If you or your vet do have any concerns, please speak to the team and we can ensure that you have all the information that you need and are armed with the correct questions to ask.
What is Brucellosis?
Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that is currently not endemic in the UK, neither is it currently considered endemic in Serbia. However, to protect the Bio Security of the UK, Brucellosis is a notifiable disease. Brucellosis is caused by a bacteria called Brucella Canis. The impact to humans in the latest HAIRS report (Sept 23) is detailed as very low to low. It is largely (but not exclusively) spread through the reproductive organs of an infected dog. There is an abundance of information online regarding Brucellosis, we highly recommend that you read the following documents to ensure that you are fully informed of the most up to date information. This report applies throughout the UK. HAIRS risk assessment: Brucella canis - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) We also strongly urge all adopters who have access to Facebook to follow these two groups for up-to-date information and advice. This Facebook group is administered by an RVN with extensive knowledge on the subject, who provides a scientific balanced and informative view. The following Facebook groups provide information and support:
Is my dog tested for Brucellosis before coming to the UK?
Yes, your dogs test result is stapled into your dog’s passport. If you do not have a copy, please contact the team and we will supply you with one. All dogs are tested before they are promoted for homes.
What are the symptoms of Brucellosis?
Pregnancy loss/Stillbirth/infertility in male and female dogs/swollen testicles/irritation of skin around the testicles/lameness and back pain/swollen lymph nodes/lethargy.
Is it a legal requirement to have my dog tested?
It is NOT currently a legal requirement to test a dog for Brucellosis before importing to the UK, neither is it a legal requirement for a dog to be tested here in the UK. Our dogs are tested purely as a safety and welfare measure for the dog and to add a level of assurance to our adopters, the team and the dog’s rescuer.
My vet is insisting on a further test now my dog is in the UK, do I have to agree?
Some vets may require a follow up test for Brucellosis around three months after a dog enters the UK. This is due to the incubation period of the infection. The reasonable cost of this test can be around £70-£100, this can vary considerably from practice to practice with some vets charging eye watering prices so please do shop around for a fair price. The actual lab test cost is around £25 so some vets do make a substantial profit on this test! Please see the Q and A “What do BU do to minimise transmission risk in Serbia” and communicate this to your vet so that they can adequately assess risk. Before agreeing to a further test in the UK the most important question you should ask your vet is “In the unlikely event of my dog testing positive, what range of care will you provide? and would you recommend Euthanasia?” This is called informed consent. If your vet will not provide a full range of services or would recommend Euthanasia, it is highly recommended that you choose an alternative vet practice before agreeing to any test. You should also always check the policy of any out of hours service your vet provides/outsources, as their policy can differ.
Is Euthanasia the only option for a positive dog?
No, many dogs are living in the UK as positive dogs, further guidance and support is offered on the above groups and can be provided by the BU team. In the unlikely event that your BU dog tests positive, and you feel you are no longer unable to provide them with a home, you should contact Balkan Underdogs, and we will take them back into our care. Euthanasia should never be considered an option for a BU dog. You have the alternative of surrendering back to the Charity where we will take back full responsibility and care.
My vet has asked that all my other dogs are tested, should I agree?
This is entirely up to you; however, before making your decision you should refer to the previous section and ask, “In the unlikely event of my dog testing positive, what range of care will you provide? and would you recommend Euthanasia?” If your vet will not provide a full range of services or would recommend Euthanasia, it is highly recommended that you choose an alternative vet practice before agreeing to any test. You should also always check the policy of any out of hours service your vet provides/outsources, as their policy can differ.
My dog was tested a while ago in Serbia, can I pay for a retest and what do BU do to minimise the risk of transmission in Serbia?
Yes, of course, the cost of a test is around 30euros. However please be aware of the following: - Your dog is only housed in Serbia with all other dogs that have tested negative for Brucellosis. - Your dog is neutered/spayed, reducing any transmission risk vastly. - Your dog is transported to the UK on a transport with ONLY OTHER BU dogs, whom are all tested, spayed and neutered, once again minimising any transmission risk.
My Vet isn’t insisting on testing and will provide a full-service level of care but is insisting I pay for additional PPE, is this a fair compromise?
Whilst vets should be using adequate PPE when attending to your dog as a matter of course and risk mitigation to both the animal and their staff, it is considered a fair compromise currently to agree to pay for any additional PPE they feel is necessary. We would suggest a discussion with your vet on what non-standard PPE will be used, and why this is not considered necessary as a routine health measure regardless of Brucellosis status.
If my dog is unwell or has recently had a vaccine, can this affect the test result?
It is quite likely that the test result can be affected by certain illnesses and vaccines. It is extremely important that you are aware of as much information as possible, sadly some vets are unwilling to learn more about Brucellosis and its management and believe that Euthanasia is the only option. This has been discounted many times by professionals and scientists. You are the advocate for your dog and to ensure that you can do that, you need to be aware of the correct and up to date information, proven statistics and be willing to challenge your vet professional. Should your vet need any assurances, please ask them to email balkanunderdogs@gmail.com
Great informative blog thanks
Fyi. Brucellosis is just a money making scam, there isn't any test ever that can test for a virus including covid test. The inventor of the test has said the same thing in an interview. The test can only check for dna of an infection from whatever, which most people aswell would be positive.
Stop listening to vets, people, these test are there pension. 😠.