Diagnostic study of Canine Brucella infection in dogs in Mosul, Iraq, using indirect ELISA testing

Esmaeel, Salam Abd; Fathi, Hiba Muwafaq

doi:10.23975/bjvr.2026.169147.1280

	Diagnostic study of Canine Brucella infection in dogs in Mosul, Iraq, using indirect ELISA testing
Basrah Journal of Veterinary Research
Volume 25, Issue 1, March 2026, Pages 15-24 PDF (558.34 K)
Document Type: Research Paper
DOI: 10.23975/bjvr.2026.169147.1280
Authors
Salam Abd Esmaeel^* ¹; Hiba Muwafaq Fathi²
¹college of veterinary medicine/University of Mosul
²Department of Internal and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
Abstract
Canine brucellosis, a zoonosis that affects both sexes' fertility and is characterized by endometritis, placentitis, miscarriage, and/or stillbirth in females and epididymitis and orchitis in males, is mostly caused by Brucella canis. This study assessed the prevalence of antibodies to Brucella canis across various dog breeds, sexes, and ages in Mosul, Iraq. A total of 92 blood samples were analyzed using indirect ELISA tests. Results indicated that eleven tested canines were positive for IgG antibodies with an infection rate of 11.9%, and six tested positive for IgM antibodies with an infection rate of 6.5%. No significant differences were observed based on sex and age, but local dogs showed a higher IgG infection rate (18.6%) compared to K9 dogs (11.6%). German Shepherds had a notably higher IgG rate (12%). A significant age-related difference was noted, with local dogs aged 3-4 years having an IgG rate of 28.5%. This study indicated that antibodies to Brucella canis are present in the Mosul local community and in the K9 dog population. Therefore, preventive measures should be implemented to eliminate hazardous infectious agents.
Keywords
Brucella canis; Dogs; Indirect ELISA; Mosul City; Iraq

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