Bringing a rescue dog into your home is an incredibly rewarding experience—especially when you’re offering a second chance to a dog from overseas. Many of our clients have chosen to adopt dogs from outside the UK, providing them with safe, loving homes after often difficult beginnings.
But alongside the joy of adoption, it’s important to understand that dogs imported from abroad may carry diseases not commonly seen in the UK. One such disease is Brucella canis, a bacterial infection that can be very serious—not only for your dog but also for other dogs and humans.
Even more concerning, many infected dogs show no outward signs of illness. That means your happy, healthy-looking rescue pup could unknowingly be carrying and spreading a dangerous disease.
At Hook Norton Veterinary Group (HNVG), we’re committed to protecting our clients, their families, our staff, and the wider UK dog population. Following advice from the APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) and Public Health England, we are now asking all pet owners with imported dogs to get in touch if their dog hasn’t been tested for Brucella canis since arriving in the UK.
We know this might feel like another task on your list, but testing is crucial for early detection—and for preventing the spread of this disease. We also want you to have all the facts before making decisions about your dog’s healthcare.
It’s a contagious bacterial disease that’s spreading among imported dogs in the UK.
Infected dogs may seem healthy for years while still shedding the bacteria.
It can be transmitted to other dogs and humans.
The only way to know if your dog is carrying the infection is through a blood test.
If your dog is infected, we’ll continue to provide care, but with tailored safety measures in place.
It’s important to check if your dog has been UK-tested for Brucella canis after arriving here. Even if they were tested before travelling, that might not be enough, as the disease can take up to three months to show up in bloodwork.
✅ If you do have a UK-based certificate confirming your dog has tested negative, please share it with us.
❗ If your dog hasn’t yet been tested, we may need to schedule a screening test before we can carry out certain treatments.
We know this may raise questions, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our vets and nurses are trained in handling these cases sensitively, and we’ll do everything we can to make testing comfortable for you and your pet.
To find out more about Brucella canis—including how it’s diagnosed, what testing involves, and why it matters, click here to read the full information and what to do next.
Your actions today can help protect your family, your pet community, and your dog’s future. If you’re unsure whether your dog needs testing or just want to talk it through, please don’t hesitate to contact our team.
