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Importation of dogs: animal and public health risks and possible solutions
Abstract
The introduction of exotic infections to the UK elicits public health concerns, warranting specific infection control management measures and bespoke regulations. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the importation of large numbers of dogs (legally or illegally) from high-risk areas into the UK. This has led to a growing concern regarding the introduction of novel pathogens such as Brucella canis or Leishmania spp., which can adversely affect animal health and welfare. Additionally, the risk associated with imported dogs infected with zoonotic pathogens affects not only the family adopting them, but also the veterinary professionals, laboratory diagnosticians and potentially the wider public. These risks are not matched with sufficient regulation and surveillance. Regulating dog importation could change the current trajectory of rising levels of importation-related illnesses. However, the responsibility for animal safety, wellbeing and disease control is managed by multiple government departments. This makes it a challenge to coordinate, implement and enforce measures to assess and protect the welfare of imported dogs and stop importing zoonotic pathogens. UK veterinary professionals form a vital part of this jigsaw, and it is essential they have the tools and information at their disposal to advise clients that are travelling and adopting pets from abroad. They also need to be equipped to assess day-to-day parasite risks in pets and tailor infection prevention accordingly.
Pet ownership has become an increasingly common part of the daily life of a significant proportion of the population. As of 2022, 62% and 70% of UK and US households, respectively, are estimated to have one or more pets, with a growing recognition of the many benefits that pets can bring to the household (Veterinary Advantage, 2021; UK Pet Food, 2022). This mutually beneficial relationship can be compromised when the pet becomes a source of infection risk to their owners (Boyden, 2022a). Although this risk is generally low for most pet owners, some individuals, such as children, older people, individuals with compromised immune systems and pregnant women, are particularly vulnerable to certain zoonotic pathogens carried by pets and may develop severe illness (Stull et al, 2015). Pet welfare can also be compromised by pathogens and heavy parasite burdens.
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