What is Brucella canis?

Brucella canis is the bacterium that causes Canine brucellosis, one of several types of brucellosis, but the one that is the least harmful to humans. The disease can result in reproductive failure of sexually mature dogs.

How is Brucella canis spread?

Human infection with Brucella canis occurs by direct contact with secretions (eg vaginal fluids, urine, seminal fluids) from infected animals. Transmission can also occur with exposure to infectious aerosols. Brucella is the most commonly reported laboratory-associated bacterial infection.

Who is at risk for infection?

The overall risk of human infection is low, but veterinarians and researchers who work with dogs that may be infected should take precautions. Additionally, veterinarians and researchers who work with or have exposure to the Brucella canis vaccine can develop an infection with Brucella.

Is Brucella canis infection serious?

Human infections with Brucella canis are relatively mild.
Clinically, infected dogs are rarely seriously ill. Obvious clinical signs usually involve reproductive disorders in sexually mature animals. Puppies are usually aborted or die within the first few hours or days after birth.

How can I protect myself?

Pet dogs should be neutered before treatment to decrease the risk of infecting humans. Although aerosol transmission is likely, survival of the Brucella organism in the environment is probably short-lived. Proper disinfection with quaternary ammonium compounds or iodophors should be implemented to prevent the spread of infection. Infected animals should be handled with gloves and never bred, not even by artificial insemination. Dogs that are to be kept as pets should be neutered and not allowed in the kennel environment. Gloves, shoe covers and long sleeved apparel should be worn at all times when working with dogs. Wash hands after handling animals.

What are the signs of Brucella canis infection?

Human infections with Brucella canis are relatively mild, consisting of fever, malaise, enlarged lymph nodes, and weight loss. Some infections may be asymptomatic.

What do I do if an exposure or injury occurs?

Exposure to aerosols, bites or scratches involving animals or injuries from objects contaminated with body fluids from animals require immediate first aid and medical attention. Notify your supervisor! Then, between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm., call or proceed to Stanford Occupational Health Clinic; 480 Oak Road, Rm B15; 5-5308. After 5:00 pm and before 8:00 am., call or proceed to the Stanford Emergency Room, H126 (in the hospital, next to the cafeteria), 723-2670.

General Questions?
Call the Laboratory Animal Occupational Health Surveillance Program's Health Provider:
Stanford University Occupational Health Center (650) 725-5308
Veterinary Service Center
(650) 723-3876
or Stanford Environmental Health & Safety
(650) 723-0448.

This document provided by:
Laboratory Animal Occupational Health Surveillance Program
Department of Environmental Health and Safety
Stanford University

For more information, or to make comments on this page, please contact the EH&S Biosafety Officer: esegal@stanford.edu

Last modified: Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Helpful websites:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/Brucellosis_g.htm
http://www.vetinfo.com/dencyclopedia/debrucel.html
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_diseases/brucellosis/