Trade Facilitation Unit - Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, and Hamsters

The Bahamas currently has conditions to allow the importation of Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, and Hamsters from various countries. Having conducted an import risk analysis (IRA) that considers quarantine risks that may be associated with the importation to The Bahamas of Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, and Hamsters from any country, the IRA recommends that the importation of Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, and Hamsters to The Bahamas could be permitted subject to compliance with Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures to manage the quarantine risks of a range of significant diseases to a very low level, in line with WOAH guidelines. The IRA assessed all potential disease agents that may be introduced to The Bahamas via the importation of Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, and Hamsters and SPS measures. These diseases include ecto-parasites (including ear mites) and endo-parasites (including Coccidia sp. and Salmonella sp.).

Based on this risk assessment The Bahamas Agricultural Health and Food Safety Authority (BAHFSA) has developed conditions of import for Rabbit, Guinea Pig, and Hamster consignments. They are outlined below. All consignments of Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, and Hamsters must:

1. Meet the import conditions for Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, and Hamsters in Appendix 1

APPENDIX 1

Conditions for importation of Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, and Hamsters

1. If a country, zone, or compartment wishes to export: a. Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, and Hamsters,

   1. an international veterinary certificate (within ten (10) days of importation) is required to include the rabbit(s) breed and must attest that the Rabbit(s), Guinea Pig(s), and Hamster(s):

      1. is/are free from any signs of disease especially ecto-parasites (including ear mites); and

      2. were treated for endo-parasites, including Coccidia sp. and Salmonella sp.

   2. Any confirmed outbreak of exotic animal disease of Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, and Hamsters within a seventy-five-mile radius of the point of origin of the animals of any significant epidemiological linkage shall immediately invalidate approved permits.