It is uncommon in the UK however there has been a recent rise in cases due to an increase in imported dogs especially from Eastern Europe where the disease is more prevalent.
Dogs may not show any overt symptoms initially, but signs of disease are vague including lethargy, back pain and lymph node enlargement. A dog with brucellosis is generally infected for life and the disease can be passed onto humans so it is vitally important that all imported dogs are tested.
As an owner of an infected dog the risk of disease transmission is low, however certain people (children, pregnant women, dog breeders and those with a compromised immune system ) are more likely to suffer from more serious disease. Symptoms in humans include intermittent fever, weight loss, fatigue and joint pain.
Veterinary surgeons and nurses are at particular risk of infection during surgery and handling of blood and urine samples from an infected dog. For this reason, many veterinary surgeries will insist on blood testing a dog that has been imported Into the UK from Europe before allowing registration at their clinic. Dogs must have been present in the UK for at least 4 weeks and the blood test measures the level of antibodies to brucellosis. The cost for this blood test is usually around £150-200.
A positive test means there is a significant risk to human health and many veterinary practices will advise euthanasia. Practices are within their rights to refuse further treatment due to the risk to veterinary staff. Positive dogs can experience lifelong illness. Antibiotics and neutering can be tried to give the best chance of eliminating disease however there is no known way to know if treatment has been successful. Long courses of antibiotics are costly and often not effective.
Positive dogs should not be kept in a multi dog household and should be walked on the lead at all times and in places to minimise dog/human contact.