Serosurvey of dogs for Brucella canis infection in Memphis, Tennessee.

Following occurrence of a rare case of human Brucella canis in Memphis, Tennessee, the free roaming and confined dog populations of that community and a similar geographical location were surveyed for B canis positivity to identify the foci of infection and to compare positivity rates. Three hundred and two dogs were sampled. Positivity was found only in free roaming dogs in both communities. It is concluded that presence of B canis positivity in free roaming dogs may pose an additional medical threat to communities, thus providing one more sound reason for controlling strays and confining dogs.