Recently, new rules were introduced requiring dogs imported from one Eastern European country to test negative for brucellosis before entering the UK. This legislation marks a positive step towards more responsible overseas dog rehoming, but it is only part of a wider effort already being made by vets, rescue organisations, and owners to address this growing risk. While many people remain unaware of brucellosis, increasing numbers of owners are choosing to test their imported dogs – just like Honey and Keti, who recently came in for their blood tests.

Honey and Keti are rescue dogs living happily with two other canine companions and caring owners who adopted them from a charity specialising in rehoming disabled pets and young dogs from overseas. Their owner, who previously worked with a Spanish rescue organisation, understood the importance of responsible rehoming. The charity carries out health checks, neutering, preventative treatments, and tests for infectious diseases. It also assesses temperament and suitability for home life and provides full post-adoption support, taking back any dog whose placement does not work out.

Thanks to their owner’s research and commitment, Honey and Keti proved a perfect fit. Over recent years, adopting dogs from abroad has become increasingly common among UK owners, and many vet practices now see growing numbers of imported rescues. While intentions are good, not all adoptions are handled responsibly. Some imported dogs are former street dogs that struggle to adapt to domestic life, having had little or no health testing, poor preventative care, and often remaining unneutered. This has created challenges for owners and vets nationwide – including a rise in cases of brucellosis.

Canine brucellosis, caused by the bacterium Brucella canis, is not considered endemic in the UK and remains rare here, but it is widespread in parts of Eastern and Central Europe. As imports increase, so too have UK reports of the disease. Every confirmed UK case so far has involved an imported dog or a dog directly linked to an imported dog, with around 50% being connected to dogs imported from Romania.

In dogs, brucellosis may cause infertility in unneutered canines (male and female) as well as risk of miscarriage in pregnant bitches. However, many infected dogs show no signs at all and may appear completely healthy for years while still posing a risk to other dogs and humans. People can become infected through contact with infected animals. While human illness is usually mild and treatable, complications can occur if left untreated, and those who are young or immunocompromised face higher risk. Only a few human cases have been recorded in the UK, all involving known infected dogs.

Because infected dogs may appear healthy, testing is the only way to detect the disease. When Honey visited for her routine health check, we discussed the small but real risk and recommended testing. We explained that not all tests are fully reliable and that infection may take up to three months after exposure to show up, meaning dogs could test negative before importation yet still be infected later.

Although the overall risk of brucellosis in the UK remains low, testing imported dogs helps prevent the disease from spreading and becoming established here. It also helps protect vulnerable people and veterinary staff, who are at slightly higher risk of exposure.

At first, Honey and Keti’s owners were uncertain about testing. The information was overwhelming, and the thought of a positive result was worrying. We reassured them that, if a test did come back positive, we would discuss the risks in context — considering their household, lifestyle, and environment — and support them in managing any infection safely. We also explained that our practice could continue treating either dog if positive, with extra infection-control precautions in place.

Given that a family member was immunocompromised, the owners decided testing was the safest option. Though we expected negative results, there was understandable tension as we waited a couple of weeks for confirmation. When the results finally arrived, everyone was relieved: both Honey and Keti were negative for brucellosis.

Until recently, brucellosis testing for imported dogs was not a legal requirement, meaning responsibility lay with rescue groups, breeders, and owners to recognise the risks and act responsibly. Now, dogs from Romania must test negative before entering the UK. However, implementing this requirement has its challenges — and because infection can take months to become detectable, post-import testing remains important.

For this reason, there is still a need for a responsible approach when rehoming from abroad and we strongly recommend brucella testing for all imported dogs. The UK is a nation of dog lovers, and it’s easy to understand the appeal of rescuing a dog from a country where animal welfare standards may be lower. But potential adopters should always consult their vet before taking on an imported rescue. Vets can advise on what health checks and precautions reputable organisations should undertake to protect both animal and human health.

If you already own an imported rescue dog, speak to your vet about arranging a brucellosis test. The peace of mind it brings is invaluable — ensuring that much-loved companions like Honey and Keti can continue living their best, healthiest lives while helping to keep other dogs and people safe.