Brucella Policy
pets
Over the past few years, we have seen a marked increase in the number of dogs in the UK who have tested positive for Brucella canis. This is commonly seen in dogs that have been imported from countries where Brucella canis is endemic.
Dogs that are infected do not always show signs of ill health, but other can present with:
- Reproductive issues such as infertility or abortion
- Swelling and or discharge from the penis or vulva
- Lameness
- Neck or spinal pain
- Lethargy
- Uveitis – inflammation to the inside part of the eye
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Fever
Brucella canis is spread through contact with bodily fluids including saliva, blood and urine. It is a zoonotic disease which means it can be spread from animals to humans.
Due to its zoonotic nature, we are increasing our precautionary measures to protect our clients, their pets and our staff.
We are now requesting either at registration or after discussion of their travel history that all dogs that have been imported from or travelled to a high-risk country are tested for Brucella canis prior to any diagnostic tests or surgical procedures. We strongly recommend being proactive and arranging for your dog to be tested before the necessity arises.
Testing is completed by sending a blood sample to Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA), Test results can take 7-21 days. Test results will then be interpreted and reported by one of our Veterinary Surgeons.
Once a negative test is returned it is recorded on your dog's clinical record and they are treated no differently to non-travelled dogs.
Non tested travelled dogs or ones which are positive for Brucella Canis will continue to receive care but special arrangements will apply:
- Veterinary staff will wear full PPE which will incur an additional charge to the client and your dog will only be seen in an isolation room entered from outside, not the usual practice entrance. Your dog will need to remain outside until seen, not in the waiting area
- If admission into hospital is required they will be cared for in an isolation ward, not a communal one with staff wearing full PPE
- Procedures which are classed as high risk for transmission of Brucella Canis to veterinary staff, will be risk assessed according to the specific circumstances of the case
Brucella is a reportable disease so owners receiving a positive result for their dog will be contacted by the UK Health Security Agency.
We hope you understand the reasons behind our policy as the safety of all our staff and clients is paramount. If you would like more information, please contact us or visit; www.gov.uk/government/publications