Large numbers of B. canis bacteria are shed in the genital secretions (semen or vaginal discharges) of an infected dog. Smaller amounts of bacteria may also be shed in the dog's urine or saliva.
Brucellosis is an infection that can be transmitted to humans from some animals such as cows, sheep, goats and pigs. While this disease is common in many parts of the world, it is rare in Australia. Cases in NSW usually result from contact with feral pigs or from consuming unpasteurized dairy products while overseas.
Brucella canis (B. canis) is a gram-negative, facultative intracellular coccobacillus which has been reported in many regions of the world and is considered endemic in Southern USA, in Central and South America and in Mexico (4–8). B. canis also occurs in Canada (9).
How is brucellosis spread? Dog-to-dog spread of brucellosis occurs most often through breeding and by contact with vaginal discharges, semen, birthing fluids, and urine. Contact with an infected dog's blood, milk, saliva, and feces are less common sources of infection.
Brucellosis in dogs is a rare disease in Canada. It is more prevalent in some areas of the United States, such as the southern USA, and in other parts of the world.
I have read estimates as high as 6% of dogs in the southeastern US are affected but this percentage includes stray/feral dogs. CHF: How are the Brucella bacteria transmitted from dog to dog?
Brucellosis caused by Brucella abortus, B. suis, or B. melitensis is relatively rare in dogs. In cases that do occur, the dogs are usually around livestock, as they are the primary source of those strains of the bacteria.
People who work with animals and are in contact with blood, placenta, foetuses and uterine secretions have an increased risk of contracting the disease. This method of transmission primarily affects farmers, butchers, hunters, veterinarians and laboratory personnel.
Occupational groups at high risk of brucellosis include butchers, livestock farmers/breeders, milkers, veterinarians, inseminators, laboratory workers as well as individuals associated with packing and selling dairy products and raw meat (6, 10, 11, 15, 19).
Brucellosis is an infection caused by Brucella bacteria. The common reservoirs for Brucella bacteria that may infect humans are cattle, dogs, sheep, goats, and pigs. Brucellosis occurs worldwide but the Mediterranean region has been particularly affected.
Brucellosis is a zoonosis, acquired from handling of infected animals or consuming contaminated milk or milk products. Exposure is frequently occupational. The disease is now uncommon in the United States and Britain but common in the Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf regions, Latin America, Africa, and parts of Asia.
How is brucellosis spread? Brucellosis is commonly transmitted to susceptible animals by direct contact with infected animals or with an environment that has been contaminated with discharges from infected animals.
It is likely that infection may be transmitted from an infected dog when it is bred/mated. Brucellosis is a disease caused by infection with a type of bacteria (Brucella). This disease is common in many parts of the world, but it is rare in Australia. Brucella bacteria infect a range of animals.
Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the intracellular bacteria, Brucella species. There are several types of Brucella bacteria, but Brucella suis is the only species in Australia that can cause human disease. It is transmitted to humans from infected animals.
Unfortunately, there are no vaccines available for brucellosis. The best way to keep the disease out of your kennel is to make sure you test all new dogs before they enter your property.
Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria. People can get the disease when they are in contact with infected animals or animal products contaminated with the bacteria. Animals that are most commonly infected include sheep, cattle, goats, pigs, and dogs, among others.
Lethality: Brucellosis has a very low mortality rate, less than 5% of untreated cases, with most deaths caused by endocarditis or meningitis.
Can brucellosis be prevented? There is no vaccine available for brucellosis. However, you can reduce your risk if you avoid eating or drinking unpasteurized milk, cheese and ice cream when you travel. Hunters should wear rubber gloves when handling the internal organs of animals.
Brucellosis may also be transmitted through semen or urine and can be shed by intact or neutered males for several years in cases of chronic infection.
The best way to prevent brucellosis is to spay or neuter your dog according to your veterinarian's advice. Since breeding your dog should be a very well-considered decision, discuss with your veterinarian the potential consequences of breeding. Reducing the risk of exposing your favorite canine also reduces your risk.
Clinical Signs in Dogs
Infected male dogs may have abnormally sized testicles (swollen or shrunken). Other signs observed with canine brucellosis include infertility, anorexia, weight loss, pain, lameness, incoordination, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle weakness.
Geographic distribution — Endemic areas for brucellosis include countries of the Mediterranean basin, Middle East, Central Asia, China, the Indian subcontinent, sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of Mexico and Central and South America (table 1) [4,5].
Eating undercooked meat or consuming unpasteurized/raw dairy products. The most common way to be infected is by eating or drinking unpasteurized/raw dairy products. When sheep, goats, cows, or camels are infected, their milk becomes contaminated with the bacteria.
What are the signs of brucellosis? There is no effective way to detect infected animals by their appearance. The most obvious signs in pregnant animals are abortion or birth of weak calves. Milk production may be reduced from changes in the normal lactation period caused by abortions and delayed conceptions.