Brucellosis − zoonotic (transmitted from animals to humans) infection, characterized by multiple pathogen transmission mechanisms, undulating recurrent course, tendency to chronicity, occurring with primary damage to the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular and nervous systems.

The causative agent of brucellosis is a bacterium.

There are several strains of Brucella bacteria. Some species are found in cows, others - in dogs, pigs, sheep, goats and camels.

Brucella can survive for a long time in the environment. In raw milk, stored in the refrigerator, the causative agent of brucellosis persists until 10 days, in butter - more 4 weeks, in homemade cheese − 3 weeks; in simply, sour cream − 8-15 days, in kumys, in meat - up to 12 days; in internal organs, bones, muscles and lymph nodes of infected carcasses - within 1 month or more; in sheep wool - from 1,5 to 4 months.

Under natural conditions, in moist soil and in manure, Brucella can survive over 2 months.

Important to remember, that in frozen infected meat and dairy products, brucella remains viable throughout the entire storage period.

Main sources infections for humans are sheep with brucellosis, goats, cattle, pigs.

Transmission factors infections to humans from a sick animal are provided by raw materials of animal origin (wool, fluff, skins), meat and dairy products, infected animal care items, excrement and other objects, infected with Brucella.

There are several routes by which a person can become infected with brucellosis.:

– nutritional (when eating meat and dairy products, obtained from animals with brucellosis and not subjected to sufficient heat treatment);

– contact (in contact with a sick animal or raw materials and products of animal origin);

– airborne (when inhaling dust, containing fragments of wool contaminated with Brucella, manure, land).

Incubation period (period from the moment of infection to the appearance of clinical symptoms) ranges from 1 weeks to 2 months. The onset of the disease is accompanied by a rise in body temperature to 39-40⁰C (Temperature rises in the evening and night hours are typical).

Common symptoms of brucellosis are similar to those of the flu:

• fever (the highest numbers occur in the afternoon);
• back pain, body aches;
• decreased appetite and weight loss, weakness;
• headache;
• night sweats;
• abdominal pain;
• fever.

Possible complications. Local purulent infection of bones and joints may develop: arthritis, bursitis, osteomyelitis. Possible development of endocarditis (infection of the lining of the heart or valves) as the most severe complication and cause of death; damage to the central nervous system (meningitis, encephalitis); liver abscess; inflammation of the spleen.

Brucellosis contracted during pregnancy can cause miscarriage or fetal malformations..

Prevention of brucellosis:

• purchase exception, sales, delivery of animals for slaughter and sale of livestock products without notification of the veterinary service;
• exclusion of the purchase of meat and meat products (stuffing, sausage, semi-finished products), milk and dairy products of non-factory production in spontaneous unauthorized markets;
• observing personal hygiene rules when caring for animals (including the use of gloves, masks).