🐾 Brucellosis in Dogs: What Every Breeder Needs to Know

As a dog breeder, the health of your dogs — and the future of your breeding program — depends on staying vigilant about infectious diseases. One of the most serious, yet often overlooked, threats is canine brucellosis.

With the increase in dogs being imported, the risks are growing, and more cases are being recorded. It is a serious threat to a breeding program as this bacterial infection can silently spread through kennels, causing infertility, miscarriages, and long-term harm to your breeding program. Here’s what every breeder should know about brucellosis in dogs, how it spreads, and how to prevent it.

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🔬 What Is Brucellosis?

Brucellosis is caused by the bacterium Brucella canis. It primarily attacks the reproductive system, but can also affect other organs. Once a dog is infected, it often becomes a lifelong carrier, even if symptoms disappear.

While mainly a canine disease, brucellosis is zoonotic, meaning it can, in rare cases, infect humans — particularly those with weakened immune systems.

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🐕‍🦺 How Brucellosis Spreads

Brucellosis spreads most commonly through breeding and reproductive fluids, but can also be transmitted through:

• During mating (natural or artificial insemination)

• Contact with aborted fetuses, placenta, or discharge

• Urine, saliva, or milk from infected dogs

• Contaminated bedding or equipment

Kennels and breeding facilities are especially vulnerable if hygiene and testing protocols aren’t strict.

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⚠️ Symptoms of Brucellosis in Dogs

Brucellosis is often called a “silent threat” because many dogs show few or no symptoms.

In females:

• Infertility or failed pregnancies

• Late-term abortion or stillbirths

• Vaginal discharge lasting weeks

In males:

• Swollen or shrunken testicles

• Infertility or reduced libido

• Pain during breeding

In both:

• Lethargy

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Back pain (spinal infection)

If you see repeated reproductive issues, test for brucellosis immediately.

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🧪 Testing and Diagnosis

There’s no cure for canine brucellosis — testing and prevention are key.

Breeders should test:

• Before every breeding (both dogs)

• Before new dogs enter your kennel

• Every 6–12 months in active breeding programs

Common Tests Include:

• RSAT (Rapid Slide Agglutination Test): Fast initial screen

• AGID or IFA: Confirms positive results

• PCR: Detects bacterial DNA accurately

Always work with a veterinarian or lab experienced in reproductive testing.

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🧼 Prevention & Biosecurity Tips

Protect your kennel by following strict biosecurity measures:

1. Test before breeding — always get proof, never assume.

2. Quarantine new dogs — isolate and test before introduction.

3. Disinfect thoroughly — clean whelping areas and tools regularly.

4. Use gloves — handle birthing materials and fluids safely.

5. Keep detailed records — track every breeding and test result.

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🩺 What If a Dog Tests Positive?

Unfortunately, dogs that test positive are infected for life. While antibiotics can reduce symptoms, they rarely eliminate the bacteria.

Positive dogs should be:

• Spayed or neutered

• Isolated from other dogs

• Excluded from breeding

• Monitored closely under veterinary care

Consult your vet and local animal health authority for next steps.

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❤️ Protecting Your Program & Reputation

An outbreak of brucellosis can devastate your kennel — financially, emotionally, and reputationally. But the good news is that it’s preventable with testing, transparency, and good hygiene.

As responsible breeders, we have a duty to protect the health of our dogs and the trust of our puppy buyers.

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🐶 Final Takeaway

Brucellosis = Test. Don’t Guess.

Early detection and prevention can save your dogs, your kennel, and your peace of mind.

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Want a deeper dive into this? Here is a brilliant piece (quite heavy going in places, but very informative) that I think you will enjoy.

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