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Vet’s Corner

Brucellosis

The UK has recently seen an increase in the number of dogs presenting with symptoms of
Brucella canis. Brucella canis is zoonotic to humans and infected dogs pose a risk to humans
especially veterinarians, when performing surgery, and laboratory staff, when handling
blood or urine samples. Transmission to owners is considered low. Although human infection
is rare in the UK it can be extremely severe and can lead to death. If diagnosed antibiotic
therapy of infected humans is usually successful.
Causing agent:

Brucella canis is a bacteria.

Geographical distribution:
Brucella canis is present worldwide however Eastern Europe and the Middle East seem to
higher infection rates than other Europe countries. One recent study showed that the
prevalence of Brucella canis in Western Europe was around 5%.

Transmission:
Brucella canis is transmitted from dog to dog by sexual contact or from bitch to pup. In
addition dogs coming into contact with reproductive tissues, discharges or urine of an
infected dog may become infected.

Clinical signs:
Infected dogs are often asymptomatic, however, they show signs related to the
reproductive system i.e. infertility, abortion, weak puppies, scrotal swelling or vaginal
discharge. In addition dogs may present with discospondylitis – inflammation of the spine
cord.

Diagnosis:

Unfortunately, there is no perfect test for brucellosis. The most accurate test at present
is an antibody test which needs to be sent to a specialist laboratory.

Treatment and prevention:
It is very difficult to cure an infected dog and therefore currently
treatment is not recommended due to the potential risk the dog poses to
the public. Euthanasia must be a consideration as positive dogs must be
isolated from all other dogs and shared dog environments. In addition
contact with people must be kept to a minimum.

Leigh Sobye BVSc MRCVS

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