New test developed to diagnose Brucella canis
The new test is able to measure antibody levels.
Researchers have developed a new diagnostic test for Brucella canis that is able to measure the number of antibodies in infected dogs.
In contrast to previous tests, which could only detect whether or not antibodies were present, the new Canine Brucella Multiplex (CBM) assay makes it possible to monitor how an infected dog is responding to treatment.
However, a reduction in the number of antibodies does not necessarily mean that the infection is no longer present, as it can be sequestered in tissue.
Created by researchers at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), the test is already being used to diagnose dogs in the USA, where up to six per cent of dogs are affected by the disease.
Dr Toby Pinn-Woodcock, an assistant clinical professor at CVM, said: “We’re testing hundreds of dogs per month. We believe that this test is more sensitive and less prone to false-positive results.”
Although Brucella canis is not currently endemic in the UK, there has been a spike in cases of the zoonotic disease since 2020, with cases found in dogs imported from Europe and elsewhere. In 2022, 54 cases were reported, along with the first recorded case of dog-to-human transmission in the UK.
In February, the BSAVA published a Scientific Information Document to provide veterinary professionals with information about the disease. Currently, euthanasia of infected dogs is considered the only way to prevent any risk of transmission, although there are steps that can be taken to try to reduce the risk of transmission when owners choose not to euthanise.
Following the development of the new test, the researchers at CVM are seeking funding to study whether a prolonged decrease in the amount of antibodies could be a sign that a dog is cured of the disease.
Cassandra Guarino, assistant professor at CVM, said: “In theory, if the [antibody] values come down and stay down for a certain amount of time, we may be able to say with confidence that the animal has successfully cleared the infection, but we’re not quite there yet.”
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. 
