13/05/2026
The risk of Brucella Canis infecting a member of my profession is low, but it should always be taken seriously. As this article published recently at a human infectious diseases conference shows.
This vet was extremely poorly with serious symptoms caused by Brucella Canis but, most importantly, had had no high-risk exposure to known positive dogs, beyond those who were patients she looked after.
This is why it is so important that imported dogs are tested, and confirmed negative, before they enter the UK. This is now mandatory for those travelling from Romania but a responsible importing organisation will do this for dogs from other high-risk countries as well.
It is also why a repeated test must be performed after the dog has been in the UK for three months, to ensure any who may have been developing the infection during the first testing period, are identified.
A positive result doesn't mean your local clinic won't care for your dog, but it does mean they know to put extra precautions in place to keep their staff safe.
To my colleague, (who, I must be clear, I do not know but we are all peers in this profession) I sincerely hope you are doing better now and I am very sorry this happened to you.
To find out more;
APHA Advice for Veterinary Professionals; https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/canine-brucellosis-summary-information-sheet-for-veterinary-staff
APHA Advice for Owners; https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/brucella-canis-information-for-the-public-and-dog-owners/brucella-canis-information-for-the-public-and-dog-owners
Veterinary Voices UK article on Brucella Canis; https://www.vetvoices.co.uk/post/brucellosis-canis-in-the-uk-an-overview
British Veterinary Association - BVA Advice on Brucella Canis; https://www.bva.co.uk/resources-support/brucella-canis/
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announcement on the new testing requirements for Romanian imports; https://www.gov.uk/guidance/brucella-canis-testing-dogs-before-import
The abstract page at the ESCMID Conference; https://www.escmid.org/congress-events/escmid-global/abstracts/information-for-presenters/abstract-finder/ (there is no direct link to this image, I was sent it directly)