What is Brucella canis?

B. canis is a bacteria that can cause reproductive problems (notably abortions and stillbirths) in dogs. It is a similar organism to the Brucella abortus bacteria that causes Brucellosis in cattle, bison, and elk in the Yellowstone area.

The bacteria can be found in highest concentrations in reproductive fluids and to a lesser extent in urine, milk, blood, saliva, nasal and ocular secretions, and feces. It can be shed intermittently for months to years after the dog is infected and can survive in the environment for extended periods of time.

Although rare, humans can also contract the disease via open wounds or mucosal surfaces (inside of the eye, nose, etc.) that come into contact with the bodily fluids of infected animals. Dogs are diagnosed by a blood test.

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for the disease and euthanasia of the infected animal is currently recommended to stop the spread.

To learn more, you can download this pdf file from Iowa State University http://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/Factsheets/pdfs/brucellosis_canis.pdf