In Latvia, the veterinary service urged not to buy pets from Belarus. And this is not just a whim
The Food and Veterinary Service of Latvia urged the country's residents not to buy dogs, cats, and domestic ferrets from Belarus and Russia, as it could be dangerous.
Illustrative photo. Photo from social media
Latvian veterinarians' concern was prompted by the recent confirmation of rabies in Germany in a dog imported into the European Union from Russia via a Latvian border crossing point. The animal had all the necessary documents, including the results of an antibody level test against rabies, which should confirm the effectiveness of vaccination.
Earlier, the Latvian service had already appealed to the European Commission with a request to introduce stricter restrictions on the import of animals from Russia and Belarus, as control bodies in several countries had immediately identified cases of forged vaccination certificates. As a result, from autumn 2024, an antibody test must be attached to the documents, which should guarantee that the animal is truly vaccinated and poses no danger.
Nevertheless, in this case, the dog was imported into Germany in November 2025, but symptoms of the disease appeared and the diagnosis was made only in February 2026.
During the inspection, it turned out that none of the animals that were in the same batch and heading to Germany remained in Latvia. Individuals who had contact with these animals, including border control officers, were also identified. The Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has also been informed about the situation.
The last case of rabies in wild animals in Latvia was recorded in 2010, and in domestic animals — in 2012. Thus, the country has the status of a rabies-free territory and does not want to lose it.
Now reading
Japanese man rented apartment where his wife was murdered for 26 years to preserve evidence in hope of new technologies. And finally, the killer was found 11
Comments