Brucellosis in Dogs?

LAME DEER, MT:  Recently, the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Health Department issued public fliers stating that a case of brucellosis has been confirmed in a dog on the Reservation. Because that disease can be transmitted to humans, slight panic has occurred.

Last year on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation there was a horrible incident, involving a drunken man, who ‘passed out,’ froze to death and then got partially eaten by feral dogs, horrific event.

Thus, the Council passed an ordinance (equivalent to a law on the Rez) announcing a “dog round up”; making it necessary to have a fenced yard to contain dogs, have them on a leash when in public, get them shots, dah-dah-dah….

Yet, as recently observed by this reporter, this has not yet been put fully into action. Many stray dogs are still wandering around on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, even about seven around the Shoulderblade Elderly Living Complex.

Enforcement of laws is always a problem. According to sources such as William Walksalong, Tribal Administrator, the BIA/tribal police do not have training or ability to enforce the new dog laws. He shared a personal encounter. “They (the cops) came to my place, saying I had to keep my dog in the yard or it would be euthanized. I do not actually have a yard,” he explained. “I reminded them:  you are held accountable for each bullet you fire.”

That solved that problem, also saving the life of his dog, which was not dangerous or brucellosis infected.

Brucellosis is a disease caused by several species of the Brucella bacterium. It is chronic and contagious.

The disease can affect many species of mammals, particularly cattle, swine, bison, elk, deer, goats, sheep, horses and other ruminants, including humans who can become infected by all types of brucellosis, “rangiferine” brucellosis.

Animals can become infected with brucellosis in a number of ways, including direct contact with infected tissues or fluids from an infected animal; by consuming colostrum or milk from an infected animal; or by consuming feed or water that has been contaminated by infected tissues.

Following infection, the bacteria spread through the blood and lymphatic system of the animal, infecting many tissues-particularly the reproductive organs, mammary glands, and joints. This can cause abortions, weakened offspring and infertility.

In cattle, abortions are the main clinical sign of the disease. Most animals abort during the first pregnancy following infection.

Does brucellosis pose a risk to human health? Answer: yes. Symptoms and results are the same as animals.

The Northern Cheyenne have dealt with many health issues over the years, said Walksalong, “Brucellosis is just another new kink.” Clara Caufield can be reached at acheyennevoice@gmail.com.

 

 

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