In recent months we have become aware of concerning policies being adopted by some veterinary practices in regard to rescue dogs imported to the UK. Many of these policies have been driven by the recent rise in positive cases of dogs being exposed to Brucella Canis (BC).
Brucella Canis is a bacterium which can cause a disease called brucellosis in dogs. Between dogs it is primarily transmitted through reproductive means. In very rare, high risk scenarios a dog infected with Brucella Canis can also passed the bacteria to humans (eg in neutering surgery or in assisting with birthing). These risks can be mitigated through the use of PPE. Only 3 cases of BC in humans in the UK have been recorded.
We are in agreement with the UKHSA (their guidance can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/brucella-canis-information-for-the-public-and-dog-owners/brucella-canis-information-for-the-public-and-dog-owners) that, with the apparent rise in cases it is important that dogs brought into the UK are tested to see if they have been exposed to Brucella Canis. There is no requirement on rescue organisations to test for any diseases but, along with other common infections of concern, we have been testing for Brucella Canis prior to UK import since it became of note.
Originally, we tested with a lateral flow at our veterinary surgery in Romania but have recently been trialling, and have now introduced, the more thorough testing protocol recommended by the UK authorities. We send blood samples to the UK Animal and Plant Agency’s own lab where they are tested for the presence of the antibodies generated by the immune system after an exposure to BC. (iElisa and SAT tests)
If a dog tests positive it does not necessarily mean they are currently infected with the bacteria, just that they have been in the past. However, because the BC bacteria is known to longer and ‘hide’ in cells, they cannot rule out that the bacteria are lying dormant somewhere in the body with the potential for a future ‘flare-up’. As such, to err on the side of caution, a dog is deemed positive if these antibodies are present at significant levels.
Until more research and better diagnostic testing is available, we will not bring a dog into the UK if they have tested positive for the Brucella Canis antibodies. As testing will take place during the adoption process, we will keep you informed as to when testing is being done and you will be given a copy of the results as soon as they are available.
Despite being tested using exactly the same laboratory in the UK as all UK vets send their samples, it has come to light that some vets are insisting that dogs are retested once here in the UK. As an organisation we do not feel this is necessary. It is costly for the owner and exposes the dog to the risk of the ‘false positives’ these tests are known to produce.
More concerning is that, in the unlikely event of a positive result, some vets are insisting that dogs are euthanised, rather than offering the alternative measures suggested by the APHA. Should an owner refuse, some may not offer any further care for the dog or offer a restricted range of services.
While vets are, of course, at liberty to make their own policies we consider that many are being disproportionate in their response, given a) the very low risk BC poses and b) the fact that a vet cannot know for sure that the dog actually has the bacteria.
Our dogs are precious to us and, after all they have been through, we owe it them to ensure they receive the very best of care here in the UK as they have in Romania. As such we are asking all potential adopters to consult with their veterinary practice as to their approach towards imported dogs. We will need assurances of full care and treatment to be provided before an adoption can be approved.
We will provide you with an email template (which sets out the things we need to know from your vet. An email response is preferable in order that you have all the details in writing, however you can of course use the template to guide in person/telephone enquiries. Ideally, they will come back and say they are happy with the testing we have done in accordance with APHA guidance and will provide full treatment and care for your dog in the future. Should they come back with any other response we will discuss this with you and advise you of the next steps.
We are determined that rescuing and rehoming dogs to the U.K. can continue and we hope that our support and reassurance will enable our dogs to find live with your family. Your rehoming volunteer is your first point if contact if you have any queries at all and they will be able to further signpost for additional information should it be required.
