Cattle brucellosis: An ongoing threat to herds in South Africa

Cattle brucellosis, or contagious miscarriage (BM), constantly poses a major threat to cattle farmers across the country. This has a negative impact on cattle production and reproduction. This disease, caused by the bacterium Brucella abortus bovis, is a zoonosis. This means that humans can also become infected. Dr Newton Sparks, a veterinarian at the Bergbos Animal Clinic in Rustenburg, says in an information sheet, which he distributes to his clients, that its treatment in humans is a challenge and is not always successful. This information sheet is based, among other things, on information from the well-known veterinarian, Dr Faffa Malan, and his own experience, says Sparks. According to the information sheet, infection occurs when one comes in contact with infected animals' amniotic fluid and offspring. Ingestion of unpasteurized milk and dairy products from infected animals can also lead to infection. Cattle are also infected where they lick infected offspring and amniotic ...