AFSA NEWS Dog Ban Continued from page 52 The CDC reported on several areas of concern to AFSA members: Airline Waivers. The CDC reported that, while an air waybill will remain necessary for dogs transported as cargo, airlines will be able to seek a waiver—initially for 90 days, but extendable for up to an additional nine months—for dogs traveling in cabin or as checked baggage without a waybill. More than 100 airlines (including Lufthansa) have already applied for 90-day waivers, and several have been granted the initial 90-day waiver. Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination. AFSA pointed out the difficulties, in many countries, of finding a host government official empowered to certify the legitimacy of a veterinarian’s signature and credentials. The CDC recognized the problem and stated that a signature will not be required before Dec. 31. The CDC is assessing the feasibility of the requirement for the future. (Note that Mission China has reached an agreement with the Chinese government on a procedure to satisfy this requirement beginning on July 31, 2024.) CDC-Registered Animal Care Facilities. The CDC website lists only six CDC-registered animal care facilities (ACFs) at ports of entry (POEs) to the U.S. They are working to increase the number of ACFs, up to the 18 airports with port health stations. Several ACFs have already applied and are being evaluated. Staffing more than 18 POEs would be problematic. Serology Test Laboratories. AFSA raised the issue of the lack of serology test labs in Africa and Central Asia. CDC acknowledged the problem and is looking into further labs but acknowledged that there are issues in developing countries. The good news, however, is that the CDC will consider a serology test valid for the life of the dog. Overseas Tours. AFSA emphasized, and the CDC acknowledged, that many Foreign Service members (including USAID, FCS, and FAS) serve 4-year tours— often in countries where government capacity and access to official government services are difficult or nonexistent. DoD Veterinarians. The CDC mentioned that there are Department of Defense veterinarians overseas who serve all USG personnel. However, these veterinarians are generally not in countries that are at high risk for rabies. AFSA will continue its important work on behalf of our members who are pet owners. n 62 OCTOBER 2024 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL
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