Brucella canis is a reportable disease because there are potentially life changing consequences if human infection occurs. The risk of transmission to humans in day to day contact with a brucella infected dog is considered low. The risk to laboratory staff and veterinary staff is considered much higher due to possible contact with contaminated fluids or tissues, eg blood, urine and reproductive.
At Langford Vets we consider any pet that has been in a higher risk country or lives with such a dog, to be a "high risk". They will be considered High Risk until that dog has been away from any sources of infection for at least 3 months and has then had a negative test run at APHA.
High Risk patients are always handled with appropriate PPE. There may be a limit to some laboratory tests that can safely be carried out. Some tests may have to be sent to a specific laboratory to be safely handled, which can increase the cost of testing. In-house (patient side) blood and urine tests will not be possible as all samples must be sent to an appropriate laboratory. Additional costs for the extra safety measures may be applied during treatment.