Brucellosis occasionally occurs in horses. The bacteria usually localizes in muscles, tendons and joints, though it is most commonly seen in cases of infected withers in horses.
Drainage from areas infected with this organism contains high numbers of bacteria and is very infectious.
Brucellosis can cause abortion in mares, so transmission is possible for veterinarians handling fetal membranes.
Fistulous withers and poll evil are rare, inflammatory conditions of horses that differ essentially only in their location.
In fistulous withers the sinus is located on the withers and the symptoms are severe inflammation, swelling and pain on manipulation.
Because the exact nature of the infection in many of these cases is known only after obtaining culture results, veterinarians are urged to be cautious and to observe good protective technique when dealing with such cases.
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.
People can become infected by eating or drinking (oral) raw milk or unpasteurized milk products that contain the Brucella bacteria.
Direct contact or aerosol exposure to infected animal fluids are additional ways to be infected.
People who work with animals (e.g., livestock producers, veterinarians) may be at higher risk of exposure to Brucella.
Infection in people causes flu-like signs (fever, night sweats, headaches, back pain).
Arthritis (joint pain) and re-occurring fevers may occur with long term infection.
Rarely, cases of brucellosis can involve the nervous system, eyes, or heart.
As the disease progresses one or more openings discharge pus with necrosis affecting the deep seated tissues and spine.
Brucella can survive for months in the environment under optimum conditions but can be destroyed by heat and some disinfectants.
Do not eat or drink raw milk or unpasteurized dairy products.
Wear protective clothing (gloves, masks) when handling reproductive tissues (assisting delivery of newborn animals). Always wash your hands after touching animals.
Drainage from areas infected with this organism contains high numbers of bacteria and is very infectious.
Brucellosis can cause abortion in mares, so transmission is possible for veterinarians handling fetal membranes.
Fistulous withers and poll evil are rare, inflammatory conditions of horses that differ essentially only in their location.
In fistulous withers the sinus is located on the withers and the symptoms are severe inflammation, swelling and pain on manipulation.
Because the exact nature of the infection in many of these cases is known only after obtaining culture results, veterinarians are urged to be cautious and to observe good protective technique when dealing with such cases.
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.
People can become infected by eating or drinking (oral) raw milk or unpasteurized milk products that contain the Brucella bacteria.
Direct contact or aerosol exposure to infected animal fluids are additional ways to be infected.
People who work with animals (e.g., livestock producers, veterinarians) may be at higher risk of exposure to Brucella.
Infection in people causes flu-like signs (fever, night sweats, headaches, back pain).
Arthritis (joint pain) and re-occurring fevers may occur with long term infection.
Rarely, cases of brucellosis can involve the nervous system, eyes, or heart.
As the disease progresses one or more openings discharge pus with necrosis affecting the deep seated tissues and spine.
Brucella can survive for months in the environment under optimum conditions but can be destroyed by heat and some disinfectants.
Do not eat or drink raw milk or unpasteurized dairy products.
Wear protective clothing (gloves, masks) when handling reproductive tissues (assisting delivery of newborn animals). Always wash your hands after touching animals.
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