CDC: Brucellosis in Dogs Remains a Public Health Risk

Brucella canis is an under-recognized infection in dogs that poses a threat to human health, according to a report published in the August issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Noting that in humans, the infection can cause fever, chills, malaise, peripheral lymphadenomegaly, and splenomegaly, Martha E. Hensel, D.V.M., from Texas A&M University in College Station, and colleagues evaluated serologic data, transmission patterns, and regulations related to brucellosis in dogs, with a particular focus on the infection as an under-recognized zoonosis.

The researchers found that brucellosis in dogs remains endemic to many parts of the world and will probably remain a threat to human health and animal welfare unless stronger intervention measures are implemented. They propose implementation of mandatory testing of dogs before interstate or international movement as a first step for limiting disease spread.

"Future work is required to improve diagnostic assays for humans and animals and to generate policies to prevent the spread of disease," the authors write.

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