Canine disease that can be transmitted to confirmed people in Iowa

Des Moines, Iowa – According to officials, a dog disease transmissible to humans has been confirmed in Iowa. Dr. Jeff Kaisand, state veterinarian, said that several cases of brucellosis were confirmed at a small dog breeding facility in Marion County.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Land Stewardship of Iowa said it was warning people who have custody of exposed dogs. Animals and facilities are quarantined while dogs are tested.

Signs of illness in a dog include infertility, spontaneous abortions and stillbirths. Public health officials have stated that symptoms for humans include fever, sweating, headache, joint pain and weakness.

The ministry says the threat to most pet owners is very low. Dog breeders, veterinary personnel and anyone who comes into contact with the blood, tissues and fluids of animals during delivery may be at higher risk.

An animal rescue group from De Soto, Iowa called AHeinz57 Pet Rescue and Transportation, announced the quarantine of 32 dogs purchased from a Knoxville rancher who would go bankrupt.

"All the dogs we have purchased are tested and currently quarantined at our facility with biosecurity measures in place to prevent possible exposure to other dogs or to other people," said the officer. Organization in a Facebook message. "We have not received any results yet."