Guidance

Canine brucellosis (Brucella canis): information for veterinary staff

Guidance for vets on canine brucellosis from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

• From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Animal and Plant Health Agency
• Published: 1 September 2023
• Last updated: 17 November 2025
  Show all updates

  1. 17 November 2025

     Update to reflect the legal requirement for the testing of dogs commercially imported from Romania.

  2. 12 June 2025

     We have added guidance for veterinary staff on the risk of Brucella canis to humans in veterinary practices and the control measures to implement.

  3. 1 September 2023

     First published.

Documents

Canine brucellosis: general information for veterinary staff

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Brucella canis: risks and control measures in veterinary practices

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Details

Information notes provide vets with further guidance for circumstances such as:

• unusual seasonal events
• emerging diseases
• outbreaks of non-statutory disease

The bacterium Brucella canis (B. canis) is the most common cause of canine brucellosis in Great Britain (GB). This guidance offers:  

• general information for vets on canine brucellosis
• specific information on control measures in veterinary practices to prevent the transmission of B. canis to veterinary staff