Brucella Canis is currently non-endemic in the UK, however the increase in imported dogs from high risk countries has seen a rise in cases, including at one case of dog to human transmission, with 3 cases reported in humans.
Brucellosis is a notifiable disease in people and cattle and if confirmed the most common treatment option is for euthanasia of infected animals, due to the potential for life-long shedding and the risk that poses to people and other pets.
High risk countries:
Romania
Bosnia
Ukraine
Moldova
Macedonia
Bulgaria
Serbia
Central/South America
East Asia (incl. China/Japan/Mongolia)
SE Asia (incl. Thailand, Vietnam)
Afganistan
Pakistan
Iran
Africa
Russia
How is it spread? – There is a risk to humans.
Bodily fluids- reproductive fluids are the biggest risk but also saliva and urine.
Contact with these fluids via oral route, inhalation, or contact with other mucous membranes.
Testing
We are introducing Compulsory testing for for any new dogs being registered at the practice with a history of travel to a high risk country at any point to avoid undue risk to staff, clients and the local
canine population. You will be asked to book for testing prior to any appointment.
It can take 4 months for dogs to produce the testable markers, so to repeat 4 months after arrival in the UK may be required.
-If tested negative within 1 month pre-travel (we need to see documentation), we will require that your dog is tested again 4m after entry to UK.
-If not tested pre-travel, and been in the UK <4m, to have an inital test at inital registration with practice and assuming the first test is negative, to be tested again 4 months later.
-If not tested pre-travel but been in the UK >4M can just test the once.
If a dog were to test positive on the in house test, a sample will be sent to the VLA for complete testing to confirm if this is a true positive or a false positive (these can occur). The external testing can take up to 1 week. While waiting for that result we would advise that your dog doesnt come into contact with other dogs and human contact is kept to a minimum. If veterinary care we needed in this period, you would request that anyone helping to assist with your dog were made aware so the necessary precautions can be made.
If a true positive were to be confirmed by the VLA we would discuss accordingly at this point.
