United States 

Department of 

Agriculture

Animal and 

Plant Health 

Inspection 

Service

October 2015

Best Practices for Brucella canis 

Prevention and Control in 

Dog Breeding Facilities 
United States 

Department 

of Agriculture

Animal and 

Plant Health 

Inspection 

Service

Best Practices for Brucella canis 

Prevention and Control in 

Dog Breeding Facilities 

Donald J. Bramlage, DVM – Director of Veterinary Services, 

Revival Animal Health, Orange City, IA; 

William Fortney, DVM - Assistant Professor, 

Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Manhattan, KS; 

Rick M Kesler, DVM –

Scientific Services Veterinarian, St. Charles, MO; 

Craig J. Mabray, MS, DVM – Kennel Specialist, 

USDA/APHIS/AC, APHIS Center for Animal Welfare, Kansas City, MO; 

James W Mason, DVM –

Bicknell, IN; 

Hilary Reinhold, DVM –

LaGrange Veterinary Clinic, LaGrange, IN; 

Pamela Sessions, DVM –

Sessions Veterinary Clinic, Bloomfield, IA; 

Aaron Wise, DVM –

East Holmes Veterinary Clinic, Berlin, OH
Disclaimer: This document presents a compilation of knowledge garnered from currently 

available science, technology, population medicine, and biosecurity strategies surrounding the 

management of Brucella canis infections. It should be considered a work in progress, because 

the understanding of this important disease continues to evolve through advances in scientific 

knowledge. The information contained herein is not meant to supersede any local, state, tribal, 

or federal laws, regulations or policies concerning brucellosis in dogs. The recommendations 

are intended to be considered best practices, are not meant to be exclusive management 

approaches, and may require adaptation to meet the specific needs of individual animals and 

particular circumstances. 

Cover photo by Don Bramlage.

For more information contact: 

Dr. Craig Mabray

Kennel Specialist

USDA Center for Animal Welfare 

USDA-APHIS-AC 

2312 East Bannister Rd. Mail Stop 1180

Kansas City, MO 64131-3011

816-737-4230

craig.j.mabray@aphis.usda.gov

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6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

October 2015
Table of Contents

Canine Brucellosis 1

Pathogenesis and Clinical Signs 1

Zoonotic Information concerning Brucella canis 3

Population Medicine and Biosecurity Considerations 4

• Cleaning and Disinfection 5

• Diagnosis of Brucella canis 6

• Tables: Comparison of Diagnostic Procedures for B. canis

o Antibody Detection Methods 7

o Organism/Antigen Detection Methods 8

• Screening a Kennel for Brucellosis 9

• Testing Considerations for Brucellosis Positive Kennels 9

• Re-homing Considerations for Dogs Positive for Brucella canis 9

• Re-homing Considerations for Retired Dogs from Kennels with an Unknown

Brucella canis Status

10

Summary 11

Recommendations 11

Acknowledgements 11

Internet Resources 12

References 12

i
Canine Brucellosis

Canine Brucellosis, caused by Brucella canis, is a significant reproductive disease of dogs. It is caused by 

an intracellular bacterium and often found in breeding kennels throughout the United States. B. canis is 

a zoonotic organism that can infect humans and is currently considered to be underreported in human 

medicine. 1

The true prevalence of the disease in dogs is not well understood. The prevalence rates mentioned in 

currently available review articles and information sheets reference results obtained in the 1970’s and 

1980’s with reported rates of infection of1 – 8%. Within the past few years it has become apparent that 

the incidence of B. canis infection within the dog breeding industry has been on the rise.

2,3.4 The 

disease may have also become more recognizable due to increased awareness coupled with improved 

diagnostic testing capabilities. 

There is much confusion about the disease among kennel operators and veterinarians alike. Brucellosis, 

while historically thought of as a disease that causes abortions, has many clinical signs that are often 

misinterpreted. These include but are not limited to early abortions, testicular swelling, uveitis and 

spinal arthritis. Misunderstanding about the tests available for Brucellosis, often leads to the disease in 

kennels being misdiagnosed or under diagnosed. Routine blood work and urinalysis are often normal.

It is possible for infected females to raise infected puppies that can enter consumer markets. A 2011 

survey of State Public Health Veterinarians reported that B. canis infection is a reportable disease in at 

least 28 states. 1 Because the disease is reportable in many states there is a small but important 

“underground” that tries to avert the reporting and thus serves as a continuum for the disease. 

Additionally, it is important to emphasize that in dogs it is not a curable disease, which means that 

carrier animals MUST be removed from the breeding population in a kennel situation. Attempts at 

treatment have been very disappointing with relapses commonly occurring. Attempted treatment can 

mask diagnostic testing and has been shown to be yet another important contributing factor in the 

spread of the disease. 

Pathogenesis and Clinical Signs 

Natural transmission of canine brucellosis can occur by several routes. B. canis organisms are shed in 

the highest numbers in aborted material and vaginal discharge. Infected females transmit canine 

brucellosis during estrus, at breeding, or after abortion through oronasal contact of vaginal discharges 

and aborted materials. Shedding of B. canis may occur for up to six weeks after an abortion. Semen, 

seminal fluid and urine from infected males have also been documented as sources of infection. The 

rate of isolation from the semen of B. canis is usually high for the first six to eight weeks after infection 

but males can have intermittent shedding of the organism in low numbers for up to two years. Both 

males and females may shed the organism in the urine for at least three months after becoming 

infected. The organism can also be present in blood, milk, saliva, nasal and ocular secretions, and in the 

feces. Brucellosis has also been documented to be spread via fomites during vaginoscopy, artificial 

1
insemination, blood transfusion, or by the use of contaminated syringes or other medical and husbandry 

equipment (do not share kennels, crates or other equipment). Hands and clothing can also act as 

fomites and increase the spread of the organism within a kennel (do not visit other kennels without 

washing clothes, disinfecting shoes and washing your hands). The use of high pressure spraying and 

cleaning equipment and improper wash-down techniques within kennels have also been shown to 

facilitate the spread of the disease. Puppies can become infected in utero, during birth, while nursing, 

by contact with contaminated surfaces, or by fomite spread.

Canine brucellosis is considered a lifelong infection in dogs. Clinical signs of canine brucellosis are 

extensive and variable and depend on the sex and age of the dog affected. The disease often exhibits no 

clinical signs that are obvious to the owner or veterinarian, or it can present as an abortion storm 

affecting many dogs. B. canis is a major cause of infertility and abortion in breeding dogs and therefore 

should be one of the first diseases to be ruled out when investigating reproductive complaints.

Several months after infection, there will be evidence of conception failures and infertility, such as lateterm abortion with prolonged vaginal discharge, stillbirths, decreased litter size, and decreased puppy 

survivability. As the disease progresses adult dogs may develop epididymitis, orchitis, testicular swelling 

or atrophy, sperm abnormalities, uveitis, meningioencephalitis, spinal arthritis, weight loss, poor hair 

coat, listlessness, swollen lymph nodes, and behavioral changes. Some chronically infected dogs may be 

totally asymptomatic and still be a source of infection for other animals and humans. The clinical signs of 

infection can mimic many other diseases, and for that reason, Canine Brucellosis has been described as 

“The Great Imposter”. 

In the female the disease is usually thought of as a cause of abortions in affected breeding dogs. Most 

abortions occur between 45 and 55 days of gestation, and the aborted fetuses appear autolyzed. Early 

embryonic death may lead to resorption and result in perceived conception failure. Endometritis is 

usually seen in cases of uterine infections. It is also common to observe a prolonged vaginal discharge 

either following an abortion or during proestrus. The female may also have puppies that are born dead, 

born alive and soon die, or in some cases puppies that live to become adults.

In the male B. canis usually infects the prostate, testicles and epididymis and clinical signs are 

associated with these areas. Enlargement of one or both of the testicles may be seen. In long standing 

cases atrophy of the testicles may occur. Enlargement and inflammation of the epididymis 

(epididymitis) is a commonly observed clinical sign. Scrotal dermatitis and swelling is usually a source of 

intense licking by the affected male. Infertility may be seen, but these infected males may also breed 

successfully. The organism’s effect on spermatozoa is well described by Greene and Carmichael.

6 Sperm 

abnormalities can be identified starting five weeks post infection (PI) and become pronounced by eight

weeks. These early abnormalities include immature sperm, deformed acrosomes, swollen midpieces, 

and retained protoplasmic droplets. By 15 weeks PI bent tails, detached heads, and head-to-head 

agglutinations are seen. By 20 weeks PI 90% of sperm are abnormal. Aspermia without inflammatory 

cells may develop and is associated with testicular atrophy.

2
Generalized signs may be seen in dogs of any sex or age and include lethargy, lymphadenitis, ocular 

disease and vertebral pain. Loss of libido and unwillingness to breed are common signs seen in breeding 

stock. B. canis should be considered whenever reproductive problems occur, whether acute or chronic.

Zoonotic Information concerning Brucella canis

To decrease the possibility of human exposure to B. canis veterinarians should encourage their dog 

breeding clients to wear single-use protective examination gloves during assistance with whelping

including the handling of newborn puppies, placentas, fetal membranes, or exposure to urine or vaginal 

secretions. Extreme caution should be taken when handling any aborted materials including dead or 

partially developed puppies, their fetal membranes and placentas. Protective gloves should also be used 

during assistance with any natural or artificial breeding. Appropriate use of personal protective 

equipment beyond just wearing gloves (respiratory and ocular protection) may be required to prevent 

human infection during cleaning and disinfection and animal handling in brucellosis positive kennels 

during quarantine and isolation situations. Caution should be taken when collecting and handling blood, 

serum, fluids or tissues for laboratory analysis by the veterinarian, paraprofessional staff, the client, and 

laboratory personnel if brucellosis is suspected.

 

Veterinarians should discuss with their dog breeding clients the potential for liability and damaged 

reputation surrounding zoonotic cases of B. canis entering consumer markets through the sale of 

infected puppies or adult dogs. These puppies or adult dogs commonly come into contact with children, 

older adults and other immunocompromised individuals. A recent example is a 2012 New York City case 

involving a 3 year old girl which is the first documented case of transmission of B. canis from a puppy to 

a child in the United States. This human case of B. canis infection resulted in a multistate, multi-agency 

investigation to determine the source of the child’s infection, origin of the puppy, location of the 

puppy’s littermate in another state (PA), additional human exposures, and an investigation of the 

Midwest breeding facility (personal communication with the CDC and the New York City Department of 

Health and Mental Hygiene). 

The symptoms of B. canis infections in humans are generally similar to those of brucellosis caused by the 

other Brucella species (e.g., B. abortus and B. melitensis). They are frequently non-specific, and may 

include one or more of the following: fever (often periodic and nocturnal), fatigue, headache, weakness, 

malaise, chills, sweats, weight loss, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and lymphadenopathy. 

A thorough review of the current understanding of B. canis infection and the diagnostic challenges in 

humans can be found in the 2012 National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV) 

document “Public Health Implications of B. canis Infections in Humans” 1 from which the following two 

quotes have been extracted:

3
“Although there are multiple statements in the literature that B. canis infections tend to cause a 

milder illness compared to other Brucella spp., serious manifestations have been described. These 

include septic arthritis, aortic valve vegetations, calvarial osteomyelitis, epidural abscess, pleural 

effusion, oral lesions, lower extremity aneurysms, and culture negative endocarditis. There are at 

least two reports describing B. canis infection in HIV-infected patients. The disease in both patients 

was well-controlled with regard to viral load and CD4 counts, and each had typical clinical 

presentations of brucellosis with good responses to treatment. “

“Although the low numbers of known human cases imply that the impact of B. canis on human 

health is minimal, it seems likely that a lack of clinical suspicion of the infection, its nonspecific clinical 

presentation, the non-availability of approved serologic tests, and the organism’s fastidiousness in 

culture all result in the underdiagnosis, and subsequently the underreporting, of this infection”. 

Population Medicine and Biosecurity Considerations

Ideal control measures for canine brucellosis in breeding kennels centers around sound population 

medicine and biosecurity practices. Gaining negative Brucellosis status involves testing and removal of 

infected animals, sourcing new additions to the breeding population from proven negative kennels, and 

isolation and repeat testing of new additions to prove them brucellosis negative. Practicing strict 

biosecurity, continual disease surveillance with proper breeding management and maintaining strict 

environmental controls (cleaning, disinfection, proper temperature and humidity) are required to 

maintain Brucellosis free status. Particular care should be taken to properly clean and disinfect whelping 

sites and nurseries on a daily basis.

Once a breeding dog population is proven to be free of brucellosis the best way to keep brucellosis out 

of the kennel is to isolate and test all incoming dogs, proving them negative prior to placing them into 

the general kennel population. This is best accomplished by isolating newly purchased dogs in a 

separate building or facility, away from the general population for a minimum of eight weeks. All 

incoming dogs should be tested for B. canis on arrival and again at eight weeks. Only after these two

negative screening tests have been done on all dogs in the isolation facility can they be safely moved 

into the established kennel. If during this eight week isolation period any of the dogs in isolation are 

diagnosed with brucellosis they should be eliminated from the premises immediately. The eight week

isolation period is then restarted for the remaining dogs in isolation. This isolation and testing approach 

has proven to be the safest way to introduce new dogs into an established breeding population without 

the fear of introducing brucellosis or other infectious organisms.

Ideally, breeding dogs should never leave the breeding kennel facility other than to visit a veterinarian 

for necessary treatment (e.g., C-section, serious injury or illness). It is best to maintain a closed 

population of breeding dogs in the kennel and not send females out to be bred. A female sent out for 

breeding purposes is a risk and any dog leaving the breeding kennel facility for any reason other than a 

C-Section should be tested 90 days after its return to confirm its negative status. It is best to isolate that 

dog from the rest of the kennel population upon its return, but doing so may not be practical because it 

4
would require isolation during gestation and whelping, which could be problematic in some kennel 

situations. 

An alternative approach for bringing in new genetics would be to use artificial insemination (AI) for 

breeding females, with semen obtained from outside stud dogs that have been proven to be negative 

for B. canis (two negative tests at least eight weeks apart prior to collection of the semen). If male dogs 

are to be used for outside breeding, the safest approach would be to only offer this service through the 

use of AI, with the semen collected on the premises and then shipped to the outside kennel without the 

female ever coming to the facility.

Visitors (including the breeding client themselves) should not have visited any other breeding facilities 

that day, should be wearing clean clothing, should disinfect their shoes, should wear disposable 

protective shoe covers, and should adequately wash their hands. Ideally visitors should not touch or 

handle any dogs or equipment. Some accomplish access without direct contact using video viewing of 

dam and sire as well as video of the litter through the nursing period. This eliminates most direct 

disease transfer risk until the puppy is moved to the new home.

Cleaning and Disinfection

B. canis is relatively short-lived outside the body and is readily inactivated by common disinfectants as 

well as by sunlight. B. canis is stable in the environment in the presence of organic debris for up to two

months (proper cleaning and disinfecting is therefore a must). B. canis can withstand drying in the 

presence of organic debris, can withstand freezing, and can survive in water, dust and soil. The 

combination of organic debris, high humidity, low temperatures and little or no sunlight favors survival 

of the organism (winter conditions in most dog kennels). 

An important and often overlooked part of kennel management is the proper cleaning and disinfection 

of a kennel. When dealing with Brucellosis or other diseases cleaning and disinfection serves to limit the 

spread of the disease and is a critical component in disease prevention. Proper cleaning and disinfection 

takes time and must be done correctly for a kennel to be considered truly disinfected. It is important to 

remember that a clean kennel is not always a disinfected kennel. The consulting veterinarian must be 

certain that their clients thoroughly understand the entire cleaning and disinfection process including 

proper dilution and storage of the cleaners and disinfectants, and the fact that required contact times

and appropriate rinsing are absolutely necessary. The required frequency (daily vs. weekly) for cleaning 

and disinfection should be thoroughly discussed with the client. The facility should always be cleaned 

and disinfected in order of animal susceptibility to disease starting first with the kennel areas housing 

the most susceptible animals (puppies and nursing bitches), followed by healthy adults and lastly areas 

housing any unhealthy or isolated animals. Clients should be educated on the specific biosecurity 

procedures that would be required during isolation or quarantine situations. 

If there is a “good” aspect of B. canis, it is that the organism is very sensitive to most disinfectants when 

they are used properly. The use of a biodegradable enzyme based kennel degreaser is a must before 

disinfection. A properly used degreaser will effectively remove the biofilm and other organic debris (e.g., 

residues from feces, urine, vaginal or preputial discharges, oil from the skin and haircoat, other body 

5
fluids) that build up in all kennels and can “hide” the offending pathogen(s). The degreaser can be 

applied directly with a spray bottle or conveniently by the use of a hose end foamer. The foamer allows 

for ease of application and increases the surface area covered. It can also help to ensure that all surfaces 

are covered. The use of degreasers that leave a soapy residual film that can contribute to the biofilm is

discouraged. It is important to rinse all surfaces well after using any degreaser. Once a kennel has 

undergone degreasing the final step in the cleaning and disinfection process requires the proper 

application of an appropriate disinfectant to kill the offending pathogens. A properly functioning hose 

end foamer supplying the correct concentration of disinfectant is an excellent way to apply the 

disinfectant to all surfaces that the dogs will come in contact with. It is important to remember that all 

disinfectants have a minimal ten minute contact time with the surfaces to be effective (follow product 

labels and instructions supplied with disinfectant). Most disinfectants require adequate rinsing with 

clean water after the appropriate contact time has occurred. After following these procedures we can 

be assured that we have reduced the biofilm and disinfected the kennel.

Diagnosis of Brucella canis

B. canis monitoring may be achieved with a variety of tests which have been well described by Hollett 5

and by Greene and Carmichael. 6 See the test comparison chart below for specific information on 

available tests. The chart was compiled from various sources including peer reviewed publications 5,6, 

available product inserts 7

, and information obtained from reputable veterinary diagnostic laboratories. 

Because of the zoonotic potential of Brucella, caution should be exercised when collecting and handling

blood, serum, fluid or tissues. 

6
Comparison of Diagnostic Procedures for B. canis

Antibody Detection Methods

Test Sample

Earliest 

Detection 

(weeks Pl)

Advantages Disadvantages

Rapid Slide Agglutination 

Test

(RSAT)

Serum 1- 4 weeks*

3-4 weeks**

Quick, high sensitivity, few false 

negatives. Good Screening Test.

False positives possible, must confirm 

by other tests.

Mercaptoethanol (ME) 

rapid slide agglutination 

test (ME-RSAT)

Serum 3 – 4 weeks*** Quick, high sensitivity, few false 

negatives. Increased specificity over 

RSAT.

False positives possible, must confirm 

by other tests.

Tube agglutination test 

(TAT)

Serum

2-4 weeks**

3-6 weeks***

Semiquantitative titer. Good 

Screening Test.

False positives possible, must confirm 

by other tests.

.

ME-TAT

Serum

2-4 weeks**

5-8 weeks***

Semiquantitative titer. Increased 

specificity over TAT Longer testing time (2 day test).

Agar-gel immunodiffusion 

(AGID) cell wall (somatic) 

antigen

Serum

8-12 weeks**

5 – 10 weeks***

Positive earlier than CPAg

Very sensitive test.

Procedure and interpretation complex, 

nonspecific reactions, poor availability.

Internal cytoplasmic 

protein antigen (CPAg)-

AGID

Serum 8 – 12 weeks***

Highly specific confirmatory test 

utilizing highly purified cytoplasmic 

protein devoid of contamination 

with LPS.

Maternal antibodies prevent

seroconversion in puppies; so not useful 

until 6 months post weaning. Complex 

procedure.

Indirect Fluorescent 

antibody

Serum

Unknown

Available and convenient for 

diagnostic labs ***

Good Screening Test.

May be less sensitive than ME-TAT as 

screening test ***

False Positives Possible.

ELISA

Serum 30 days***

Good results with mutant (M-) B 

canis for cell wall extracts, or B 

abortus for CPAg ***

Antigen purity and preparation 

critical*** 

* D-Tec CB Canine Brucellosis Antibody Test Kit directions insert; Zoetis Animal Health, Florham Park NJ, USA 

** Hollett, R.B., 2006; Canine Brucellosis: Outbreaks and Compliance; Theriogenology 66: 575-587

*** Greene, Craig E. and Leland E. Carmichael, 2012: Chapter 38: Canine Brucellosis; in Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat, Fourth 

Edition, Craig E. Greene (editor).

7
Comparison of Diagnostic Procedures for B. canis

Organism/Antigen Detection Methods

Test Sample

Earliest 

Detection 

(weeks Pl)

Advantages Disadvantages

Blood or tissue culture

Whole 

Blood/ 

FULL Blue 

Top Tube, 

or vaginal 

swab

Bacteremia 

detectable, 2-4 

weeks PI.**

Low cost. Can identify actual 

organism for antimicrobial 

sensitivity testing and/or DNA 

profiling

Fastidious organism. False negative 

results possible. Requires sterile 

technique of blood collection. 

Contaminant overgrowth can lead to 

false negative results. Intermittent 

bacteremia may require serial blood 

cultures. POOR SCREENING TEST.

PCR

Whole 

Blood/

FULL Blue 

Top Tube, 

or vaginal 

swab

1.5 CFU/ml 

detected.****

5x more sensitive than culture

False negative results possible. Requires 

sterile technique of blood collection. 

POOR SCREENING TEST.

* D-Tec CB Canine Brucellosis Antibody Test Kit directions insert; Zoetis Animal Health, Florham Park NJ, USA 

**Hollett, R.B., 2006; Canine Brucellosis: Outbreaks and Compliance; Theriogenology 66: 575-587

***Greene, Craig E. and Leland E. Carmichael, 2012: Chapter 38: Canine Brucellosis; in Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat, Fourth 

Edition, Craig E. Greene (editor).

****Kansas State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

8
Screening a Kennel for Brucellosis

A whole kennel screening test consists of testing all canines over six months of age at least once every 

12 months. If there are any reproductive concerns within the breeding population, B. canis screening

should be done.

If a positive result is obtained on any test, the dog should be isolated and classified as a Brucella suspect 

dog. Because of the possibility of false positives on some tests, select a different diagnostic test to 

validate the initial results. If the second test does not agree with the initial test, a third diagnostic test 

should be performed eight weeks after the second test to rule in or rule out Brucellosis. Because of

variability in state regulations, veterinarians should check with their state veterinarian or appropriate 

public health official on how to handle Brucellosis positive test results. 

If a female or male dog has left the kennel for any reason other than a C-Section or veterinary

procedure, the dog should be tested for B. canis eight weeks after returning to the kennel. 

Testing Considerations for Brucellosis Positive Kennels

Once Brucellosis is diagnosed (two positive tests), testing and removal of all positive dogs in the kennel 

is the only way to gain negative status. It is highly recommended that all dog sales be stopped until 

negative status is achieved. Veterinarians should check with their state veterinarians or public health 

officials to verify if a suspect or positive kennel is placed under a strict no-sale quarantine or only a 

partial quarantine, in which only pups from Brucellosis positive females are prohibited from being sold, 

traded, or bartered. Even If a state does not have regulations concerning quarantine procedures for 

Brucellosis positive dogs, it is still recommended that the sale, trade, or bartering of Brucella positive 

dog or puppies from Brucellosis positive dams be discontinued.

Test all remaining dogs and repeat every four weeks until there are two consecutive negative whole 

kennel tests. Two negative tests should eliminate the organism from the kennel population. Testing 

should be done with the knowledge of the state veterinarian and with a test recognized by the state the 

kennel is physically located in. 

Re-homing Considerations for Dogs Positive for Brucella canis

It is important to emphasize that brucellosis is currently not considered to be a curable disease in dogs.

Attempts at treatment have been very disappointing, with relapses commonly occurring. Attempted 

treatment can mask diagnostic testing, and it has been shown to be an important contributing factor in 

the spread of the disease. What this fact currently means for kennel owners is that animals infected 

with any of the Brucella species MUST be removed from the breeding population. 

Because of the zoonotic potential of Brucella, confirmed Brucellosis-positive dogs should NOT 

be rehomed.

Decisions concerning the possible re-homing of Brucellosis positive dogs should only be made with the 

approval and knowledge of the appropriate public health official(s) within the state of origin as well as 

within the state of destination if being transferred across state lines. If the decision is made to re-home 

9
Brucellosis positive dogs, they should undergo an ovario-hysterectomy or castration and be placed on 

appropriate long-term antibiotics, with proper supervision by a licensed veterinarian that should include 

lifetime periodic laboratory testing for B. canis. Brucellosis is considered a lifelong infection in dogs, and 

even after undergoing surgical sterilization and long term antibiotic use, both male and female dogs may 

continue to intermittently shed the organism. New owners should be made aware of the ongoing 

potential risk that these dogs carry for infecting humans, other dogs and other susceptible animal 

species that they come in contact with (see zoonotic section above).

Re-homing Considerations for Retired Dogs from Kennels with an Unknown

Brucella canis Status

Any dogs that are re-homed or transferred to any individual, entity or organization should have a 

negative diagnostic test for B. canis prior to change of ownership and tested again 8 weeks later. The 

new owner or organization should be educated in the possible zoonotic risks associated with the 

disease. 

10
Summary

This document contains a compilation of knowledge garnered from currently available science, 

technology, population medicine, and biosecurity strategies surrounding the management of B. canis in 

dog breeding kennels. It should be considered a work in progress, because the understanding of this 

important disease continues to evolve through advances in scientific knowledge. It is the hope of the 

authors that this information will serve as a guide for veterinarians and their clients with the goal of 

bringing consistency and clarity to the diagnosis, prevention and management of B. canis infection in 

dog breeding kennels. Only through continued advancement of science and the dissemination of 

knowledge can we hope to control this devastating disease.

Recommendations

There is an ongoing need for continued basic science and clinical research surrounding prevention, 

diagnosis, and the identification of effective treatment options aimed at the control of this important 

disease. Further study will be required to clarify the epizootiology of B. canis with respect to disease 

pathogenesis, transmission and true prevalence rates in both dogs and in humans. Immunologic 

research directed towards the development of an effective B. canis bacterin to be used in the 

management and control of this disease in dogs would be welcomed. The authors recommend that 

laboratory standards be developed for all currently utilized and future diagnostic tests used to identify 

B. canis infection in dogs. We recommend the implementation of quality control proficiency testing of 

the currently available tests to validate accuracy, consistency, sensitivity and specificity. 

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the following veterinary diagnostic laboratories for their 

consultation and information concerning testing options for B. canis: 

Cornell Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory

Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

National Veterinary Services Laboratory

11
Internet Resources

State Animal Health Officials 2014: 

http://www.usaha.org/Portals/6/StateAnimalHealthOfficials.pdf

State Public Health Veterinarians 2015:

http://www.nasphv.org/Documents/StatePublicHealthVeterinariansByState.pdf

References

(1) NASPHV, 2012; Public Health Implications of Brucella canis Infections in Humans; 

 http://www.nasphv.org/Documents/BrucellaCanisInHumans.pdf (accessed 6/26/2015).

(2) Evans, L., L. K. Kauffman and R. Cox, 2005: Brucellosis on the rise in canine breeding kennels. 

Iowa Veterinary Medical Association Update Newsletter, 13, 10

(3) Kauffman, L. and J. Kinyon, 2006: Canine Brucellosis on the rise in Iowa Breeding kennels. IVMA 

Update News, 14, 3. 

(4) Brower, A., O. Okwumabua, C. Massengill, Q. Meunks, P. Vanderloo, M. Duster, K. Homb and K. 

Kurth, 2007: Investigation of the spread of Brucella canis via the U.S. interstate dog trade. Int. J. 

Infect. Dis. 11, 454-458.

(5) Hollett, R.B., Canine Brucellosis: Outbreaks and Compliance; Theriogenology 66 (2006) 575-587

(6) Infectious diseases of the dog and cat, Fourth Edition 2012 / [Edited by] Craig E. Greene ; 

Chapter 38 Canine Brucellosis, Craig E. Greene and Leland E. Carmichael 

(7) D-Tec CB Canine Brucellosis Antibody Test Kit directions insert; Zoetis Animal Health Florham Park 

NJ, USA;

https://www.zoetisus.com/contact/pages/product_information/msds_pi/pi/Canine_Brucellosis

_Antibody_Test_Kit_D-TEC_CB.pdf (accessed 6/26/2015).

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