BSAVA publishes new document on Brucella canis
There has been a spike in cases of Brucella canis in the UK since 2020.
BSAVA has published a new Scientific Information Document on Brucella canis to provide veterinary professionals working in small animal practices with information about the disease.
Although not intended to be exhaustive, the document presents key information about B. canis, including sections on distribution, transmission, presentation, diagnosis, treatment, legal requirements and implications for public health. It also provides links and signposts to additional resources.
Concern about B. canis has increased in recent years, with a spike in cases since 2020. It is not currently endemic in the UK, but cases have been found in dogs imported from Eastern Europe and countries including Afghanistan, South Africa, and the USA.
During 2022, the first full reporting year for B. Canis under the Zoonoses Order, 54 cases were reported. Last year also saw the UK’s first known dog-to-dog transmission of the disease as well as the UK’s first known dog-to-human transmission.
In a statement released to coincide with the publication of the document, BSAVA notes: ‘In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of companion animals imported into the UK. In some cases, little is known about the medical history of the animals and therefore, the risk of importing diseases which are not endemic in the UK is increasing.
‘Brucella canis is one such disease which not only affects animals but it also has zoonotic potential. There have been an increasing number of dogs diagnosed with clinical or subclinical infection along with reports of its zoonotic impact.’
The full document can be accessed online via the BSAVA Library.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
