A danger to our herds: brucellosis in cattle

Brucellosis is a notifiable disease in South Africa. It is caused by Brucella bacteria, and transmitted via direct contact between uninfected and infected animals, or by contact with contaminated material in the environment, which may include the afterbirth of an infected animal. As Brucella organisms are found in higher concentration in the uterus of in-calf females, aborted foetuses, placental membranes and uterine discharges act as the main source of infection.

Humans can also contract the disease through the consumption of unpasteurised milk or cheese. The disease can also infect goats, camels, dogs and pigs. It is highly contagious, and while the mortality rate is is the most significant of the bacteria in cattle.