Written question WQ85281

As per the current legislation, which regulates the movements of pet cats, dogs and ferrets to Wales from Ukraine, an unlisted Third Country, the companion animals must first successfully pass a blood test 30 days after rabies vaccination before completing a three-month waiting period in the country of origin ahead of travel.

Due to the nature of the crisis in the Ukraine, most animals will not have been prepared to meet the above requirements, therefore, they must complete quarantine in an approved facility.

My officials are urgently exploring available options to ease the burden on quarantine space availability. I have approved the use of the rapid rabies blood test, which detects antibodies following vaccination. However, this test does not give any indication of whether an animal carries rabies. Other than post-mortem testing, the only recognised indications of the presence of rabies in an animal are behavioural changes at the onset of symptoms, which can remain dormant for several months.

The vaccine and subsequent blood test ensure immunity from that point onwards but cannot guarantee the pet has not already been infected with rabies before vaccination. There is no available test to diagnose rabies in a living animal, which is why the additional three-month waiting period is required.

I, of course, fully empathise with the arduous and harrowing experiences people from Ukraine and their pets have been subjected to and I am fully supportive of the efforts to offer them sanctuary in Wales. But consideration must be given to the health and welfare of all people and animals in Wales. It is for this reason, having considered all the available evidence and scientific advice, I have decided there are not sufficient guarantees to allow pets to be isolated in homes.

Currently, emotional support animals do not have legal recognition in the way that assistance animals do in the UK and are, therefore, not exempt from the requirements for companion animals. However, a separate protocol is in place for prioritising entry for Ukrainian assistance pets.

With regards to the locations of quarantine centres being used to house animals from Ukraine, due to the sensitive nature of this information, I am unable to share any details. However I can confirm all facilities are of the standard required to adequately care for all animals, as are the staff monitoring them.

More information about the rules on bringing pets to Wales from Ukraine is available at: https://gov.wales/bringing-your-pet-wales-ukraine-frequently-asked-questions