Disease factsheets

Canine brucellosis is an emerging infectious disease in Europe, it is of particular concern in the UK where increasing numbers of dogs are imported from the EU. Alongside increased awareness of the disease, there has been an increase in the number of dogs diagnosed with clinical or subclinical infection as well as a well-publicized case of human infection. BSAVA has produced key information for the veterinary profession covering the distribution, transmission, presentation, diagnosis and management of this disease, together with public health and legal implications. First published February 2023; last updated October 2023.

Leishmaniosis (leishmaniasis) is a vector-borne disease caused by a protozoan parasite that is spread by phlebotomine sand-flies. In Europe, canine leishmaniosis is predominantly caused by Leishmania infantum, although other species (L. tropica, L. major) have occasionally been reported. Leishmania can be transmitted to humans, primarily via sand-fly bite, but transmission from infected dogs is thought to be extremely uncommon.Last reviewed 2023.

Lyme disease is a chronic, multi-systemic, inflammatory disorder of humans and animals associated with infection by the tick-borne spirochaete, Borrelia burgdorferi. There are a number of subspecies of B. burgdorferi, each adapted to a different type of wildlife. The principal vector in the UK is the tick Ixodes ricinus and animals become infected following a bite from an infected nymph or adult. Tick-borne disease poses an ongoing and growing risk to dogs and their owners in the UK. Last reviewed 2016. The information in this SID is still valid as far as BSAVA Scientific Committee is aware but is not under active review at this time. The Committee will review this content if any new information comes to light.

The number of cases of mycobacterial infections being recognised in small companion animals is slowly increasing, although it should be borne in mind that the number of confirmed cases of M. bovis remains very low. However, in view of the public health implications, it is important that veterinary surgeons have access to accurate information on which to base decisions related to diagnosis and management in order to provide accurate advice to their clients. Last reviewed 2016. The information in this SID is still valid as far as BSAVA Scientific Committee is aware but is not under active review at this time. The Committee will review this content if any new information comes to light.