Canine Brucellosis: Insights Into the Epidemiologic Situation in Europe

Abstract

Brucella canis is one of many responsible pathogens of discospondylitis in dogs and infections require specific management. Little is known about the epidemiologic situation in Europe. The purpose of the study was to get insights into the occurrence of brucellosis in dogs in Europe. The database of a European veterinary laboratory was screened for Brucella positive samples. Additionally, medical records of a veterinary hospital in Germany were screened for diagnosis of discospondylitis and brucellosis. The laboratory received samples from 20 European countries for Brucella testing in dogs: 3.7% of submitted samples were Brucella spp. PCR-positive (61/1,657), and Brucella canis antibodies were identified in 5.4% of submitted samples (150/2,764). Brucella spp. PCR-positive samples originated from Spain (11.1% of submitted samples), Poland (6.7% of submitted samples) and rarely from Italy and France. Samples with Brucella canis antibodies originated from 13 European countries (Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Finland, Germany, Denmark, Hungary, Norway, Poland, France, Netherlands). Young dogs (0–24 months) had a 5.4-fold increased risk of PCR positive samples. The supplementary medical records search identified four young female dogs (7–30 months) with Brucella canis discospondylitis in Germany. The four dogs had been imported to Germany from Eastern European countries (Moldavia, Romania, Macedonia). In conclusion, infection with Brucella canis needs to be considered in dogs in Europe and diagnostics for Brucella canis infection appear indicated in young dogs with discospondylitis.

Serological and Molecular Investigation of Brucella Species in Dogs in Pakistan

“…The highest risk was found in 1-2 year old dogs. A similar pattern was observed in European and Iranian dogs [34,59]. Age might reflect repeated contact with B. canis excreting conspecifics.…”

“…A statistically non-significant (p > 0.05) association was found with the sex of the animals with seropositivity for both B. canis and B. abortus. A similar pattern was found in India but has remained unestablished in dogs from Jordan and Europe [59,61,62]. Similarly, a statistically non-significant association (p > 0.05) was found for tick and ecto-parasite infestation, fever and eye condition.…”

Geographical Variations in Virulence Factors and Antimicrobial Resistance Amongst Staphylococci Isolated From Dogs From the United Kingdom and Romania

“…Our findings suggest that further studies on antimicrobial use and prescribing patterns, as well as rigorous surveillance of AMR in companion animals in Romania is critical for reducing the overall burden of resistance genes circulating and which can be exchanged between humans and animals. In addition, there is a recent trend for importation of companion animals from Eastern European countries (including Romania) and although the risk of zoonotic disease transmission has been highlighted ( 51 ), the risk for antimicrobial resistant bacteria spread through companion animal importation is also concerning and requires increased awareness.…”

Animal Harms and Food Production: Informing Ethical Choices

“…There are important animal welfare impacts to consider for domestic animals (usually dogs) used in hunting for subsistence or commercial harvesting [ 49 ]. These impacts include the risk of exhaustion, heat stress, attacks from wild animals [ 50 ], vehicular trauma, snake bite, contracting infectious diseases from hunted animals [ 52 ], misadventure (e.g., becoming lost), and accidentally being shot [ 53 ].…”