http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/CanineRepro-PuppyCare/post?postID=570i_-y0j8_xfSr4-5RoaIO4q4nZ66E_vr3xSXJpOdiv_wUgW3AP9oQABakA-zqFn0DSSFoFQ1JhAJ0QMxur8g>;

*City Government and Health reporter*

The Lewis County Health Department is warning anyone who has purchased
or adopted a dog from a rural Lewis County woman, to have that dog tested
for canine brucellosis, a dangerous bacterial infection.

According to the health department, a dog owned by a dog breeder and
rescuer tested positive for the disease earlier this week. A total of
four dogs are believed to have the disease, as of this morning.

Because the infected dogs were in close contact with more than 110 dogs,
it is very likely more dogs are infected with the disease.

And, because the breeder kept no records, there is no way to predict how
many more dogs with the disease have been sold.

This breeder, who lives in the Ethel-Toledo area, sells several breeds
of purebred and “designer” mixed breeds, including pugles (beagle-pug
mix) and terrier-Chihuahua mixes. In addition, she rescues dogs of all
breeds and adopts them out.

All of the 110 dogs on her property have been tested for the disease,
but the health department is advising anyone who may have bought or
adopted a dog since mid-February to have the animal tested by a
veterinarian.

At-risk dogs were sold along state Route 508 near Mary’s Corner, on U.S.
Highway 12 at or near the Ethel Market, or from a parking lot at
Interstate 5 exit 79 in Chehalis. The breeder’s identity is
confidential, as she has done nothing illegal. She is described as a
woman in her 20′s or 30′s. She sells the dogs out of a red car.

The Department of Agriculture has quarantined the breeder’s property and
she is forbidden to sell, give away, or otherwise remove any of the
animals now there, said Kathleen Eussen, health department director.

Canine brucellosis is a bacterial infection that causes abortions and
infertility in females, and reproductive problems and infertility in
males. Because treatment is rarely successful in dogs, it is recommended
that dogs with the disease be euthanized. Symptoms may be unnoticed in
females, but males may have testicular swelling and infections. Other
possible symptoms include lethargy, loss of libido, premature aging and
swollen lymph nodes, according to the International Veterinary
Information Service.

The disease, which may be transmitted to humans, is very rare in Washington.

For information, telephone a veterinarian or the health department at
740-1222.