Brucellosis Testing and Vaginal Cultures - Page 1

I am curious as to the requirement of brucellosis test and vaginal cultures in the USA. Is there a higer incident of sexually transmitted diseases among canines in this part of the world, or is the reason is people just want to protect their investment? I have never had to fullfill that requirement when breeding females in Germany and the breeders that I know in Germany do not engage in the practice of these requirements. I once had a successful breeding with a dog in Germany and the requirement did not apply. Two years later I wanted to do a repeat breeding, the dog had been sold to someone in the states, I contacted the new owner and I now had a requirement to have these 2 tests done. I even had a breeding attempt once with VA1 Larus Von Batu and there was no requirement(other than the paperwork trail to validate approval) to get these tests done. This question is not intended to point fingers or insinuate anything hidden, just trying to enlighten myself as to possible higher incidents of canine sexually transmitted diseases on the North American continent. Thanks in advance. Stephen

There is the same requirement in breeding horses with these tests, when you send a mare out. The brucellosis test is really a crock, as of ten years ago, there had not been a reported case of brucellosis in horses in 20 years, so unless some outbreaks have occurred since then that I don't know about, it's now been 30 years since a reported case of brucellosis in horses. I imagine it is the same with dogs. I would be willing to bet there has been no reported case of brucellosis in decades. I invite anyone to prove me wrong, and glad for you to do so, as this is an important health issue. The vaginal culture actually has merit. If the bitch has an infection, then the breeding probably will not take, wasting everyone's time and money. Also, some infections in the bitch can be transfered to the stud. The tests have to be carefully done, as we have contaminants floating around in the air that could land on the swab after it has been in the bitch, but before it is even sealed, thereby showing the presence of an unwanted bacteria that is not actually present in the bitch. Veronica

It's more for protection than anything else. If your dog has BC your breeding program is done. I haven't heard of any dogs with BC but that doesn't mean they aren't out there. As for the cultures for mycoplasma, I have heard of dogs having that, normally isn't suspected unless fertility issues are encountered. Becoming more commonplace to request that it be done. Clinical disease in bitches can be seen with misses after a normal breeding, very small litters, and weak and early puppy death. Stud dogs will exhibit decreased sperm production that if left untreated will result in a total lack of sperm. It can be passed from casual contact drinking out of the same water bucket as an infected dog. Treatment for this is antibiotics for 2-3 wks, up to 4-6 wks. Information found here: http://www.working-retriever.com/library/mycobrown.html So it's not so much as it's rampant, but I think most breeders want to protect their dogs and their investments. Angela