First Diagnosis of Brucella canis Infection in Dogs in Israel

Brucella canis is a worldwide infectious disease of dogs and a zoonotic infection. Until now the disease has not been diagnosed or documented in Israel. Recently, an outbreak of canine brucellosis in Northern Israel has been documented and confirmed for the first time in Israel using bacteriological, serological and molecular methods. The exact source of the infection was not determined but was possibly associated with a single female dog which was imported into Israel from abroad or with more than one imported dog. It was expected that the extent of the outbreak would be limited by taking the necessary measures described in this document and by renewing the vigilance and awareness of Israeli veterinarians.