Rabbit RX The Health Certificate with Dr. Jay Hreiz - Michigan State ...

The world is shrinking due to technology. Airplanes, the worldwide
web, cell phones, e-mail, and countless other pieces of technology are
all reasons why the exchange of ideas is so much more pronounced in
the 21Stcentury. Our hobby of raising rabbits and cavies is now part of
this concept as well. Shipping rabbits domestically and internationally
is steadily gaining popularity with ARBA members on almost every
continent. A crucial component to the shipping process is the generation
of a health certificate for the rabbit or cavy that will be traveling to all
corners of the world. This article is intended to introduce breeders to
the concept of a health certificate and the information necessary to
successfully complete one. .
CREDENTIALS: DOCTOR OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
Simply put, a health certificate can only be written by a
veterinarian. Specifically, this veterinarian must be USDA
licensed in the state he or she resides in. The veterinary
profession is in the process of initiating a national
accreditation program that will eventually integrate into all
health certificates as well. Health certificates have an area
that asks for the license information for the veterinarianexamining
the animals you intend to ship.
,
FORMS: ELECTRONIC OR PAPER
The USDA Form 7001 is entitled "United States Interstate
and International Certificate
of Health Examination
for Small Animals." This
is available in electronic
format (.pdf) which can
be filled out and printed
as well as a paper version
obtainable from the State
Department of Agriculture
that has multiple carbon
copies adhered to it. Either
form is generally acceptable
and I have personally found
the new electronic version
to be markedly easier to fill
out. Make sure the veterinarian who is filling out the form
saves a copy ofthe electronic version in his personal records
in case they need to be reproduced in the future!
INDIVIDUAL SECTIONS
This section will require you to identify the species
(rabbit or cavy), total number of animals, and number of
pages (generally just one). The consigner is considered the
owner of the
animal. This is
the individual
who will be
shipping the
animal. The
consignee is the individual who the animals are being
shipped to. This could also be called the future owner. You
must know the name, address, and telephone number of the
consigner (you) and consignee (new owner).
ANIMAL INFORMATION CD
You many enter up to six animals at a time on the health
certificate when filling out the form. For additional animals,
please use a new sheet for each set of six. Having an electronic
copy makes this process much easier than an entire new
carbon copy set.
NAME, AND/OR TATTOO NUMBER
OR OTHER IDENTIF ICATION:
This is exactly what it implies. Simply list the animal's name
(rabbitry name in front of the animals name is acceptable)
along with the tattoo number from the left ear.
BREED
Common or scientific name: Again this is a simple listing of
the rabbit or cavy breed.
AGE, SEX, COLOR OR DISTINCTIVE
MARKS OR MICROCHIP:
The age and sex are obtained from the pedigree and general
knowledge. Color can simply be listed from the pedigree as
well or ARBA registration for accuracy. Rabbits and cavies can
be microchipped but this is uncommon in the ARBA.

RABIES VACCI ATION, OTHER
VACCI ATIONS, TREATMENT,
CD
AND!
OR ES RESULTS:
I ge eral, rabbits and cavies are NOT
a • a ed against rabies. In addition,
eterinarians do not recommend
nless the rabbit is in a high-risk
e ironment. Local and/or state
IOnNumblril
ordinances may occasionally require
NAVE.ANDo'ORTATTOONU~
OfI:OnER!DEHrFlCA.1KlH
a rabies vaccine to be administered,
which must be investigated prior to
' '\
shipment. Some countries, like Japan,
~
not only require a rabies vaccination
.,
but a subsequent titer (proof that the
rabbit has the appropriate number
of antibodies mounted against
rabies following vaccination) when
shipping dogs and/or cats. These
VERY important caveats need to be
investigated months before shipment
to ensure a safe and seamless
transport. We do not routinely
APHIS Form 7001
vaccinate rabbits or cavies against any
other pathogens. Other treatments
and test results include any worming
treatments done (ivermectin, fenbendazole, etc.).
VETERINARY CERTIF ICATION CD
In this section, the veterinarian examining your animals
will verify that your rabbit or cavy is free of infectious
disease, microchipped if indicated earlier, and free of
rabies if the destination requires vaccination and/or a titer.
The veterinarian then records his or her name, address,
telephone number, license number and state, whether or
not he or she is nationa lIy accredited, and if so their national
accreditation number. Please note that the USDA state and
national accreditation numbers are different. He or she will
sign and date the document, which will render it valid for
interstate and international shipment.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENT 0
Many foreign countries require validation of the health
certificate by the state USDA veterinarian in order for it to
be complete prior to shipment. This is an additional step
hat is done once your local veterinarian has completed the
form. A fee imposed by the state USDA is necessary in order
-0 process it at the state USDA office. This official certificate
"II then be mailed to your home address.
5. NAME, ADDRESS. AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF OWNER (CONSIGNOR) .". ~ '.LNAMEt ADDRESS, AND TEl£PHOHE HUMBER OF RECIPIENT AT OeSTIHATIott (CONSlGN£E1
7. ANIMAL 10000ACAnON
AGE
SEX
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e. P£RTlNENTVACCINATlON, TREATNEHf AHOTEST1HGHISTOftY
OllER VACCIKATKlHS,
TREATIoENT. Ao"OlORTESTS ANORESULTS
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9. REMAAKS ORADDmONAL CERnFICATIOH STATEMEHTS (WHEN REQUIRED)
COST
The cost of a health certificate ranges widely. Many
veterinary clinics will do them for free while some may
(NOV2010) This certiflCalQ Is valid lor 30 days aftorlssuance
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tor~~~:..:.":·'·)G~~_on~--..)iI'lfII'I'IcoIblto.~--
o
NAME, AOORESS, AND TELEPHONE NtJM&ER OF ISSUING VETERINARlAH
•••• noI~
UCEHSE HUMBER AND STATE
ACc,edlWd YM No
l1Jffmliwm;NUMB~""
charge as much as $50-$100 per animal shipped. Please
keep this in mind when budgeting for the entire shipment
process! Fees imposed by the state USDA for international
travel are separate from your veterinarian and must be
factored in as well.
IN A NUTSHELL
The most important piece of advice from a veterinarian
to a breeder hoping to ship rabbits or cavies internationally
is to thoroughly investigate the process of shipping before
going through with it. Most airlines would like the health
certificate generated within 10 days of travel. Despite
this, I still recommend making sure all other aspects of the
transport be taken care of 3-6 months prior to shipment.
Jay E, Hreiz, VMD - Chairman,
ARBA Rabbit & Cavy Health
Committee. Dr. Hreiz is a graduate
oj Penn's Veterinary
currently
School and
works as an associate
veterinarian at a small animal!
exotics practice in the Charlotte,
NC area,
Judge#7B9
He is also an AR8A