Q J Med 1999; 92: 683-687
© 1999 Association of Physicians
Editorial |
Risk of importation of diseases exotic to Great Britain following the relaxation of quarantine regulations
Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff
PHLS Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, (Wales), Cardiff
Quarantine has successfully prevented the introduction of rabies into Great Britain since its inception nearly 100 years ago. However, improved rabies control throughout Europe and the availability of an effective vaccine have led the government to consider whether quarantine is still necessary. The current system is inconvenient to those wishing to travel abroad with their pets and has greatly reduced the number of domestic animals travelling to and from Britain. The 6 months spent in isolation under veterinary supervision allows the detection and treatment of other diseases, and sick animals may die before coming into contact with other animals. Quarantine may therefore have unintentionally prevented the introduction of several animal pathogens exotic to Britain. We consider the potential risk of new diseases being introduced following the relaxation of quarantine regulations.
On 26 March 1999, the government announced its plans to replace quarantine with a Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), for dogs
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