Health officials in Iowa have just spoken out to warn the public that they have found “multiple cases” of a bacterial disease that can spread from dogs to humans.

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship released a press release saying that the disease is known as Canine Brucellosis, and that the cases stemmed from “a small dog commercial breeding facility” in Marion County. The officials added that all owners of the exposed dogs have been contacted, and that “both the animals and facilities are quarantined while the dogs undergo clinical testing.”

The Center For Disease Control and Prevention described Brucellosis as a zoonotic disease humans can contract “when they are in contact with infected animals or animal products contaminated with the bacteria.” Though the chances of owners getting the disease is low, officials warned that those who work closely with the dogs like veterinarians and breeders “face an increased risk since they may be exposed to blood, tissues, and fluids associated with the birthing process.”

“If pet owners have recently acquired a new, small breed dog from Marion Co., they should contact their veterinarian,” the officials added in the statement. “Human health concerns should be directed to the Iowa Department of Public Health or your primary care physician. This serves as a reminder that is always important to practice good biosecurity, like thoroughly washing your hands after handling animals — even household pets.”

We can only hope that this disease is quickly contained and that all the dogs end up healthy again soon. Find out more about this in the video below.