‘Reservoir dogs’: The emerging zoonotic risk associated with European dog imports to the UK

BACKGROUND: The movement of dogs from continental Europe to the UK poses a growing public health threat due to the associated risk of disease incursions. Current legislation is insufficient to address the risks and pre-import control measures are focused only on rabies virus and the fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review to summarise the major zoonotic pathogens and vectors associated with imported dogs (including rabies virus, Brucella canis and exotic tick species), and explore their potential to become established in the UK. Gaps in existing research and surveillance are highlighted, and potential measures to strengthen control are discussed. LIMITATIONS: Only English-language sources were included in the literature search. Data on imported dogs and their disease burden are limited. CONCLUSIONS: Raising awareness of the risks among veterinary staff-who play a central role in recognising, managing and preventing imported zoonoses-is integral to a One Health approach.