Canine Brucellosis
North Coast Local Land Services District Veterinarians are warning dog owners of the risks of canine brucellosis.
The type of brucellosis we see in dogs in Australia is a bacterial disease caused by Brucella suis, which is widespread in the feral pig population of north-west NSW, western Queensland and the Northern Territory. Dogs can contract the disease from eating raw, feral pig meat. The disease is also zoonotic, meaning it can spread to people who are exposed to feral pigs. The illness in people can be protracted, severe and potentially fatal.
Signs of B Suis in dogs include enlarged, swollen testicles, abortion, spinal pain and lameness, although infected animals can also remain asymptomatic. Brucellosis is a notifiable disease, so if you suspect infection in your animals, it is important to seek veterinary advice immediately. Treatment involves de-sexing plus extended antibiotic treatment, however, the treatment is not guaranteed to cure all affected dogs.
B suis has only ever been found in feral pig populations in Australia, and eating commercially farmed pork products is not a threat to human health.
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