SSAA NSW

16 WHAT IS BRUCELLOSIS? Brucellosis is an infection caused by the bacterium Brucella that is spread to humans from infected animals. Although animals are infected worldwide, brucellosis is well controlled in most developed countries including Australia. Rarely, brucellosis infection occurs in humans. Different types of Brucella bacteria infect different animals. There are five types of Brucella bacteria that are known to cause brucellosis in humans. The following three are of particular importance to Australian residents and travellers: • Brucella suis usually infects pigs. Brucella suis was last diagnosed in NSW domestic pigs in 1968. Brucella suis infection is widespread in Queensland's feral pig population and it has also been detected in the feral pig population in northern New South Wales (NSW). Brucella suis has also been detected in dogs that have been pig-hunting or that have been fed raw feral pig meat. • Brucella melitensis usually infects goats, sheep and camels. It is not found in Australia but occurs in many areas overseas, particularly in the Mediterranean, Middle East, Central Asia and Central America. • Brucella abortus usually infects cattle. Bovine brucellosis (brucellosis in cattle) has been eradicated from all states of Australia, including NSW, since 1989. Although Brucella ovis is present in sheep flocks across NSW, it is not known to cause human disease. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? • Brucellosis typically begins with a flu-like illness. This may include fever, headache, weakness, drenching sweats, chills, weight loss, joint and muscle pain, and generalised aches. Inflammation of the liver and spleen, and gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms may also occur. In males, the testicles may become inflamed. Rarely, the valves inside the heart may become infected and this can be fatal. • The symptoms usually start 5-60 days after a person has been infected. • Infection typically lasts for days or months but can occasionally last for a year or more and may recur. • Disease may be mild and some people get no symptoms of infection • Pregnant women and their babies are at risk of developing severe disease. If left untreated, infection may cause birth defects, spontaneous abortion or fetal death. HOW IS IT SPREAD? • In Australia, people may become infected through: 1. Direct contact with tissues or body fluids of an infected animal (such as feral pigs or dogs) – the risk is greatest when a person has skin cuts or grazes that come into contact with the tissues and body fluids like blood, urine, vaginal discharges, birth products and aborted foetuses 2. Eating undercooked meat from an infected animal • Additionally travellers to countries where brucellosis is more common may become infected through consuming unpasteurised dairy products (such as raw milk and unpasteurised cheeses from sheep, goats, cows or camels) or undercooked meat from an infected animal • Uncommonly, the bacteria can be inhaled and cause disease, such as in laboratory workers who work with Brucella cultures • The infection is very rarely passed from one human to another. WHO IS AT RISK? • People who handle or otherwise come into contact with animals, their tissues or body fluids that are infected with Brucella bacteria. In Australia, feral pig hunters are at greatest risk of infection. Infected dogs may also be a potential source of infection for people. Brucellosis is an infection that can be transmitted to humans from some animals such as cows, sheep, goats and pigs.

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