Brucella Canis

We are aware of the recent increase in the number of cases reported of Brucella Canis in the UK. Hence we have made the decision to start a new policy for testing imported dogs for this disease to help protect the health of our clients and staff.

Therefore we are now advising testing of all at risk dogs via a blood test sent to an official government laboratory.

Further details can be found in the FAQs section below.

Brucella Canis FAQs

What is Brucella Canis?

Brucella Canis is a bacterial organism that can cause infection in dogs.

The disease is very rare in the UK but is more common in many countries in Eastern Europe such as Romania.

How is it spread?

Brucella Canis can be spread by contact with all body fluids such as blood, urine, nasal and ocular discharges, saliva, reproductive and seminal fluids.

It can also be transmitted if you come into contact with these fluids on other surfaces e.g. towels, bedding, toys.

Disease in people is rare but dog to dog and dog to human transmission has been reported in the UK.

Why are we testing?

The main reason is to protect the health and safety of our clients, pets and our staff too.

Once a person or dog has contracted Brucella Canis, it is highly likely that they will carry the infection with them for the rest of their lives. The disease is nearly impossible to eliminate and so they will sporadically have symptoms of the disease.

for the rest of their life.

Infected dogs can continue to shed bacteria years after their original infection.

How much is the test?

The total cost of the combined SAT and iELISA test is £110 including VAT.

How can I find out more information?

If you would like to read more about Brucella canis infection in dogs and risks to humans we would recommend that you review the APHA information and information provided by the British Veterinary Association (BVA).

http://apha.defra.gov.uk/documents/surveillance/diseases/Canine-Brucellosis-Summary-Final-260421.pdf

https://www.bva.co.uk/news-and-blog/blog-article/brucella-canis-what-vets-need-to-know/

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of the disease include reproductive problems such as spontaneous abortion and infertility in male and female dogs, enlarged or shrunken testicles, enlarged lymph nodes, high temperature, lameness, back pain, inflammation in the eye and lethargy.

However, some dogs show no clinical signs but can carry and spread the disease.

How do we test for it?

We perform two blood tests to assess for B. Canis infection - The SAT and iELISA tests.

The two tests work well together as the SAT detects early stages of the infection and the iELISA is better during the chronic stage.

We send all our samples to a government testing laboratory (APHA) and will only accept a negative test result if it has been performed there.

Test results can take 7-21 days to arrive.

Which dogs are at risk?

Dogs that have been imported from Eastern Europe are particularly at risk however the disease is present throughout Europe.

An increase in the number of dogs being imported and rehomed from abroad has led to a sharp increase in the number of cases being identified.

What if my dog tests positive for Brucella?

Brucella canis is a reportable disease in the UK which means that it has to be reported to the government authorities.

Isolation and re-testing may be an option but as positive cases can potentially pose a risk to both dogs and people, euthanasia sadly may be considered. Strict hygiene measures should be practiced by the owner of the pet to minimise the risk of transmission.