BISMARCK – An adult female Golden Retriever under quarantine for brucellosis was removed from its yard in Fargo near the El Zagal golf course around May 9, 2021. The microchip is #900215001868719. Anyone who finds the dog or has information regarding it should immediately notify the Board of Animal Health at 1-800-242-7535 or email doa-bah@nd.gov. If the dog is surrendered to a veterinary clinic or shelter, staff should isolate the dog and employ appropriate protective measures.
“Brucella canis or B. canis can spread to humans and other dogs,” State Veterinarian Dr. Susan Keller said. “It can take weeks, months or years before any outward signs of illness develop in people and pets. Signs in animals may include reproductive failure, degenerative back pain, chronic ocular disease, or unexplained intermittent fever.”
Rarely, B. canis can cause severe illness in people, higher risk in those very young, the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, or people with occupational exposures to canine reproductive fluids (e.g., veterinarians, dog breeders, and laboratory technicians).
“People who become infected may experience flu-like symptoms which can include intermittent fever, fatigue, muscle and joint pain and headaches,” said North Dakota Department of Health Infectious Disease and Epidemiology Director Michelle Dethloff. “People with symptoms who think they might have been exposed to B. canis should inform their healthcare provider about their exposure.”
Anyone handling B. canis positive dogs must be educated on safe handling, housing, and best practices to prevent human exposure or exposure to other dogs. B. canis is not considered to be a curable disease in dogs. Confirmed B. canis positive dogs should not be rehomed due to the risk of spread.