Anlmal,Plant and Flsherles Quarantine and Inspection Agency

Defra confirmed a case of rabies in a quarantine premises in the south east of England on 25 April 2008. As the case has occurred in quarantine the UK currently retains its disease-free status. Movement restrictions have been put in place at the quarantine premises. These restrictions do not affect the movement of animals into or out other quarantine premises within the UK or animals moved under the Pet Travel Scheme. A case of rabies has been confirmed in a puppy in quarantine. A puppy was imported from Sri Lanka and entered the UK into licensed quarantine premises in the south east of England on 18 April. The puppy became ill and died yesterday in quarantine. Rabies is a viral disease of the nervous system and can affect all mammals. Rabies is spread by direct contact mainly by saliva from the bite of an infected animal or through scratches. The UK currently remains free of rabies because this case has occurred in quarantine.