Pet Transportation! Rabies Vaccination/Antibody Testing Guide Based On Length of Stay!

What is Rabies?

Rabies is a very dangerous viral infection. It can infect not only dogs but also many mammals like cats and bats and can be transmitted to humans. Once symptoms appear, rabies affects the brain and nerves, almost always resulting in death. There is no cure after the onset, so vaccination is crucial.

Transmission Route

Rabies is a very dangerous viral infection. It can infect not only dogs but also many mammals like cats and bats and can be transmitted to humans. Once symptoms appear, rabies affects the brain and nerves, almost always resulting in death. There is no cure after the onset, so vaccination is crucial.

Differences in Rabies between Japan and Malaysia

In Japan, rabies has already been eradicated. Countries without rabies are referred to as “rabies-free countries.” In Japan, rabies vaccination is mandatory for dogs but not required for other pets. However, if exporting a pet from Japan to Malaysia, rabies vaccination is mandatory.
In contrast, rabies is not completely absent in Malaysia, and infections have been reported in some states. Therefore, a certificate of rabies vaccination is required for pets entering Malaysia.

• When returning to Japan from Malaysia with your pet, a rabies antibody test is required to comply with Japan’s strict rabies regulations.

Failure to comply may result in penalties under Japan’s Animal Infectious Diseases Control Law, with imprisonment of up to 3 years or fines of up to 3 million yen (or 50 million yen for corporations) for dogs, and up to 300,000 yen under the Rabies Prevention Act for cats.

• This is necessary because Japan is a rabies-free country, and the test result is required when pets re-enter the country. This section explains the importance and procedures for rabies antibody testing.

Re-entry Requirements:

When returning to Japan, pets must have sufficient rabies immunity. A rabies antibody test is required to prove this.

Important Notes

1. Timing of the Antibody Test
   The rabies antibody test must be done at the correct time before re-entering Japan. If mistimed, there’s a risk of quarantine upon entry.
2. After the First Rabies Vaccination
   The antibody test must be conducted at least 30 days after the first rabies vaccination. Testing earlier may result in invalid results.
3. Calculate Based on Departure and Return Plans
   If planning to re-enter Japan, it’s recommended to take the antibody test at least 6 months before your return flight. This will help avoid any issues upon return.

Length of Stay:

• If there are no plans to return to Japan after entering Malaysia
• If re-entering Japan within 1 year
• If re-entering Japan after 2 years

If there are no plans to return to Japan after entering Malaysia

There is no need for a rabies antibody test and pets can enter Malaysia with a single rabies vaccination.

For more information on the procedure, see the complete guide to shipping pets from Japan to Malaysia. Here is the blog link!

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日本からマレーシアへのペットの輸出 Blog 19.09.2024 Pet Transportation! Rabies Vaccination/Antibody Testing Guide Based On Length of Stay! To ensure a smooth journey to Malaysia while protectin…

If planning to return to Japan within 1 year from Malaysia

If re-entry to Japan is planned, it is recommended to receive a second rabies vaccination in Japan in preparation for the required rabies antibody test.

• The second rabies vaccination must be administered at least 30 days after the first and within 1 year. After the second vaccination, conduct the rabies antibody test and obtain an English-translated certificate.
• The validity of the rabies vaccination is 1 year, and the antibody test certificate is valid for 2 years, ensuring both are valid for re-entry into Japan within 1 year.

If re-entering Japan after more than 2 years

However, please note that the rabies vaccination and rabies antibody test will expire during your stay in Malaysia. Therefore, you will need to receive an additional rabies vaccination and rabies antibody test when you return to Japan.

By following this pattern and making preparations in advance, you can bring your pet to Malaysia with peace of mind.