Brucellosis

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease (diseases spread from animals to people) caused by bacteria. Brucellosis is found worldwide and affects domestic animals (such as horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and dogs). Brucellosis can occur in people exposed to infected animals or unpasteurized milk. Brucellosis is not very common in Canada.

Brucellosis is diagnosed by symptoms, history of exposure and laboratory testing.

Symptoms usually appear within five to 30 days. Brucellosis can cause flu-like symptoms and include fever, profuse sweating, headaches, chills, joint pains and physical weakness. If not treated, brucellosis can cause long-lasting or chronic symptoms that include recurrent fevers, joint pain and fatigue. 

People can become infected through direct contact with or touching infected animals or tissues, especially the placenta, birth fluids, blood and urine. The bacteria can enter the body through cuts in the skin. Infection can also occur by eating contaminated food products such as unpasteurized dairy products (milk and cheese). Inhalation or breathing in organisms can pose a hazard for people working in abattoirs (slaughterhouses) and laboratories. 

People who work with animals or animal products (farmers, veterinarians and abattoir workers) are more likely to be exposed. 

Antibiotics are used to treat brucellosis. Prompt treatment can prevent chronic infection.

Health-care providers and laboratories must report cases of brucellosis to Public Health. Public Health staff may interview the health-care provider and patient (or caregivers) to find out how the infection occurred, identify other people at risk of infection, implement control measures and provide other advice.

Practise good personal hygiene. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet, after handling animals, after handling raw meats and before preparing or eating food. 

Practise basic food safety precautions. Thoroughly cook all meats (meat, poultry and seafood). Drink and eat only pasteurized dairy products (milk, cheese and yogurt). 

Follow basic precautions when handling animals. Wear waterproof gloves and thoroughly wash hands after handling, especially pregnant animals giving birth.

For additional information, contact your health-care provider, local Public Health office or Tele-Care 811.