IN THE UK, THE FATAL DOG DISEASE BRUCELLA CANIS SPREADS TO HUMANS

The incurable dog disease Brucella canis, which has never before been observed in UK dogs, has now infected three British citizens.

Dogs with this bacterial infection may experience infertility, movement problems, and discomfort. Humans may come into touch with contaminated bodily fluids.

There have been more cases of Brucella canis infection in dogs since the summer of 2020, according to a British government report. Most of these cases were transported from Eastern Europe directly into the UK.

Public Health England has evaluated the current situation and provides vital advice to veterinary professionals and organizations involved in the import of dogs from areas where Brucella canis is common, according to the British Veterinary Association.

Potential interaction with Brucella canis-contaminated materials, particularly tissues and fluids used in reproduction and childbirth, poses the greatest risk of exposure.

Additionally, a dog's physiological fluids like urine, blood, and saliva can shed Brucella canis.

If the test is positive, the dog is thought to be infected for life, even after receiving antibiotics.

Rarely are human instances documented, and in the UK, no cases that followed contact with an infected dog have been confirmed.

Government recommendations urge euthanasia as the best course of action because the condition is incurable in dogs. However, a lengthy course of antibiotics can be used as an effective treatment for people.

In a statement regarding the illness, the British authorities noted that an animal is still regarded permanently diseased even after receiving antibiotic treatment and may therefore provide a danger of infection to canine and human contacts.

Therefore, it is believed that the only method to entirely eliminate the risk of further transmission is to euthanize afflicted dogs. The choice to put a pet to sleep is one that the owners and the pet's private veterinarian must make.