New bacterial infection from dogs spreads to humans in the UK

In a concerning turn of events, Brucella canis, a bacterial infection typically found in dogs, has made its way to the UK and is now spreading rapidly among canines for the first time within the country. This bacterial disease is particularly worrisome as it is dominantly incurable and can lead to a host of health issues, including infertility, lameness, and chronic pain.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that this disease has not only affected canines but has also infected three individuals in Britain, marking the first human cases recorded in the UK.
Since 2022, three human cases of Brucella canis have been identified in the UK, raising alarms among health authorities. These cases have been linked to contact with infected dogs, either through direct exposure or post adopting offsprings of infected canines. Although the disease is not yet classified as endemic in the UK and is considered low risk for the general population, certain groups like dog breeders, vets, and dog owners are at a slightly higher risk of exposure as compared to others.
Dr Christine Middlemiss, chief veterinary officer at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), told The Telegraph: ‘We have had spread of a case in the UK to another dog in the UK. It is through breeding in kennels.
‘There is not a lot – there is very little. But that is new for us.’
The Human Animal Infections and Risk Surveillance (HAIRS) group, a cross-Government entity, conducted an assessment on the risk posed by Brucella canis. Their findings indicate a ‘very low’ risk of transmission to the general population. However, individuals with weakened immune systems may face greater risks if infected.
While the majority of Brucella canis cases in dogs are tied to imports from countries such as Romania, the disease is gaining ground in the UK and can become a cause of concern, especially among people who are in direct contact with dogs, infected or imported.

The increase in reported cases can be partly attributed to heightened awareness and testing efforts within the veterinary community.
HAIRS has recommended pre-export testing for dogs being brought into the UK and advocated for appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) usage among veterinarians treating these imported animals. The possibility of implementing mandatory testing for dogs imported from Brucella canis hotspots is being actively considered by the UK government.
Although Brucella canis infection is not an immediate threat to the lives of affected animals, it is a lifelong disease with no known cure.
Symptoms in humans and risk of transmission
In humans, Brucella canis typically manifests as mild flu-like symptoms, making it challenging to diagnose. The disease may resurface years after the initial infection, and in rare cases, it can lead to severe infections of the heart, bone, brain tissue, and blood. Although human-to-human transmission is theoretically possible, there have been no documented cases of the same.
How to keep your fur friends and yourself safe from infection
Brucella canis has the ability to endure for extended periods in the environment, especially under ideal conditions. However, it is susceptible to heat and specific disinfectants.

To protect your dog from the infection, primarily make sure that they are kept away from any infected dogs in your vicinity or imported dogs. This might prove a bit difficult but it is important to keep some safeguards.
It’s essential to meticulously clean and disinfect any areas that have been in contact with infected dogs, their bodily fluids like urine, blood, milk, or discharges.
If your dog has been infected, isolate them from others to prevent the disease from spreading and begin treatment after consultation with a registered vet.