Blood sample

Some importing countries require a certain interval between vaccination and blood sampling (see Regulations for entry). Blood samples must be taken by an authorised veterinarian in the exporting country. From the blood sample taken without any additives serum should be prepared (at least 0.5 ml). The serum for antibody titration can be kept in a refrigerator for a number of days or frozen (-20°C) for months.
A number of data including the unequivocal identification of the animal (see above) have to be recorded, e.g. data about the last vaccination against rabies (sample submission form - link). Please note that all sample tubes have to be labelled (e.g. name of the animal, ID) in order to avoid mistakes, and this label must conform with the designation on the sample submission form. The latter also applies when single samples are sent.

Determinationof the antibody titre has to be performed by an approved laboratory. We are authorized as testing laboratory for antibodies against rabies virus for all destinations. The antibody titre valid for imports has to be at least 0.5 IU/ml serum (international units).

Sample Shipment

EU

Within the EU, samples for rabies antibody titration can be sent as “EXEMPT ANIMAL SPECIMEN” by mail or carrier service.

Non EU-Countries

VVD has an import permit (“Einfuhrgenehmigung”) for serum samples from dogs and cats which are destined for rabies antibody titration in connection with the import and re-import of animals into the EU.

Samples from non-EU-countries need an explicit declaration that will be checked at the import (use exact wording):

"Non-infectious serum sample (dog or cat) for titration of rabies antibodies according to the EU regulation on movement of pet animals at an approved laboratory".

In addition, the sample should be accompanied by a pro forma invoice. The pro forma invoice is required for customs clearance without further ado. The amount should be $1 (maximum EUR 22,-) to avoid further taxes.

Finally our current sample submission form (“Antragsformular „) must be attached, including all relevant information (kind and amount of sample material, name and address of the veterinarian and owner, microchip number and date of birth of the animal, data on the last rabies vaccination, signature and stamp of the authorized veterinarian).

When the shipment is inspected at the customs or veterinary border control, additional costs may arise. Please note that we are not able to cover these extra expenses. To ensure the import of your sample it has to be send as DTP ('duty taxes paid'  – choose option with the carrier).

If you fail to declare the shipment as mentioned above we reserve the right to reject the sample or charge an additional fee for the handling.