Brucella Canis – what is it and how could it affect my dog?

by Katharine Nelson

Brucella Canis – what is it and how could it affect my dog?

Brucella canis (B.canis) is a bacterial infection that has not historically been present in the UK. In the past 2 years, there has been a big increase in the number of dogs diagnosed with this condition in the UK. These have mostly been in dogs imported into the UK from Eastern Europe where the condition is more prevalent.

What are the symptoms of Brucella canis in dogs?

B.canis most commonly causes infertility and pregnancy loss in dogs. It can also cause lethargy, enlarged lymph nodes, and back pain.

However, many infected dogs appear completely well.

Can Brucella canis infect humans?

B. canis can spread to humans that are in contact with infected dogs.

Humans most at risk of contracting B. canis from dogs are veterinary staff and owners who are exposed to reproductive/birthing fluids (e.g. when assisting a bitch or cleaning up after the delivery of puppies; or carrying out Caesarean Sections or neutering).

How is Brucella canis diagnosed in dogs?

A blood test is submitted to a government-approved lab to check for antibodies to B.canis. Results take approximately 2 weeks.

What if my dog tests positive?

Most imported dogs will return a negative result on the blood test, and this will give owners and veterinary staff peace of mind that they can handle and treat these dogs safely.

If a dog receives a positive result, the laboratory will automatically notify the government vets (B. canis is a “reportable disease”). These vets will contact the owners of positive dogs and discuss the best way to manage them to minimise the risk of transmission to other people and dogs living in the household. It is not a legal requirement for positive dogs to be euthanased (put to sleep). Antibiotic treatment is rarely recommended as it does not cure B. canis in dogs.

At Acorn House, staff recommend that all travelled dogs are tested for B. canis. Staff will wear PPE when handling these dogs until a negative B. canis result has been obtained.