Canine Brucellosis
What is Canine Brucellosis?
Canine Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Brucella canis. It can affect several organs in dogs, particularly the reproductive system, and often leads to infertility. Importantly, it is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be passed from animals to humans.
Transmission from dogs to people is rare, but infection can be serious. Infants, elderly individuals, pregnant people, and those who are immunocompromised are at higher risk. In pregnancy, infection may result in miscarriage or other adverse outcomes.
Why Vigilance Matters
Recent UK cases, including a confirmed human infection in a veterinary professional, highlight the importance of awareness and testing. While overall numbers remain low compared to the UK dog population, vigilance protects both animal and human health.
Where is Brucellosis Found?
The UK is considered free of endemic Brucella canis. However, there has been a significant rise in cases over recent years, largely linked to imported dogs, particularly from Eastern Europe and other high-risk regions worldwide.
How is Brucellosis Spread?
Dogs can become infected through:
- Mating with an infected dog
- Contact with infected reproductive fluids (during birth, miscarriage, or abortion)
- Contact with urine, blood, or contaminated environments
- Transmission from an infected mother to puppies before or after birth
Signs of Brucellosis in Dogs
Many infected dogs show no obvious signs, but possible symptoms include:
- Lethargy and weight loss
- Lameness or spinal/back pain
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Miscarriage, stillbirths, or infertility
- Weak or sickly puppies
- Persistent vaginal discharge
- Swollen or painful testicles, scrotal rash
- Eye (ocular) changes
Dogs may miscarry their first pregnancy and become infertile. Puppies may appear healthy but still carry infection and develop long-term health problems.
Signs of Brucellosis in Humans
In humans, symptoms may include:
- Fever and chills
- Headaches
- Muscle and joint pain
- Night sweats
- Fatigue and weight loss
- Swollen lymph glands
Pregnant individuals are at increased risk of miscarriage, foetal loss, or premature labour.
Which Dogs Should Be Tested?
To protect human health and other pets, we recommend testing dogs that:
- Have been imported into the UK and not tested at least 3–4 months after import
- Have travelled to a high-risk country
- Have been in contact with a dog that has tested positive
- Show clinical signs consistent with Brucellosis (with or without travel history)
High-Risk Areas Include:
Romania, Moldova, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Bosnia, Serbia, South America, Belarus, Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Turkey, Russia, East Asia (including China, Japan and Mongolia), South-East Asia (including Thailand and Vietnam), Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, India, and Africa.
Rest of the European Union:
Due to the freedom of movement in the European Union all dogs imported from the EU are considered at risk and Referral Centre and Hospital in the UK will require a Brucella test done before seeing any dog who has been to the EU, regardless their neutering status and lifestyle. If your dog is moving often to the continental Europe, be prepared to have the Brucella test requested before high risks procedures or before being referred.
Dogs that test negative on these tests and remain in the United Kingdom are considered negative for life.
How is Brucellosis Diagnosed?
- A blood test is taken at our practice and sent to an external laboratory (often the APHA government laboratory).
- Results can take up to 7 days.
- Testing is recommended from 3 months after import, as antibodies can take time to develop.
Cost of Testing
The current cost is £80.00 and includes ELISA + SAT test carried out by APHA Weybridge, the sampling procedure, and the package and delivery cost.
What Happens If My Dog Tests Positive?
- Brucellosis is a reportable disease, and the APHA must be informed.
- A repeat test is usually recommended to confirm a true positive result.
Management of Infected Dogs
- There is no cure for Canine Brucellosis. Infected dogs remain infected for life.
- Antibiotic treatment is not recommended, as it does not eliminate infection and dogs may continue to shed bacteria.
- Euthanasia may be advised if the dog is suffering or if effective lifelong isolation cannot be guaranteed.
Preventing Spread to People and Other Dogs
There is currently no vaccine for dogs or humans.
For dogs that test positive, lifelong control measures are required:
- Avoid contact with other dogs and shared dog environments
- Avoid contact with reproductive fluids, urine, and blood
- Wear gloves and practise good hygiene when cleaning contaminated areas
- Limit contact to as few people as possible
- Keep infected dogs away from pregnant people, children, and immunocompromised individuals
- Inform new vets, referral centres, kennels, day care providers, or any facility where dogs mix
It may be possible for some dogs to live with Brucellosis, but this must be carefully weighed against quality of life and public health risks.
Importing Dogs Into the UK
If you are importing or adopting a dog from abroad:
- Ensure appropriate disease screening is performed
- Ask for laboratory evidence of negative Brucella testing
- Be aware that imported dogs may carry other uncommon diseases, such as:
- Leishmania
- Heartworm
- Ehrlichia canis
- Hepatozoon canis
- Babesia
If you have any concerns or questions about Brucellosis testing or importing dogs, please speak to our veterinary team. Thank you for helping us safeguard both pet and human health.