Brucella Canis in Dogs
Source Brucella Canis: News 18
GS II: Health
Overview
- News in Brief
- About BrucellaCanis
Why in the News?
Three residents in the UK caught a disease that usually affects dogs.
News in Brief
- Since the summer of 2020, there has been a rise in the number of cases of Brucella canis infection in dogs.
- It is believed that the majority of these cases have been directly imported into the UK from Eastern Europe.
- It is worth noting that there have been no cases of human-to-human transmission yet, although it could be possible through blood transfusion.
- In 2020, there were only nine cases of this infection in dogs, but by 2023, the number had risen to 91.
- It is reassuring to know that there have been no fatal cases reported in humans so far.
About Brucella Canis
- Brucella canis is a bacterial infection that leads to pain and infertility in dogs and spreads through contact with an infected animal’s fluids.
- The disease is incurable and lifelong for dogs infected with the disease.
- Brucella canis is a bacterium that can infect dogs, leading to canine brucellosis.
- Infected dogs should be isolated, and strict biosecurity measures should be in place, particularly in breeding facilities or kennels.
Impact on humans
- The disease is mild in humans but has the potential to cause meningitis and septicemia.
- In the case of humans, it can usually be treated with antibiotics.
- People who have weakened immune systems, are pregnant or are young children may be more likely to experience more serious infections.
Key points about Brucella canis in dogs
- Bacterial Infection
- Brucella canis is one of several species of the Brucella genus that can infect animals, including dogs.
- Transmission
- Dogs typically become infected with Brucella canis through contact with infected body fluids, such as urine, vaginal secretions, or placental tissues from infected dogs.
- This bacterium is highly contagious among dogs, and transmission can occur through mating, direct contact, or contaminated environments.
- Clinical Signs
- Canine brucellosis can manifest in various ways, and some infected dogs may not show any clinical signs.
- Common symptoms may include lethargy, swollen lymph nodes, joint pain, fever, and reproductive issues such as infertility, abortions, or stillbirths in female dogs.
- Male dogs may develop testicular inflammation and swelling.
- Chronic Infection
- Brucella canis infections in dogs can become chronic, and infected dogs may shed the bacteria intermittently throughout their lives.
- This makes control and eradication challenging.
- Zoonotic Risk
- While Brucella canis primarily affects dogs, it is a zoonotic pathogen, meaning it can potentially infect humans.
- People can become infected through close contact with infected dogs or their bodily fluids.
- It can cause flu-like symptoms in humans and can be a serious health concern, particularly for individuals with compromised immune systems.
- Diagnosis
- Diagnosis of canine brucellosis typically involves a combination of clinical signs, serological tests (blood tests), and sometimes bacterial culture.
- Confirmatory testing is essential due to the potential public health risk.
- Treatment
- Treating Brucella canis infection in dogs can be challenging.
- While antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline are used, they may not completely eliminate the infection, and long-term treatment and monitoring are often required.
- Infected dogs should be isolated to prevent transmission to other animals.
- Prevention
- Preventing Brucella canis infection involves strict biosecurity measures, including regular testing and culling of infected animals in breeding facilities.
- It is also essential to prevent contact between infected and uninfected dogs.
- Regulatory Measures
- Many countries have regulations and testing requirements for the import and export of dogs to control the spread of Brucella canis.
- Dogs that test positive may be denied entry or subjected to quarantine measures.
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