November 27, 2011Dear Sir,Policy on movement of Animals in and out of a jurisdiction within the EU, including the UK is based on the science of evidence-based disease control.Optimal strategies result in containment and ideally in elimination for a certain period of time, but require constant review in the light of current research data collected. Risk assessment is applied to the data, taking into account ever evolving improvements in understanding the disease itself including possible genetic changes in the pathogen (antigen), improved vaccines, administration effectiveness and improved bio-security techniques.A good example of change over time would be the development of effective oral vaccines pressed into meat-flavoured blocks, which are distributed by helicopter in rural and forested regions, which may be home to foxes, wolves or other susceptible, transmitting predators. It was impressive to witness both the speed and effectiveness of such a programme last year in the Italian Alps, implemented after the reporting of a single positive CNS rabies test in a dead fox from a province to the south of the region. Simultaneously the authorities issued orders for the vaccination of all dogs and grazing ruminants on alpine pastures in the border zone. Additionally measures were posted for the containment of domestic cats. The media played a significant part in ensuring success, and like the internet, form an integral part of a modern bio-security system.Key to success in control, is understanding that no disease is static and that control measures must evolve in accordance with scientific advances and continuing, updated risk assessment.Bermuda would do well to assess carefully and honestly its own Rabies bio-security status with respect to the following:1) Illegal import of live animals (eg dogs, cats ferrets) on board yachts and private jets.2) The import of captive wild predators for entertainment purposes.3) Fraudulent documentation of age, vaccination status and date of administration in animals given clearance for import.4) (Mis)Use of the medical exception clause for the export of puppies from Bermuda to ear-cropping “parlours” in the USA, and for other “surgeries” regarded as mutilation by compassionate societies.Risk assessment applied to changes to pet travel regulations in the UK as documented in the article referenced below, shows that changes “will not substantially increase the risk level of rabies introduction (to the UK), which continues to remain very low”.In conclusion, it must be mentioned that prolonged transport of any nature constitutes severe stress to most animals, and its necessity, type and length should be assessed in the light of enlightened animal welfare standards.Reference: Research, Veterinary Record July 23, 2011: “Changes to pet travel rules: rabies.. “ Fooks, Horton, Johnson, Toth, RobertsANGELA MAUREEN WARE MRCVSSt. David’s