Traveling with your furry companion to Turkey can be an amazing experience. However, there are important steps you need to take to ensure your pet is allowed entry into the country. One of the key requirements is providing proof that your pet has sufficient rabies antibody levels through a rabies titer test.
What is a Rabies Titer Test?
A rabies titer test, also known as a rabies serology test, is a blood test that measures your pet’s rabies antibody levels. It shows whether your pet has sufficient immunity against the rabies virus.
The test works by taking a small blood sample from your pet and analyzing it for rabies antibodies. Higher antibody levels indicate better protection against rabies.
Why is a Rabies Titer Test Needed for Turkey?
Turkey requires a valid rabies titer test for both dogs and cats entering the country. The test must be performed at an approved lab and show a protective level of rabies antibodies
Without proof of sufficient rabies antibodies, your pet may face a mandatory 21-day quarantine in Turkey at your expense. This quarantine period allows time for any potential rabies infection to develop symptoms.
The rabies titer test provides evidence that your pet has adequate immunity and is not at risk of transmitting rabies. This spares your pet from quarantine.
When Should the Titer Test Be Done?
To meet Turkey’s entry requirements, the rabies titer test must be done at least 30 days after your pet’s most recent rabies vaccination.
The rabies vaccine prompt the body to start producing rabies antibodies. It takes time for antibody levels to rise high enough to be detected on a titer test. Waiting 30 days allows for antibodies to develop.
The test results are generally valid for the lifetime of your pet, as long as you keep up with required rabies vaccine boosters. So you may only need one titer test done as a puppy or kitten for traveling to Turkey later in life.
Where Can Rabies Titer Testing Be Performed?
The rabies titer test must be performed by an approved lab facility for the results to be valid. In the US, labs recognized by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or US Department of Agriculture (USDA) are accepted.
Your veterinarian can take a blood sample from your pet and submit it to an accredited lab on your behalf. Be sure to request a copy of the test results for your records.
What Test Result Level Counts as Protective?
Turkey requires a rabies antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/ml to be considered protective.
Test results will specify your pet’s rabies antibody level, also called titer. As long as the titer meets or exceeds 0.5 IU/ml, your pet has passed and can enter Turkey without quarantine.
Does a Pet Need a Titer Test for Transit Through Turkey?
Pets transiting through Turkey with less than 12 hours between connecting flights may be exempted from the rabies titer test requirement. However, it’s best to consult with your airline.
For longer stopovers in Turkey, even if you stay airside, a valid rabies titer test is strongly recommended to prevent issues. Better safe than sorry when it comes to rabies prevention.
What If a Pet Fails the Rabies Titer Test?
If your pet’s rabies titer comes back below the required 0.5 IU/ml threshold, there are a few options:
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Get a rabies vaccine booster. This will prompt your pet’s immune system to produce more antibodies. Retest around 30 days later.
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Enter Turkey and complete quarantine. Your pet will need to stay at an approved facility for 21 days upon arrival.
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Do not travel to Turkey. Choose a different destination until your pet passes the titer test.
Discuss with your vet to decide the best course of action if your pet fails the first titer test.
Can Puppies and Kittens Enter Turkey Without Titer Testing?
Puppies and kittens under 3 months old cannot receive the rabies vaccine or titer test. Therefore they must meet special requirements to enter Turkey:
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Arrive with a mother who has valid proof of rabies vaccination
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Complete 21-day home quarantine in Turkey
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Provide a vet’s statement that the puppy/kitten has had no contact with rabies risks
Once old enough, puppies and kittens must be vaccinated for rabies and have a titer test done to continue traveling to Turkey.
Summary of Turkey’s Rabies Titer Test Requirements
To recap Turkey’s regulations for bringing in pets:
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Dogs and cats must have a valid rabies titer test showing ≥ 0.5 IU/ml
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The test must be done at least 30 days after rabies vaccination
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The test must be performed by an approved lab
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Puppies and kittens under 3 months have special allowances
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Pets without titer proof face 21-day quarantine in Turkey
Following these requirements helps protect your pet and public health. Consult your vet well in advance of travel to Turkey to arrange rabies titer testing.
Rabies Titer Test To Travel With Dogs And Cats
When traveling abroad, it’s crucial to check your destination’s pet import requirements. Even though each country has its own import requirements, most of them care mainly about rabies (since it can be transferred easily from animals to humans). Most countries require your dog or cat to be vaccinated against rabies, while others may also require your pets to get tested for rabies, by preforming a rabies titer test.
Hog Long Does It Take To Get The Titer Results?
The turnaround time for a rabies titer test result could average between a couple of days to a couple of weeks. The turnaround time depends on many variables, such as the staff, lab, work load, etc.
Here are some examples of the turnaround time for the titer results:
- Kansas State University lab – from our knowledge, it usually takes between 4-8 weeks to get back the titer results. At the moment, they advise pet owners to expect delays since they have a supply and staff shortage. Due to these shortages, the KSU lab can’t perform expedited STAT tasting.
- Kimron Veterinary Institute – this lab, which is based in Israel, is considered to be the fastest lab in the world. The lab performs the titer test twice per week and the results are issued digitally within 24-72 hours!
- Biobest UK – the turnaround time is usually 5-7 working days. The lab can also provide an “express service” for pet owners that require urgent results. Their express service guarantees a maximum turnaround time of 3 working days.
Understanding Rabies Vaccine Titers
FAQ
Does Turkey require a rabies titre test?
They need their own Rabies vaccination, which can be given at 12 weeks, and a Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test report (details in section 5).
What is the titer level for rabies?
Rabies antibody titer testing
The ACIP recommends that a value of 0.5 IU/mL be used as the minimum acceptable rabies antibody titer for determining whether a booster dose of rabies vaccine is needed. This value aligns with guidance from the World Health Organization.
What countries require a rabies titer test?
While the specific requirements may vary from country to country, there are several countries that require a titer test for dogs/cats. These include Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the European countries (depending on where you are coming from), the UK, Israel and many more.
How much does a rabies titer test cost?
Cost: $79 per sample. (price is subject to change). Turnaround Time: 7-10 business days from date of sample receipt.
Does Turkey require a rabies titer test?
I have seen yes and no depending on the site. My dog is up to date on all of his vaccinations and has a current /recent rabies vaccination. The titer test would delay him by three months according to one site, so I just wanted to make sure. Thanks for the question!
What is a rabies titer test?
Veterinarians must record vaccinations on the international health certificate (step 5) at intervals required by veterinary health procedures of the origination country. A rabies titer test, also known as a rabies antibody test or rabies serology test, is a blood test that measures the level of rabies antibodies in your pet’s blood.
Do dogs need a rabies titer test?
When required, a licensed veterinarian will administer the test more than 30 days after the most current rabies vaccination. All dogs and cats entering Türkiye must have a rabies titer test. Samples must be processed at approved laboratories.
How long does a rabies titer test last?
In general, the rabies titer will remain valid only if your pet will be revaccinated against rabies within the period of validity of your pet’s previous rabies vaccine. The period of validity could be 1, 2 or even 3 years. If you’ll renew your pet’s rabies vaccine even a day late, your pet’s titer test won’t be valid anymore.
Why is a rabies titer test important for relocating pets?
In conclusion, the rabies titer test is a crucial component for relocating pets. It ensures the safety and well-being of both pets and humans during the process of international travel. By verifying the effectiveness of rabies vaccinations, this test helps prevent the spread of this deadly disease.