tighter restrictions on the movement of dogs and cats to and from the Island.

As of January 1, all dogs and cats imported to the Island must have two vaccinations instead of one.

It means it will take 10 months before puppies and kittens can be brought to the Island from North America. Current regulations make it possible to bring pups and kittens here at four months.

A Government release says all dogs and cats require two vaccinations given not less than six months and no more than 12 months apart.

"The first vaccination -- as currently required -- would be given only when the animal is three months of age or older,'' the statement said.

"The second vaccination would have to be given at least one month prior to entry into Bermuda to allow a minimum time for incubation of the vaccine.'' Government veterinarian Dr. Neil Burnie said the free movement of animals around the US and Canada has increased the risk of importing an animal which is incubating the rabies virus.

"To this end, the new requirement whereby an animal gets two vaccinations six months apart effectively places a time quarantine on these animals,'' he said.

"If animals were exposed to the virus at the time of their first vaccination, the disease would surface prior to the second vaccination.

"This new rule will mean that the minimum time for importation of pups and kittens from countries affected by rabies has been raised to ten months of age.

The restrictions do not apply to puppies and kittens born in countries that are recognised as rabies free provided they arrive directly from that country.

The United Kingdom, Jamaica, Australia and New Zealand are designated rabies free.

Any person, who is planning to travel off the Island with their dogs before the six-month waiting period for a second vaccination, are asked to contact the Government veterinarian. Dr. Burnie should also be contacted by people who require emergency care for their pets.

Dr. Burnie explained one reason for increasing security against the killer virus in terms of cost. "The annual vaccination expense would be in excess of $1 million.'' In 1993, the Government issued 567 arrival permits for dogs and pups, of which 200 were new arrivals. It issues 156 permits for cats of which 58 were new kittens brought in the first time.

In 1992, the United States recorded 8,644 cases of rabies in non-human animals, including 7,912 wild animals, the largest number ever recorded in a single year.

Of the domestic animals infected, cats outnumbered dogs by 290 to 182. The state of New York had the highest number of any state with 1,761 cases. New Jersey and Connecticut had more than 700 cases each.

In 1993, the high incidence of rabies continued with more than 700 cases being recorded in Massachusetts and Connecticut and 460 cases in New Jersey.

Canada also recorded a total of 2,270 cases in 1992, including the infestation of 110 dogs and 100 cats.

Further information on rabies and permits required to import dogs, cats and other animals can be obtained from the Veterinary Officer at 236-4201.