The risks and problems associated with the importation of dogs, cats and other mammals. II

Abstract

Abstract International trade in dogs and cats is far from insignificant (Fig. 1). Within the dog and cat world British stock is highly regarded and in consequence the export trade in these species is appreciable. Concommitant importation of stock has to occur if adequate gene pools are to be maintained, especially in the numerically smaller breeds. In recent years fashion has also played a part in the import trade and it has become customary for specimens of breeds previously unknown in Britain to make their appearance, often “for exhibition only”, at the larger shows. Frequently these animals have only recently been released from quarantine.