Brucella canis
At Kelston Vets we kindly request clients inform us if their dog has been imported and provide any relevant pre-import screening test results. We will then arrange for blood samples to be taken and tested at an appropriate time (at least 3 months after entry to the UK).
Without a validated UK based negative Brucella test, significant logistical precautions will need to be taken to ensure the safety of veterinary staff, other clients and all the pets visiting us here at the practice. This may involve the use of specific PPE. Timings and extent of appointments and examination and the availability to perform certain procedures that may pose potential risks will all be considered.
What is Brucella canis?
Brucella canis is a contagious bacterial disease found in many parts of the world. However, in the last few years there has been a number of confirmed cases in dogs in the UK – either in imported dogs, or dogs that have been in close contact with imported dogs. The disease can spread between dogs, but is also a Zoonotic disease, meaning it can be passed onto humans. It is now reportable to the government Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
All veterinary practices are being asked to be vigilant to this disease and to set up protocols and testing procedures to help protect the UK dog population, their owners and veterinary staff from this disease.
Symptoms in Dogs.
Unwell dogs can show a variety of vague symptoms such as lameness, joint pain, enlarged lymph nodes and reproductive disorders such as abortion and stillbirths.
It is important to let your vet know if your dog has been imported or has been in contact with imported animals.
Unfortunately dogs can carry Brucella without showing any symptoms. These ‘carrier’ animals can still pass the disease onto others and so it is recommended that all imported dogs be tested. Even if your imported dog is healthy and has been in the UK for a long time, the presence of disease and therefore risk of infection spread cannot be ruled out.
There is no cure for Brucella canis.
Symptoms in Humans.
Infection in humans can also be vague and due to a long and unpredictable incubation time, may take weeks, months or even years to become apparent.
Young children and immunosuppressed individuals are at higher risk of infection. It is rarely fatal but can cause significant complications such as inflammation of the heart lining (endocarditis) and membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).
Infection during pregnancy may also result in a higher risk of adverse outcomes and reproductive failures.
If you have any contact with an infected dog or one that has been tested positive and you feel unwell, you should contact your GP or health provider for further advise.
How is Brucella spread?
The infection can be spread via contact with bodily fluids such as blood, urine, saliva. Of particularly high risk are the fluids associated with reproduction – birthing fluids, bitches in season and semen. Entry to the body can occur through the eyes, nose, mouth or cuts and open skin wounds. This means that mating, birthing or when vets carry out surgical procedures can be particularly high risk situations.
How is Brucella diagnosed?
Brucella is diagnosed by measuring the level of antibodies to the disease in the blood. It can take up to 3 months for these antibodies to be detected by blood samples, so the risk of false negative results can be high if the test is done too early or before importation to the UK.
Testing for Brucella.
The government recommended antibody tests are called the SAT and iElisa Antibody tests. These are the test we recommend and perform using an external approved Laboratory.
A negative test.
Once a dog has received a negative test, after at least 3 months in the UK, it can be considered safe. As no test is 100%, there can always be a small risk from imported animals, but no further testing would be required unless clinically indicated.
A positive test.
If a dog receives a positive test it will be reported the APHA who will advise on how to proceed. Further repeat testing would be carried out and a risk based assessment done.
In some cases management strategies can be applied such as neutering, separation from other dogs and careful environmental control to avoid contaminated urine, faeces and other bodily fluids. Limiting interactions with pregnant or immunocompromised people and young children would be needed. Further advise and instruction from APHA can be found on the DEFRA/APHA .gov website.
In some cases, particularly if the animal is showing clinical signs of infection or is considered as high risk, then euthanasia may be advised. This would only be done after much consideration and collaboration between the attending local vets, APHA veterinary officials and the owners of the positive animal.
If you are considering importing an animal.
Testing is essential for all imported dogs. It helps to protect both the UK canine and human population from this disease. A negative test in the country of origin prior to import is always helpful and can give confidence in the health of the animal you are rehoming. It does not however replace the requirements advised by the government.
Brucella canis is very rare in the UK. If you are looking to buy or rescue a dog from another country make sure you discuss these issues with the provider before importation and find out if they have been screened and tested, not only for Brucella but also other foreign diseases such as Leishmania, Ehrlichia and Heartworm.
By working together we hope to stop these diseases from increasing further into the UK and help protect our canine population.
What countries are considered high risk for Brucellosis in imported dogs?
LOW RISK: Australia, New Zealand, and the following European countries / territories: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Switzerland, Germany, Jersey, Guernsey, Scilly Isles, Italy & Sicily, Iceland, Ireland & Northern Ireland, Netherlands, Nordic countries (Norway/Sweden/Finland), Portugal, Spain, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, San Marino.
HIGH RISK: Any country not listed under ‘low-risk’ including Russia, USA, Canada, and the following European countries: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Cyprus, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Republic of Kosovo, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian federation, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey, Ukraine.
These lists are not definitive and advice to pet owners is based on current government recommendations.
Other sources of useful information:
