Brucellosis Test Dogs

New referral protocol for travelled dogs

In the last two years there has been a significant increase in the number of dogs being diagnosed with Brucella canis.

Recently, veterinary and governmental advisory bodies have published guidelines surrounding Brucella canis, highlighting that most infected dogs have either originated from Eastern Europe, travelled to Eastern Europe or been in contact with dogs that have travelled. Infections have also been detected in Western Europe.

After a high-risk case was recently presented to the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, and in line with other academic institutes in the United Kingdom, we wish to react accordingly in order to protect the safety and wellbeing of our campus staff, and provide referring veterinarians with prompt and clear instructions as to how referral management will be changed.

This notification mainly applies to dogs both emergent and routine that you are considering referral that have origin outside the United Kingdom. However, as a result of possible dog-to-dog transmission, all dogs (even those untraveled) who are being referred with symptoms that might be associated with Brucella canis will be required to undergo testing prior to referral.

What is Brucella canis and what are its symptoms?

Brucella canis is a gram-negative infectious bacterium that carries zoonotic risk to both owners and veterinary staff. Canine Brucella canis infection can lead to a variety of symptoms including uveitis, orchitis, epididymitis, discospondylitis and abortion. Most dogs infected with Brucella canis are sub-clinical, and therefore warrant proactive vigilance.

Typical symptoms of human patients infected with Brucella canis include fever and enlarged lymph nodes. However, the greatest concern pertains to both its miscarriage potential in pregnant individuals and progressive, disseminated infection in the immunosuppressed.

How is Brucella canis transmitted?

Brucella canis is shed in all body secretions and the main routes of transmission include mucocutaneous contamination via saliva, vaginal discharge and the handling of aborted material. Fomite contamination is another indirect mode of transmission. Brucella canis poses a significant risk to laboratory staff as aerosol transmission can occur during agent culture and identification, so samples must be sent to labs that are set up to deal with this risk.

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