Infectious risk in French breeding kennels: A practice-based typology centered on Brucella canis

Brucella canis (B. canis) has re-emerged in Western Europe, causing outbreaks in French breeding kennels. Although individual practices have been described, a practice-based typology relevant to B. canis and other infectious risks has been lacking. An online descriptive survey was conducted among dog breeders across multiple French regions between June 2024 and April 2025. The questionnaire addressed breeding and dog movement patterns, pre-introduction and routine testing, and facility-level biosecurity (zoning, hygiene/disinfection, personal protective equipment [PPE], and visitor or movement control). Kennel profiles were derived using multiple correspondence analysis and hierarchical clustering on principal components. A total of 225 breeders participated, and three kennel profiles emerged: (i) well-structured but less familiar with B. canis and reporting gaps in visitor and external stud control, (ii) More familiar with B. canis but inconsistently compliant with biosecurity measures such as quarantine and PPE use, and (iii) small-scale with weak zoning, intermittent PPE use, frequent visitor access, reliance on outside studs, and low familiarity with infectious risks. Across the sample, pre-introduction and routine testing were uncommon and, when performed, mostly targeted congenital rather than infectious diseases. Screening for B. canis and systematic quarantine were very rare. This first French practice-based typology indicates that, across all kennel profiles, gaps in reported biosecurity practices were identified, suggesting the presence of factors that may facilitate the introduction or spread of B. canis and other infectious diseases, albeit for different reasons. The findings, while preliminary, provide a practical baseline for prioritizing risk-based support and exploring more tailored education and awareness approaches.