Description
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- Infectious disease caused by bacteria obtained through contact with an infected animal or contaminated objects.
- Brucellosis is very common in domestic animals such as camels, buffalo, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and dogs.
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Location
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Brucellosis is worldwide, but is more commonly found in areas with poor health regulations and programs. These include:
- Portugal
- Spain
- Southern France
- Italy
- Greece
- Turkey
- Mexico
- Eastern Europe
- Asia
- Africa
- The Caribbean
- The Middle East
- South and Central America
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Cause
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- Infection can occur though the consumption of undercooked meats and/or raw dairy (unpasteurized) from animals that were infected
- Bacteria entering the body through open wounds and inhalation.
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Symptoms
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Symptoms can vary and initial signs can include
- Fever
- Headache
- Sweats
- Malaise
- Anorexia
- Fatigue
- Pain in your muscles and joints
Some of these can persist and/or get worse with time.
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Treatment
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- Diagnosis of Brucellosis is done by performing tests through samples of blood, tissue and other body fluids that test for the bacteria.
- Once the proper diagnosis is made, antibiotics can be prescribed.
- Recovery can very from a few weeks to a few months and death from Brucellosis is rare.
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Prevention
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- Do not consume undercooked meat, or unpasteurized dairy products.
- Avoid contact with animals that could be infected.
- Animal handlers like farmers, hunters, meat packing workers, veterinarians, etc., should always wear proper safety equipment including gloves, eye protection, and gowns/aprons.
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Handling
Animals
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- There is no cure for the Brucella bacteria in animals.
- However, in the United States, Brucellosis is very rare.
- Receiving Brucellosis from an animal such as your dog is most common through contact with the blood or other body fluids from the animal.
- Most dogs infected with the Brucella bacteria do not spread it to their owners or other humans.
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Other Facts
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- In the United States, fewer than 200 people are infected each year.
- Infection is more common in spring and summer.
- Brucellosis is a very serious disease in other parts of the world that lack effective animal disease control programs.
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