Brucellosis

Report Confirmed or Suspect Cases Immediately to the Local Health Department.

Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by the Brucella bacteria. These bacteria are primarily passed among animals, and they cause disease in both humans and animals, such as sheep, goats, cattle, deer, elk, camels, pigs, and dogs. People become infected by coming in contact with animals or animal products that are contaminated with these bacteria. People are generally infected in one of three ways: eating or drinking something that is contaminated with the Brucella bacteria, breathing in the organism (inhalation), being exposed to bacteria through skin wounds. Brucellosis can cause long-lasting or chronic symptoms that include fever that comes and goes, joint pain and tiredness. These symptoms usually begin one to two months after exposure to the bacteria.

Education Materials
Last Reviewed: 12/18/2018