Could rabies be imported into the UK through rescued street dogs?

I read of the justified concern arising from the importation of cattle from an area where bluetongue virus is endemic (VR, October 28, 2017, vol 181, p 435). Despite this, the UK continues to allow, and possibly encourages, the importation of street dogs rescued from areas where rabies remains endemic in the wildlife population and occasionally spills over into domestic canids. Once removed from the streets, a dog can be vaccinated against rabies and transported across Europe to the UK after three weeks. If the dog was uninfected at the time of rescue, it is highly unlikely to then be exposed to disease, but is vaccinated in order to enter a disease-free country. This makes almost no contribution to the prevention of rabies entering the UK. On the other hand, rabies may incubate for several weeks or months. Thus, if a stray dog were to be captured while incubating...
Source: Veterinary Record - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Tags: Letters and notices Source Type: research