Q J Med 2000; 93: 197
© 2000 Association of Physicians
Correspondence |
Importation of diseases following the relaxation of quarantine regulations
Centre for Tropical Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford
Sir,
In their editorial (Q J Med 1999; 92:683–7) Bellamy and Salmon mention the veterinary and zoonotic pathogens which may be imported from mainland Europe and rabies-free (‘designated’) areas, when the quarantine laws are relaxed. In fact, veterinarians in the UK will have to be prepared for infections and infestations from further afield.
British pets could visit any continent and return home apparently legally, provided that they leave and re-enter the UK via a designated country. Similarly, pets from Asia, Africa or the Americas will be able to enter the UK if they have been in a designated country where they could be vaccinated against rabies and have a blood test 6 months before arriving in Britain. It will not be possible to confirm that an animal has remained in Europe during that 6-month period.
The potential risks of importation of potential pathogens from all over the world should be thoroughly explored and assessed before the flood gates are opened.
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