BRUCELLOSIS (Brucella suis)
• Brucella are gram-negative, facultative intracellular coccobacilli found in a number of different wild and domestic host species. • In humans, cases of brucellosis acquired in Australia are due to B. suis and result from occupational or recreational exposure to feral pigs through hunting. Cases of brucellosis diagnosed in Australia due to other Brucella species (e.g. B. melitensis ) are always acquired overseas.
ACAZAP RECOMMENDATIONS
• Given the potential for zoonotic transmission, euthanasia of affected dogs should be considered, but this is not mandatory. 1 If euthanasia is declined, treated dogs should be neutered and undergo regular blood and urine culture. Serology may be monitored (using the complement fixation test) for a rising titre as an indicator of recrudescence. • Test all dogs in contact with an affected dog and consider them infectious until negative. • Consider testing dogs with a history of hunting or feeding raw feral pig meat prior to performing invasive procedures (even if asymptomatic). • The use of dogs in the recreational activity of feral pig hunting is common in parts of Australia. Proactive advice should be provided to pig hunters on risk management with particular emphasis on cautious handling of feral pig carcasses. Other recommendations for pig hunters include: - Pregnant women and children should not participate in pig hunting activities and should avoid contact with pig hunting dogs as they are at greater risk of severe disease. - Routine hand hygiene, preferably with soap and running water, is important. Alcohol-based hand sanitiser may be used when hand washing facilities are not available. - Use clean, sharp knives to minimise the risk of self- injury. If cut or scratched, immediately clean the wound and protect it with waterproof dressings or gloves. - Tools, boots and surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned with a disinfectant. Vehicles used to transport carcasses should be cleaned with soapy water. High pressure hosing should be avoided to minimise aerosolisation. - Avoid opening reproductive tissues or swollen joints of pigs. Personal protective equipment should be worn when handling or disposing of reproductive organs or tissues of feral pigs and where possible carcasses should be burned or buried.
• Consider brucellosis as a differential in dogs with back pain, joint pain, discospondylitis, orchitis/epididymitis or a history of abortion, particularly if there is a history of hunting or feeding raw feral pig meat. • Good hygiene in conjunction with personal protective equipment (e.g. gloves, covering cuts and abrasions with waterproof dressings, protective eyewear, disposable face masks and gowns) is essential for veterinary staff performing procedures on pig hunting dogs. Particular care should be taken when collecting blood, neutering or assisting with whelping or caesarean sections for breeding bitches. • Laboratory staff should be alerted about potentially infectious B. suis containing samples. Clearly mark lab specimens from pig hunting dogs to protect laboratory staff so they can take adequate precautions when handling specimens, inoculating media and agar plates. • Veterinary staff should counsel the owner on the zoonotic risk posed by infected dogs. Risk assessment, family screening, and contact tracing should be performed as required.
Feral pigs in northern Australia
CONTENTS
19 Companion Animal Zoonoses Guidelines
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