Commentary
For this post, we focused on the risks associated with B. canis. The review presents Brucellosis sp., a potential storm cloud on the horizon. Our culture of saving non-endangered animals, transferring animals across the country, increasing backyard interactions with wildlife and the public’s ignorance of zoonotic risks make this review important reading for animal health pros.
Despite being one of the most prevalent zoonoses worldwide, the World Health Organization considers brucellosis a neglected disease due to its lack of attention by global health systems. Brucella species with the greatest one-health relevance in the U.S. include those infecting dogs, swine, cattle and domestic bison.
B. canis primarily infects dogs and wild canids, but humans can also become infected. Here are a few statements from the article for animal health pros’ consideration:
- In the U.S., testing for B canis is not routinely performed in most animal shelters, allowing for the risk of adopting a dog with undiagnosed B canis.
- Elimination of canine B canis infections despite the use of antimicrobials is not always possible and persistent infections are common
- The U.S. currently lacks federal guidelines mandating B canis testing prior to interstate or international movement of dogs. . .
- Evidence shows B canis has been introduced to nonendemic countries through the importation of infected dogs and spread interstate through animal adoption, dog rescues, and breeders in the U.S.
Source: JAVMA, April 1, 2023. Link. Brucellae are gram-negative, facultative, intracellular rods, cocci, or coccobacilli that thrive in cool, wet conditions. Bacterial culture is the gold standard to definitively diagnose brucellosis. The bacteria resist freezing and thawing but can be killed through pasteurization and are susceptible to most common disinfectants.