Brucellosis
Owner Fact Sheet - Brucella Canis
Brucellosis is an infectious disease in dogs that is caused by the bacteria ‘Brucella Canis’
It is commonly seen in many parts of the world, including America, Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe. Luckily the UK has been Brucella free for many years, although the rise in dogs imported from abroad is putting this at risk.
The biggest concern with Brucellosis is that it is zoonotic (it can be transmitted to humans). Of particular risk are veterinary staff who are more likely to come into contact with infected material.
Immunocompromised and pregnant people are also at higher risk.
Symptoms
Dogs can be infected with Brucella Canis without showing any symptoms. Symptoms can include:
Infertility
Stillbirths and pregnancy losses
Swollen or sore testicles
Swollen lymph nodes
Back pain or lameness
Transmission
Brucella Canis is spread from dog to dog through direct contact with infected fluid/tissues. Of particular risk is fluid related to the reproductive tract e.g. semen, vaginal fluid, birthing fluid and milk. Of lower risk is urine, faeces and saliva.
The most common way the bacteria is transmitted is through a dog mating with an infected dog, or coming into contact with an infected whelping bitch. This can easily happen abroad where there are large populations of unneutered strays. Puppies can also become infected in utero from their mother, and also through her milk.
Although uncommon, infection can spread to humans from dogs via infected fluids or tissues. This puts veterinary staff at much higher risk of infection, as they are handling bodily fluids frequently. Owners of an infected dog, who are in close regular contact, would also be at a higher risk of infection.
Symptoms in humans
Although very rare and treatable, infection in humans can take weeks to several years to become apparent. Symptoms can include fever, weight loss, fatigue and joint pain. Brucellosis infection poses a higher risk to pregnant and immunocomprised people, and children. It can cause miscarriage in pregnant women. If you have an untested dog from abroad it would be sensible to practice good hygiene around your dog e.g. good hand washing practices. We also would advise keeping contact with ‘at risk’ individuals to a minimum.
Due to the risk posed to veterinary staff and the severity of infection we have put some measures in place to protect their health.
- New Dogs that have been imported from abroad must have had Brucella Canis testing to be registered. If testing has been done but we do not deem it adequate, we will request repeat testing.
- Dogs that are already registered will be required to be tested before any routine procedures such as neutering.
- Dogs that require emergency treatment that have not yet been tested will need to be assessed on a case by case basis but emergency treatment could be delayed or unavailable due to the potential risk to staff performing the surgery.
What does testing involve?
Testing is done via one simple blood test. The patient does not need to be starved for this and it can be done at any time of day. Ideally testing is best performed 3 months after importation to the UK.
The blood is sent to a special laboratory that can test for Brucella Canis. Results can take up to two weeks to return. Currently the cost is £104.10 (Autumn 2026)
We hope you can understand our measures at trying to protect staff and the public’s health, as well as stopping Brucellosis from becoming an endemic disease in our dog population. If you have any further questions, please contact us at the surgery for advice.
