The Rabies Titre Test: Which Countries Require It, Where to Get It Done, and What the Numbers Mean
The rabies titre test (also called the Rabies Neutralising Antibody Test, RNAT, FAVN, or RFFIT) is one of the most misunderstood parts of international pet transport. It is not a vaccination. It is a blood test that proves your pet’s vaccination has worked.
Which Countries Require It
The titre test is required by countries that are rabies-free or rabies-controlled and want to keep it that way. As of 2026:
- Australia: Required for pets from all countries
- Japan: Required for pets from most countries (timing is critical)
- New Zealand: Required for pets from non-Group 1 countries (UK is Group 1 and still requires it)
- UK: Required for pets from non-listed countries (India, South Africa, most of the world)
- Singapore: Required for some AVS categories
- Taiwan: Required; duration of quarantine depends on result
- Hawaii (USA): Required for direct entry (mainland USA does not require it)
EU countries entering from approved countries do not typically require titre tests.
The Test Process
- Your pet must be microchipped (before any vaccination)
- Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies (after microchipping)
- Wait at least 30 days after vaccination
- A licensed vet draws blood
- Blood sample is sent to an approved laboratory under cold chain conditions
- Lab measures the level of virus-neutralising antibodies
The 0.5 IU/mL Threshold
Most countries use a minimum threshold of 0.5 IU/mL (international units per millilitre). Results above this are considered satisfactory. Results below this mean:
- The vaccination has not produced a sufficient immune response
- The pet cannot travel until re-vaccinated and retested with a satisfactory result
- The waiting period resets from the new satisfactory result date
A low result is not a disaster - it happens. Re-vaccination and a second test 30+ days later usually produces a satisfactory result.
Approved Laboratories
Each destination country has its own approved lab list. Common approved labs:
| Country | Lab |
|---|---|
| UK | APHA Weybridge (via vet submission) |
| USA | Kansas State University VDL, Colorado State University |
| Germany | Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut |
| France | ANSES Nancy |
| Australia (DAFF) | CSIRO AAHL, approved state labs |
| Japan (MAFF) | National Institute of Infectious Diseases |
Always verify against the current list published by the destination country - lab approvals change.
Result Validity
Japan: The titre test result has a specific validity window. It must be retested if more than a certain period has passed. Check MAFF current requirements.
Australia: The titre test result itself does not expire, but the 180-day waiting period from the result date is fixed. If you miss the travel window, you will need to reconfirm current requirements with DAFF.
UK: A satisfactory result from a valid approved lab is accepted without re-testing for a defined period - check APHA current guidance.
Sources: WOAH FAVN test standards, APHA UK, DAFF Australia, Japan MAFF. Data current as of {TODAY}.