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Dear XXXXX,

There has been increasing concern among both human and animal health groups regarding the potential human health impact of Brucella canis. Both the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists and the American Veterinary Medical Association have published position statements on Brucella canis. These statements urge for the development of diagnostic assays, improve communication and data sharing between Departments of Health and Agriculture, and advocate for the continued commitment of state and federal agencies to the eradication of brucellosis in all species.

Due to this interest, but lack of data regarding the prevalence of canine brucellosis in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is assessing state veterinary diagnostic laboratories to estimate the burden of canine disease caused by Brucella canis. Results from this assessment will be used to determine the need for human studies and identify locations of higher prevalence.

We are requesting that you or, if you are unable, an individual appointed by you who has the requested information, complete the attached “Burden of Canine Brucellosis Information Collection”. Some of the questions will require review of your records. To save time, we recommend completing a printed copy of the attached PDF version, then entering the data into the electronic assessment at the link below. We estimate completion to take approximately 1 hour, and request assessments be completed by <DATE>. All identifiable information will be kept secure and data will be reported in aggregate form.

<Link>

If you start entering information, and need to come back at another time, you can save your entry. A unique link will be generated so you can come back to finish. If you are aware of other laboratories that may be interested in participating, please share the contact information with us by sending an e-mail with their contact information to [email protected].

Thank you for your time, it is greatly appreciated.

Rita Traxler, MHS

Epidemiologist

Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(404) 639-0265/ [email protected]

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