Austria has been officially free of rabies in terrestrial animals since 2008. The last fatal case in a human who had been bitten by a rabid fox in Austria was recorded in 1979. Since 2013, only so-called ‘indicator animals’ – that is, foxes, badgers, raccoon dogs and raccoons found dead or killed in road traffic accidents – have been tested for rabies. Following confirmation by an official veterinary officer, all animals suspected of having rabies are also tested.

But why should there be animals suspected of having rabies if Austria is rabies-free?

This is where the illegal entry of dogs and the illegal trade in puppies come into play. Whilst Austria is free from rabies, Europe is not. This year alone, 167 rabies outbreaks have been confirmed in Europe and 111 in Turkey (details in the AGES Epimap Rabies). However, puppies are far too often brought into Austria illegally without a valid rabies vaccination or with forged documents.

For a dog to be allowed to enter Austria legally, certain requirements must be met. These also depend on whether the dog is travelling from one EU Member State to another, entering the EU from a third country, or simply transiting through the EU.

The requirements include, amongst other things:

• a valid EU pet passport
• a valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old)
• clear identification (microchip)
• where applicable, a veterinary health certificate when entering from non-EU countries

A puppy that is only a few weeks old is generally unable to meet the legal requirements for lawful entry. Furthermore, animals arriving directly from third countries cannot hold an EU pet passport. These passports can and may only be issued within the EU by authorised vets.

Information on rabies
BAVG Rabies Advisory Centre
: Information on importing dogs, cats and ferrets into Austria from third countries