating rabies, should it be identified in the UK, is being updated.  BSAVA continues to provide input into this process.

Addendum 2: Rabies in bats

The BSAVA is strongly supportive of measures being implemented to investigate European bat lyssavirus infection in the UK. The BSAVA recommends that all members dealing with bats read the information provided by DEFRA on bat rabies (www.defra.gov.uk). BSAVA supports the policy of rabies vaccination on request for all veterinary surgeons and support staff dealing with bats.

Rabies in bats

Cases of bats infected with one of the two European bat Lyssavirus (EBL) subtypes, EBL2 have been confirmed in the UK as recently as 2002. One of these cases resulted in the unfortunate death of a bat worker in Scotland in November 2002. All reported cases have so far occurred in Daubenton’s bats (Myotis daubentonii), a common species which often comes into human contact as it roosts in houses. Up to 8% of Daubenton’s bats carry antibodies to the virus.

Advice for veterinary surgeons dealing with bats

· Veterinary staff dealing with bats on a frequent basis should be vaccinated against rabies (see below). Handling of bats should where possible be limited to those staff that have been vaccinated.
· Bats should always be handled with protective gloves. Latex gloves are suitable for the smaller species and light leather gloves such as driving gloves with disposable latex gloves on top are suitable for the larger species.
· A suitable field guide (e.g. A Field guide to British Bats, Greenaway and Hutson, 1990, Bruce Coleman books, Uxbridge) should be used to familiarise staff as to the different bat species.
· All bats acting strangely and Daubenton’s bats in particular should be handled with extra care.
· Suspicious cases should be reported to DEFRA.
· If bitten or scratched by a bat, wounds should be cleaned with soap and water or a suitable disinfectant and medical advice sought.
· Medical advice on the need for post exposure protection can be obtained from the Central Public Health Laboratory (020 8200 6868).
· The Veterinary Laboratory Agency carries out surveillance of submitted bat carcasses. All dead bats (not just suspected rabies cases) should be submitted to the Rabies Diagnostic Unit, Veterinary Laboratories Agency, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB.

Rabies vaccination

Rabies vaccines can be obtained from General medical Practitioners (GPs) and should be made available free of charge to those working with bats. GPs can obtain vaccines free of charge from the Central Public Health laboratory (0208 200 4400).

Advice to clients

Clients should be discouraged from handling or approaching sick, injured or trapped bats.
Assistance should be sought through the Bat Conservation Trust helpline 0845 130 0228 or in Scotland, the Scottish SPCA 0870 7377722 or the Scottish Natural Heritage Batline 01738 458663.

If clients are bitten or scratched by a bat, wounds should be cleaned with soap and water or a suitable disinfectant and medical advice sought.

Useful information for clients regarding bat rabies can be downloaded from the DEFRA website: (www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/q&a/rabiesq&a.htm)

Further information on the veterinary treatment of bats can be found in the BSAVA Manual of Wildlife Casualties.

Approval:  BSAVA Council as Policy Statement No. 9 (Rabies and Quarantine) 2004.
Recent update: May 2006