CURRENT STATUS OF CANINE BRUCELLOSIS IN INDIA

Abstract

Canine brucellosis is a bacterial disease caused by Brucella canis which is the most common cause of reproductive
failure in dogs. Incidence of the disease is higher in stray dogs than in pets. Though brucellosis was reported to have
existed in India since 1879, the methodical study was taken up as late as 1943, in animals and man in Madras
presidency. However, contagious abortion in livestock associated with brucellosis was first investigated in India by the
Imperial Veterinary Research Institute, Mukteshwar in 1918. Since then the disease has been reported almost
everywhere in India. Data on the prevalence of canine brucellosis in India is scarce or rather unreported, and the
public health significance is not much known. Routine sero-surveillance of canines should also be done so that
proper control measures can be taken.