With a rise in imported dogs and frequent pet travel, vets must be more vigilant about exotic diseases. At present, the only legal specifications for dogs coming to the UK are rabies and Echinococcus (tapeworm) prevention. This leaves us and our pets open to an array of other diseases that are not currently endemic (not commonly found) in the UK, one of which is Brucellosis.
What is canine brucellosis?
Canine brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria called Brucella canis (or B. canis). The disease mainly affects the reproductive organs of infected dogs. It is spread through mating, but also by direct contact with many bodily fluids, including blood and afterbirth.
The disease can therefore be spread by –
- Mating
- Contacting vaginal fluids, semen and placenta – sniffing or licking another dog’s genitals could lead to disease transfer in some cases.
- Transfer from mother to puppy via the placenta or through her milk
- Contact with infected blood
- Contact with infected urine, faeces, saliva and nasal discharge. These carry lower levels of infectious bacteria than some previously mentioned fluids, and so are considered low risk.
The more time a dog spends with an infected dog, or around infected body fluids and material, the more likely they are to become infected. The bacteria can also survive in an environment that has been contaminated with infectious material for many weeks or months.
- canis seems to be most prevalent in Eastern European dogs, so we are most likely to see it in pets that have been imported from that area. However, research shows that it may actually be more widespread and has been found across Europe.
The increase in cases of infected animals in the UK is thought to be due to the rise of imported rescue dogs. However, dogs that travel regularly, especially if they are used for breeding, could also be at risk.
The disease is also zoonotic, meaning it is infectious to humans. The risk of catching the disease for most people is very low, but dog breeders and owners of imported dogs are more likely to become infected. Veterinary staff are also at higher risk because they are more likely to handle infectious material, as well as encounter a greater number of positive animals.
What are the symptoms of brucellosis in dogs?
Many dogs with brucellosis are asymptomatic (show no symptoms at all), meaning they may appear outwardly well, despite still carrying and potentially spreading bacteria.
If your dog does have any symptoms, they may include:
- Infertility
- Pregnancy issues (miscarriage)
- Weak puppies that die soon after being born
- Genital problems
- Back pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Lameness
- Lethargy
How is brucellosis diagnosed?
A blood test is recommended in all dogs that have been imported from mainland Europe. Even if the dog has had a test previously (e.g. by a rescue centre), it is always recommended to repeat this three months after they have entered the UK. This is because it can take up to three months for the bacteria to show up in a blood sample. A dog that tested negative abroad could become positive by the time a later test is taken in the UK.
If the results are positive, they must be reported by law to The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). A member of their team will then be able to give you further advice.
If your dog has tested positive but has no clinical signs of disease or no history of direct contact with the disease, then a second blood test is advised 4 to 6 weeks later to reduce the risks of a false result. Your dog must be kept isolated during this period. Once the diagnosis has been confirmed with a second test, then your options can be considered.
Can brucellosis be treated?
Unfortunately, treatment of infected dogs is not recommended as success rates are poor. Dogs remain persistently infected despite prolonged courses of antibiotics because the bacteria can ‘hide’ in areas of the body that are hard for them to reach. Prolonged courses of antibiotics can also lead to antibiotic resistance, which means that other infections may be harder to treat. Sadly, euthanasia is the only way to eliminate the disease.
If your pet is diagnosed with B. canis your vet will discuss the options with you.
When you attend your veterinary appointments, your vet may wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, an apron and a mask.
You will also need to isolate your dog long-term and restrict them from being able to infect others. This means limiting contact with other people, especially those who are immunocompromised, pregnant, very young or elderly. You should also not allow direct contact between your dog and other dogs or allow any indirect infection e.g. other dogs being able to access your dog’s urine and faeces. You should also protect yourself by washing your hands each time you handle your pet.
This will be a big lifestyle change and the impact on your dog’s welfare should be considered.
Can people catch Brucellosis?
Yes, as previously mentioned humans can become infected with Brucella canis and become unwell. This is one of the reasons why screening is advised for dogs at high risk of carrying the disease.
Humans may not develop symptoms straight away. It may take a few weeks or even up to several years to develop. It can cause high temperatures, weight loss, headaches, tiredness and back and joint pain. The illness may be more severe in people with weak immune systems, young children and pregnant women. If left undiagnosed it could potentially lead to complications like inflammation of the lining of the heart (endocarditis) or inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).
Thankfully brucellosis in people can be treated (unlike dogs), so contact your doctor if you think you may have contracted it.
What should I do if my dog has been abroad?
If your dog has been imported from Europe, been in close contact with (or mated) a dog from Europe, or if your pet regularly travels abroad, you should inform the practice. Even if your dog has been in the UK for many years, they could still be harbouring the disease.
We may recommend that your dog has a blood test to screen them for B. canis. Screening tests are important to help protect both animal and human health. Knowing which pets are positive or not will keep our veterinary staff safe when handling your pets, as well as preventing the spread to other animals in our practice. Not only that but it will protect you and your family
There is no vaccination available for this disease at present, so screening is the only way we can control its spread.
Summary
Our knowledge of Brucella canis is still growing, and it may be that our practice protocols change and develop over time. Please don’t hesitate to contact the practice if you have any questions about brucellosis and your pet – we are here to help!
FAQs
Will my pet still be seen in practice if I don’t get them tested?
Each veterinary practice has its own rules in place to keep its team safe. Staff must not compromise their personal safety to attend to animals, though they will still have a duty of care to them in an emergency. If you choose not to have your pet tested, our practice may have to interact with them as if they were positive, wearing appropriate PPE and isolating them from other patients.
Will I have to put my dog to sleep if they test positive for Brucella Canis?
If your dog tests positive, then this will be one of the options discussed with you. However, it is not a legal requirement, and no one can force you to do this. Your decision may be based on whether your dog is symptomatic, the immune status of people in your household, and whether you can keep your dog isolated to prevent the disease from spreading.
Can dogs recover from brucellosis?
As far as we know, any dog infected with B. canis will be infected for life. This means they will continue to shed bacteria intermittently, despite any attempts at treatment. This is why dogs that test positive will need to be kept isolated after diagnosis to prevent them from infecting others.