Bahrain: A Rabies-Free Country? Understanding The Status

Bahrain is considered a rabies-controlled country, meaning that while the country has a low incidence of rabies, it has not been entirely eliminated from the country. Dogs infected with rabies are not commonly found in Bahrain, but the disease is still present in the country, mainly in wild animals. Bahrain has stringent measures in place to stop the spread and prevalence of rabies, including vaccination requirements for dogs and cats entering the country.

Bahrain is rabies-controlled, not rabies-free

Bahrain is a rabies-controlled country, which means that while the country has a low incidence of rabies, the disease has not been entirely eliminated from the country. In rabies-controlled countries, the disease is still present in the wild, but these countries have put in place stringent measures to stop the spread of rabies and keep the incidence of infection very low.

In the case of Bahrain, dogs entering the country must be vaccinated against rabies, among other diseases. Cats entering the country must also be vaccinated against rabies. These measures are in place to prevent the spread of rabies and protect public health.

While Bahrain has successfully controlled the spread of rabies, it has not yet reached the status of a rabies-free country. Rabies-free countries have entirely eliminated the disease from both domestic and wild animals and have no reported cases of rabies. Several countries are recognised as rabies-free, including the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, among others.

The classification of a country as rabies-free, rabies-controlled, or high-risk is crucial for determining pet import requirements and travel plans. For example, when moving from a rabies-free country to a rabies-controlled country like Bahrain, pets can enter without quarantine and with minimal paperwork. However, when moving in the opposite direction, pets will face restrictions and requirements, such as valid rabies vaccination and an import permit.

It is important to note that the classification of countries can vary depending on the assessing country or organisation. For instance, while New Zealand classifies Bahrain as rabies-free, the European Union does not consider any country completely rabies-free, instead classifying countries as either rabies-controlled or high-rabies. As such, it is essential to understand the specific categorisations and requirements of the country you are travelling to or from.

Dogs entering Bahrain must be vaccinated against rabies

Bahrain is not a rabies-free country. It is considered a rabies-controlled country, which means it has a low incidence of rabies and has stringent measures in place to prevent its spread. As a result, dogs entering Bahrain must be vaccinated against rabies.

Vaccination Requirements for Dogs Entering Bahrain

If you are planning to bring your dog to Bahrain, it is important to ensure that your dog has received the necessary vaccinations, including rabies. The rabies vaccination must be administered at least 30 days before entering Bahrain, and it should not be more than one year old. Additionally, dogs must be vaccinated against canine distemper, parvo, hepatitis, and Leptospira. Puppies must have two doses of all the required vaccines, with the first dose given at two months old and the second dose two to three weeks later. Puppies under three months of age are not permitted entry into Bahrain.

Microchipping Requirements

In addition to vaccinations, all dogs entering Bahrain must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. The microchip should be implanted by a veterinarian, veterinary hospital, or trained nurse, and you should receive documentation about the manufacturer and instructions on registering your dog's information in their database. While microchipping is not mandatory, it is highly recommended for all travelling pets.

Health Certificate and Import Permit

After completing the vaccinations, a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin must issue a pet health certificate for Bahrain within 10 days of travel. This form must be endorsed by the governmental agency responsible for importing and exporting animals. Additionally, an import permit is required for all pets entering Bahrain, and it is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.

Quarantine Requirements

If your dog is entering Bahrain from a country considered rabies-controlled or high-rabies, your veterinarian will need to administer a rabies titer test no sooner than 21 days after the primary vaccination to avoid quarantine. Even with a rabies titer test, your dog will be inspected by government authorities upon arrival, and it may be taken to a quarantine centre for further assessment.

Other Recommendations

It is strongly recommended that your dog receives a treatment for internal and external parasites just before entering Bahrain. Additionally, consider the weather and climate in Bahrain when planning your dog's travel, as extreme temperatures can affect their safety during transport. Crate training can also help your dog feel comfortable and reduce anxiety during the journey.

Cats entering Bahrain must be vaccinated against rabies

Bahrain is considered a rabies-controlled country, meaning it has a low incidence of rabies. The country has stringent measures in place to stop the spread and prevalence of rabies. As such, cats entering Bahrain must be vaccinated against rabies. Here are some important points to consider:

Microchipping:

Before administering the rabies vaccination, cats must first be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. This should be a 15-digit, non-encrypted microchip, implanted by a veterinarian, veterinary hospital, or trained nurse. The manufacturer's details and instructions on how to register your cat's information in their database should be provided.

Timing of Vaccination:

The rabies vaccination for cats entering Bahrain must be administered at least 30 days before entry but not more than one year prior. This timeframe ensures the vaccination is current and effective.

Minimum Vaccination Requirements:

In addition to the rabies vaccine, cats entering Bahrain must also receive the tri-cat vaccines (feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia). A minimum of two doses of each vaccine is required. If the cat has not received one of the vaccinations before, it may be necessary to administer them within a short period, contrary to standard veterinary advice.

Import Permit:

To enter Bahrain, your cat will need a valid import permit issued by the Veterinary Quarantine Authority, which is part of the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs. This permit is based on the necessary health certificates and proofs of vaccination, which must be originals and not copies.

Parasite Treatment:

All cats entering Bahrain are required to undergo internal and external parasite treatment (deworming, tick, and flea treatment) five days before travel. This helps ensure that your cat is free of any parasites that could potentially pose a risk to the country's ecosystem.

Age Requirements:

Puppies must be at least three months old to enter Bahrain. This age requirement is in place to ensure the animal's health and well-being during travel and to comply with vaccination requirements.

Quarantine:

If all the requirements mentioned above are met, your cat will not be subject to quarantine procedures for more than a few hours upon arrival in Bahrain. However, if your cat is entering from a country that is not considered "Rabies Clear," a rabies titre test (RNATT) certification from an approved laboratory may be required, and your cat will be taken to a quarantine center for inspection after clearing customs.

Air Travel:

Cats entering Bahrain must do so by air cargo through Bahrain International Airport. You will need to provide an IATA-compliant pet crate for this mode of transport. Contact your chosen airline well in advance to make the necessary arrangements and be aware of any extra fees and regulations.

Bahrain does not quarantine cats and dogs that meet certain requirements

Bahrain is not a rabies-free country, but it is rabies-controlled, meaning it has a low incidence of rabies. The country has stringent measures in place to stop the spread of rabies, including vaccination requirements for dogs and cats entering the country.

If you are travelling with a dog or cat to Bahrain, it is important to note that the country does not quarantine pets that meet certain requirements. Here are the key requirements to ensure your pet avoids quarantine:

• Microchipping: All dogs and cats entering Bahrain must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant pet microchip. This should be a 15-digit, non-encrypted microchip, implanted by a veterinarian, veterinary hospital, or trained nurse. You should receive documentation about the microchip manufacturer and instructions on how to register your pet's information in their database.
• Vaccinations: Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies, canine distemper, parvo, hepatitis, and Leptospira. Cats must receive the rabies vaccine and the tri-cat vaccines. These vaccinations should be administered no less than 30 days and not more than one year before entering Bahrain.
• Rabies Titer Test: If your pet is entering Bahrain from a rabies-controlled or high-rabies country, your veterinarian will need to perform a rabies titer test no sooner than 21 days after the primary vaccination to avoid quarantine.
• Health Certificate: A licensed veterinarian in the country of origin must issue a health certificate for your pet within 10 days of travel to Bahrain. This form must be endorsed by the government agency responsible for the import and export of animals.
• Import Permit: All pets arriving in Bahrain require an import permit.
• Parasite Treatment: A treatment for internal and external parasites is strongly recommended and should be administered just before entering Bahrain.

By ensuring that your pet meets these requirements, you can avoid quarantine when entering Bahrain. However, it is important to carefully research and follow the import regulations of your destination country to ensure a smooth travel experience for your furry companion.

Bahrain's rabies status according to other countries

Bahrain is not considered rabies-free by any of the countries that classify other countries as such. However, it is classified as a rabies-controlled country by several nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Hong Kong. This means that while Bahrain has a low incidence of rabies, it has not entirely eliminated the disease from its domestic and wild animals.

The United States, the United Kingdom, and Hong Kong all recommend that travellers to Bahrain take rabies vaccines, especially if they plan on staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas. These countries also advise consulting a healthcare provider to determine whether one should receive a pre-exposure vaccination before travelling to Bahrain.

When importing pets into Bahrain, the requirements differ depending on the country of origin. If the pet is coming from a country considered rabies-free by the World Organization of Animal Health, no rabies titre test is necessary. However, if the pet is coming from a rabies-controlled or high-rabies country, a rabies titre test is required to avoid quarantine. Additionally, all dogs and cats entering Bahrain must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies and other diseases.

Frequently asked questions