Brucellosis

• Biology

Brucellosis

By: Ella Josephs

Sources of infection

• Brucellosis is caused by a group of bacteria called Brucella
• Infects the genital organs and frequently causes spontaneous abortions in animals
• By direct contact with infected animals
• Environment that has been contaminated from infected animals

Spread

Spread by susceptible animals by direct contact with infected animals or with an environment that has been contaminated with discharges from infected animals.

Symptoms

• Arthritis (cow/pig)
• Reproductive issues
• Milk production reduced
•  Lowering of fertility
•  (Overall depends on animal)

Effect

• Can not be cured
• Leaves the animal with arthritis 
•   Signs disappear and the animals remain diseased
•  Continue to shed the bacteria
• Random abortions or reproductive failure

What animals are infected?

Prevention

1.  Proper sanitation 
2.  Herd management
3.  Avoid spreading (separation)
4.  Vaccination

sources 

- https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/MMBR.00048-20

- https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Fig-3-Boar-Unilateral-testicular-enlargement-due-to-Brucella-suis-infection_fig4_266583383 

- https://www.cdc.gov/brucellosis/treatment/index.html

- https://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/FastFacts/pdfs/brucellosis_F.pdf

- https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/cattle-disease-information/tuberculosis-brucellosis-monthly-report/facts-about-brucellosis#:~:text=It%20is%20a%20contagious%2C%20costly,contagious%20abortion%20or%20Bang's%20disease.

- https://www.oie.int/en/disease/brucellosis/

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjarSuoADKY