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Interstate import requirements for dogs and cats
Dogs, cats, and ferrets moving to Minnesota from another state, visiting for more than 30 days, or changing owners while in the state require a CVI to enter. Additionally, every dog, cat, or ferret three months of age or older traveling into Minnesota must be currently vaccinated for rabies and have a valid rabies vaccination certificate.
Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI)
A CVI is a form completed by a licensed, USDA accredited veterinarian in the state of origin (where the pet is coming from) stating that the pet listed on the form is free from infectious, contagious, and/or communicable disease and meets state and federal requirements for movement. A physical examination is required for a veterinarian to complete a CVI, and the CVI is valid for travel for 30 days after it is issued.
The CVI must include the following statement of health: “I certify, as an accredited veterinarian, that the described animals have been inspected by me and that they are not showing signs of infectious, contagious and/or communicable disease (except where noted).” If the statement is not already part of the CVI, an accredited veterinarian is required to add the statement to the document prior to signing it.
Situations where a CVI is NOT required for dogs, cats, and ferrets entering Minnesota include:
- Dogs, cats, or ferrets entering a veterinary facility for treatment, surgery, or diagnostic procedures.
- Dogs, cats, or ferrets temporarily entering the state if there is no change of ownership and if the animal will be leaving the state within 30 days.
- Dogs or cats imported for research at educational and scientific institutions.
- Dogs and cats originating from an adjacent state and entering a kennel licensed by the Board if certain conditions are met.
Rabies Vaccination Certificate
Every dog, cat, or ferret three months of age or older traveling into Minnesota must be currently vaccinated for rabies and have a valid rabies vaccination certificate. The rabies vaccine may only be administered by a licensed veterinarian. The Board may exempt animals from this requirement based on the written recommendation of a licensed veterinarian who has examined the animal and determined that vaccination is contraindicated due to a medical condition or for animals entering a kennel licensed by the Board that meets certain conditions.
Rabies certificates require the signature of the veterinarian who administered or oversaw the administration of the rabies vaccine. If that veterinarian is unavailable, any veterinarian within the practice may sign the rabies certificate after verifying the administration of the vaccine and patient’s information in the medical record. The Board considers ink signatures or verifiable digital signatures to be official. Please note, stamping is not an approved signature.
Please submit the required documentation to the Board at least seven (7) days before entering Minnesota.
Review the Dog and Cat Import Fact Sheet and the import webpage for specific details that need to be included on paperwork.
It's the season for vector borne diseases in horses
The Board recently announced the first West Nile virus (WNv) case in a horse for the 2022 season. Mosquitoes are active around the state and risk is elevated for Eastern and Western Equine Encephalitis (EEE & WEE) and WNv. These viruses are transmitted from birds to horses or people through the bite of infected mosquitoes. These viruses can cause encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.
Vaccines for horses are widely available and have been proven to be effective in preventing infection. Steps can also be taken to reduce the risk of these diseases by reducing mosquito populations.
Positive test results for equine encephalitis or West Nile virus must be reported to the Board of Animal Health.
Horse owners are encouraged to work with their veterinarian to make sure their animals are up to date on vaccines to reduce the risk of illnesses from disease carrying insects. Additionally, owners can take these steps to reduce disease risk by reducing mosquitoes and other biting insects (see detail on horse and deer flies below).
- Change water in drinking troughs every week.
- Mow long grass.
- Drain stagnant water puddles.
- Remove items mosquitoes use for breeding grounds, like old tires and tin cans.
- Place and maintain screens over windows and stable doors.
- Use mosquito repellents to protect horses and people from mosquito bites.
These measures are especially important for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), which is primarily spread through horse and deer fly bites.
Safeguarding against monkeypox in both people and pets
Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease and veterinarians should consider all mammals susceptible. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we're still learning about which species can be affected by this disease. Here's what we know so far:
- Monkeypox can infect a wide range of mammal species. However, it's unknown if reptiles, amphibians, or birds can get monkeypox.
- Not all animals may have a rash when they have monkeypox.
- Infected animals can spread monkeypox to people, and it is possible for infected people to spread Monkeypox virus to animals through close contact, including petting, cuddling, hugging, kissing, licking, sharing sleeping areas, and sharing food.
- The virus can be found in the rash caused by monkeypox (scabs, crusts, fluids) and infected bodily fluids, including respiratory secretions, and potentially in urine and feces.
The most common transmission route of monkeypox from animals to humans appears to be direct contact with infected animals.
Veterinarians should not treat or see in-clinic suspected cases of monkeypox in animals until they contact the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) at 651-201-5414 for instruction. The MDH must collect any suspect samples and submit them to the CDC for testing.
Explore more CDC advice and information about monkeypox.
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