Dog Brucellosis: Emerging UK Welfare and Public Health Risk

Brucella canis, a bacterial infection causing reproductive failure and systemic illness in dogs, has emerged as an increasing concern in the UK associated with imported dogs.

Key Facts

Brucella canis causes abortion, stillbirth, infertility, and orchitis (testicle inflammation) in dogs
Systemic infection causes lymph node enlargement, spinal disc infection, and uveitis in some dogs
The UK has seen increasing cases in dogs imported from Eastern Europe where B. canis is endemic
Transmission occurs through sexual contact, contaminated reproductive secretions, and birth fluids
There is no reliable cure — treatment may suppress but not eliminate the bacteria, and euthanasia is sometimes recommended

Welfare Considerations

Brucellosis in dogs causes significant welfare harm through painful orchitis, reproductive failure, and in some cases severe systemic disease including discospondylitis causing spinal pain. The chronic nature of infection and the absence of reliable cure means affected dogs may face long-term welfare compromise or euthanasia decisions. The public health dimension — B. canis is a zoonosis transmissible to humans — adds complexity to management decisions. The increasing prevalence of imported dogs from endemic countries requires rigorous testing protocols at importation to prevent establishment of the disease in the UK dog population.

What You Can Do

Test any dog imported from Eastern Europe or outside the UK for Brucella canis before contact with other dogs
Report suspected brucellosis cases to APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) as a notifiable disease concern
Avoid purchasing dogs from countries with endemic B. canis without confirmed test results
Support national surveillance programmes tracking B. canis incidence in the UK dog population