Brucella suis in Australian dogs and pigs

Brucella suis is a zoonotic pathogen of feral pigs (Sus scrofa) that in Australia primarily infects hunters, hunting dogs and veterinary professionals. Endemic in the feral pig populations of Queensland for nearly 50 years, over the past decade B. suis has emerged in feral pigs in New South Wales, the Northern Territory and South Australia. During this time there has been a significant rise in canine brucellosis cases, with nearly 10% of exposed dogs testing seropositive. Transmission to dogs occurs through contact with infected feral pigs, particularly during hunting, and the consumption of raw feral pig meat. Infected dogs commonly present with reproductive or osteoarticular disease, although many remain asymptomatic. The transmission risk from dogs to humans is low, except around whelping, when the bacteria may be excreted in reproductive tissues and fluids. Advances in serological testing and treatment protocols have improved management options for infected dogs, however government policy still often emphasises euthanasia. Evidence-based guidelines are required to balance zoonotic risk management with the effective care and welfare of infected dogs, highlighting the need for a formal review of current government policies.