Brucella canis

Brucella canis advice

Brucella canis is a bacterium which causes canine brucellosis, an infectious disease predominantly affecting dogs, but also transmissible to humans.

Note that, although it’s a member of the Brucella genus, B. canis is distinct from other classical Brucella species (eg B. abortus, B. melitensis and B. suis) which infect livestock and account for the vast majority of human infections globally.

We’ve collated the latest updates and the most important resources.

Latest updates

January 2024

We published our policy position on Brucella canis, jointly with BSAVA, BVNA and SPVS.

September 2023

The UK Health Security Agency published their HAIRS risk assessment: Brucella canis

Report. This found that the disease is not currently thought to be endemic in the UK dog population, that the risk to the general public is very low, and low for individuals at greater risk of exposure (including veterinary teams and owners of infected dogs).

APHA subsequently published their updated guidance for veterinary staff and for the public and dog owners.

August 2022

News emerged of the first UK case of dog-to-human transmission, highlighting the risks to those handling and treating infected dogs and raising levels of concern within veterinary teams.

April 2021

Changes to the Zoonoses Order made detection of brucellosis in dogs reportable. There is a legal duty to report positive test results relating to the detection or diagnosis of B. canis in dogs to the competent government authority (along with the provision of specified statutory information). Reports can be made to: [email protected].

In Northern Ireland, B. canis is notifiable, meaning both suspicion of the disease and confirmation of results must be reported to the local Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Direct Regional Office. If B. canis infection is suspected, the relevant local DAERA Direct Regional Office should be contacted.

February 2021

In response to a marked increase in the number of cases being reported, the UK Chief Veterinary Officer share a letter in the Vet Record regarding Brucella canis in imported dogs in the UK, highlighting concerns regarding the potential disease risks of importing dogs.

Since 2020, there had been a rapid rise in identified cases, which had previously been sporadic and isolated.

Brucella canis information for vets

We’ve worked with colleagues at BSAVA, BVNA and SPVS to develop our policy position on Brucella canis, which includes useful information for veterinary professionals on managing the disease in the practice. The policy includes:

  • Background information, including prevalence, transmission and clinical signs.
  • Information on diagnosis and testing, including legal requirements, determining infection status, the role of pre-import testing and testing in UK veterinary practices.
  • Guidance on management of positive cases and managing risks in veterinary practice.
read policy position

Useful resources