Tularemia

Article 8.17.1.

General provisions

For the purposes of the Terrestrial Code, the incubation period for tularemia (in hares, genus Lepus) shall be 15 days.

Standards for diagnostic tests are described in the Terrestrial Manual.

Article 8.17.2.

Tularemia free country

A country may be considered free from tularemia when it has been shown that tularemia has not been present for at least the past two years and when bacteriological or serological surveys in previously infected zones have given negative results.

Article 8.17.3.

Tularemia infected zone

A zone should be considered as infected with tularemia until:

1. at least one year has elapsed after the last case has been confirmed;

AND

2. a bacteriological survey on ticks within the infected zone has given negative results; or

3. regular serological testing of hares and rabbits from that zone have given negative results.

Article 8.17.4.

Trade in commodities

Veterinary Authorities of tularemia free countries may prohibit importation or transit through their territory, from countries considered infected with tularemia, of live hares.

Article 8.17.5.

Recommendations for importation from countries considered infected with tularemia

For live hares

Veterinary Authorities should require the presentation of an international veterinary certificate attesting that the animals:

1. showed no clinical sign of tularemia on the day of shipment;

2. were not kept in a tularemia infected zone;

3. have been treated against ectoparasites; and

4. were kept in a quarantine station for the 15 days prior to shipment.