Brucellosis is a disease of the reproductive tract which could cause abortion in bitches, infection of the sexual organs in dogs, and infertility in both.  It is caused by a bacteria of which there are several different types.  The bacteria that infects dogs specifically is called Brucella canis.  It is spread by contact with the semen or vaginal discharge of an infected dog or bitch (most commonly during breeding), by contact with mammary secretions and aborted puppies.  It can also be spread by contact with urine or other body secretions. It may even be spread by airborne route.  It can be contagious to humans, in which it causes flu-like symptoms. 

Symptoms in bitches :  abortion of litters, usually between 45-55 days, litters with some stillborn pups and some dying immediately after birth, pups that die at embryo stage and are reabsorbed (making it look like the bitch didn’t take). 

Symptoms in dogs : inflammation of the epididymis, prostate and / or testicles (often leading to testicular atrophy), infertility because of abnormal sperm and poor sperm motility, reluctance to breed due to pain caused by inflammation of sex organs. Males may also cause lesions by licking the painful area. 

Symptoms in both sexes :  swollen lymph nodes.  Some dogs may show non-specific signs of poor health such as poor energy levels. In rare cases the disease has caused kidney damage and nervous system damage. 

Brucellosis is a very insidious (slow developing) disease.  Symptoms may not always be apparent or seen. Infected bitches will have normal heat cycles and breed normally.  A danger is that sometimes an infected bitch will abort the first litter, then breed and whelp a seemingly normal litter, however the puppies will most likely be carriers of the disease in this instance and go on to infect other dogs. 

Experts estimate that 1% to 6% of the canine population is infected.  There is no vaccine for this disease and treatment usually consists of prolonged treatment with Tetracycline and Streptomycin, which may not be effective.  The only preventative is to test all stock before breeding.  The test is a relatively simple and inexpensive blood test.  

Canine brucellosis is a very serious disease, Not because dogs are very likely to contract  the disease, but because of the consequences.  The dog will not die if infected, but will become genetically ‘dead’ because it will be unbreedable, even if the disease doesn’t cause complete sterility.  An infected dog should not be bred, not even by artificial insemination because bringing even one infected dog into a breeding program could wipe out years of hard work of your pedigree.   

The disease is most often transmitted to humans by handling aborted pups, stillborn pups, placentas, membranes, etc from a bitch with Brucellosis.  A bitch that has a stillborn litter should be tested for the disease to rule it out.  It is better to be safe than sorry. Test before breeding.