RCVS Accredited Practice

Adopting Dogs from Abroad

and the risk of Brucella canis

Brucella canis - Background


Since 2019, there has been a large increase in the number of foreign rescue dogs being adopted by people in the UK. However, most owners adopting a dog from abroad are unaware of the risk that the adopted pet could be carrying a bacteria called Brucella canis, which may pose dangers to the health of humans, as well as other dogs. Although rare, it is vital that dogs carrying Brucella are identified for the safety of people in contact with them.


It is likely that new government will be introduced in future to limit the import of dogs from Brucella hotspots to the UK. At Jurassic Vets, we want to ensure we are ahead of the curve by helping our owners make informed choices about adopting a dog from abroad.


If you are thinking of importing a dog from North and South America, Asia, Africa, eastern and central Europe, or particularly Romania, or think that your dog should be tested for Brucella, please contact us to have a discussion with one of our vets.


I want to adopt a dog from Romania or another endemic area - what should I do?


  • Contact the charity involved and insist that the dog is tested for Brucella before it travels to the UK
  • Ensure that they carry out a serological (serology) test and show you evidence of this, linked to the dog's individual microchip number. Cheaper tests such as Culture, PCR  and ELISA ("Snap") tests aren't reliable enough.
  • Be aware of the risk of fake test results - there is concern that some organisations are prioritising income over helping dogs.
  • Consider adopting a dog from the UK, where there are still lots of dogs in animal shelters needing a home. 
  • Alternatively, consider donating to an overseas neutering project - it would be better for canine welfare to control the stray dog populations abroad than to carry on importing them to the UK.


What's The Risk of Brucella to Humans?


In short, no-one is quite sure yet - the world needs more scientific investigation to understand how significant the risk to humans and other dogs is. Cases of infections are "rare" in the UK, but the young, elderly and immunocompromised may be at risk. Young dogs imported from Romania appear to be far more likely to carry the disease.


Most infections in dogs show no clinical signs at all, and veterinary staff treating pets with Brucella may be at extra risk of infection, especially in neutering surgery.


As a result, we have established the following protocol for screening dogs imported from abroad:


  • Endemic areas are North and South America, Asia, Africa, eastern and central Europe, and particularly Romania, which appears to have very high levels of Brucella infection


Dogs Imported from Endemic Areas

  • These dogs will need to have a blood test for Brucella as a condition of registration at Jurassic Vets.
  • We won't be able to accept a dog as a patient if you don't agree to have the serological test carried out - you will have to use a different veterinary practice.
  • Some dogs may have been tested abroad using a Culture/PCR/ELISA ("Snap") tests aren't reliable enough for Brucella - a further serological test will need to be carried out, as these are the most reliable tests.


Dogs Imported from Other Areas

  • We recommend that any dog imported from abroad has a Brucella canis serological test, but it isn't compulsory if your dog didn't come from an endemic area (please bring the importation documents to your first appointment so that we can confirm this).


Dogs already who have tested positive for Brucella

  • We aren't able to accept new patients who have Brucella - it remains the responsibility of your existing vet to care for Brucella-positive dogs.
  • We strongly recommend that dogs who have tested positive to Brucella are not imported to the UK.


Dogs being imported who tested negative for Brucella canis abroad - endemic areas

  • Serological tests - we can accept these as proof of Brucella status
  • Culture/PCR/ELISA (Snap) tests - these are only 90% accurate and we will require evidence of a negative serological test before we can confirm your registration at Jurassic Vets.


Dogs being imported who tested negative for Brucella canis abroad - non-endemic areas

  • Serological tests - we can accept these as proof of Brucella status
  • Culture/PCR/ELISA (Snap) tests - we can accept these as proof of Brucella negative status


Dogs already registered at Jurassic Vets who have been imported from endemic areas:

  • We will be writing to each owner of a dog known to have been imported from endemic areas, asking you to consider having your pet tested for Brucella.


Dogs already registered at Jurassic Vets who test positive for Brucella

  • Our vets will have a detailed discussion with you regarding the possible risks to human and pet health, and the options open to you.
  • Please don't worry - we will not insist on putting to sleep any dog with Brucella, but will ask you to follow all our advice if you wish to stay registered at Jurassic Vets.