What should be done if a veterinarian's signature is missing from an IHC?

The appropriate action when a veterinarian's signature is missing from an International Health Certificate (IHC) is to consider the IHC invalid. The signature serves as a critical verification of the health status of the animal and ensures that all information on the certificate has been accurately reviewed and certified by a qualified professional.

Without this signature, there is no official endorsement of the health claims made in the certificate, which can lead to complications in the animal's international transport or entry into another country. Thus, an unsigned certificate does not fulfill the necessary legal and regulatory requirements that govern animal health documentation in international contexts. Making it invalid maintains the integrity of the health certification process and protects both animal welfare and public health.

While contacting the veterinarian for verification or re-issuing the certificate may seem like potential solutions, the absence of a signature indicates that proper certification has not been completed, rendering the entire document without validity. Allowing processing without the signature is not acceptable as it can lead to serious legal ramifications or health risks.