For info here are the copies of emails that I recieved .
Dear
Thank you for your e-mail received on the 7th April 2009.
For pets to be eligible for the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) they must have a valid rabies vaccination. Booster vaccinations are given as per the manufacturers data sheet provided with the vaccine. This can be between 1 to 3 years depending on the vaccine administered. Booster vaccinations are valid for entry to the UK and other EU countries from the date given provided they are given on time (according to the instructions in the vaccine manufacturer's data sheet where the previous vaccination was given).
Please note that it is the "valid until" date written in the passport which is taken into account when travelling under the Pet Travel Scheme. If the revaccination date is missed the pet will not meet the conditions of the scheme and will have to be vaccinated and, for entry to the UK, blood tested again. The 6 month rule will then apply from the date the new blood sample is taken assuming the blood test result is satisfactory. If your pet always has the booster on time, it will not need a further blood test, or be subject to a further 6 months wait, provided your pet does not enter an unlisted country.
And the second
Dear
Thankyou for your email.
The duration of immunity for Nobivac Rabies vaccination is 3 years, therefore a booster vaccination is required every three years. This has been the case since 25th October 2005. The rabies vaccinations your dog has received on 10/4/07 and 27/4/07 will expire 3 years after the date they were given. You have written that this is recorded on your passport as 9/4/10 and 26/4/10.
We would suggest that you contact DEFRA and your veterinary surgeon to ensure that your animal is correctly vaccinated with regards to regulations and requirements of the Pet Travel scheme.
The contact details for DEFRA are
www.defra.gov.uk and click on Pet Travel scheme or there is a helpline number 0870 241 1710.
Yours sincerely
Nadine Anderson BSc BVetMed MRCVS
Companion Animal Veterinary Adviser
*Edit to add the post by Pete may also help on the following link as I know he too has recently rung Defra and they couldn't understand why his local vet had told him he needed an annual booster.
http://www.motorhomefacts.com/ftopicp-607585-.html#607585
Defra themsleves told me a couple of years ago that you do not need an annual booster just for travelling through France, and we have travelled twice now with no probs (on the original two year booster).