Brucella Canis in Dogs: Symptoms, Transmission, Testing & UK
My Store AdminBrucella Canis in Dogs: Symptoms, Transmission, Testing, Treatment & UK Advice
Brucella canis is an infectious bacterial disease that dog owners, breeders, rescue organisations and anyone considering an imported dog should be aware of.
Also known as canine brucellosis, Brucella canis primarily affects dogs and can cause reproductive problems, infertility, pregnancy loss and other health problems. Importantly, Brucella canis is also a zoonotic infection, meaning it can occasionally pass from infected dogs to people.
The risk to the general public remains low, but certain people have a greater potential exposure risk, particularly dog breeders, veterinary professionals, kennel workers, rescue organisations and people caring for infected or potentially infected dogs.
In the UK, Brucella canis has received increased attention because the number of diagnosed canine cases increased significantly from 2020 onwards, with many cases linked to dogs imported from Eastern Europe. UK government guidance has also introduced specific testing requirements for commercially imported dogs from Romania.
This guide explains what Brucella canis is, how it spreads, the symptoms to look out for, which dogs may be at greater risk, how testing works, what owners should do if infection is suspected, and how to reduce the risk of transmission.
Important: This article is for general educational information only. Brucella canis can be a serious infectious disease and should be assessed by a veterinary professional. If you are concerned that your dog may have been exposed, contact your vet and explain the potential exposure.
What is Brucella canis?
Brucella canis is a type of bacteria that causes canine brucellosis, an infectious disease primarily associated with dogs.
Unlike some other bacterial diseases that cause obvious signs of illness, Brucella canis infection can sometimes be difficult to identify because infected dogs may show few obvious symptoms.
The infection is particularly important in breeding dogs because it can affect the reproductive system.
Possible consequences include:
- Infertility
- Reduced fertility
- Pregnancy loss
- Abortion
- Stillbirths
- Weak or dying puppies
- Reproductive tract infection
- Testicular abnormalities in male dogs
- Lameness
- Back or joint pain
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- General illness
- Long-term or persistent infection
Some infected dogs can appear relatively well despite carrying the bacteria.
This is one of the reasons Brucella canis testing and veterinary investigation are important when there is a known risk of exposure.
Brucella canis in dogs in the UK
Brucella canis has historically been uncommon in the UK.
However, UK authorities have reported an increase in diagnosed infections since 2020. Government information states that the majority of diagnosed UK cases have been associated with dogs imported from Eastern Europe or dogs linked to imported animals.
The UK government also describes Brucella canis as the most common cause of canine brucellosis in Great Britain.
This does not mean that Brucella canis is widespread among the UK's general dog population.
For most household dog owners, the risk remains low.
However, risk can be higher where there is a history involving:
- Imported dogs
- Dogs imported from countries where Brucella canis occurs
- Imported rescue dogs
- International breeding programmes
- Mating with an infected dog
- Contact with an infected pregnant dog
- Contact with birth products
- Contact with aborted material
- Certain veterinary procedures or occupational exposure
The UK government currently provides specific information for owners, breeders and veterinary professionals because of the potential risks.
How is Brucella canis transmitted?
Understanding Brucella canis transmission is one of the most important parts of preventing infection.
The bacteria can be present in several bodily fluids and reproductive materials from infected dogs.
The most significant routes include contact with:
- Semen
- Vaginal secretions
- Birth fluids
- Placental material
- Aborted foetuses
- Discharges associated with pregnancy and birth
- Reproductive tissues
Transmission can also occur through other bodily fluids, including urine, although reproductive materials are considered particularly important sources of exposure.
This is why breeding environments can present a higher risk.
The risk is especially relevant when handling a dog that has:
- Given birth
- Experienced a miscarriage
- Aborted puppies
- Developed reproductive problems
- Been used for breeding
- Recently been imported
- Had contact with an infected dog
UK government risk assessments identify reproductive and birth-related materials as particularly important exposure routes.
Can Brucella canis spread between dogs?
Yes.
Brucella canis can spread between dogs, particularly through reproductive contact and exposure to infectious reproductive fluids.
Mating is an important transmission route.
Infected females can also potentially transmit infection around pregnancy, birth or abortion because reproductive tissues and fluids can contain significant amounts of bacteria.
Transmission from an infected mother to puppies is also possible.
This makes Brucella canis particularly concerning in:
- Breeding kennels
- Multi-dog households
- Rescue environments
- Imported dog populations
- Commercial breeding situations
- Dogs used for stud
- Dogs with unknown reproductive history
The risk is not the same for every dog, however. The circumstances surrounding the potential exposure matter greatly.
Can Brucella canis affect puppies?
Yes.
Puppies can potentially become infected through an infected mother.
This means that if a puppy originates from a breeding situation where Brucella canis is suspected or confirmed, veterinary advice is important.
A puppy may not necessarily show obvious signs immediately.
This is particularly important when considering puppies or rescue dogs with an unclear history, especially if they have been imported.
Potential warning signs can include:
- Poor growth
- Weakness
- Illness
- Reproductive abnormalities later in life
- General signs of infection
However, these signs are not specific to Brucella canis.
A puppy showing any concerning symptoms should be examined by a vet rather than assuming Brucella canis is responsible.
What are the symptoms of Brucella canis in dogs?
One of the challenges with Brucella canis symptoms is that infection can sometimes be subtle.
The most important signs are often associated with reproduction.
Symptoms in male dogs
Possible signs include:
- Infertility
- Reduced fertility
- Testicular inflammation
- Testicular degeneration
- Scrotal abnormalities
- Poor semen quality
- Back pain
- Lameness
- Joint problems
An infected male dog may otherwise appear relatively healthy.
Symptoms in female dogs
Possible signs include:
- Infertility
- Difficulty becoming pregnant
- Pregnancy loss
- Abortion
- Stillbirth
- Weak puppies
- Failure to produce healthy litters
- Vaginal discharge
- Reproductive tract problems
Repeated pregnancy loss or unexplained reproductive failure should always be investigated by a veterinary professional.
Other possible signs
Brucella canis may also be associated with:
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Lameness
- Back pain
- Joint pain
- General illness
However, these symptoms can occur with many other diseases.
You cannot diagnose Brucella canis from symptoms alone.
Can a dog have Brucella canis without symptoms?
Yes.
This is an important part of understanding canine brucellosis.
Some infected dogs may have few or no obvious clinical signs.
A dog that looks healthy is therefore not automatically free from infection if there is a genuine exposure risk.
This is particularly relevant to:
- Breeding dogs
- Imported dogs
- Rescue dogs
- Dogs with an unknown history
- Dogs that have mated with potentially infected animals
- Dogs associated with an infected animal
Testing decisions should be made with a veterinary professional.
How is Brucella canis diagnosed?
Brucella canis testing is a veterinary process and can involve laboratory testing.
Depending on the circumstances, veterinarians may consider:
- The dog's clinical history
- Import history
- Breeding history
- Exposure history
- Reproductive history
- Blood testing
- Serology
- PCR
- Bacterial culture
- Additional diagnostic investigations
No single symptom can confirm infection.
Testing can also be complicated because the timing of infection, the type of test used and the stage of disease can affect interpretation.
For this reason, testing should be arranged through a veterinary professional with appropriate laboratory guidance.
The UK government provides specific veterinary guidance on diagnosis and management of suspected canine brucellosis.
Is Brucella canis a reportable disease in the UK?
Yes.
In Great Britain, Brucella canis in dogs is a reportable disease.
Positive test results must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
This is one reason it is important not to try to manage a suspected infection independently.
If your veterinarian believes Brucella canis may be involved, they can advise you on the appropriate testing, precautions and reporting requirements.
Brucella canis and imported dogs
Imported dogs are an important part of the UK Brucella canis discussion.
Government information states that most diagnosed UK cases have been linked to dogs imported from Eastern Europe or dogs connected with imported animals.
This does not mean that every imported dog has Brucella canis.
Most do not.
However, prospective owners should understand the health risks associated with international dog movement.
Before taking on an imported or rescue dog, consider asking:
- Where was the dog born?
- Where has the dog lived?
- Has the dog travelled internationally?
- Which country was it imported from?
- Has the dog been tested for Brucella canis?
- Has the dog been used for breeding?
- What is known about its parents?
- Has it been in contact with other imported dogs?
- Does the rescue organisation have veterinary records?
- Is there any history of reproductive problems?
Responsible organisations should be able to provide appropriate information about the dog's health history.
Brucella canis and dog breeding
Breeding is one of the areas where Brucella canis deserves particular attention.
Because the infection can affect the reproductive system and can spread through mating and reproductive fluids, introducing an infected dog into a breeding population can have serious consequences.
Breeders should consider veterinary advice about appropriate health screening before introducing new breeding animals.
Particular care may be warranted when introducing:
- Imported breeding dogs
- Imported stud dogs
- Imported bitches
- Dogs with unknown backgrounds
- Dogs from areas where Brucella canis is known to occur
- Dogs with unexplained infertility
- Dogs with repeated pregnancy loss
The UK's human and animal health authorities specifically recommend that breeders consider the risk of Brucella canis when introducing dogs for breeding.
Brucella canis and rescue dogs
Rescue organisations can face additional challenges because dogs may arrive with incomplete medical histories.
This is particularly relevant where dogs have been imported internationally.
Rescue dogs should not be automatically assumed to have Brucella canis.
However, organisations involved in importing or rehoming dogs should have appropriate veterinary procedures and biosecurity measures in place.
Potentially relevant information includes:
- Country of origin
- Previous living conditions
- Breeding history
- Previous veterinary records
- Import documentation
- Previous testing
- Known contact with infected animals
If an imported rescue dog has a suspected exposure, veterinary advice should be sought promptly.
Can humans catch Brucella canis from dogs?
Yes.
Brucella canis is zoonotic, which means it can infect humans.
However, the risk to most members of the general public is considered low.
People with higher potential exposure include:
- Dog breeders
- Veterinary professionals
- Veterinary laboratory workers
- Kennel workers
- Rescue workers
- People caring for infected dogs
- People handling reproductive materials from infected dogs
The greatest concern is generally associated with exposure to infected reproductive and birth-related materials.
UK government guidance states that human-to-human transmission has not been reported, although it is theoretically possible.
What are the symptoms of Brucella canis in humans?
Human infection can be difficult to recognise because symptoms can be non-specific.
Possible symptoms include:
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Sweating
- Muscle pain
- Back pain
- Joint pain
More serious complications can occur, although these are uncommon.
If you believe you have been exposed to Brucella canis and subsequently develop concerning symptoms, tell your healthcare professional specifically that you may have been exposed to Brucella canis.
UK government veterinary guidance states that symptoms can develop from around one week after exposure and potentially much later.
Is Brucella canis dangerous to humans?
It can be, although serious human disease is uncommon.
The important point is that low risk does not mean zero risk.
Certain individuals may be more vulnerable to severe infection, including people who are immunosuppressed.
Young children may also be at increased risk of clinically significant disease following infection.
Anyone with a known or suspected high-risk exposure should follow medical advice.
Can Brucella canis spread through dog food or treats?
There is an important distinction here.
Brucella canis is primarily associated with infected dogs and exposure to infectious bodily fluids and reproductive materials.
It is not considered a normal transmission route for dogs simply eating commercially prepared dog treats.
There is therefore no reason to assume that a dog eating an ordinary commercial dog treat will contract Brucella canis.
However, normal hygiene is still important whenever handling animal products.
Dog owners should:
- Wash hands after handling pet food
- Wash hands after handling dog faeces
- Clean food preparation areas
- Store pet food appropriately
- Follow product feeding and storage instructions
- Prevent dogs from sharing contaminated materials
- Follow veterinary advice where infectious disease is suspected
Brucella canis should not be used as a reason to panic about ordinary dog treats.
The primary concern is exposure to an infected animal and infectious bodily materials.
Can natural dog treats prevent Brucella canis?
No.
There is currently no natural dog treat, supplement or ordinary dietary product that should be promoted as preventing or treating Brucella canis.
Good nutrition is an important part of responsible dog ownership, but it should not be presented as a replacement for:
- Veterinary examination
- Diagnostic testing
- Appropriate hygiene
- Biosecurity
- Disease control
- Veterinary treatment
If your dog has been exposed to Brucella canis, speak to your vet rather than trying to manage the condition through diet alone.
What should I do if my dog may have been exposed?
If you think your dog may have been exposed to Brucella canis, don't panic.
Instead:
1. Contact your vet
Explain the potential exposure clearly.
Tell your vet if your dog:
- Was imported
- Has lived overseas
- Has mated with an imported dog
- Has been in contact with an infected dog
- Has experienced unexplained reproductive problems
- Has been around abortion or birth products from another dog
2. Follow veterinary instructions
Your vet can advise whether testing is appropriate.
3. Avoid unnecessary breeding
Do not allow a potentially infected dog to mate with another dog until your veterinarian has advised you what to do.
4. Take hygiene seriously
If infection is suspected, follow veterinary advice regarding handling bodily fluids, reproductive material and contaminated items.
5. Don't rely on appearance
A dog can appear healthy while infection is present.
Brucella canis prevention and responsible dog ownership
The best approach is awareness rather than fear.
For ordinary dog owners, sensible preventative measures include:
- Use reputable breeders and rescue organisations
- Ask about the dog's country of origin
- Ask about imported-dog history
- Ask about veterinary records
- Consider health screening before breeding
- Take unexplained reproductive problems seriously
- Practise good hygiene
- Follow veterinary advice
- Avoid breeding dogs where infection is suspected
- Keep accurate health records
For breeders and rescue organisations, biosecurity and appropriate veterinary screening become even more important.
What about imported dogs from Romania?
This is an especially relevant question for UK dog owners.
From 7 October 2025, commercially imported dogs originating in or dispatched from Romania have been subject to specific Brucella canis testing requirements before entering Great Britain.
The rules apply to commercial imports where there will be a sale or transfer of ownership, including certain rehoming situations.
Import rules can change, so anyone importing a dog should always check the latest government requirements rather than relying on an older article or social media post.
Brucella canis: key facts at a glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is Brucella canis? | A bacterial infection that primarily affects dogs |
| What is canine brucellosis? | The disease caused by Brucella canis |
| Can dogs transmit it to other dogs? | Yes |
| Can humans catch it? | Yes, but human infection is uncommon |
| Is it zoonotic? | Yes |
| Is it found in the UK? | Yes, diagnosed cases occur, particularly linked to imported dogs |
| Is it associated with breeding? | Yes |
| Can infected dogs show no obvious signs? | Yes |
| Can it affect fertility? | Yes |
| Can it cause pregnancy loss? | Yes |
| Can puppies become infected? | Yes |
| Can it be diagnosed from symptoms alone? | No |
| Is veterinary testing available? | Yes |
| Is it reportable in Great Britain? | Yes |
| Should suspected cases be discussed with a vet? | Absolutely |
Frequently Asked Questions About Brucella Canis
Brucella canis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects dogs and causes canine brucellosis. It can cause reproductive problems, infertility, pregnancy loss and other clinical signs. Some infected dogs may show few obvious symptoms.
Brucella canis is not considered endemic in the UK dog population. However, diagnosed cases have increased since 2020, with many UK cases associated with imported dogs, particularly from Eastern Europe.
Transmission can occur through mating and contact with infectious reproductive fluids and materials, including semen, vaginal secretions, birth products and material associated with abortion. Transmission from an infected mother to puppies can also occur.
Symptoms can include infertility, pregnancy loss, abortion, stillbirths, testicular problems, reproductive abnormalities, lameness, back pain, joint pain and general illness. Some dogs may have few or no obvious symptoms.
Yes. Some infected dogs can appear relatively healthy. This is why exposure history and appropriate veterinary testing can be important.
Yes. Reproductive problems and infertility are among the most important clinical concerns associated with canine brucellosis.
Yes. Infection can be associated with reproductive failure, including abortion and pregnancy loss.
Yes. Puppies can potentially become infected through an infected mother. Any puppy from a situation involving suspected exposure should be assessed by a veterinary professional.
Yes. Brucella canis is zoonotic, meaning it can infect people. The risk to most members of the public is low, but people with greater exposure to infected dogs or reproductive materials may face a higher risk.
Human symptoms can include fever, fatigue, headache, sweating, weight loss, loss of appetite, muscle pain, back pain and joint pain. Anyone concerned about a possible exposure should tell their healthcare professional about the Brucella canis exposure.
Brucella canis is primarily associated with reproductive transmission and contact with infectious bodily materials. The level of risk from ordinary contact depends on the circumstances, so owners of suspected or confirmed infected dogs should follow veterinary advice.
Brucella canis is primarily associated with infected animals and exposure to infectious bodily fluids and reproductive materials. Ordinary commercial dog treats are not considered a normal route of Brucella canis transmission.
No. Natural dog treats cannot prevent, diagnose or treat Brucella canis. Suspected infection requires appropriate veterinary assessment and testing.
Veterinarians may use the dog's history alongside laboratory testing such as serology, PCR or bacterial culture. The appropriate approach depends on the individual circumstances.
Yes. Brucella canis in dogs is a reportable disease in Great Britain. Positive results must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
Not necessarily. Most imported dogs do not have Brucella canis. However, owners should understand their dog's health and travel history and seek veterinary advice where there is a known exposure or relevant clinical history.
Breeders should discuss Brucella canis risk and appropriate testing with their veterinary surgeon, particularly before introducing dogs with relevant travel, import or breeding histories.
Contact your veterinary practice and explain why you are concerned. Mention any import history, contact with infected dogs, mating, pregnancy loss or exposure to reproductive materials. Follow your vet's instructions regarding testing and precautions.
Final thoughts: Brucella canis awareness without unnecessary fear
Brucella canis is an important disease for UK dog owners to understand, particularly people involved in breeding, rescue, imported dogs or veterinary care.
However, awareness should not become panic.
For the average UK dog owner, the risk remains low.
The most important steps are understanding your dog's history, using responsible breeders and rescue organisations, taking unexplained reproductive problems seriously, practising sensible hygiene and seeking veterinary advice where a genuine exposure risk exists.
At House of PDB, we believe responsible dog ownership is about more than choosing a treat. It is about understanding your dog's individual needs, making informed decisions and knowing when professional veterinary advice is needed.
Our range of natural dog treats and natural dog chews can be used as part of a balanced lifestyle, but no treat should ever replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment when a dog is unwell.
If you are concerned about Brucella canis, speak to your veterinary practice.
Your dog's health comes first. Always.
Reliable Brucella canis resources
For the most current UK information, use official veterinary and government sources rather than relying on social media posts or outdated articles.
UK Government / APHA: Brucella canis guidance for dog owners, breeders and veterinary professionals.
UK Government: Current Brucella canis testing requirements for commercially imported dogs from Romania.
UKHSA: Information relating to the human health risks associated with Brucella canis.
Information in this article was checked against UK government guidance available at the time of publication. Veterinary and import requirements can change, so always check the latest official guidance.