Canine Brucellosis is an issue that has been lurking for some time and we need to talk about it. Here are the facts as I know them:
1. Canine Brucellosis devastated many breeding programs in the 1970's and 1980's. Through rigorous testing and euthanasia, the disease was eventually curtailed but not eradicated!
2. Most brace Beaglers remember those terrible days. New comers to competitive Beagling, e.g. the SPO side, may not be as aware.
3. We have ALL gotten lackadaisical about this disease, including many stud dog men.
4. Treatment for this disease is difficult and expensive. It should be attempted in only rare cases. The vast majority of dogs that have the disease should be isolated and removed from the breeding program forever.
5. It is true that the SPO message boards are reporting an "outbreak" of Canine Brucellosis in KY and LA. Unconfirmed.
6. We need to increase our vigilance with routine testing of **EVERY** female that we breed and testing at least two times per year of every stud dog that is being bred.
I strongly caution every Beagler to refrain from breeding hounds that have not been tested. In a matter of weeks, your whole kennel can be infected and you will be starting over for real.
Also, visitors to the kennel should be minimal with minimal contact with your hounds by dogs at events or during transport. Ideally, professional handlers would require a negative test before placing a dog "on the truck".
Be on the look out and on guard. It is out there.
Martin Coffman
R & D Veterinarian
The Iams Company
Lewisburg OH
Phone: (937) 415-8746
E-mail: martin.coffman@iams.com
Audix 8746