Since 2020, UK reports of Brucella canis infection in dogs have significantly increased. The majority of confirmed cases were dogs imported from Eastern Europe.

B. canis is principally an infection of dogs. Cats and foxes may contract infection from an infected dog. Infected dogs may be asymptomatic or have non-pathognomonic clinical signs such as infertility, abortion, lethargy, lameness, back or joint pain or lymphadenopathy.

Although B. canis is a zoonotic disease, risk of transmission to humans is considered low. Infection may be asymptomatic or have non-specific symptoms such as fever, headache, myalgia or weight loss. As direct contact with fluids associated with parturition/abortion present highest exposure risk, individuals at risk include dog owners, dog breeders, kennel, veterinary and laboratory staff.

Since July 2023, two cases of human infection have been confirmed in the UK. One case involved a fostered dog imported from Eastern Europe that was aborted soon after arrival. The other case was an asymptomatic veterinary practice employee.

Risk of infection in imported dogs should be highlighted to owners. Breeders and organisations importing dogs from B.canis-endemic areas should arrange pre-import testing.

If a dog with symptoms is presented in a veterinary practice, staff should wear appropriate personal protective equipment. If submitting samples for testing, staff should alert the laboratory, to ensure precautions are in place to protect laboratory staff.

As antimicrobials are not always successful in treating infection in dogs, euthanasia should be discussed with the owner. If a decision is made to neuter and treat with antimicrobials, veterinary personnel should take risk-mitigating procedures and owners should be made aware of ongoing, albeit reduced risk of infection. Owners of an infected dog, particularly those with underlying medical conditions, should be advised to consult their doctor.

Additional sources of information:

Review by the Human Animal Infections and Risk Surveillance (HAIRS) group:
HAIRS risk assessment: Brucella canis – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/brucella-canis-information-for-the-public-and-dog-owners/brucella-canis-information-for-the-public-and-dog-owners

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/canine-brucellosis-summary-information-sheet-for-veterinary-staff/canine-brucellosis-summary-information-sheet-for-veterinary-staff

Brucella canis (bva.co.uk)

Brucella canis: what animal owners need to know | British Veterinary Association (bva.co.uk)