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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help prevent the spread of Brucella canis.

The Government takes biosecurity seriously and has taken steps to mitigate the risk of Brucella canis. Disease risk is monitored carefully and is kept under regular review.

Defra made detection of Brucella canis in dogs reportable in April 2021. The Department has also published information for veterinary professionals and pet owners and has worked with stakeholders to disseminate advice and recommended actions to veterinary surgeons, rescue and rehoming organisations and dog breeding associations. Where necessary Defra have the powers in legislation to introduce preventive health measures to protect animal or public health by controlling diseases or infections that are likely to be spread due to the movement of pet animals into Great Britain.

Defra will continue to monitor and consider any further actions as appropriate.