Brucellosis - What you need to know!?
Fetcher Dog are aware that there has been some articles in the media with regards Canine Brucellosis and have enclosed some further reading and clarification of this potentially deadly disease for dogs and it's affects on our rescue dogs.
Fetcher Dog rescue street dogs from Bosnia and as part of our checks, treatments and procedures prior to them entering the UK we test all our Bosnian dogs for Canine Brucellosis.
As per our website:'All Bosnian dogs adopted will be vaccinated for DHPP, Leptospirosis and Rabies, tested for Brucellosis Canis, be microchipped and registered, have a pet passport and be spayed/neutered if old enough. All U.K. dogs adopted will be vaccinated for DHPP, Leptospirosis, be microchipped and registered and neutered/spayed if old enough. If you are adopting a dog too young to be spayed/neutered, this must be done at a cost to the adopter with the advice of a vet'
'Fetcher Dog can confirm, therefore, that all our dogs, that have travelled from Bosnia, have tested negative for this disease.'
What is Canine Brucellosis?
Canine Brucellosis is a disease found in dogs and caused by the bacterium, Brucella Canis.
Stray dogs that have not been spayed or neutered, and unowned or free roaming dogs are at higher risk of having brucellosis. Dog-to-dog spread of brucellosis occurs most often through breeding and by contact with vaginal discharges, semen, birthing fluids, and urine. Contact with an infected dog’s blood, milk, saliva, and faeces are less common sources of infection.
What are the symptoms?
Both sexes may have swollen lymph glands, eye disease, and infections of the spine, male dogs may have swollen testicles. However, most infected dogs appear normal and show no symptoms except for infertility. Female dogs can deliver healthy-appearing, but infected puppies.
You can read more at - Brucella canis: information for the public and dog owners - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
What should I do if my dog has the symptoms?
The cost of Brucella Canis screening is typically around £80. This involves a simple blood sample, collected by the Vet or Vet Nurse.
Can Brucellosis be treated?
Sadly, there is no effective treatment for canine brucellosis. If a dog tests positive, in many cases, vets will recommend putting them to sleep due to the risk to humans and other dogs.
Brucellosis and humans.
Summary from GOV.UK'As of July 2023, 2 laboratory-confirmed cases of B. canis human infection have been identified in the UK. One case was identified from clinical suspicion after presenting at hospital. A second case had no clinical symptoms, worked at a veterinary practice and was identified through the follow-up of individuals exposed to positive dogs. In both incidents, the implicated dogs were not known to be infected at the time of human exposure, but subsequently tested positive'
HAIRS risk assessment: Brucella canis - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
In summary, the risk of your dog having Canine Brucellosis is low but you should be aware of the symptoms and if your dog has symptoms have your dog tested immediately by your local vets.
Thank You
Sources:Various