In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of dogs being infected with Brucella Canis. The UK was previously considered free from Brucella canis: however, it is believed that the increase in travelling pets, potential effects of global warming and the increased number of rescue dogs being imported has contributed to the rise of Brucella canis in the UK.

Brucella canis is a bacterium which causes canine brucellosis, an infectious disease which primarily affects dogs, but can also infect humans. Once infected, an animal will remain infected for the rest of its life. It can cause serious health issues to our pets and can be transmitted to humans with life-altering results.

Whilst we acknowledge that the risk to the general public is considered to be low and that transmission to humans is rare, it has occurred. The risk to veterinary staff is increased in certain circumstances such as before, during and after surgery or by coming into contact with an infected animal’s bodily fluids. In order to keep our team and other patients safe we have put the following measures in place:

Unless pre-importation testing with a negative result has been performed, all pets that have been imported or those that have visited South America and Europe, including Ireland, will need to be tested for Brucella canis before being treated at Quarry House Vets or by any members of the Quarry House Vets team.

Infected dogs can be asymptomatic carriers and not show any symptoms of infection. We advise that even dogs that have been in the UK for many years are tested for Brucella canis as they are still at risk and could be spreading the disease. This will offer owners peace of mind and enable them to take steps to protect themselves and others if their dog is found to be infected.

How to book a Brucella canis test and what’s involved?

Call our reception team on 01803 324341 who will offer you an appointment time for when no other animals will be in our waiting areas.

On arrival for your pet’s appointment, you will be greeted by a member of the team wearing PPE and guided into a consultation room. Blood samples will be taken and our Staff will ask you about any symptoms your dog may have, their recent and historical movements and other relevant information. On completion of the appointment, all areas and equipment that your dog has come into contact with will have a comprehensive clean for disease control and prevention purposes.

The recommended testing regime is serological evaluation, which looks for antibodies in the blood. With Brucellosis, these antibodies are usually produced within two weeks of infection but can take up to three months, and there are cases of infected puppies not producing them at all. Therefore, testing involves a two-step approach and may need to be repeated due to the potential for delayed antibody production.

What happens if my dog receives a positive result?

At present there is no proven treatment that fully stops the infection, so euthanasia is currently the only known way to completely prevent transmission from an infected animal. If your dog tests positive for Brucella canis, this may be recommended as an option to protect you, other dogs and humans from the possible spread of disease. However, this is not a legal requirement, so we can discuss other options such as neutering, isolation, monitoring, and other lifestyle management approaches.

Please note that we and all vets have a legal duty to report positive test results to APHA.

For more information regarding Brucella canis we recommend you visit the British Veterinary Associations’ advice page, which can be found here. 

Last updated 20.10.2025