Risk to the dog
Brucella Canis
Canine Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Brucella canis. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning that can be transmitted to humans from infected dogs. It can cause serious illness and occasionally be fatal. Although currently very rare in the UK, cases are rising due to increasing numbers of imported dogs, which are the largest source of infection in the UK.
There is a significant level of disease in many countries of Eastern and Southern Europe as well as other parts of the world. There are also cases now of transmission between dogs in the UK. You may have seen recently in the media, the report of a very sad situation where an infected imported dog spread the disease to the lady and all her other dogs. The lady became very ill and was hospitalised, and all the dogs had to be euthanised.
Canine brucellosis is primarily a reproductive disease although non-reproductive routes of transmission are also possible. The most common routes of transmission of infection between dogs are:
Unfortunately, it is not recommended to treat an infected dog, the only way to remove the risk of transmission is euthanasia. Even very long courses of combinations of antibiotics are often unsuccessful in curing infection, and the dog remains a risk to other dogs and humans. It is required by law to report any Brucella canis positive cases to the APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency).
Infected dogs pose a risk to other dogs in the UK, their owner’s family, and anyone else they come into contact with. People who have a compromised immune system, pregnant women and young children are at higher risk of severe infection.
Symptoms are often mild and non-specific. The most common signs and symptoms of human infection include a continued, intermittent, or irregular fever sometimes accompanied by loss of appetite, weight loss, sweating, headaches, fatigue, back and/or joint pain. If not treated the disease becomes chronic and more serious symptoms can arise.
There is a significant risk to veterinary staff during surgery, treatment and care of infected dogs. We, along with most other Veterinary Practices, are now putting measures in place to avoid risk to our staff from exposure to Brucella canis.
When you bring your dog in for their blood test, we request that you and your dog wait outside.
If this test is negative, we will treat your pet as a normal patient.
If this test is positive, (and confirmed) there are significant implications for you dog. As there is no means of effectively treating Brucella. As a result of the risk to human health posed by these animals, our advice is positive dogs should be considered for euthanisia. If you choose not to, the following precautions should be observed:
European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites website.
Source: European Scientific Counsel CompanionAnimal Parasites website https://www.esccap.org/
Leishmania infantum
Zoonotic risk low without sandfly vector. Significant disease in dogs and cats. Can be passed through mating and pregnancy, blood transfusion or close prolonged contact.
Ideally screen dogs before entering UK. Do not use infected dogs for blood donors. Use sand fly repellents when in endemic countries.
Tick-Bourne Encephalitis Virus
Zoonotic risk is moderate. Causes severe disease with 1-2% mortality.
Already in the UK (Thetford Forest and New Forest) possibly entered UK by migrating birds carrying infected ticks. May be more widespread.
3 dogs who have never left the UK reported in the last 5 years. Causes neurological signs.
Tick prevention very important, stay on paths, protective clothing for walkers, check for ticks after walk.
Thelazia callipaeda (eye worm)
Zoonotic risk moderate, spread by fruit flies, eye lesions in infected humans. Can cause significant eye disease in dogs and less commonly cats
Fruit fly already in South of England and likely high numbers of infected dogs entering the UK.
Linguatula serrata (tongue worm)
Moderate zoonotic risk, humans can act as definitive and intermediate host! Spread by consumption of offal, or via eggs in nasal secretions or faecesNymphs found in organs around the body. Greatest risk is from living with infected dogs (in UK)
Moderate risk of establishing in the UK, probably many subclinical carriers around. A number of infected untravelled dogs were noted in 2024. Plentiful intermediate hosts such as rabbits and livestock
Echinococcus granulosus
Definitive host dog causing tapeworms in the intestine Intermediate host is sheep causing hydatid cysts in muscle - eaten by dog.If cysts form in a human - severe morbidity (suffering) or mortality (death) can occur.
Distribution of E granulosus in world.
Recent (2024) research in UK (University of Liverpool) Hydata UK - summary of results: Looked for E granulosus in UK (supposed to be free except for Wales) in 4 areas
Screening tests are advised depending on the country of origin
Leishamania - quantitative serology, PCR
Heartworm - Antigen blood test, modified Knott’s test
Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma - serology, PCR
Hepatozoon canis - blood smear, PCR
Babesia - PCR
Brucella canis - serology (SAT and iELISA to APHA)
Repeat testing advised after entry
Brucella canis - 3 months
Dirofilaria immitis - 6-9 months
Leishmania - 6 months
APHA offers free identification of any exotic worms
APHA and ESCCAP UK and Ireland have collaborated to offer free identification of suspected cases of T. callipaeda, D. repens and L. serrata seen in veterinary practice.
Sample submissions must be accompanied by a full clinical history to qualify
http://apha.defra.gov.uk/vet-gateway/surveillance/experts/parasitology.htm