Brucella canis is carried by dogs that have not been neutered, according to a recent study published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases. The bacteria produce flu symptoms in humans and could potentially jeopardize a pregnancy. Though brucellosis infection is most commonly spread by livestock like sheep, cattle, goats and pigs, dogs carry this strain of the bacterium, putting people who regularly handle them at risk.
It’s not clear exactly how the bacteria might spread to humans, but it’s most likely passed through contact with reproductive organs or urine.
Source: HealthDay, July 11, 2018. Link.
“At this point, we don’t know what the incidence in the United States is, and how many dogs are carrying this bacteria,” Hensel said. “We would like to put that out there for clinicians to think about, in terms of the risk of transmission from dogs to people.”
Also see: Brucellosis in Dogs, Pet Health Network. Link.