Brucellosis

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Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria Brucella. Many different animal species and humans can become ill. Brucellosis is primarily a reproductive disease in animals, but it can also cause reoccurring fevers, arthritis or udder infection (mastitis). Brucellosis can affect sheep, goats, cattle, pigs, horses, and dogs. Brucellosis can also affect rats and wild animals including deer, bison, elk, moose, camels, water buffalo, and marine mammals.

Brucella Ovis

Brucella ovis is an economically important cause of epididymitis, orchitis and impaired fertility in rams.

B. ovis can also cause abortions and placentitis in ewes, but this appears to be uncommon. Infected ewes may give birth to weak lambs that die soon after birth.

B. ovis is often transmitted from ram to ram by passive venereal transmission via ewes. Ewes can carry this organism in the vagina for at least two months and act as mechanical vectors.

B. ovis infections should be considered when rams develop epididymitis and testicular atrophy, or poor semen quality is seen. Some but not all rams have palpable lesions.

Unlike other brucellosis species, B. ovis is not zoonotic but is reportable in North Dakota.

Brucella Abortus

Cows in pasture

Bovine brucellosis, caused by the bacterium Brucella abortus, is an economically important cause of abortions in cattle. B. abortus also affects other species including bison and elk; some species are maintenance hosts for this organism. Infections in wildlife can hinder eradication efforts in cattle. In addition, B. abortus is a human pathogen. In humans, brucellosis can be a serious, debilitating and sometimes chronic disease that may affect a variety of organs. Most cases are the result of occupational exposure to infected animals, but infections can also occur from ingesting contaminated dairy products.

Most species of Brucella are primarily associated with certain hosts; however, infections can also occur in other species, particularly when they are kept in close contact. Maintenance hosts for Brucella abortus include cattle, bison (Bison spp.) water buffalo (Bubalus bubalus), African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), elk and camels. A feral pig population has recently been reported to maintain B. abortus. A variety of other species can become "spill-over" hosts where this organism is enzootic. B. abortus has been reported in horses, sheep, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, goats, chamois, pigs, raccoons, opposums, dogs, coyotes, foxes, wolves and other species.

The United States cattle herd is now free of brucellosis. Brucellosis is still present in wildlife in the Greater Yellowstone Area.

Brucellosis caused by B. abortus is a reportable disease in the U.S. All cases should be reported immediately to the state veterinarian's office.

Brucella Canis

Puppies

Canine brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by the Brucella bacteria. The illness in dogs is caused by Brucella canis (B. canis). However, Brucella organisms commonly associated with other animal species, such as Brucella suis (pigs) and Brucella abortus (cattle and bison), can infect dogs depending upon their exposures to these species.

Canine brucellosis is an important cause of reproductive failure, particularly in kennels. B. canis is also a zoonotic disease, so it can affect humans. This organism causes abortions, stillbirths, epididymitis, orchitis and sperm abnormalities in dogs. Although dogs that have been spayed or neutered do not have reproductive signs, they occasionally develop other conditions such as ocular disease and discospondylitis. B. canis can persist in an animal even after antibiotic treatment.

More information for dog owners