'Reservoir dogs': The emerging zoonotic risk associated with European dog imports to the UK.

Enhanced pre-import screening and veterinary surveillance essential for controlling zoonotic risks from European dog imports.

This scoping review examines the zoonotic disease risks posed by dog imports from continental Europe to the United Kingdom. The authors identify significant public health threats including rabies virus, Brucella canis, and exotic tick species that accompany imported dogs. Current UK legislation focuses narrowly on rabies and Echinococcus multilocularis, leaving substantial regulatory gaps. The review reveals limited data on imported dog populations and their disease burden, highlighting critical surveillance deficiencies. The authors emphasize that veterinary professionals are essential stakeholders in recognizing, managing, and preventing imported zoonoses through a One Health approach. The study calls for enhanced awareness among veterinary staff regarding disease risks, improved pre-import control measures beyond current protocols, and strengthened surveillance systems. Recommendations address the need for comprehensive legislation addressing multiple pathogens and vectors associated with dog imports, along with integrated public health strategies.

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