Horse Health
Update on Canine Brucellosis
By: Gary M. Greene, DVM
Diplomate, American college of Theriogenology
What is Canine Brucellosis?
Canine Brucellosis is a disease caused by a bacteria called Brucella
Canis. It is suspected whenever reproductive performance is
less than expected.
In bitches, the most common sign is abortion, generally during the last trimester of pregnancy. The nonpregnant female does not show any outward signs of disease.
In male doges, infertility is the most common sign. Although scrotal swelling occurs, this is a transient event and may not be noticed.
Brucella Canis is considered a zoonotic bacteria, which means that humans can become infected. Fortunately, human infections are not common, but it is important to take precautions when handling aborted materials or infected animals.
How is Canine Brucellosis transmitted?
Brucella Canis is a highly infectious bacteria
that can be readily penetrate any mucous membrane. Infection is through
oral, conjunctival (eye), or venereal routes. The oral route is the
most common. In the pregnant female, the organism goes to the uterus
and generally results in abortion late in pregnancy. After the
abortion, vaginal discharges and aborted material contain high numbers
of the bacteria. In male dogs, semen and urine of recently infected
dogs contain high numbers of the bacteria.
How is Canine Brucellosis Diagnosed?
A screening test is available for intra-office use by veterinarians.
This blood test provides quick results with fewer than 1% false
negatives. False positives can occur, and are confirmed by additional
laboratory test (which take longer for results).
It is important to note that for approximately 8-12 weeks after initial infection, blood tests may be negative until such time as the body can form antibodies to Brucella Canis. Therefore, if Brucella Canis is suspected in a kennel, retesting every 8-12 weeks is the only method to accurately assess it’s disease status.
Can Canine Brucellosis Be Treated?
Although long-term antibiotics have shown promise in some cases,
treatment is frequently unsuccessful and is not recommended for
eradication of the organism. Antibiotics may decrease abortion rates in
infected bitches, but those treated animals may remain infected after
treatment.
Can Canine Brucellosis Be Prevented?
Although no vaccine is available, canine Brucellosis can be
successfully prevented. If the breeder has already experienced cases of
Brucellosis, then the swift identification and removal of infected
animals is essential. One should test on a monthly basis and remove
positive animals. Because infected animals may not be recognized until
8-12 weeks after exposure, one can expect positive animals to be
identified for 3-4 months.
New exposure is prevented by a strict quarantine of new acquisitions until monthly test on these new animals are negative for at least 2 or more consecutive times. Any animals known to have been exposed should not be considered for breeding. All brood bitches should be tested prior to breeding. Any temporary animals being boarded for breeding should be housed separately from the kennel.