About 30 Russian import dogs will be tested for rabies

- We know that about 30 dogs arrived in Sweden from Russia. During a random check at the customs in Poland, it turned out that one of the dogs lacked antibodies against rabies, which may mean that the dogs were not vaccinated, says Maria Leclercq, head of the department for animals, rural areas and food at the County Administrative Board in Östergötland.

The biggest and most serious risk with import dogs is getting the deadly disease rabies into Sweden.

- Russia is a high-risk country where there is rabies spread in society, says Maria Leclercq.

The Russian dogs that were brought into Sweden in June have new owners in fifteen counties in the country, including Östergötland and all dogs will now be tested, following a decision by the Swedish Board of Agriculture.

- A veterinarian appointed by the Swedish Board of Agriculture must take samples of the dogs. Depending on whether they have antibodies that show that they have been vaccinated or not, and depending on the level, there may be quarantine or killing, says Maria Leclercq.

As SVT Nyheter Öst previously reported, several Swedish dog breeders testify to enormous pressure on puppies. The high demand means that the Swedish Board of Agriculture fears that the illegal import of unvaccinated dogs will increase.

- We make daily decisions about what should happen to animals that are stopped at the border or have been brought into the country in violation of the introduction requirements, says Lotta Hofvenberg at the Swedish Board of Agriculture in a press release.

Even dogs that are sold through non-profit organizations can carry infectious diseases or have behavioral problems, writes the Swedish Board of Agriculture.

"In many countries, it is a way to make money by passing dogs to local aid organizations."

SVT Nyheter Öst has previously reported on the stray dogs and the non-profit organizations that are becoming more and more numerous.

Dogs brought in from Russia must be vaccinated against rabies, however, there is no requirement for the dogs to be tested before departure to prove that the animals have received a sufficient amount of antibodies to be protected. The Swedish Board of Agriculture recommends that you, as an importer, require a check of the vaccination protection through a titer check (blood test) before receiving dogs from Russia.