Brucella canis, an incurable illness that was circulating among dogs in the United Kingdom, has now been transmitted to people. Three British individuals have been infected with Brucella canis, a parasite that causes infertility, movement problems, and discomfort in dogs. This infection is spread through contact with bodily fluids.
Brucella canis, an incurable disease common in dogs, is spreading to humans in the United Kingdom. According to The Telegraph, the condition, which has no cure and causes infertility in dogs, was previously only seen in imported animals.
However, Dr Christine Middlemiss, the Chief Veterinary Officer at the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs in the United Kingdom, told the outlet that evidence suggests that certain dogs in the United Kingdom are catching this infection.
Zoonotic consequences
While it is not yet declared endemic, the number of British dogs infected with Brucella canis has increased, according to the paper.
They were related to certain situations, such as mating with an imported dog, coming into contact with a pregnant imported dog, or becoming the offspring of imported canines.
A report due to be published on Monday by the Human Animal Infection and Risk Surveillance Group will purportedly reveal that the risk to the public is very minimal, with breeders also facing a low risk.
Despite the low danger, the matter has garnered increased attention, especially because three people have gotten the disease from dogs this year. This has also resulted in the NHS tripling the number of human testing.
Dr. Middlemiss noted that the virus appeared to be spreading inside kennels by breeding and that the incidence remained low.
“There is not a lot – there is very little. But that is new for us.”
Screening
According to The Telegraph, government experts are gathering evidence to assess the feasibility of instituting a screening system at the border to prevent sick animals from entering the UK.
While, currently, there are no statutory requirements for import testing, Dr Middlemiss advises “that voluntary testing, pre-import testing, is a really sensible thing to do. If you’re bringing dogs in to breed, then it would absolutely make sense to pre-import screen those dogs.”
According to the findings, the only sure way to stop further transmission is euthanasia. However, the decision remains with the dog owner, as a positive Brucella canis test is not a death sentence.