Brucella Canis in Dogs

Brucella canis is a bacteria causing canine brucellosis, an infectious disease mainly infecting dogs. Until recently, this was a very rare infection in the UK however since populations of imported dogs has been increasing, we are seeing more positive cases particularly in dogs travelling from Eastern Europe. While testing of imported dogs is not currently a legal requirement, it is strongly recommended.

Taverham Vets has therefore made it a practice-wide policy that all imported dogs (excluding Australia and ROI) be tested for brucellosis prior to registering with the practice.

In dogs positive for brucellosis, they may have no clinical signs as they are able to carry the disease asymptomatically. These dogs are still able to transmit the disease to others. If they do show symptoms these are commonly reproductive including abortion and infertility although they can also be more non-specific including lethargy, lameness and a high temperature. Puppies born to an infected female are also more likely to be unwell after birth. Infection between individuals is usually via reproductive tissues or other body fluids such as blood, saliva, urine and nasal secretions.  

Although rare, brucellosis is a zoonotic disease and humans can become infected via contact with reproductive materials or fluids from an infected dog. Those who are immunocompromised and young children may be at a higher risk of clinically apparent illness with the risk to pregnant women currently not fully understood. Although symptoms in infected individuals can occur within a week of exposure, they can also be delayed by up to six months so any exposure should always be followed up by local healthcare professionals. 

Testing for brucellosis involves a single blood sample being taken, from a vein in your pet’s leg or neck which will then be sent to an external laboratory for serology. Since 2021 it is considered a reportable disease, meaning any positive test results must be reported to the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA). If your pet does undergo testing with ourselves or another veterinary practice and receives a positive result, next steps including recommendations for your pet will be discussed with you in detail.

Please note that we are currently not performing any non-emergency treatment for brucellosis positive dogs due to the deemed risk to human health including our staff.  

Additional information on brucellosis including guidance on human disease risks can be found below: 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/brucella-canis-information-for-the-public-and-dog-owners/brucella-canis-information-for-the-public-and-dog-owners#how-b-canis-is-diagnosed  

http://apha.defra.gov.uk/documents/surveillance/diseases/Canine-Brucellosis-Summary.pdf