Puppy Farm at Centre of Canine Brucellosis Outbreak Has 700 Breeding Bitches
Published on May 6, 2009 by K9 Magazine News Editor · 1 CommentIt is being reported that an outbreak of canine brucellosis on a puppy farm in Ireland could pose a serious public health risk as the disease can be passed on to humans. This according to the Dublin SPCA and the Ulster SPCA.
The two organisations have reported that the puppy farm in question is home to a staggering 700 breeding bitches and there are currently up to 300 puppies on the premises.
The farm’s owner has refused to sign an undertaking not to move the dogs off-site before an official inspection can take place to investigate the extent of the problem.
Someone from the farm told the Irish Times that the two animal welfare agencies were involved in acts of “intimidation” against the establishment.
Canine brucellosis is transmissible to humans and can cause liver damage and arthritis.
“We got accurate information on Friday that this man was intending moving and selling these dogs and we acted on it,” according to Jimmy Cahill, chief executive of the DSPCA.
“The guards were very helpful but the owners refused to let us see the dogs or any of the carcasses. If there is an outbreak of canine brucellosis it could have a devastating impact on the greyhound industry,” he added.
Brucellosis in humans is a potentially life-threatening diseas and is difficult to treat. There are several varieties of Brucellosis, all caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella, the most notable being B. abortus and B. melitensis which affect larger species of domestic animals, and B. canis which infects dogs and other canids.
All are widely spread around the world. The most severe infections are thought to be associated with B. melitensis which primarily infects goats, sheep, and camels in the Mediterranean, Asia, Latin America, parts of Africa and some southern European countries. Humans can catch B. canis through contact with the body fluids of infected dogs, especially semen, urine and vaginal fluids.
Dogs can be infected with Brucellosis without showing any signs or symptoms, and infection can only be diagnosed with specific blood tests.
The typical symptoms of the type of brucellosis contracted from dogs are: fever that comes and goes, loss of appetite, fatigue, weakness, malaise, sore joints, low back pain, spine pain, headache, depression, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, unsteadiness of gait, and urinary retention.
Heart and lung complications can occur.
A Department of Agriculture veterinary source told the Times that an outbreak of canine brucellosis would be “extremely unusual”.
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And what are our government doing about this ? Absolutely nothing it would seem . DEFRA have told councils with pet shops selling Irish stock that no action is required , thanks for nothing DEFRA .
RSPCA have made no comment neither have DT , is it only anti puppy farming campaign groups who see the problems connected with this ?