Imported dogs need better medical screening, veterinarian group says

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association wants the federal government to tighten the rules around importation of dogs.

If someone wants to personally bring a dog into Canada now, theyonly needto show proof of rabies vaccination, CVMA council member Dr. EnidStiles explained.

CBC News reported Wednesday that two dogs brought to Halifax from Cuba have distemper a disease they weren't vaccinated against.

• 2 cases of canine distemper detected in Halifax-area

Stiles was part of a group that published a position paper recently calling on the federal government to strengthen the rules.

"We are asking that the Canadian government look at this a little bit more seriously.... Even if it's just slightly tighter control, it's a judicious thing for us to do to try and control disease in our own country," she said.

"Had those dogs ... been watched for two weeks prior, you would have seen the signs of distemper. They would have been showing signs of the illness."

Distemper often fatal

Distemper, which is uncommon in Canada, begins with respiratory symptoms and progresses togastrointestinal issues and eventually seizures.It is often fatal.

It can sometimes be treated ifcaught in its early stages, but over time the prognosis worsens.

Stiles suggests dogs be pre-screened for antibody levels for rabies and other diseases before they're allowed into the country.

She also said dogs shouldrequire a medical check-up within a certain time after arriving from certain countries.

Finally, she said it's important for border agents and veterinarians to be well-educated about the issue.

Stiles said she didn't want to dismiss the people bringing back street dogs or cats from other countries, conceding that their intent is compassionate, if risky.

"The problem is those risks can be serious to other animals in Canada and people, so we want to be very careful about the choices of animals we bring in," she said.

The CVMA is meeting in Charlottetown for its AGM this week, and its position on importation rules is one of the topics it wants to highlight.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said it isn't currently planning to change the regulations.

"The agency is in continuous discussions with stakeholders who have an interest in the import of dogs in Canada," it said in a statement. "The suggestions made by CVMA, provincial authorities and stakeholders are welcome and will be taken into consideration."

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