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As of July, pets brought into China's mainland from overseas must undergo a 15- to 30-day quarantine at a special facility set up by the city, officials from the Shanghai Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau announced Wednesday.
The measure follows regulations set by the central government in reaction to the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome.
"Though no scientific evidence is available to prove that the SARS virus comes from animals, we should still strengthen the quarantine," said Chen Jianliang, director of the bureau's animal and plants supervisory division.
Currently, all pets entering the country must undergo quarantine, but they can be isolated at an owner's home instead of staying in a government-run kennel. A special quarantine facility will be built in Songjiang District by July, city officials said Wednesday.
According to current regulations, people entering the mainland are allowed to carry only one pet - either a cat or a dog. Other animals, like birds and fish, are banned from entering the country.
About 600 cats and dogs enter Shanghai from overseas every year. The animals are quarantined to ensure they aren't carrying infectious diseases, such as canine distemper.
In 2001, bureau officers detained nine dogs from Hungary, which died several days later from distemper.
Pet owners bringing their four-legged friends in the country are required to have an official animal health certificate and immunity certificate for rabies.
(eastday.com May 22, 2003)
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