THREE people in Britain have fallen ill with a terrifying new disease spreading between pets and their owners.
Brucella canis, a bacterial infection, is incurable in pups and can be transferred onto their human pals.
GettyBrucella can be deadly for dogs and spread to humans[/caption]
Alamy91 pooches have tested positive for it in the UK this year[/caption]
The UK Health Security has confirmed three Britons fell ill with the infection, marking the first cases recorded in Britain in years.
The disease has now begun spreading at a low level through dogs – with 91 spotted this year alone.
Dr Christine Middlemiss, chief veterinary officer at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs told The Telegraph: “We have had spread of a case in the UK to another dog in the UK. It is through breeding in kennels.
“There is not a lot – there is very little. But that is new for us.”
It’s thought the infected dogs in Britain had contact with infected Romanian dogs or were the offspring of infected dogs.
Human Animal Infections and Risk Surveillance published a report today saying the disease is still classified as low risk.
But dog breeders, employees of kennels and owners of the infected dogs are at higher risk.
Brucella in humans presents symptoms of fever, sweats, headaches, back pains and weakness.
Dr Middlemiss said the government is considering testing requirements for dogs imported from Brucella hotspots.
Brucella in dogs isn’t always a death sentence, but it will have life-long consequences.
Some dogs may have symptoms while others may not present symptoms at all.
Most dogs infected will become infertile after contracting the horror disease.
Last month, a vet warned of another dangerous disease to watch for in your pooch.
Dr Savageau urged dog owners to “protect your pup” before the disease takes hold of their immune system.
It’s called Canine Parvovirus – commonly shortened to parvo – and can be spread through grass, human hands, pet beds and more.
“Canine Parvovirus is an extremely contagious disease in dogs that causes weakness, lethargy, vomiting and severe diarrhoea that’s sometimes bloody,” Dr Savageau said in a TikTok video.
“It most commonly affects puppies due to their weaker immune system and needs to be treated aggressively by a veterinarian right away.
“Otherwise, it can lead to severe dehydration and death.”