Q. Are you concerned about the public health threat of canine brucellosis in Europe?

A new scientific article by OHEJP IDEMBRU, published in Pathogens journal, has described the molecular investigations of two first Brucella suis Biovar 2 (BSB2) infections cases in French dogs.

Canine brucellosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease caused by Brucella species, with infections primarily associated with B. canis. In Western Europe, infections have only occurred sporadically with other Brucella species (e.g., B. melitensis, B. abortus or B. suis) in dogs in close contact with infected livestock or wild animals.

This paper presents the molecular and epidemiological investigations of two canine cases of brucellosis in France caused by BSB2.
The analyses highlighted the genetic proximity of two isolates to BSB2 strains originating from wildlife, suggesting infection transmission from wildlife, such as wild boars or hares, to the dogs.

This study highlights the role of wildlife in the transmission of brucellosis and the need to establish surveillance plans that include wildlife and the environment to limit infection spillover risk to domestic animals.
This information has implications for public health since BSB2 infections rarely occur in humans.

Congratulations to the scientists at Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire – Anses who led this research.
Girault, G,, Djokic, V., Petot-Bottin, F., Perrot, L., Thibaut, B., Sébastien, H., Vicente, A. F., Ponsart, C., Freddi, L. (2023). Molecular Investigations of Two First Brucella suis Biovar 2 Infections Cases in French Dogs. Pathogens. 12(6), 792.

Read this research article here.

Learn more about IDEMBRU on our website.