🐾 Brucellosis in Dogs: Vet Breeding Guide 2025

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Brucellosis is a contagious bacterial disease that strikes at the heart of responsible dog breeding. It can cause abortions, infertility, joint and eye issues, and—critically—spread to humans. As a veterinarian, I’m here to walk you through the key facts, testing protocols, treatments, and safety measures you need to know in 2025. 🩺

🧬 What Is Brucellosis?

Brucellosis is caused by Brucella canis in dogs, but dogs can also pick up Brucella abortus (from cattle), Brucella suis (from pigs), or Brucella melitensis (from goats). These bacteria cause reproductive and systemic disease—and are zoonotic (transmissible to humans).

📊 Why It Matters in Breeding

• 🔁 Transmitted through breeding, whelping fluids, or sniffing/licking contaminated secretions.
• 💥 Causes late-term abortions, infertility, stillbirths, or infected litters.
• 🧍 Zoonotic risk—especially for pregnant women, children, elderly, or immunocompromised individuals.
• 🏥 Infection is considered lifelong in dogs, even with antibiotics.

🧪 Testing Protocols

All breeding dogs should be tested before mating. Active stud dogs: test every 6 months.

• RSAT (Rapid Slide Agglutination Test): In-clinic, fast. False positives common—follow up needed if positive.
• IFA (Immunofluorescent Antibody Test): Sent to labs. False positives possible—confirm with additional tests.
• AGID (Agar Gel Immunodiffusion) or CPAGID: Gold-standard confirmatory tests.
• TAT (Tube Agglutination Test): Required for international travel (e.g., Australia). May be falsely negative post-treatment.

🦠 Symptoms in Dogs

• 🤰 Aborted litters between day 45–59 of gestation
• 🧫 Orchitis (swollen testicles), prostatitis
• 🧠 Diskospondylitis (spinal pain), arthritis, uveitis (eye inflammation)
• 💔 Infertility, stillbirths, undiagnosed repeat losses

⚠️ What Happens After Diagnosis

Infected dogs should never be bred. Options include:

• 🐾 Keep as pets only with lifelong precautions
• ✂️ Spay/neuter strongly recommended
• 🚷 No contact with pregnant women, elderly, kids, or immunocompromised individuals
• 🧤 Vet and grooming care must be at-home or mobile with full protective measures
• 📈 Monthly testing required during treatment

💊 Treatment Options

• Tetracycline + Streptomycin: 1-month course; limited availability of streptomycin
• Minocycline + Aminoglycoside: Daily injections weeks 1 & 4
• Doxycycline + Rifampin (newer approach): Less kidney risk

Treatment does not guarantee clearance. Dogs often relapse. In some areas, euthanasia is mandatory for confirmed cases due to human safety concerns.

🛡️ Preventing Brucellosis in Kennels

• 📅 Isolate new dogs for 1 month
• 🧪 Test twice, 2–3 months apart
• 🛑 Quarantine positive kennels
• ❌ Remove infected dogs from breeding programs

📱 Ask A Vet Support

Use AskAVet.com for:

• 🐶 Testing guidance
• 💉 Treatment protocols
• 💬 Risk assessment for multi-pet homes
• 🚫 Breeding and travel restrictions

📋 2025 Brucellosis Breeder Checklist

• ✔️ Screen all breeding animals
• ✔️ Follow up positives with AGID or CPAGID
• ✔️ Never breed positive dogs
• ✔️ Maintain human safety with PPE & isolation
• ✔️ Disinfect surfaces with bleach regularly

🎯 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Brucellosis is a serious but preventable disease. As breeders and pet owners, our goal is safe, ethical care—for pets and the people around them. In 2025, that means testing regularly, stopping spread, and using resources like Ask A Vet when guidance is needed. Stay informed, stay proactive, and keep breeding programs healthy. 🧡🐕

—Dr Duncan Houston BVSc