Brucellosis

Picture of Brucella gram strain

What is brucellosis?

Brucellosis is a highly infectious bacterial disease that mainly affects cattle, sheep, pigs and goats. The organism causing brucellosis primarily infects the reproductive organs and thrives in the uterus of pregnant animals, often leading to abortion late in gestation. The organism can remain undetected for prolonged periods as there are no clinical signs until abortion occurs.

Clinically, the disease is characterised by the placenta being retained within the uterus at abortion. At this time there is a massive excretion of Brucella organisms leading to heavy environmental contamination that can result in rapid spread throughout a herd or flock.

Brucellosis in Great Britain

Brucellosis of cattle is a notifiable disease in the UK and the disease was eradicated from the country in 1979.

Great Britain was declared officially brucellosis free (OBF) in 1991 although we maintain active surveillance to ensure that the disease is not reintroduced into the country.

Image of dead lambs

The occurrence of several importations of the organism into the UK in the last few years highlight the need to maintain vigilance.

However, brucellosis remains a substantial economic and animal welfare problem in many parts of the world. Some countries are now free of the disease following strict eradication programs.

 

Brucellosis in humans

The organism can be passed to humans through consumption of contaminated dairy products or occupational exposure. Because of this brucellosis is recognised as a major worldwide zoonosis (a disease that can be passed from animal to human). Brucellosis in humans is characterised by non-specific flu-like symptoms such as fever, sweating and headaches.