Lithuania tightens rules for importing animals from Russia and Belarus

The Lithuanian Veterinary Service is tightening the rules for importing pets from Russia and Belarus. Chief State Veterinarian of the Lithuanian Border Service Alicija Zarankovic reportedthat from September 16 of this year, owners of imported animals will have to present the results of a serological test of their pets for antibodies to the rabies virus. Previously, it was enough to have a valid rabies vaccination stamp in the veterinary passport and a chip.

Zarankovich noted that last year, 63 animals from Russia or Belarus were not allowed into Lithuania due to inconsistencies in documents.

A serological test for the import of animals must be done in a laboratory accredited by the European Union. In Russia there is some such laboratories are in Moscow, Vladimir and the Vladimir region.

The tightening applies to dogs, cats and ferrets. Zarankovich statedthat the new rules will apply not only to Lithuania, but also to all EU countries, but Radio Liberty does not yet have documents confirming such an EU decision.