Risk Assessment and Management of Brucella canis Introduction via Commercial Dog Imports Into France

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Epidemiology
• Zoonotic Disease Surveillance
• Risk Assessment Modeling

Background:

• Canine brucellosis, caused by Brucella canis, is an underdiagnosed zoonotic disease impacting canine reproductive health and kennel economics.
• Increasing cases in France since 2020 are linked to imported dogs, primarily from Eastern Europe.
• The broader risk from global commercial dog imports remains inadequately understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively assess the risk of Brucella canis introduction into mainland France via commercial dog imports.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of management strategies in mitigating this risk.

Main Methods:

• A quantitative risk assessment utilizing a stochastic scenario tree model.
• Inclusion of the region of origin for imported dogs within the model.
• Simulation of various management measures, including pre-import testing.

Main Results:

• Commercial dog imports represent a substantial risk, with an estimated median of 41.60 infected dogs annually.
• High-risk regions for Brucella canis importation include the USA, Eastern Europe, North Africa, and Latin America.
• Mandatory pre-import testing, even with 80% compliance, significantly reduces imported infected dogs by 4 to 1000-fold.

Conclusions:

• Commercial dog imports are a significant pathway for Brucella canis introduction into France.
• Targeted management measures, particularly mandatory pre-import testing, are crucial for preventing disease introduction.
• Implementing these measures can drastically lower the risk associated with canine brucellosis importation.