Two police dogs from Wiltshire Police in England have been put down after testing positive for Brucella canis, a bacterial infection that can pass between dogs and, rarely, to people. The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) says the cases are linked to a police dog imported from Europe. Every other dog in the unit tested negative, according to local reports cited by Vet Times, and forces have been given interim advice on testing and quarantining imported dogs while national guidance is written.

What happened

Vet Times reported the cases on October 12. The infections were found during recent testing in the Wiltshire Police dog unit. The two dogs were euthanized on veterinary advice to stop the infection spreading, the outlet said.

The NPCC confirmed it had been told about the positive results, which it said were "linked to a police dog imported from Europe." It called the incident "believed to have been an isolated incident with no evidence to suggest a broader risk to UK police dogs."

Chief constables have received interim advice on testing, quarantine and management of imported dogs, pending what the NPCC called "definitive national guidance."

What we know and don't know yet

We don't know how the imported dog was linked to the two infected dogs, or whether that dog was itself infected. The NPCC hasn't answered follow-up questions on that or on what the interim advice says, according to Vet Times. Wiltshire Police didn't respond to the outlet's request for comment.

There are an estimated 2,500 working police dogs across UK forces.

What Brucella canis is

The UK government's guidance for dog owners explains the basics. In the UK, the infection is mainly found in dogs imported from Eastern Europe. It was diagnosed only three times in the UK before 2020; by June 2023 there had been 97 cases that year.

Dogs usually catch it through mating, through contact with birthing fluids or reproductive tissue, or before birth from their mother. Dogs that live with an infected dog are at higher risk.

Many infected dogs show no obvious signs. When they do, it often affects breeding (infertility, miscarriage), but dogs can also have tiredness, swollen lymph nodes, back pain or joint problems such as lameness. The guidance says antibiotics aren't recommended for dogs because the infection often persists despite treatment. Options such as neutering or euthanasia are something to discuss with a vet.

Testing isn't simple. A negative test doesn't always rule out infection, because the dog may not have made antibodies yet. Quick in-clinic tests are less accurate than lab tests, so the government advises lab confirmation before big decisions.

Why it matters for pet owners

The risk to the general public is very low, the government says. People most at risk are breeders, owners of infected or imported dogs, and vets who spay or neuter infected dogs. People with weakened immune systems, young children and pregnant women may face a higher risk of serious illness. In people, symptoms such as fever, tiredness, headaches and back or joint pain can appear weeks or even years after contact.

Many families in the UK and across Europe adopt rescue dogs from other countries. If you're one of them, it's worth asking a few questions before your new dog comes home.

What you can do

  • If you're adopting a dog from abroad, ask the rescue whether the dog has been tested for Brucella canis, and with what kind of test. UK guidance says all imported dogs should be tested before they arrive.
  • Talk to your vet about testing if your dog was imported and has never been checked, especially before any mating.
  • Wash your hands with soap and hot water after handling any dog whose history you don't know, and wear gloves when dealing with birthing or reproductive fluids.
  • If you feel unwell after contact with an infected dog, the UK guidance says to contact your GP or call NHS 111. Elsewhere, talk to your doctor.

Sources