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 one case of dog to human transmission.
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 large 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), to test again 4m after entry to UK.
-If not tested pre-travel, and been in the UK <4m, to test on entry/registration with practice, and again after being in the UK for at least 4 months.
-If not tested pre-travel but been in the UK >4M can just test the once.
