We test for a range of diseases endemic to Romania before a dog travels to the UK. This includes testing for Brucella canis (commonly known as Brucella), a bacterial infection that can cause serious illness in dogs and is zoonotic, which means it can be passed to humans, ‘although human cases have only been rarely reported internationally’. (1)
Awareness of this disease is growing in the UK, and many veterinary practices now require proof of Brucella-negative status before treating imported dogs — especially in an emergency. Increasingly, vets are also asking to conduct their own Brucella test before accepting a dog for registration, or providing ongoing care.
Our approach:
• We test every dog for Brucella BEFORE they travel. No dog that tests positive would be sent on transport to the UK.
• However, Brucella is now present in the UK. The overall risk of dog-to-dog transmission and dog-to-human transmission is deemed ‘very low’, according to the HAIRS risk assessment: Brucella canis, published 18 September 2023. And the risk of transmission to veterinary staff is deemed ‘low’ (2).
• At present, it is mainly dogs of foreign origin, or with a travel history, that vets are requiring to be tested for Brucella, but UK-born dogs could also be positive for Brucella.
• For this reason, we strongly advise adopters to choose a Brucella-aware vet — one who understands the disease, is prepared to treat a dog regardless of Brucella status, and who is willing to provide care even if your dog should test positive at any point. This ensures there is no risk of your dog being refused treatment or access to the full range of veterinary services at any point in the future.
If you apply to adopt from us, we will send you 2 emails, one to explain our approach to you in a little more detail, and one to forward to your vet / vets in your area, to ask about their policy on Brucella canis.
If you have any concerns and would like to speak to someone before submitting an application, please send an email to [email protected] and we would be more than happy to give you a call.
If you would like a more detailed explanation of Brucella canis before submitting an application, please visit our Brucella Testing page.
(1) UK government information sheet for veterinary staff
(2) UK government HAIRS risk assessment (Human Animal Infections and Risk)