In the last few years, the number of dogs diagnosed with Brucella canis infection in the UK is increasing. Of those diagnosed, the majority have come from or travelled to endemic countries outside of the UK.
Clinical signs seen in dogs can include (but are not limited to):
- Reproductive issues - abortion, inflammation and infection of the prostate, testicles and infections of the womb
- Inflammation and infection of joints or of the discs along the spine
- Inflammation and infection of the eyes
Importantly, many dogs carrying the infection have no signs of illness but can still infect other dogs and people.
In humans, symptoms of infection can often be non-specific flu-like signs. In both infected dogs and people, the condition can be very difficult to treat as it does not resolve with routine courses of antibiotics. Patients can be infected for many years or even for life. Patients can require long courses of antibiotics intermittently just to control the infection.
Transmission to other dogs and to people is generally via exposure to bodily fluids. In everyday life the risk of transmission is low (but is not eliminated). However, in patients undergoing treatment in veterinary practice, even for conditions not directly related to Brucella, the risk of transmission can be much higher.
Due to the increasing incidence of Brucella canis infection in the UK, we need to be aware of the Brucella status (test result) of dogs that are considered to have a clinical concern for Brucella infection. This is so we can be aware of any potential link between any illness pets might be experiencing and Brucella infection and to ensure we can keep our team safe.
Dogs that have a clinical concern for Brucella infection include:
- Dogs that have travelled to countries with a high prevalence of the infection
- Dogs that have been imported from countries with a high prevalence of the infection
- Dogs that have had direct contact with infected dogs, particularly breeding dogs
Before treatment or investigation at NDSR, dogs with a clinical concern for Brucella need to be tested for the condition. Ideally this would be prior to admission for any further investigation or treatment.
Countries with a higher prevalence of infection include but are not limited to Eastern and Southern Europe, East Asia, Africa and Central and South America.
Testing for Brucella is not straightforward. Currently, the most accurate test we have available is performed at an external lab call APHA and takes 3-7 working days. We are working with referring practices to ensure that pets can be tested prior to their appointment to avoid unwanted delays. This means that prior to presentation we will ask you questions about your dog to identify those at risk of infection based on their travel and contact history. We will contact you and your referring vet directly to discuss testing prior to coming to NDSR if we think that is appropriate.
If your dog has been previously tested with the test at APHA 3 or more months after returning to the U.K. from a high-risk country, we will request a copy of the results from your referring vet before your appointment.
If it is not possible for your referring vet to perform any required test before your initial appointment at NDSR, we can perform the test after your consultation with us. We will then use the results of a less accurate in-house test combined with your dog’s clinical signs and other test results to determine Brucella risk. Your pet may then need to be hospitalised in our isolation ward and our staff may need to wear stringent PPE (personal protective equipment) when caring for them. There will be an additional cost associated with hospitalisation in our isolation ward and the use of PPE. You will be fully informed of this throughout.
Unfortunately, if you refuse Brucella testing when it has been recommended, our ability to provide optimal care is likely to be impacted.