27/04/2026
Brucella Canis Update – What You Need to Know
You may have heard about Brucella, or noticed that we are asking more questions about your dog’s travel history or country of origin. This is because we are following updated guidance from our medical board to keep both our clients and our team safe.
Brucella canis is an infectious disease that can (rarely) spread from dogs to people, so it’s something we take seriously. There has been an increase in cases of owners and veterinary staff being infected in the UK in recent years, particularly linked to imported dogs from higher-risk areas.
As a result, we have updated our practice protocols.
For dogs that have been originally imported from higher-risk countries, we now require a second confirmatory negative Brucella blood test, carried out by the UK’s reference laboratory (APHA), at least 3 months after arrival in the UK.
We completely understand that many of these dogs have been long-term patients with us, and this change may feel unexpected. Please be reassured:
- This is not about generating extra costs, but about ensuring safety for everyone
- It is based on national guidance and evolving evidence
- We are here to support you through the process and answer any questions
Our priority is always to provide safe, high-quality care for your pets while protecting our clients, our team, and the wider community.
If you think this may apply to your dog, or if you’d like to discuss testing, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
Thank you for your understanding and continued trust 💙
