Protect Your Furry Friend: A Guide to Brucella Canis for Travelling Pet Owners and New Arrivals 🐶🦠
Understanding Brucella canis: A Growing Concern in the UK
Brucella canis (B. canis) is a bacterial infection increasingly detected in dogs—and occasionally in humans—in the UK and across Europe. A strong connection exists between rising cases and the importation of dogs from Eastern Europe, Spain, Poland, and other high-risk areas. Because B. canis is zoonotic, it can jump from dogs to people, making awareness and prevention vital for the health of our furry friends—and our families. 👨👩👧👦🐕
This article is especially important for pet owners who:
Have recently imported a dog from Europe (especially Eastern Europe, Spain, or Poland)
Plan to travel with their dog to European countries with higher prevalence
Own a dog that’s been in contact with imported or travelled dogs
What is Brucella Canis? A Simple Explanation
Brucella canis is a bacteria that can cause chronic infection in dogs, potentially persisting for life with intermittent shedding. Infection routes include:
Mating (venereal transmission)
Contact with abortion and birth products (amniotic fluid, placentas)
Vertical transmission in utero or via infected milk
Contact with infectious seminal fluid (and to a lesser extent, urine)
Possibly faeces, saliva, tears, or nasal secretions (rare)
Spotting the Signs: What to Look For in Your Dog 🔎
Symptoms vary widely and one of the challenges with Brucella Canis is that many dogs may not show any outward signs of illness at all (subclinical infection), so testing is crucial for high-risk animals. Watch for:
Females: abortion, stillbirth, failure to conceive
Males: epididymitis, orchitis, infertility
Both sexes: discospondylitis (spinal pain), uveitis (eye inflammation), lethargy, weight loss, lymphadenopathy
Any of these signs—especially in an imported or travelled dog—should prompt testing.
Europe and B. canis: High Risk Countries
🟥 High-Risk Countries (More Brucella cases reported)
These are countries where Brucella canis has been found more frequently, especially in dogs imported to the UK:
🇪🇸 Spain – High % of positive PCR samples
🇵🇱 Poland – High % of positive PCR samples
🇷🇴 Romania – Frequently linked to UK imported cases
🇲🇩 Moldova – Known cases in imports
🇲🇰 North Macedonia – Known cases in imports
Other Eastern European countries (Albania, Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey, Ukraine): Grouped as high-risk by various sources.
Note: True prevalence is unknown in many countries due to limited surveillance—so always take precautions! 🛡️
Conclusion: Staying Informed for Your Dog's Well-being
Being informed about Brucella canis is essential for all pet owners, especially those who have welcomed a dog from abroad or plan to travel with their dog to Europe. By understanding how the disease is transmitted, recognising the potential symptoms, and knowing when to consider testing, you can take proactive steps to protect your beloved companion.
You should consider testing your dog for B. canis in the following situations:
If you are thinking about adopting or purchasing a dog from outside the UK, particularly from countries identified as being at higher risk: in these cases, it is advisable to exercise caution and have the pet tested for Brucella before importation.
If you have recently imported a dog from a country listed as high risk.
If you are considering breeding your dog and it has an unknown travel history or origin.
If your dog has come into contact with an imported dog or a dog that has travelled to a high-risk area and is now showing any of the symptoms associated with B. canis.
FAQ
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Transmission typically requires direct contact with reproductive fluids or birth materials. It's less likely to spread through casual contact, but caution is advised around infected dogs.
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No. There is currently no licensed vaccine for this disease.
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It's wise to discuss screening with your vet, especially if your dog came from Eastern Europe or has had reproductive issues.
AHC Specialists: Trusted Support, Testing & Expert Advice 🏥
At AHC Specialists, we’re dedicated to helping pet owners travel the world with confidence—while keeping their animals safe and healthy. Our experienced team provides expert guidance on travel-related risks and diseases, including emerging threats like Brucella canis.
We offer:
✅ Free clinical advice on testing, quarantine protocols, and biosecurity measures
✅ Professional testing services in London, in collaboration with accredited UK reference laboratories
✅ Ongoing support for imported or travelled pets, whether you're planning ahead or responding to a recent exposure
Whether you're importing a dog, travelling abroad, or simply want peace of mind, AHC Specialists is here to help—every step of the way.
