Brucellosis in Sheep & Goats
What is Brucellosis?
Brucellosis is an infectious disease of animals and humans caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella.
How is brucellosis transmitted?
The major sources of infection are reproductive (mainly fetal and placental) secretions and mammary secretions (milk) from infected animals. Brucellosis can be transmitted through ingestion of or contact with aborted fetuses and infected kids or lambs. Brucellosis can be transmitted through natural mating; however, this is very rare.
What are the signs of infection in sheep and goats?
Although many times there are no signs of infection, brucellosis can cause abortion, infertility, and sterility, resulting in economic loss to the producer. Does and ewes may abort late in pregnancy, or give birth to weak or sick kids/lambs. In extreme cases, brucellosis can cause arthritis in the joints.
What can I do to prevent brucellosis in my herd?
As with most diseases, the best prevention is to avoid contact with infected animals. Having appropriate biosecurity plans in place can help significantly reduce the risk of transmission, should you find you have infected animals.
Can brucellosis infect humans?
The main risk for humans to become infected with brucellosis is through contact with reproductive fluids – placental and fetal fluids – from infected animals. Although there is a possibility for brucellosis to be transmitted through milk or meat, the pasteurization of milk and the cooking of meat destroy the bacteria. Raw milk, which hasn’t gone through the pasteurization process, does retain the possibility of transmission. Other than that, any infection risk in humans is primarily in people who work with sheep and goats and are exposed to potentially infected fluids.
Am I required to test for brucellosis?
Producers who participate in the ISDA Raw Milk Program are required to have their animals tested annually. There are also testing requirements in IDAPA 02.08.01 “Sheep & Goat Rules of Idaho Sheep and Goat Health Board” for producers wishing to have brucella ovis free flock certification.
Who do I contact for brucellosis testing?
Any federally accredited veterinarian can draw blood to test for brucellosis. Contact your veterinarian to set up an appointment.
Brucellosis is a reportable disease in Idaho.
If you have a question that is not covered here, please contact Animal Industries by email or phone at (208) 332-8540, or the Sheep and Goat Health Board at (208) 803-5084.