Imported Dogs Test Positive for Brucellosis

Six Wisconsin animal shelters and rescue organizations, including the Washington County Humane Society, Humane Animal Welfare Society in Waukesha, Humane Society of Sheboygan County, Elmbrook Humane Society and Underdog Pet Rescue, received 26 dogs transported from South Korea by Humane Society International in March. Diagnostic testing confirmed Brucellosis canis in two of the imported dogs.

None of the transported dogs appear to be clinically ill and the risk of human or animal transmission is low, according to Shelter Medicine Program Director Sandra Newbury, a clinical assistant professor in the school.

Canine brucellosis is a reproductive disease in dogs caused by Brucella canis, a bacterium mainly transmitted during breeding or birth. The infection is found worldwide but is rare in pet dogs in the United States. The bacteria are transmissible to people through contact with infected fluids, but human cases are very uncommon.

It is also not considered a risk to the agricultural industry. The B. canis bacterium is different from the Brucella pathogens that infect cattle and pigs. Cattle, swine and sheep have been found to be highly resistant to infection with B. canis.

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School of Veterinary Medicine assists Wisconsin animal shelters with canine brucellosis response