Epidemiological Survey of Brucella canis Infection in Different Breeds of Dogs in Fars Province, Iran

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Brucella canis antibodies in different breeds, sex and ages of dogs in southern of Iran. A total of 113 whole blood samples were taken from different breeds based on exotic or native sources. The samples were examined with immunochromatography assay for detection of B. canis antibodies. Twelve dogs were serologically positive (10.62%). There was significant differences in ratio of infected dogs between breeds (exotic or native), ages (less, equal or more than 2 years old) and the history of vaccination (against rabies, leptospirosis, parvovirus, adenovirus type 2, canine distemper, parainfluenza) (P 0.001). However, the results were not significant statistically, among both sex (P=0.058) and the history of clinical signs (P=0.456) in seropositive dogs. Based on this study and the other investigation in companion dogs from southwest of Iran, it seems that the mixed and spray (native) breeds are not infected with B. canis, yet. Conversely, the exotic breeds would be the source of bacterium in Iran. Therefore, preventive and control measures are strongly recommended.