Brucellosis in Dairy Cattle

What is Brucellosis? Brucellosis is a chronic contagious disease of sexually matured animals, mainly of cattle which cause great economic loss What is the cause of the disease? • Brucellosis is caused by bacterial organisms which are animal specific. Which animals are susceptible to the disease? • Cattle, sheep, pig, buffalo and dog are the most susceptible. How is the disease transmitted? Animals get the infection through: • Contaminated feed and water • Milk • Semen • Contact with aborted fetus or secretions What are the clinical signs and symptoms? • Abortion in the last trimester • Stillborn or weak calves • Retained placentas • Reduce milk yield • Swollen testicles in bulls • Swollen joints How is the disease diagnosed? • The disease is diagnosed only by laboratory test. What is the sample to be collected? • Serum samples from suspected animals • Milk • Uterine discharges or placental fluids • Aborted fetus What are the prevention and control measures? • There is no specific treatment available for Brucellosis • Symptomatic treatment • Proper disposal of aborted fetus, discharges and membranes • Slaughtering of positive disease animals • Maintenance of proper hygiene • Vaccination of calves of the age group 4-8 months • Bull should not be vaccinated. What are the constraints in controlling the disease? • Disease conformation is leading to distress • Increased in trade movement of animals and commercial farming • No policy for slaughter of infected animals • Lack of public vaccination no practiced What are the advantages of calf hood vaccination? • Prevents abortion on herds • Builds up herd immunity in 3-5 years.

Veterinary Hospital Kohima