Canine Brucellosis
Is this relevant to my dog? This information applies to dogs imported into the UK from overseas. If your dog was born in the UK and has never been imported, it is unlikely to apply to you.
What is Brucella canis?
Brucella canis is a bacterial infection that affects dogs and has become an increasing concern in the UK due to the growing number of imported dogs.
Some infected dogs remain completely healthy with no obvious signs at all, which is precisely why testing matters — you cannot tell from looking at a dog whether it is carrying the infection.
Difficult to eliminate. Brucella canis is very hard to clear completely, even with prolonged antibiotic treatment. Dogs may continue to carry the bacteria despite treatment and remain a potential source of infection.
Signs some dogs develop
- Reproductive disease — infertility, abortions or testicular disease
- Back or neck pain caused by infection of the spine
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Eye inflammation
- Lethargy or other non-specific signs
Many infected dogs show none of these.
Is it a risk to people?
Yes. Brucella canis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be passed from dogs to people.
The overall risk to healthy individuals is considered low, but infection can be more serious for people with weakened immune systems and those who are pregnant.
Why our team takes precautions
Veterinary professionals are at increased occupational risk, particularly during surgery or when handling blood, tissues or reproductive fluids.
For this reason, veterinary practices must take appropriate precautions when treating dogs with a confirmed or unknown Brucella status.
Which dogs should be tested, and when?
Every imported dog
At Anderson Vets, we strongly recommend Brucella screening for any dog imported into the UK, regardless of the country of origin.
Although many UK cases have involved dogs imported from Eastern Europe, Brucella canis has also been identified in dogs imported from other parts of Europe, North America, the Middle East and elsewhere. Because the disease is present in many countries worldwide, we recommend testing all imported dogs.
At least three months after exposure
Testing is most reliable when performed at least three months after your dog's last potential exposure to the bacteria, such as:
- Arrival in the UK following importation
- Contact with infected dogs overseas
Testing earlier than this may fail to detect a recently acquired infection, giving a false negative result. If your dog has been imported within the last three months, our team can advise you on the most appropriate time for testing.
How the test is performed
Testing involves a simple blood sample, taken by one of our veterinary surgeons or nurses. It is a quick, routine appointment.
Knowing your dog's Brucella status allows us to provide the safest possible care — for your pet, for our team, and for other animals in the practice.
What happens if my dog tests positive?
A positive result does not mean we will refuse to treat your dog. We are committed to providing veterinary care wherever possible.
However, because Brucella canis poses a risk to veterinary staff and other animals, additional infection control precautions become necessary. Procedures that carry a higher risk of bacterial transmission — those involving exposure to blood, bodily fluids or tissues, including dental treatments, surgical procedures and many other invasive interventions — may not be possible to perform safely at our practice.
Each case is assessed individually, taking into account the nature of the procedure and the risks involved.
Arranging a test
If your dog has been imported into the UK and you would like to arrange Brucella testing — or you would simply like to discuss whether testing is appropriate for your pet — please contact our reception team, who will be happy to help.
We can also advise you on the most appropriate testing schedule for your dog.
Call 01689 822607Why positive results are reported to APHA
Current UK guidance recommends that positive Brucella canis results are reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) — the UK Government agency responsible for monitoring animal diseases.
Monitor
Track the presence of Brucella canis within the UK.
Understand Spread
Build a picture of how the disease is spreading.
Advise
Provide guidance to veterinary professionals and owners.
Reduce Spread
Support measures that limit further spread of the disease.
Reporting a positive result does not automatically mean that a dog will be euthanased, removed from its owner, or placed under government restrictions. APHA may contact the owner to provide guidance on managing the infection and reducing the risk of transmission.
What if I choose not to test my imported dog?
For existing registered clients, we will continue to provide routine veterinary care wherever possible. However, where a dog's Brucella status is unknown, we must prioritise the safety of our staff, clients and patients. As a result, higher-risk procedures — those involving exposure to blood, bodily fluids or tissues, including dental treatments, surgical procedures and many other invasive interventions — may not be possible.
Many out-of-hours providers, emergency hospitals and referral centres also require Brucella testing before accepting imported dogs for surgery or advanced procedures, and may decline treatment where Brucella status is unknown.
Please note: Anderson Vets is not accepting new registrations for imported dogs whose owners decline Brucella testing. This policy has been introduced to protect our team, our patients and our clients, while allowing us to continue providing a safe veterinary service.
Thinking of testing your imported dog?
Call us or send a message and we'll advise you on the right testing schedule.