Owners Beware: STD Among Dogs Can Spread to Humans, Says Expert

A sexually transmitted disease among dogs can also be transmitted to humans through licking, according to an expert in the field.

Kansas State University Veterinarian and Laboratory Director Bill Fortney said Canine Brucellosis, an STD spread among pets, can also be spread to their human owners.

"It's considered a sexually transmitted disease, but unfortunately, it can also spread by licking," Fortney told KSNT-TV.

(AP)

He added some of the pets "look clincally fine" but still "have the disease."

"Brucellosis is potentially contagious to people," echoed veterinarian Darrell Carder.

However, Dr. Randa MacMillan, president of the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association, told NBC affiliate 9 News that it's not a huge threat to family dogs and mainly affects those bred commercially.

"The state veterinarian's office has reported zero cases this year," MacMillan said. "They said usually they see one to two cases a year, but that makes it a very rare disease in Colorado."

MacMillan added she isn't aware of any instances in her state where a dog transmitted the STD to its owner.

Watch a news clip, courtesy of KSNT-TV:

(H/T: KSNT-TV)

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