How Do You Get E. Coli – And How to Prevent It
Infectious Disease Found In Dogs Has Begun Spreading To Humans
A canine disease that has rarely been reported in humans has been identified in two individuals in the U.K.
Brucellosis caused by Brucella canis was previously only seen in dogs imported into the U.K. But since 2020 has been spreading between local dogs, a report by the Human Animal Infections and Risk Surveillance group released on September 18 reveals.
"As of July 2023, 2 laboratory-confirmed cases of B. Canis human infection have been identified in the UK," the report stated. "One case was identified from clinical suspicion after presenting at hospital. A second case had no clinical symptoms, worked at a veterinary practice and was identified through the follow-up of individuals exposed to positive dogs. In both incidents, the implicated dogs were not known to be infected at the time of human exposure, but subsequently tested positive.
"This incident was also the first time dog-to-dog transmission of B. Canis had been identified in the UK."
This outbreak among U.K.-native dogs is likely the result of breeding in kennels, leading to contact and mating with imported dogs or the offspring of imported dogs. The disease is endemic in parts of Eastern Europe, including Romania, from where many dogs are imported to the U.K.
B. Canis is a bacteria that can infect dogs, and is transmitted via genital, conjunctival, and oronasal mucosae, usually during social, grooming and sexual activities between the dogs.
The disease has an incubation period ranging from weeks to years, the report states. Symptoms of the condition in humans include fever, headaches and muscle pain, and in very rare cases, complications including endocarditis, arthritis, meningitis and even Guillain Barré syndrome, a rare condition in which someone's immune system harms their nerves. There have been no recorded human deaths from the disease.
A stock image of Brucella bacteria. Brucellosis, caused by Brucella canis, was previously only seen in dogs imported into the U.K. A stock image of Brucella bacteria. Brucellosis, caused by Brucella canis, was previously only seen in dogs imported into the U.K. ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS"There are no reports of human-to-human transmission of B. Canis, although this is theoretically possible as blood transfusion, organ transplantation and transmission via contact with reproductive tissues have been reported for other Brucella species, although in very limited numbers," the report states. "This would not generally be considered a commonly occurring pathway for human-to-human transmission."
To prevent the spread among dogs, the U.K. Government is considering setting up B. Canis screening to prevent infected animals from entering the country. The report says that because of B. Canis' ability to withstand antimicrobial treatment, the only surefire way to prevent a dog from spreading the disease is euthanasia.
A stock image of a sick dog. The bacteria B. Canis has been spreading between dogs in the U.K. And has infected two humans this year. A stock image of a sick dog. The bacteria B. Canis has been spreading between dogs in the U.K. And has infected two humans this year. ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS"Euthanasia of infected dogs is considered the only way to completely remove the risk of future onward transmission," says the report. "The decision to euthanise is a matter for the owner(s) and their private veterinary surgeon and their willingness to accept the residual risks, which will vary on a case-by-case basis, if this course of action is not taken. If an infected animal is not euthanised, the dog may be neutered and concurrently treated with a course of antimicrobials."
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UH Researchers Link Dolphin Strandings To Infectious Disease That Can Spread To Humans
Striped dolphins in the wild. (Credit: Robin W. Baird / Cascadia Research)
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa's Health and Stranding Lab scientists say they are concerned after three striped dolphins stranded on east Oʻahu shorelines over seven days and tested positive for Brucella ceti, a bacterial infection that can transfer from animals to humans. The UH researchers say the three cases could signal a much larger problem for dolphins and whales in Hawaiian waters.
Two of the dolphins were found in Waimānalo on June 7 and 8, and the third was found in Waikāne on June 15. Cultural practitioners were present at each response and advised the UH first response team.
Public urged to keep distance, report strandingsIn humans, the infection can cause flu-like symptoms, neurological issues and chronic arthritis if untreated.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD"Brucella ceti can be dangerous to humans who touch infected marine mammals," said Kristi West, associate researcher at UH Mānoa's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR) who directs the university's Health and Stranding Lab. "It is best to be cautious and avoid touching or handling stranded animals. We strongly urge the public to report any whales and dolphins in distress in the ocean or stranded on beaches."
Since most carcasses are never recovered, public reporting is critical for understanding threats to marine mammal health.
"Dolphins and whales are recognized sentinels of ocean health and give us signs and signals about what's happening out there," said West. "Three strandings within one week likely represents many more dolphins that died and were lost at sea. It raises our concern about what's happening to the animals in their ecosystem."
New bacteria strain ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ADCTAHR researchers identified striped dolphins as especially vulnerable to Brucella ceti and discovered the bacteria in other species of stranded dolphins and whales. The researchers published their findings in the Journal of Wildlife Diseases in May. Between 2000 and 2024, they found the bacteria in seven species including pygmy killer whales, sperm whales, spinner dolphins and a Longman's beaked whale. Many of the animals that tested positive showed severe brain and lung infections, with coinfections by viruses such as morbillivirus and herpesvirus.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ADWorking alongside UH Manoa School of Life Sciences microbiologist Michael Norris, the team has recently discovered a new strain of Brucella ceti in Hawaiian marine mammals that is likely the cause of the recent strandings. Work is ongoing and UH will continue its investigations this summer.
This research is made possible through a Zoonotic Disease Initiative grant from the US Fish and Wildlife Service to the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Report dolphin/whale strandings ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ADSightings of dead or distressed marine mammals can be reported to the toll-free statewide NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline at 1(888) 256-9840.
Brucellosis: Symptoms And Treatment - WebMD
Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by a type of bacteria called Brucella. The bacteria can spread from animals to humans.
There are several different strains of Brucella bacteria. Some types are seen in cows. Others occur in dogs, pigs, sheep, goats, and camels. Recently, scientists have seen new strains in the red fox and certain marine animals, including seals. Brucella in animals cannot be cured.
Brucellosis is rare in the U.S. Because of effective animal disease control programs. Fewer than 200 people get sick with the disease each year in the U.S. It is most often seen in the spring and summer months in:
Brucellosis is considered a significant health threat in other parts of the world. The disease has been reported in more than a half-million people each year in 100 countries, according to the World Health Organization.
Brucellosis in humans occurs when a person comes into contact with an animal or animal product infected with the Brucella bacteria.
Very rarely, the bacteria may spread from person to person. Breastfeeding moms with brucellosis may pass the bacteria to their baby. Brucella may also be spread through sexual contact.
The bacteria can enter your body:
Four types of Brucella bacteria cause the majority of brucellosis infections in humans:
B. Melitensis. This type causes most cases of human brucellosis and is mainly found in sheep and goats. It is most often seen in:
B. Suis. This infection found in wild pigs is the most common type of Brucella seen in the U.S. Brucellosis due to this strain most often occurs in the Southeast and California. It also occurs in Europe, South America, and Southeast Asia.
B. Canis. The infection from this type of bacteria spreads from dogs. It is most often seen in:
B. Abortus. This infection comes from cattle. It occurs worldwide. It has been wiped out in several European countries, Japan, Israel, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Dogs can become infected with B. Canis. Some pet owners have developed brucellosis this way but the disease is usually mild. There is at least one known case of brucellosis spreading to a human by a dog bite. But spreading brucellosis this way is uncommon. Most dogs infected with Brucella do NOT spread the bacteria to their owners.
You are more likely to get brucellosis from an infected dog if you come in contact with blood or other fluids from the animal. Veterinarians have an increased risk of brucellosis.
If you have a weakened immune system due to medications or certain diseases, you should not touch dogs that are infected with Brucella.
In the U.S., brucellosis is more common in men. Men who become sick with the disease most often work or have worked around livestock. Brucellosis is uncommon in children.
You are more likely to get brucellosis if you:
Brucellosis has also been reported in:
General symptoms of brucellosis are often vague and similar to the flu. They may include:
Symptoms usually appear within five to 30 days after you come in contact with the bacteria. How bad your symptoms are depends on what type of Brucella is making you sick:
Your doctor will examine you. You may have:
Blood tests will be done to diagnose the infection and determine what type of Brucella is making you sick. Proper identification of the bacteria helps pinpoint the source of the infection.
Brucellosis can be difficult to treat. If you have brucellosis, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics commonly used to treat brucellosis include:
You will generally be given doxycycline and rifampin a in combination for 6-8 weeks.
You must take the antibiotics for many weeks to prevent the disease from returning. The rate of relapse following treatment is about 5-15% and usually occurs within the first six months after treatment.
Recovery can take weeks, even months. Patients who receive treatment within one month of the start of symptoms can be cured of the disease.
Severe brucellosis may cause:
Brucellosis can cause long-lasting symptoms that are similar to systemic exertion intolerance disease. SEID is formerly known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The symptoms can lead to disability. They may include:
Brucellosis in a pregnant woman may lead to:
Death from brucellosis is uncommon. Most brucellosis-related deaths are due to endocarditis.
Brucellosis may be prevented with the following steps:
If you have come in contact with an animal infected with Brucella, tell your health care provider -- even if you do not have symptoms. You will need to be monitored for at least six months. There is no effective human vaccine to prevent brucellosis.
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