blood titer test

Serologic Testing by the Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization (FAVN)

The Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization (FAVN) test is a virus neutralization assay developed at CNEVA in Malzeville, France. The test consists of a three-fold serum dilution series. It is used to detect rabies virus neutralizing antibody (level of rabies serum in the blood stream) after vaccination.

A blood titer test for pet dogs and cats is required by many rabies-free countries and some countries with a rabies-controlled (third) countries in order for dogs and cats to qualify for a reduced quarantine period or no quarantine at all when they are traveling from qualified areas.

Some of the countries that require the test are: Hawaii (US), Guam, Japan, St. Kitts and Nevis, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, the Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa and others. Always check with PetTravel.com by visiting our pet import Information section to verify pet passport requirements.

There are approximately 40 approved laboratories around the world that are authorized to conduct the test. The laboratory reports the results in International Units per milliliter (IU/mL). A titer of greater or equal to 0.50 IU/mL is generally required for travel to countries requiring a blood titer test.

Submissions must sent from the veterinarian or clinic and be on the official rabies titer test form.

The veterinarian or clinic will submit:

• 1ml serum without preservatives; spun and separated from the clot.
• An approved ISO 15 digit non-encrypted microchip identification must be implanted prior to the veterinarian drawing the sample.

NOTE: Most of the countries requiring the test require that the pet be vaccinated for rabies at least 30 days prior to the blood sample being drawn even if the pet has been vaccinated before.

Serum should be packed in a leak-proof plastic bag with absorbent material. This should then be placed inside a second container with ice packs. We recommend that an overnight or next day carrier be used since the regular mail can take up to two weeks.

Most laboratories submit the results within four weeks or less after receipt.

The countries requiring the rabies titer test require that it be done vary between 30 days and 180 days before entering the country. The timing varies as to the country to which you are traveling. The waiting period until entry begins on the day the blood sample was drawn by the veterinarian.

For the EU, the rabies titer test need only be done one time over the life of your pet provided that: the rabies vaccinations are kept current. There are countries like Australia where blood titer tests are only good for a specific period of time period of time.

Find more information about pet import requirements for every country worldwide.

Find more information about pet passport forms for taking your pet into another country.

Need More Information?

We have current and accurate information on quarantine rules, health certificates, immigration forms, microchipping your pet, dangerous dog breed restrictions; it is all here and we are adding more information every day.  

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