Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Brucella canis infection in pet dogs and human risk in Michigan
By Johnson, Cheri A et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2018·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Investigation and characterization of Brucella canis infections in pet-quality dogs and associated human exposures during a 2007-2016 outbreak in Michigan.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that Brucella canis, a bacteria that can infect dogs and pose risks to humans, was present in some pet-quality dogs in Michigan. While only 0.4% of purebred dogs from noncommercial breeders tested positive, the infection was more common in commercial breeding facilities, with some dogs showing serious health issues like diskospondylitis (a spinal infection) and uveitis (eye inflammation). This situation raised concerns about human exposure, as some veterinary staff had accidental contact with the bacteria. Overall, while rare in noncommercial settings, Brucella canis was a significant issue in commercial dog breeding environments.
People also search for: dog brucellosis symptoms · Brucella canis treatment · dog eye problems uveitis · diskospondylitis in dogs · human exposure to dog infections
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate Brucella canis seropositivity rates for purebred dogs being bred by noncommercial breeders, describe epidemiological findings in infected commercial dog-production facilities, and characterize B canis infection in pet dogs and the risk to human health. DESIGN Retrospective descriptive study. SAMPLE 2,799 canine specimens submitted to the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for B canis testing and records of B canis reports provided to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development from 2007 through 2016. PROCEDURES Results of B canis laboratory tests and epidemiological findings for reported cases of B canis were reviewed and summarized. Federal and state public health officials were interviewed regarding human B canis infection. State veterinarians were interviewed regarding canine brucellosis reporting and control procedures. RESULTS Estimated B canis seropositivity was 0.4% among purebred Michigan dogs owned by noncommercial breeders. Infection was confirmed in dogs from 17 commercial dog-production facilities, 3 shelters, and 1 rescue agency. Estimated infection prevalence in production facilities ranged from 2 of 22 (9%) to 5 of 6 (83%). Transfer of infected dogs involved 22 Michigan counties and 11 states. Seven of 20 privately owned infected dogs had diskospondylitis; I also had uveitis. Fifty-three veterinary hospital or diagnostic laboratory personnel had inadvertent exposure to the pathogen. Brucella canis was isolated from 1 commercial production facility owner. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE B canis was uncommon in purebred dogs being bred by noncommercial breeders but endemic in Michigan commercial facilities producing dogs destined to become household pets. Infected pet dogs caused human B canis exposure, and several pet dogs had debilitating disease not associated with the reproductive system.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30020006/