Brucellosis

Brucellosis is a bacterial disease that is well known by food animal producers. It causes
abortions, infertility and decreased milk yield in cattle.

According to Dr. Allan Paul, small animal Extension veterinarian at the University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine at Urbana, "Brucellosis can infect cattle, sheep, goats, dogs
and humans as well as pigs. Cats, however, seem to be somewhat resistant to the bacteria."

The major route of brucellosis transmission in dogs is through direct contact of an infected,
aborted fetus, or uterine discharge. They may also become infected by eating contaminated
meat, fetal membranes, aborted fetuses of livestock or drinking contaminated,
unpasteurized milk. The bacteria can also be shed in dog feces and be cultured from lymph
nodes of an infected animal.

Signs of infection in dogs may include abortion, infertility, infected reproductive organs,
arthritis, disc disease, fever, hind limb weakness, lethargy, and/or general lymph node
swelling. Since these may be signs of many diseases, take your pet to your veterinarian if it
shows any of them. He or she will need to draw a blood sample to determine if the problem
is brucellosis.

Brucellosis is difficult to treat. It may take a long period of antibiotic therapy to fully rid the
dog of the bacteria. Since blood samples need to be taken to monitor the progress of the
drug treatment, it may also become somewhat expensive. It is also possible for humans to
become infected with canine brucellosis, although transmission from dogs to people seems
to be uncommon.

Since this disease is sexually transmitted, it is important for breeders to make sure all of the
dogs in their kennel test negative for the bacteria. If they are not, they should not be bred.
The dog may show no clinical signs, but still transmit the bacteria in semen or vaginal fluid.
Female dogs should be tested a few weeks before they come into heat and males should be
tested twice a year. Any new animal brought into the kennel should be isolated until it tests
negative twice. The second test should be done one month after the first one.

"The bacteria is relatively easy to kill with common disinfectants, such as diluted bleach
water solution," notes Dr. Paul.

There is no vaccine available for canine brucellosis at this time. Eliminating the positive
animals from breeding stock is one way to help control the disease. Proper disposal of
waste and wearing gloves to handle any fetal membranes or aborted fetuses, followed by
thorough disinfection of the area will also help. If you have any questions about canine
brucellosis, see your veterinarian.