The One Health-Rabies Laboratory provides rabies serology testing for international pet travel and export. The laboratory is recognized by the USDA and is a CDC-approved and EU-approved laboratory for rabies antibody titration, allowing it to provide Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization (FAVN) testing for pet travel to countries requiring rabies serology, except for Japan.
The laboratory has also been added to the list of approved laboratories for export to China. Samples for pet travel to Japan are not currently accepted.
Results are typically available within 7–10 business days.
Sample requirements
- 0.5 – 2.0 mL of clear serum in an unbreakable tube labeled with the animal’s microchip number/name. Unlabeled specimens and specimens submitted without accompanying microchip number are not acceptable and will be rejected.
- Timing of blood draw
- In general, ~21 to 30 days after the most recent rabies vaccination is the optimal time period to measure the antibody response (FAVN result).Check with the destination for any required waiting periods.
Submission instructions
- Complete the online submission form for each sample to be submitted.
- The submitting veterinarian will verify the identity of the animal including the microchip number and assure accuracy of recorded information; the veterinarian’s signature attesting to this verification is required. Submission forms must include the pet microchip number AND veterinarian signature, if one or both are missing the sample and submission form will be rejected.
- The completed submission form is used for reporting the results of the FAVN test and becomes the OFFICIAL FAVN REPORT once the results are applied to it. The OFFICIAL FAVN REPORT is electronically sent to the submitting veterinarian.
- If a hard copy report is needed, please request it upon submission.
For questions about the online submission form, contact us at 573-882-3646 or muvmdlrabies@missouri.edu.
Shipping address
Mizzou VMDL Receiving
One Health-Rabies Section
901 East Campus Loop
Columbia, MO 65211
Payment information
The submitting clinic is responsible for payment.
International clients are required to complete payment before testing can proceed. If payment is not received within one week, the submission will be canceled.
Online payments (Credit card, debit card or web check)
Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, debit card and web check payments can be made online.
Please enter your name and account (or invoice) number, then click Start Payment Process.
The OFFICIAL FAVN REPORT FOR PET TRAVEL is the report that include the signature of the submitting veterinarian AND contains a result sticker/section containing the results and authorization.
A result of >/= 0.5 IU/mL is sufficient for export to most rabies-free areas. Verify import/export requirements per country/destination directly with the destination authority or at: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel .
The FAVN submission form must be completely and accurately filled out and signed by the submitting veterinarian and sent with the sample. THE MICROCHIP NUMBER CANNOT BE ADDED AFTER THE SAMPLE IS RECEIVED. Results are available within 7–10 business days.
OFFICIAL FAVN REPORT can only be released to the submitting clinic/veterinarian, or to governmental authorities (USDA Veterinarians and/or destination authorities). In some cases, the OFFICIAL FAVN REPORT is sent directly to the destination authority per their requirements and a copy is sent to the submitting clinic/veterinarian. Owners obtain the reports from the clinic/veterinarian.