EU-approved labs for rabies titer testing by country.
## IMPORTANT: Russia and Belarus are no longer Annex II
Since 26 April 2024 the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1130 is in force - Russia and Belarus have been removed from the EU Annex II list. From that date, animals from RU/BL must undergo a rabies antibody titre test before entering any EU country, including Serbia (Serbia follows EU rules).
This means that if you have a dog or cat from Russia or Belarus, a titre is mandatory. The test can be performed either in an approved laboratory in the country of origin or after moving to the EU/Serbia. The rabies vaccination must be administered at least 30 days before the test, and the test result is valid for 3 months for entry.
Source: [European Commission - Implementing Regulation 2024/1130](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2024/1130/oj/eng)
## Where to take the test - official EU list
The complete up-to-date list (maintained by the European Commission) is available at [food.ec.europa.eu/animals/movement-pets/designated-laboratories-performing-rabies-antibody-titration-tests](https://food.ec.europa.eu/animals/movement-pets/designated-laboratories-performing-rabies-antibody-titration-tests_en). The list is divided into two parts: laboratories in the EU and countries with automatic recognition, and third-country approved labs (including former Annex II).
## Laboratories by country
### Serbia
There is no EU-approved laboratory in Serbia at the time of writing (check the EU list). While living in Serbia, the test is usually done in Austria or Greece - blood is sent by courier.
### Austria - closest to Serbia
One of the most popular for residents of Serbia is AGES - Institute for Veterinary Disease Control, Mödling. They accept samples by mail. Website: [ages.at - Rabies antibody testing](https://www.ages.at/en/animal/animal-health/animal-health-services/current-offers/rabies-antibody-testing-for-pets)
### Germany
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Insel Riems (national reference laboratory)
- Synlab Vet GmbH, Augsburg
### Czech Republic
- State Veterinary Institute Prague (SVÚ Praha)
### France
- ANSES Nancy laboratory (national)
- Several private laboratories - list on [service-public.gouv.fr](https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/R59330?lang=en)
### Russia (until April 2024 - was Annex II)
- FGBU "VNIICR" (Moscow) - was on the EU list until 2024
- FGBNU "FNC VIEV im. Kovalev" (Moscow) - was on the list
Check the current status in the up-to-date [EU list](https://food.ec.europa.eu/animals/movement-pets/designated-laboratories-performing-rabies-antibody-titration-tests/non-eu-countries_en) - after the 2024 changes the status may change.
### Ukraine
- State Scientific Research Institute of Laboratory Diagnostics and Veterinary-Sanitary Expertise (Kyiv)
- Serology department - one of the accredited Annex II laboratories
## How to take the test
The most common workflow for residents of Serbia:
1. Your vet in Serbia draws blood from the pet (standard procedure, 5 min)
2. Blood is packed in a special container (vet provides)
3. Courier service (DHL, FedEx) - shipment to Austria (AGES Mödling)
4. Result arrives by email after 7-14 days
5. Cost: ~€50-80 (test) + €40-60 (courier) = **€90-140 total**
Minimum titre for entry into the EU/Serbia: **0.5 IU/ml**
## Timelines
| Step | Minimum time |
|---|---|
| Rabies vaccination | at least 30 days before blood draw |
| Blood draw | no later than 3 months before departure (NOT later!) |
| Result validity | 1 year if re-vaccination is done on schedule |
## Sources
- [food.ec.europa.eu - Designated laboratories](https://food.ec.europa.eu/animals/movement-pets/designated-laboratories-performing-rabies-antibody-titration-tests_en)
- [Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1130](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2024/1130/oj/eng)
- [AGES Austria - rabies test info](https://www.ages.at/en/animal/animal-health/animal-health-services/current-offers/rabies-antibody-testing-for-pets)
- [Czech State Veterinary Administration - travel from non-listed countries](https://en.svscr.cz/animal-health/travelling-with-pet-animals/v-travelling-with-dogs-cats-and-ferrets-to-the-czech-republic-from-non-listed-third-countries/)