Cattle brucellosis: An ongoing threat to herds in South Africa

Published 2021년 4월 2일

Tridge summary

Cattle brucellosis, also known as contagious miscarriage, is a disease that poses a significant threat to cattle farmers and their herds, causing reproductive issues and requiring challenging treatment in humans. The disease, caused by the bacterium Brucella abortus bovis, can spread through contact with infected animals' amniotic fluid, offspring, or unpasteurized milk. It has seen a rise in recent years and is transmitted through contact with an infected animal. All female animals are required to be vaccinated against the disease, with a specific vaccination schedule to ensure effectiveness. The article also highlights the importance of maintaining herd health by ensuring vaccination records, testing negative for the disease, and preventing contact with unvaccinated or infected animals. A new policy approved by the Department of Agriculture aims to unify the disease control strategy for cattle brucellosis. For further information, contact Dr Chris van Dijk or Dr Newton Sparks.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

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 ...

Source: Agriorbit