A rabies titer test measures antibodies after vaccination. Before taking a blood sample, confirm your destination’s accepted test method, laboratory, and timing. An unsuitable test can delay travel by months.
Consult our veterinary teamRFFIT and FAVN measure antibodies that neutralise the rabies virus, with results reported in IU/ml. Acceptance depends on the destination’s rules and the laboratory’s approval, as well as the test method.
| Comparison | RFFIT test | FAVN test |
|---|---|---|
| What is it? | Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test. | Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralisation test. |
| Required result | Set by the destination; a common travel threshold is at least 0.5 IU/ml. | A common travel threshold is at least 0.5 IU/ml. A result of 0.49 is below that threshold. |
| Acceptance for travel | Suitable where the receiving authority accepts the method and laboratory. An unapproved local test is not an automatic substitute. | Used by pet travel programmes that accept it, subject to laboratory approval, timing, and documentation. |
| Laboratory | Confirm in advance that both the laboratory and method are accepted by the destination. | Choose a laboratory approved or designated by the receiving authority, using its current list. |
| If FAVN is specifically required | Do not substitute another method without the competent authority’s agreement. | Obtain the official report and ensure the sample records match your pet’s microchip number. |
Start with the destination’s requirements, then choose the test and laboratory. Not every titer test is accepted for travel, and FAVN is not the only method accepted by every country.
This outlines the usual non-commercial travel process where rabies testing is required. Commercial shipments and exempt cases may follow different procedures.
Have the chip implanted or read and recorded before rabies vaccination. Use the same number throughout the paperwork.
An authorised vet administers the vaccine. A primary vaccination becomes valid at least 21 days after completion.
Your vet collects and identifies the sample. Follow the laboratory’s instructions for serum volume, storage, and shipment.
Use a designated laboratory and obtain a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. Include the report with the health certificate.
Where required, this interval must pass before the health certificate is issued. Count from sampling, not the result date.
Arrange completion and endorsement by the competent authority, then check the paperwork and its validity before travelling.
Before planning travel from Egypt, check the destination’s current departure-country classification and exemptions. Requirements can depend on the route and type of transport.
These planning intervals apply to routes requiring testing and are not the full preparation time. Check departure-country eligibility, vaccinations, permits, and quarantine requirements separately.
| Destination | Waiting period | Starting point and conditions |
|---|---|---|
| European Union — where testing is required | At least 90 days | From sampling to health certificate issue, with the required vaccination timing and a designated laboratory. |
| Great Britain — unlisted countries | 3 months | From sampling; collect at least 30 days after vaccination and use an EU-approved laboratory. |
| Japan — non-designated regions | At least 180 days | From a successful sample after the second vaccination, with sampling counted as day zero. Other import requirements also apply. |
| Australia — routes requiring RNATT | At least 180 days | From laboratory receipt of the sample yielding an acceptable result. Check export-country eligibility, identity verification, and permits. |
| Hawaii — direct airport release or 5 Day Or Less programme | At least 30 days | From laboratory receipt of a successful FAVN sample, subject to all programme, vaccination, and document requirements. |
| New Zealand | Depends on country category and applicable standard | Confirm the test window and waiting period in the current MPI standard before finalising travel dates. |
The clock starts at different points depending on the destination: blood collection or laboratory receipt. Do not use the result date in place of either.
This guide supports planning and does not replace advice from your vet or the destination’s official authority. Check requirements before sampling and booking; rules and exemptions can change.
Tell us your destination, pet species, and travel date. Our team can help you organise the next steps.
Contact us