Topic: Brucellosis
Description
Brucellosis is an illness caused by infection with a type of bacteria (Brucella). The most common source of human infection in Queensland is from infected feral pigs (Brucella Suis). Brucella Suis is also occasionally found in cattle, and may lead to infection in people working with infected animals or their tissues, especially farm workers, veterinarians and abattoir workers.
Symptoms
Brucellosis may come on either suddenly or quite gradually. It causes a continuous or intermittent fever, headache, weakness, drenching sweats, chills, joint pains, weight loss and generalised aches. The severity and duration of symptoms can vary greatly between people.
The disease may last for several days, months or occasionally may last for a year or more if not adequately treated. Some or all symptoms may reappear if a relapse occurs, especially if the person is re-exposed to the bacteria.
Transmission
Brucella bacteria are carried by cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, working dogs and domestic animals. Different types of Brucella organisms occur in different animals. Brucella abortus has been eradicated from cattle in Queensland. The most common source of human infection in Queensland is from feral pigs. If an animal is infected, the brucellosis bacteria can be present in the urine, faeces, blood, vaginal discharges, aborted animal foetuses and especially in the placenta and afterbirth.
The bacteria are easily spread to humans through broken skin (open cut or sore) or by inhalation during work in dusty yards. There is no evidence that the bacteria pass from person to person.
The incubation period (time between initial exposure and first appearance of symptoms) is usually one to two months, occasionally several months.
Treatment
Effective treatment usually involves a long course (eg. six weeks) of antibiotics. Relapses may still occur in 5% of treated cases.
Control
The ultimate control of brucellosis requires the elimination of the disease in animals.
Prevention
There is no human vaccine for protection against brucellosis. The most important means of preventing disease in humans is to take precautions when coming into contact with animals.
- Cover all cuts or abrasions with waterproof dressings.
- Wear gloves, overalls and face masks when slaughtering animals or handling carcasses, especially goats or pigs.
- Thoroughly wash hands and arms in soapy water after handling animals or carcasses.
- Take particular care when handling or disposing of birth products, such as placentas, vaginal discharges, aborted foetuses or the mother animal itself.
- Wash off all urine, faeces, blood and other body fluids and thoroughly clean all working areas.
- Minimise dust and rodents in slaughter areas and in animal housing areas. Do not slaughter or cut up feral pig carcasses in areas also used for handling meat for human consumption.
- Yard facilities for sheep and cattle should be sited well away from domestic living areas.
- Boiling raw milk is effective when pasteurisation is not possible.
- Avoid feeding domestic animals on raw feral pig meat as this may infect them with brucellosis.
Help and Assistance
For further information, please contact your local doctor, community health centre or nearest public health unit.
Footnotes
Heymann, D., ed. 2004. Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, 18th edition. Washington, DC: American Public Health Association.
Related Content
Last Updated: 12th October, 2009
Date Valid to: 30th June, 2010
