Disease screening should be required for imported dogs

More than one million dogs are imported into the U.S. each year according to the CDC, yet only about 1 percent of these dogs are screened for the serious diseases they carry. We would not tolerate this lack of oversight for cattle, poultry or swine arriving in the U.S. and we should not tolerate it for the animals who are our closest companions.

The U.S. dog import system is broken! Rabies, canine flu and brucellosis, screwworm and a host of other serious diseases, parasites and vector-borne diseases already have been carried into the U.S. by imported dogs. Please support the Healthy Dog Importation Act, HR 6921. Protect our pets, America’s livestock, and the people who live and work with animals.

Mary Uhlir

Camano Island

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