What is Brucellosis?

Brucellosis is a contagious disease of livestock with signifi cant economic impact.

The disease is caused by various bacteria of the family Brucella, which tend to infect a specifi c animal species. However, most species of Brucella are able to infect other animal species as well.

It affects cattle, swine, sheep and goats, camels, equines, and dogs. It may also infect other ruminants, some marine mammals and humans.

The disease in animals is characterized by abortions or reproductive failure. While animals typically recover, and will be able to have live offspring following the initial abortion, they may continue to shed the bacteria.

Brucellosis in cattle (B. abortus) in sheep and goats (B. melitensis) and in swine (B. suis) are diseases listed in the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Terrestrial Animal Health Code and must be reported to the OIE (Terrestrial Animal Health Code).