Rabies and Australia’s Biosecurity – DAFF

People in Australia love their animals – in fact, there are more pets in Australia today than there are people.

Which is why it’s so good that Australia is free of rabies.

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and can be fatal for both animals and humans. More than 60 thousand people die of rabies around the world each year.

And if rabies became established in Australia the impact on human and animal health would be profound. And the cost of recovery huge.

So, if you’re importing a cat or dog into Australia, make sure you follow all our biosecurity rules.

They benefit everyone – they keep our pets, our wildlife and you safe.