Canine brucellosis in a puppy mill
ProMed recently reported about an outbreak of canine brucellosis at a "puppy farm" in Ireland. Farm is definitely the appropriate word in this case, since this operation had about 700 breeding females. The picture on the right is not from this farm, but I imagine it's a similar operation. Beyond the concerns about humane management of dogs under these conditions, such a large operation creates perfect conditions for various infectious diseases.
"The farm's owner has refused to sign an undertaking not to move the dogs off-site before an official inspection can take place to investigate the extent of the [brucellosis outbreak]."
Lack of cooperation makes any disease investigation much more difficult. It's not surprising this person doesn't want to cooperate, given the type of operation he's running.
"Someone from the farm told the Irish Times that the 2 animal welfare agencies were involved in acts of "intimidation" against the establishment."
I suspect that "intimidation" in this case means the agencies were doing their job, because I can't see how there wouldn't be significant welfare problems at a farm of this type and size.
"'We got accurate information on Friday [2 May 2009] that this man was intending moving and selling these dogs and we acted on it,' according to Jimmy Cahill, chief executive of the DSPCA [Dublin SPCA]. 'The guards were very helpful but the owners refused to let us see the dogs or any of the carcasses.' "
The reference to "carcasses" implies that deaths have occurred. Death from B. canis in dogs is very rare but it is possible. However, a poorly managed operation with hundreds of dogs is bound to have multiple issues that could cause deaths.
Canine brucellosis is caused by the bacterium Brucella canis. This main problem with this bacterium in dogs is reproductive disease, including abortion and infertility (in both males and females). Discospondylitis (inflammation of the discs between vertebrae in the back) can also develop.
Brucella canis is a zoonotic organism. Human infections are rarely reported but it is possible that some go undiagnosed. Brucella canis can be transmitted from dogs to people through contact with body fluids from infected dogs, including urine and vaginal fluids. The risk of transmission is likely highest when handling animals during breeding or birthing. While the bacterium can be shed in nasal secretions and saliva, levels are low in these fluids and the risks are probably correspondingly low.
One problem with preventing B.canis transmission is that infected dogs do not necessarily show any signs of disease. In people, B. canis infection can cause flu-like disease, loss of appetite, weakness, joint and back pain, vomiting and diarrhea and various other symptoms.
To control the outbreak on this "farm," quarantine and repeated testing of all dogs is needed, and positive animals must be removed from breeding. Given the information provided above, it's pretty unlikely this will happen voluntarily. I suspect this person would likely either just get rid of these dogs and get more poor-quality breeding animals, or try to continue breeding these dogs and hope people get sick of looking into his operation.
Stop the presses: sick puppies from a pet store!
It should come as no surprise that puppies (and kittens, and pretty much any type of animal) from pet stores can carry infectious diseases. The same can be said about puppies (and kittens, and pretty much any type of animal) from other sources. It's really a question of the relative degree of risk. Particularly when you have young, stressed animals, with variable medical care, from questionable sources, being kept in groups that are frequently changing, the risk of disease increases a great deal. It's exactly these types of animals that are most commonly found in pets stores.
I certainly don't want to suggest that all pet stores are like this - some stores are run by people or companies that genuinely care about the animals, and that take precautions to only obtain healthy, well-cared for animals from ethical sources. Unfortunately, there also are many pet stores that are not run like this, and puppy mills are still alive and well because of it. In addition to having poor sources for their animals, some pet stores compound the problem by not providing adequate animal care.
A recent report about a pet store in Denver, CO, highlights this type of situation. The report describes a number of sick animals from the pet store, failed inspections, critical and repeated sanitation violations, and inadequate veterinary care of the animals there. The store owner seemed more concerned about complaining about "bunny-squeezing, tree-hugging, slimeball animal activists" - otherwise known as normal people that were unfortunate enough to buy sick animals from the store and had the gall to complain - than actually fixing the problem.
If you're thinking about getting a new pet, here are some things to think about:
- If you want a new pet, research your options. Breeders, human societies and local classified ads are alternative (and usually cheaper) options to buying from pet stores.
- Ask specific questions about the origin and healthcare of the animals. Don't accept any vague answers.
- More expensive does not mean better. Pet stores often charge astronomical prices for mixed breed dogs.
- Beware of animals in pet stores that came from "breeders" from far away. They could be from a puppy mill.
- Take your new pet to your vet immediately to identify any potential problems as soon as possible.
- If you or someone in your house has a weakened immune system, talk to both your physician and your veterinarian about any potential new pet. They can give you recommendations about what species, breed, age, and source of animal would be best for your household.
- Buying a pet is never an emergency. There is always time to ask questions, search for answers and look for other options. Never buy a pet of any kind on the "spur of the moment." A few extra days of research could save you years of heartache and expense, and could help prevent members of your family from getting sick.
Do you know where 'that doggy in the window' came from?
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Nearly 700 dogs were seized in the largest puppy mill raid ever in Tennessee. Puppy mills are large scale breeding operations that produce large numbers of puppies under questionable to horrible conditions. They typically raise dogs under intensive conditions, such as in cages in barns. There may be little attention to the quality of parents, with the goal being production of a large number of puppies, not production of healthy, happy and safe household pets. These conditions lead to increased risk of health problems, carriage of infectious diseases that can be transmitted to people and behavioural issues related to lack of proper care, inbreeding, poor veterinary care, lack of socialization with people and little attention to breeding appropriate parents. The high rates of infectious diseases can lead to excessive and inappropriate use of drugs like antibiotics and antivirals. Some puppies receive multiple rounds of drugs while passing through puppy mills and pet stores. Overuse of antibiotics and important antiviral drugs like Tamiflu is a major concern.Unfortunately, puppy mills (and smaller poor-quality breeding operations) are widespread, especially in some US states. Puppies from these operations can be sent across North America and sold through newspaper ads, internet ads and pet stores.
Puppy mills exist because there is a market for the puppies. I've never understood why people often spend incredibly large amounts of money for dogs of questionable background, marginal health and potentially raised in inhumane conditions. Why buy a puppy that might have originated from a puppy mill when you can get a puppy (probably healthier) from a humane society or reputable breeder? Great dogs are awaiting adoption at humane societies. Otherwise, get to know the breeder. Good breeders make sure that their dog is appropriate for you, and you are appropriate for the dog. Places offering multiple breeds, that always have puppies available upon demand and don't ask a lot of questions about potential buyers are a concern and could indicate that the puppies are being raised in puppy mill-like conditions.
