Serological investigation of tularemia and brucellosis in Tazi sighthounds in Şanlıurfa, Türkiye

Tularemia and brucellosis are zoonoses of One Health importance. However, exposure to their agents has not been investigated in the Tazi, the native Turkish sighthound traditionally used for hunting. This study investigated antibodies against Francisella tularensis and Brucella spp. in 53 hunting Tazi from Şanlıurfa, southeastern Türkiye. Samples were collected between 2023 and 2025 during routine clinical examinations or evaluations of various health problems. Sera were screened for anti-F. tularensis antibodies using an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the microagglutination test (MAT). Anti-Brucella antibodies were tested using in-house ELISAs based on smooth (B. abortus/B. melitensis) and rough (B. canis) antigens, together with the Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT). Five dogs (9.4%) were seropositive for tularemia by ELISA, and all five were confirmed by MAT. For brucellosis, five dogs (9.4%) were seropositive by rough-antigen ELISA, consistent with exposure to B. canis. Three dogs (5.7%) were seropositive by smooth-antigen ELISA, of which one was also RBPT-positive.  These findings are the first serological evidence of exposure to F. tularensis and Brucella spp. in Tazi sighthounds. Likely sources include contact with wild hares and other wildlife during hunting, contaminated water and environments, and livestock-derived material. Because these dogs live closely with their owners, they may act as sentinels for zoonotic risk to humans. Molecular and culture-based studies with larger samples are needed to identify the species involved and clarify the epidemiology of these infections in this population.