Health protection

Question 1

Brucella canis

Answer 1

Brucella canis is notifiable in humans and reportable in dogs in England

Significant increase in canine cases in England since June 2020

Majority of cases are dogs imported from Eastern Europe

No current legislation for pre-import testing

Considerable public and animal health follow up required

Improving awareness - CVO letter to Veterinary Surgeons

Public health management guidance to be published shortly

Question 2

Human AI infection in UK

Answer 2

To date in Europe AI strain subtypes associated with mild or asymptomatic infection

In 2021 a human case of H5N9 infection was identified in a person tested following exposure to an infected duck flock - asymptomatic infection

Previous human case of H7N9 infection 10 years ago following exposure to infected poultry - symptom was conjunctivitis

Fortunately severe disease not seen - so far

APHA notifies UKHSA when there are suspect or confirmed incidents of AI

UKHSA HPT identifies exposed contacts for public health risk assessment, advice and follow up