Rescuing pets from abroad has become more common in the last few years, says veterinary surgeon Graham Lewis. Many charities now import dogs to the UK for rescue from other parts of the world, rather than rehoming locally abandoned dogs. These dogs have often been mistreated or neglected before coming to the UK, but can often go on to make very affectionate and loving pets.
However, alongside the joy of helping an animal in need from a country unable to give them the care they deserve, we face a potential risk of importing diseases not previously widespread in the UK – some of which can be a risk to people as well as pets.
Below are six potential diseases that are not endemic in the UK but could be carried in by pets from elsewhere in the world. Understanding these diseases, knowing when to test for them, and recognising the risks they pose to other pets and people is essential for pet owners in the UK that take on a pet from abroad, or plan to travel with their pet.
6 dangerous diseases dogs from overseas could import
Brucellosis
Brucellosis is a bacterial infection affecting both dogs and cats. It can cause reproductive issues such as infertility and miscarriages. Testing for brucellosis is recommended before breeding and for pets imported from areas of the world where the disease is endemic.
Brucellosis can be directly transmitted to humans from pets, posing a zoonotic risk, so thorough testing and preventive measures are crucial. It is a notifiable disease in the UK which means that any positive cases need to be reported to the government.
Brucellosis can stay dormant for several months, so a negative test on arrival or before departure to the UK is not sufficient to say the animal is negative for this condition. Retesting 3-12 months after they have arrived in the UK (if coming from an endemic area) is something many vets recommend to minimise the risk to owners, veterinary staff and clients.
All Creatures Great and Small fans will remember James Herriot suffering from it.
Anaplasmosis
Anaplasmosis is a disease caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum bacteria affecting both dogs and cats. Symptoms include fever, lethargy and joint pain. Pets that have travelled from regions with prevalent tick activity should be tested, especially if they show clinical signs.
While the risk to humans exists, it is less direct, as the disease is primarily transmitted through tick bites. However, this disease is becoming more present in the UK as well as Europe.
Blood tests can show the presence of this and testing in suspected cases is recommended.
Babesia
Babesia infection, or babesiosis, is also caused by parasites transmitted by ticks. It primarily affects dogs, causing anaemia, fever and jaundice. Blood tests should be done for pets arriving from areas known for high tick activity or if they show relevant symptoms.
Babesia can be indirectly transmitted to humans through tick bites, emphasising the need for tick prevention and early diagnosis. There are now rare cases present in the UK, and not just in imported dogs, so this is likely to become more common in the future.
Ehrlichia
Ehrlichiosis is the third tick-borne disease on this list. In this case, it is caused by Ehrlichia chaffeensis bacteria and can affect dogs and occasionally cats. Symptoms include fever, weight loss and bleeding disorders. Testing is advised for pets imported from or travelling to regions where ehrlichia is prevalent. Like babesia, there are a few rare cases in dogs that haven’t travelled abroad and as such this has the potential to become endemic in the UK in the future.
Leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis is caused by Leishmania parasites, transmitted through sandfly bites, primarily affecting dogs. Symptoms include skin lesions, weight loss and organ damage. It is often a chronic condition and animals can require lifelong treatment. Pets from endemic areas should be tested upon entry into the UK. It can be indirectly transmitted to people, however the sandflies are not currently present in the UK.
For imported dogs, unfortunately this condition can be dormant for years, so a negative result does not mean your pet will never develop this. Treatment and management can be long-term and costly, and the disease is potentially fatal to dogs.
Rabies
Rabies is a problem throughout the world and human estimated deaths annually are 59,000 according to the World Health Organisation, with dogs being the main source of transmission to people.
We are very lucky that dogs in the UK and Western Europe are rabies-free and therefore the risk to people in these countries is dramatically reduced. These areas maintain this rabies-free status by vaccination and blood testing dogs on arrival.
However, there is the risk of dogs illegally imported from endemic areas carrying the virus. The incubation period can be from 3 weeks to 4 months so there is a fair amount of time between infection and clinical signs. An infected dog is a very serious risk to humans so while the likelihood of this is very low, it is important that procedures are followed for imported dogs.
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Rescuing a pet from abroad can be very rewarding, however there are a few extra considerations to take into account before doing so. Making sure they are tested and treated for these diseases can help prevent problems with your new pet. There are also many animals awaiting adoption in UK charities that don’t carry these risks, so please consider using your local animal charity.
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