Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of canine brucellosis from dogs imported illegally from the EU on the UK dog population; and what steps he is taking to help mitigate that impact.

The Government takes biosecurity seriously and has taken steps to mitigate the risk of Brucella canis. We made detection of Brucella canis in dogs reportable in April 2021. We have also published information for veterinary professionals and pet owners and have worked with stakeholders to disseminate advice and recommended actions to veterinary surgeons, rescue and rehoming organisations and dog breeding associations.

We continue to gather information on the disease risk posed by Brucella canis and will consider any further actions as appropriate.