In an effort to prevent the spread of rabies, the United States has announced new regulations requiring all dogs entering the country to be at least 6 months old and microchipped. The rules were published on Wednesday and will come into effect on August 1, once a temporary 2021 order expires.

The updated regulations, drafted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are aimed at addressing the current challenges surrounding the importation of dogs into the country. Emily Pieracci, a rabies expert at the CDC, stated that the new rules will help ensure better control over the spread of the disease.

Under the new guidelines, dogs coming from countries where rabies is common must be vaccinated. This applies to dogs brought in by breeders or rescue groups, as well as pets traveling with their U.S. owners. Additionally, all dogs entering the U.S. must have a microchip implanted under their skin, allowing authorities to verify their rabies vaccination status. A new CDC import form must also be completed.

While these requirements will become mandatory for all dogs entering the U.S., there may be additional restrictions and requirements based on the dog's prior six months of residence. These could include blood testing from CDC-approved labs.

The decision to update the regulations comes as a response to the evolving landscape of international pet travel. With more people traveling with their pets, as well as an increase in overseas operations by rescue groups and breeders, the number of dogs entering the U.S. each year has reached approximately 1 million.

The importation of dogs has historical significance in the fight against rabies. Dogs were once common carriers of this deadly virus in the U.S. However, through effective vaccinations in the 1970s, the strain of rabies that circulates among dogs has been eliminated. Rabies is a fatal disease that affects both animals and humans, usually transmitted through a bite from an infected animal.

The need to update these regulations became evident due to several factors. Since 2015, four rabid dogs have been identified upon entry into the U.S., causing concerns about potential outbreaks. Officials have also been dealing with an increase in fraudulent or incomplete rabies vaccination certificates, as well as puppies being denied entry due to incomplete vaccination.

While the new rules have garnered support from some, including Angela Passman, owner of a Dallas-based company that assists people in moving their pets internationally, others have expressed concerns about the changes being unwarranted and costly. Jennifer Skiff, representing Animal Wellness Action, a Washington group focused on preventing animal cruelty, believes that certain groups, such as diplomats and military personnel, have struggled to meet these requirements, leading to owners leaving their dogs behind.

This recent update marks the first revision to CDC regulations regarding dog importation since 1956. By implementing these stricter measures, U.S. authorities aim to ensure better control over the spread of rabies and protect both human and animal populations from this deadly disease.