The bacterial infection affects dogs, but can pass to humans.

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has written to UK veterinary surgeons with the latest information on Brucella canis.

The letter, written with the Scottish and Welsh governments, addresses an increase in infections of Brucella canis in the UK, caused by imported dogs.

Brucella canis is a bacterial infection that is believed to be passed between dogs through contact with reproductive or birthing products of infected dogs.

The letter says that infected dogs may show some clinical signs including muscle weakness, discospondylitis, lymphadenopathy and weight loss. They may also have reproductive issues such as abortion, infertility and weak puppies.

The UK had reported three diagnoses of Brucella canis in 2020, which has increased to 97 diagnoses from January- June 2023. The cases were all reported to have been imported or linked to imported dogs from Eastern Europe.

However a small number of cases have also been reported in humans. The infection is believed to particularly spread from the reproductive or birthing products of an infected dog, with dog breeders and vets considered to be at ‘low risk’ – a higher risk than the general population.

Although diseases caused by Brucella canis infection are not currently notifiable, detection of the pathogen is reportable to monitor the number of suspected cases. The letter advises that veterinary practices take samples from suspected cases, especially if they have a history of import or close association with imported dogs.

It recommends that veterinary surgeons complete both serological tests – Brucella canis SAT (TC1032) and Brucella canis iELISA (TC0116). If either of the tests are positive, the sample is considered serologically positive.

The National Reference Laboratory for Brucella canis is the APHA laboratory at Weybridge.

The guidance says that there is currently no consistently effective treatment for canine brucellosis, meaning that the only way to eliminate transmission risks is by euthanasia.

If owners do not consent to their pet being euthanised, the guide says that appropriate risk reduction steps should be taken to reduce the risk of spread to other animals. This includes minimising the infected dog’s contact with animals and people, avoiding breeding, considering neutering and effective PPE use when handling the dog.

It says that antimicrobial treatment must be considered to reduce the risk of spread of infection, although it will not clear the infection.

The Government has also published specific guidance for dog-breeders and owners who could also be at risk, which can be accessed here.

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