Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 31st August 2022
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Vets call for vigilance over Brucella canis
Latest government data reveals a spike in B canis cases since the start of 2020.
Teams urged to use appropriate PPE and sumbit samples for testing. 

Veterinary teams are being urged to take extra precautions when handling suspected Brucella canis (B. canis) cases in all imported dogs and puppies.

The call from the British Veterinary Association follows reports of the first dog-to-human transmission of the zoonotic disease, which led to a woman being hospitalised and three pet dogs having to be euthanised. 

Latest government data reveals a spike in B. Canis cases since the beginning of 2020, rising from just three the year before that to 107 in July this year. The dogs were either imported, had returned from a holiday abroad or bred with an imported dog. 

In light of the rising cases, BVA is urging veterinary teams to:
  • use appropriate PPE when handling suspected cases in all imported dogs
  • submit samples to laboratories for testing
  • flag risks of Brucella canis and other non-endemic diseases to clients considering importing a dog from or travelling with a dog to another country where the disease is endemic
  • encourage compliance with import best practice in conversations with clients and rescue charities planning to bring in a dog from abroad.
BVA president Justine Shotton said: “This recent case of Brucella canis in a foster dog is extremely tragic and highlights why vets have long raised concerns over the real and serious risks of importing ‘Trojan’ rescue dogs with unknown health histories into the UK. 

“We know there is an added public health risk too, including for veterinary teams who treat and handle these animals, from contact with an infected dog’s contaminated body tissues and fluids.”

She added that the BVA will continue to call on the government to take urgent action to introduce stricter pet import measures,  including mandatory pre-import testing.

“We are also calling for the strengthening of enforcement provisions and checks on dogs brought into the country through the commercial route,” she said.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.